Page 83 of A Virgin for the Stone Highlander
Just then, the doors opened, and Aaron turned, his eyes landing straight on his brother-in-law, Robert.
“Laird Hallow,” Robert greeted, walking up to them.
Aaron shook his hand firmly. “Laird McLaren. ’Tis a pleasant surprise.”
“Indeed,” Robert replied lightly. “Scarlett wouldnae stop talking about the fair, so I had little choice but to bring her here.”
Aaron nodded, looking around briefly. “And where is she now?”
“Ah.” Robert’s lips curled into what seemed to be a fond smile. “She went in through the kitchen. Pleaded to see her friend before anyone else.”
A faint scoff escaped Aaron. “How suiting.”
“I should congratulate ye,” Robert said, still smiling. “On yer betrothal to Edith. It is great news.”
Aaron nodded, giving him a tight smile. “Aye.”
“Scarlett tells me she’s every bit as stubborn as she was. Or perhaps more,” Robert added with a grin. “Are ye certain ye can manage her?”
Aaron huffed in mild irritation. “I have yet to win an argument against her. Surely that tells ye how stubborn she is.”
Robert’s smile widened. “’Tis great to hear,” he said as a servant poured him a cup of whiskey. “When will the fair begin?”
“Before noon,” Caelan answered.
Robert turned, acknowledging him with a nod. “I see we came sooner than needed. Scarlett swore we would miss it if we waited a moment longer.”
Caelan’s lips twitched. “She surely is passionate about the village fair.”
“Aye,” Aaron drawled. “’Tis a wonder she isnae here right now.”
Robert laughed softly, before taking a sip of his whiskey.
“’Tis no wonder,” he said. “Why are ye fine men nae drinking?”
Caelan exchanged a mischievous look with Aaron, and before either could respond, Robert called for a round for both of them.
“Please.”
Aaron took a sip from his new cup, the amber liquid burning his chest sharper than the first had.
“Ye daenae drink?” Robert asked Caelan after a moment.
Aaron scoffed lightly.
“Nay, me Laird,” Caelan replied. “I only allow meself whiskey when I am alone.”
A confused look crossed Robert’s face, and Aaron held back a smile.
“And for what reason would that be?”
“Me man-at-arms is quite the…” Aaron hesitated. “Open book.” He turned to face Robert. “How do ye think he conducts himself when the liquor gets in his blood?”
Both of them burst into loud laughter.
Caelan frowned slightly, though it was only a fool’s anger.
“I should like to think of meself as a workin’ man, me Lairds,” he said. “’Tis why I cannae drink before the fair.”
