Chapter 9
“Are you still in here?” Hagan asked as he entered the study.
Ian wanted to kick Hagan out immediately. He thought Hagan should be pleased that he had spent the last week at work attending to the duties of being a laird. Much had been accomplished; the herds had been counted, the plans for planting were in place, and messengers had been sent out with long-awaited replies. Even the desk and shelves were organized.
“You can see we are, what is it that you need?” Ian’s tone carried his displeasure. This was the only time he spent with Claire alone. Most of it was spent working, yet there seemed to be a bit of time spent getting to know more of her. She was quick in thought and in wit. Even he was amazed at how much they had accomplished in so short a time. Mayhap the business of running the clan was not as tedious as believed, especially with Claire at his side.
With a laugh, Hagan continued, “Believe me when I say that last thing I wish is to stop you from working. Have I not been asking you to see to these matters for quite some time? However, the evening meal is being served. The men wait for you, as does my wife. We are all aware of how little she likes to wait for anything.”
Ian looked at Hagan. “Well spoken. A meal sounds like a fine thing.” He turned to see Claire still reading old ledgers. “Lass, ‘tis enough for today. It will be here on the morrow.” He called her name again before getting any response.
“Oh, I’m sorry. What did you say?” Claire asked as she looked up at the two men waiting for a response.
Ian turned to Hagan. “Go on to your meal. We will be there in a moment.” He waited for the man to leave. “Lass, when the laird speaks ‘tis wise to listen.”
Claire’s eyes sparkled with humor at his comment. She laughed. “But of course, laird, what was it you wished?”
There were many things he wished, but none of those were to be spoken aloud. He closed his eyes briefly as his mind wandered where it should not and then continued with what could be spoken. “I wish for you to be done so we can eat.” Claire’s graceful body glided to his side.
With a small mock curtsey, she said, “Then let’s go. I can see to the rest tomorrow.”
With a barely restrained chuckle, Ian led her into the hall, allowing his hand to touch the small of her back as they walked. He waited for the opportunities to place his hands on her. He knew he should resist the temptation, as his hands always craved more.
Entering the hall with Claire at his side made his chest swell with pride. She may not be his, but he treated her as such. As had become their routine, Claire sat at his right across from Hagan and Aliana. One never quite knew where the wee one would sit, and the preference of laps changed constantly.
“Larry!” Cerwyn squealed as he ran to sit on Claire. Scooping the child into her arms, the battle for her name had long been over and “Larry” had won.
“So how goes your progress today, cousin?” Hagan asked.
“If you are looking for exact, I still need a bit more time,” Claire replied.
Ian knew what Hagan wanted, he had asked every day. Yet he sat and listened as Claire explained the matters that had been decided just today. The household stores and supplies would all be counted. The livestock would be left to multiply, especially the sheep. Wool had once brought in a fine price at the markets; hopefully it would again this fall. Meat for the table would come from hunting; groups of the men would be assigned to begin this task for the morrow. She began to speak of her research into the taxes, but Cerwyn interrupted, the usually happy toddler now very angry.
Aliana took the child into her arms as his hands held bright red cheeks. “‘Tis the other tooth. I fear this will be a long night.” With a stern look at her husband, she said, “You will be needed, keep your drinking small this night.” With a quick step to the stairs, Aliana asked, “Are you coming up with us, Claire?”
Each night Ian wished her a good sleep as she left in the company of his sister. Each night he stayed in the hall, drowning his thoughts in whiskey. Ian pretended not to notice when a few of the men asked Hagan for permission to spend time with Claire alone. Thankfully, Hagan always replied, “The lass is newly arrived, let her find her way here.” Even then there would be little in the way of permission, and Hagan let it be known that she could make up her own mind. He wasn’t sure how he would survive knowing Claire was alone in the gardens with one of his men.
Each night Hagan pointed out that his bride would arrive soon. Each night Ian grew to resent Hagan and his part in arranging the upcoming marriage. While deep in his cups, Ian resented the responsibility to which he had been born. As he sat in his chamber alone late at night with the embers burning low in the hearth, he imagined how different his life would be if Claire had said yes, if she had claimed him. Then he drank until he could think no more. Ian was aware this behavior needed to cease.