Chapter Twenty-One #2
His gaze drifted to somewhere over Alexander’s shoulder for a moment, before he masked his expression again.
“But then she was married off shortly after so as to save her reputation from being discarded by you, and now she is gone, and no one will ever be able to show her that not all men are beasts.”
“Thomas, I am not like her husband. I did what I thought was right and her father agreed. She would have never survived here as the lady of the castle. If you think about that, you know it to be true. I have mourned her. I am sorry that things ended up the way they did for her, but I am not responsible for her death.”
For long moments, Thomas stared at Alexander, seeming to search for what? Sincerity? Eventually he shrugged and shook his head.
“I will always hold you partially accountable, but I will concede I did not need to tell your wife in the way that I did. I will apologize to her when I next see her.”
“Aye, that you will, and if I hear of you stirring any further trouble, you will leave these lands and will not be permitted to return. In truth, Thomas, you should be finding your own path in the world instead of trying to interfere in that of others.”
“Sage words coming from you who have had everything mapped out for him from the start. What am I to do, brother? Tell me, do.”
“Thomas, you have lands you can work. Father has left enough for you to build your own castle. Find a wife and settle down. Stop thinking of the past and look to the future.”
“I—I don’t know how,” he said quietly.
“Well, you can start by attending the feast and really paying attention to those gathered. Tonight, we celebrate my nuptials along with the betrothal of your sister.”
“Jean is to be married?” he asked with raised brows.
“Aye, she and Alain are betrothed. I have blessed the union and tonight we shall celebrate in the best way we know how with many stories and much music and merrymaking.”
“You sound like Father,” Thomas said with a half-smile.
In truth, he sort of felt like the man who, despite their differences, was instrumental in creating an enjoyable feast that they still tried to replicate.
As they walked back to the castle together, Thomas said, “Thank you, Alex.”
The words caught him off guard. Thomas had not spoken a kind word to him in years.
“For what?”
“For being patient with me and for being honest. I have been angry for a long time and now realize that was misplaced. The truth is I do not feel worthy of our name,” he said and looked up, “of this castle. I see you work so hard to make our family and staff and even the villagers happy, and I know I could never do what you do.”
Alexander did not know what to make of his confession. It was true, Thomas’s gifts had not yet revealed themselves, but for him to transform so wholly and completely before him was at least a good start for him to find a clear path forward that did not include causing trouble.
“I have a job for you, if you will take it.”
“What is it?”
“It is not meant to demote your status in this family in any way but rather teach you the ways of running a large estate as its laird.”
“You want me to replace Alain, don’t you?” he said with a smile.
Thomas had always been quick-witted which was why he had always been able to get under people’s skins so effectively. Very little was missed in his inspection.
“Aye, Jean and Alain will be gifted the manor house and those lands, and he will be busy building a life with her. You will need to learn how to be a good landlord and how to responsibly handle staff and coin. You are keen and know how to read people for deception which will come in handy when you are laird of your own keep.”
By the time they entered the castle, they had already mapped out the immediate duties Thomas would take on which included collecting rent from the tenants. That act would teach him how to work with those who were not so fortunate in their birthright.
With Thomas sorted for the time being, he next sought out Jean. Finding her in the library with Marion, he was pleased he could put a smile on both of their currently frowning faces.
“Sister, we will have an additional guest at the feast this eve,” he said.
“Oh, and who might that be?”
“Your betrothed will be joining us. As will a newly appointed Thomas as my steward.”
“What?” Jean asked. “You have spoken with Alain?”
“Aye, I have, and I have given him my blessing which leaves me without a steward. I have also spoken at length with Thomas, who will be apologizing to you, my lady,” he said to Marion.
“He has already been given duties to start, and I hope that by him learning how to manage this estate, he will soon move off to oversee his own.”
Marion moved to his side. “Are you certain of this?” she asked, concern resting in her beautiful eyes.
“Aye, my love. He is genuinely sorry for the angst he has caused you and me, and we both agree, he needs something constructive to occupy his time.”
Four arms wrapped around his middle and squeezed.
‘Thank you, brother,” Jean said.
“Thank you, my love,” Marion said.
Alexander stood there with the two women he loved most in the world hugging onto him, and if he didn’t have a feast to help prepare for, he would have stood there all day.
Jean was the first to release him. She wiped her wet cheeks and smoothed her hair. “I don’t have time to stand around all day,” she said. “I must speak with the cook.”
She was halfway to the door when she turned. “I am sorry, Lady Campbell. I overstepped.”
Alexander looked down to see that Marion had not thought either that, in fact, it was she who would now have to speak with the cook.
Marion released Alexander and went to link arms with Jean. “We shall go together,” she said.
After they left, he placed his hands on the desk and leaned on it.
Great fortune had befallen him the day he’d met her.
He smiled to himself as a vision of her passed before his eyes with her flaming red hair blowing gently in the wind.
That sight was now reserved for him and him alone as she was now required to cover it wherever she went.
He couldn’t wait to show her later just how happy she had made him.