AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Taran nodded. “The material side, probably.” His hand raked his hair. “I failed emotionally.” He looked at his son’s identical green eyes. “And it is unforgivable.”
“Do not say such a thing, please.” He made a vague gesture. “We were both striving to cope.”
“It fell to me to guarantee your well-being.” He admitted painfully. “It took a stubborn McKendrick lass to show it.”
He sketched a faint smile. “She makes all the difference.” The fondness shone through him.
“She does.” He admitted.
“Take care of her, father.” That an eighteen-year-old saw right to the core of him amazed Taran.
“I will.” He hoped he proved to be up to the task.
“I do not blame you for anything.” His son said. “Life just dished this to us.”
“Thank you, son.” Aiming to dispel the sombre mood, he changed the subject. “Are you taking the documents they requested?”
The boy smiled. “I am. I applied earlier this year only to check what they would answer.”
Had the Laird any doubt as to his son’s brightness, it would be cleared now. “Good.”
“And I have been corresponding with a botanist professor.” He boasted. “He assured me a place in his team would be mine, should I decide to join it.”
“A full academic life awaits then.”
“It does.” His face expressed his hopes and dreams.
“Let us get down to it.” Taran encouraged.
Father and son embraced warmly and walked to the door, joining Aileen.
“Oh, Sam!” She exclaimed. “We will miss you.”
“I believe I will be back for Christmas.” He cheered her up a little.
“Be sure you do.” She admonished, taking his hand and Taran’s as the three of them headed to the front door where a carriage parked.
Taran took her hand and, for the first time in his adult life, he felt part of a family. A true family, not merely the leader of a clan with kin scattered around the land.
Since he and his wife came back from the McKendrick’s manor, they had been in a rush of activity to prepare for the departure. Aileen helped in everything she could.
The best moments came when they all sat in the drawing room in the evening in agreeable conversation as Sam explained the academic details to them. The familial atmosphere made him content. He had been home at last.
All because of a wee lass who gave him torrid nights and cosy days.
Aileen embraced Sam and Taran clapped him on the back.
“Take care, Sam.” She advised before he climbed onto the carriage and it drove away.
Side by side, Taran and Aileen waved as the vehicle disappeared around the curve of the drive.
~.~.~
Aileen spent those first days as Lady McDougal in a bustle of chores. She learned the specific routines of this manor and met with its staff to understand what requirements they listed.
Naturally, the housekeeper and the butler undertook their responsibilities and did their best to keep it all running smoothly. They lacked guidance though. And that should be her role. As the manor did not witness the presence a lady to it for a generation, many chores needed attention to put the household back on track.
Taran’s mother passed when he was ten of childbirth. His father followed soon after he married from a cut foot that evolved into gangrene.
