She turned to Violet, whose eyes gleamed as she pressed her lips together, clearly trying—and failing—to suppress a smile.
She raised a brow. “Tell me,” she said, though she already knew the answer. “What excites ye so much?”
Violet nearly squealed. “Ye’ll be?—”
The doors to the Great Hall opened then, and Aaron stepped out. His gaze immediately settled on Edith and then Violet, before narrowing slightly, as though their presence alone displeased him.
Edith cleared her throat. Perhaps she had misread him. She walked forward to meet him, stopping a few paces away before dipping into a small curtsy.
“Me Laird, I?—”
“That maid,” he cut her off. “I presume she is yer closest companion?”
Edith blinked. His tone caught her off guard for only a moment. She had expected acknowledgement, perhaps even a quick word about the success of the announcement. Instead, he was looking past her.
A strange knot formed in her chest.
“Aye,” she replied coolly.
It is only an act, after all.
Aaron gave a nod. “She’ll serve ye for now,” he said, already turning away. “Ye should retire to yer chambers.”
Edith swallowed. Something about the dismissal sat poorly with her, though she could not have said why. This was no different from their usual interactions—short and dismissive.
“As ye say, me Laird.”
She turned to leave, then paused, turning back to bob a proper curtsy before continuing down the corridor with Violet.
They would be formal at all times. That had been his first rule, and she would make sure to follow it for the next month.
Afterward, she would be free to do as she pleased.
Violet smiled too brightly as they walked down the corridor. She pushed open a side door once they had climbed up the stairs, guiding Edith through the quieter wing of the castle.
“I have always wondered what the east wing was like,” Violet squealed, her steps a touch too fast as she walked ahead.
Edith looked around. She had avoided the east wing since Scarlett left, fearing how much seeing the familiar walls would make her miss her best friend.
But now that she was here again, she could hardly think of that.
“I have already prepared yer new chamber,” Violent said, glancing at her with obvious satisfaction. “’Tis the most beautiful chamber. Ye’ll see.”
Edith managed a smile as she followed behind her.
Perhaps it would be Scarlett’s old room.
Her smile faded once they stopped in front of a door.
Nay.
When Aaron told her she would move to the east wing, she had expected proximity. But not this. Not a room across from his.
I cannae believe it.
“Och,” Violet whispered as she pushed the door open. “How thoughtful of yer future husband. Right across from him. How romantic!”
Edith exhaled sharply.
