The warmth of his breath and the huskiness of his voice sent desire swirling low in her belly. She leaned into him, aware her face had reddened. She’d never had to discuss such private matters with her father and brother present—or with anyone.
Rory came to her rescue. “I agree, provided ’tis early enough in the day for me to take my wife home before nightfall.”
“Aye,” Ian exclaimed. “Lady Fiona must be bedded in Ardblair.”
*
Rory should have expected his father would exhibit little subtlety. Annoyed Fiona had been embarrassed, he tightened his grip on her waist and tried to smooth things over. “So, we’re agreed. The ceremony will take place here in the morning, then my bride and I will ride to Ardblair.”
Shaw nodded. “’Tis settled. As yer fellow bridegroom, I understand completely, though I might suggest there’d be time for a celebratory luncheon before ye leave.”
Rory couldn’t say nay when he saw the hopeful glint in Fiona’s eyes. “Certainly. ’Tis a sound plan, though ye and Caitlin will still be obliged to wed in Stirling if permission is granted.”
“Then we’ll set a date before Yuletide. I doot we’ll hear anything from Davidson until after the new year dawns,” Shaw decided.
“A new century,” Caitlin added.
“All in all, the perfect time for new beginnings,” Fiona said.
“And a grand party,” Rory declared, feeling a sense of optimism he hadn’t felt in many a year.
*
Caitlin’s spirits rose once a date was set for three weeks hence. She’d have preferred to be married sooner, but everyone agreed there were a lot of details to arrange.
Fiona dominated the conversation after that with questions about moving her furniture to Ardblair. Caitlin understood her attachment to the expensive pieces, but couldn’t think of a single thing she wanted to bring from Ardblair to Drummond when she married Shaw.
Fiona pouted after the men all agreed the spring would be a better time to move the furniture. She eventually came around when Rory pointed out there’d be less likelihood of damage in warmer weather.
It was Caitlin’s turn to sulk when her brother insisted she and Nairn return home with him.
“I canna remain here,” he said. “I’ve duties to attend to, and ’tisna seemly for ye to stay.”
There was no arguing with that and she wanted to be supportive of him as the new laird. She could hardly retort she wanted to stay at Drummond in order to enjoy intimate clandestine trysts with Shaw.
“I dinna want ye to go,” Shaw said. “However, ’tis better to keep up appearances.” He looked askance at her father. “There are people in both clans who might object to yer staying at Drummond and we dinna want to give anyone cause to reignite the feud.”
He was right, of course, but she was miffed when Rory said, “If ye like, Fiona, ye can come to Ardblair with us for a few days. Ye’ve never been there and I’d like to introduce ye to my clan.”
Fiona beamed. “Then I can see where we might put my furniture once it arrives.”
“Good idea,” Caitlin replied, hoping no one detected the sarcasm in her voice.
“Dinna plan to be away long,” Shaw warned his sister. “If organizing the ceremony is left to me…”
Fiona laughed. “Dinna fear. I’ll nay tarry.”
Welcome to Ardblair
Hugging Caitlin in the windswept courtyard of Drummond Castle, Shaw paid no mind to Gordon and Logan’s snorts of laughter. What did his wee brothers understand about lovers parting? He intended to make his kiss last as long as possible. Caitlin’s warm response to his tongue’s coaxing was the assurance he needed—she would miss him as much as he would miss her. “Just a few weeks,” he rasped, nibbling her lip.
“’Twill seem like an eternity,” she replied, her breath lingering on the frigid air.
He tucked wayward curls under her tam, making sure the band covered her forehead. “I want ye to be warm.”
“Come on, Caitlin,” Fiona urged. “Ye’ll be back in a short while.”
Shaw rolled his eyes. “At least the snow is late this year.”
“’Tis in the air, though,” Rory shouted, apparently having overheard.
Shaw helped his bride mount her horse. “I’m trusting Caitlin and my sister to yer care, Rory Blair.”
Rory nodded. “Dinna fash. We’ll be there and back before ye ken it.”
“I’ll return in a day or two,” Fiona assured him. “We’ll be safe. We’ve Rory’s Highlanders with us, and the Drummond men who’ll accompany me back home.”
Shaw watched the entourage ride through the gates and into the meadows until they were out of sight. “I miss ye already,” he whispered.
Gordon linked his arm. “We ken, but there’s a lot to do. Fiona gave us a list.”
Logan brandished a document.
Shaw chuckled. “And what’s the first thing on it?”
Gordon cleared his throat and consulted the list. “Tell Shaw he must task Uncle Jamie with spreading the word about the date set for the weddings.”
“Aye,” he agreed. He’d been about to call a meeting of the whole clan to inform everyone. Fiona’s suggestion made a lot more sense. “Let’s see to it.”
*
Rory and Fiona were completely immersed in conversation with each other, so Caitlin was glad of Nairn’s company as they rode side by side.
“He looks happy,” her sister remarked.
“And five years younger,” Caitlin agreed.
“Aye, ’tis good to see him smile.”
She pondered Nairn’s words. Over the course of the past few years, she’d failed to pay attention to the deepening lines of worry furrowing her brother’s brow. “I havena been a good sister,” she admitted.
Nairn nodded her agreement. “Nor have I.”
They rode in silence for a while, until Nairn asked, “Why has he ne’er married?”
Rory had long claimed he loved his bachelor life, but Caitlin wondered if his reluctance to start a family had to do with their father’s lack of warmth. However, she preferred not to get into that complicated discussion with her wee sister, especially with Ian Blair riding not far behind them. “He ne’er met the right woman,” she suggested.
They’d been on the road over an hour when the snow began to fall. “’Tis only a dusting,” Rory shouted. “But we’ll slow down. Be careful.”
“Aye,” Caitlin yelled back, nestling deeper into the Drummond plaid Shaw had given her as a betrothal gift.
Darkness had fallen and it was snowing heavily by the time they reached Ardblair. Caitlin was relieved the journey was over, but recognized in her heart she no longer belonged in the castle where she’d grown up. To all intents and purposes, she was a Drummond now.
*
Rory was glad to see Ethan hurrying to greet them as he dismounted in the courtyard. “Good news, Cousin,” he declared. “I’ve brought home a fiancée.”
Ethan grinned at Fiona, then slapped him on the back. “At last, a lass has captured yer heart, Rory Blair.”
“Aye,” Rory laughed as he helped his betrothed dismount. “Fiona, meet Ethan Blair, my second-in-command. Ethan, I present Lady Fiona Drummond.”
If his cousin was surprised at the mention of her name, he hid it well as he brushed a gallant kiss on Fiona’s knuckles. “Welcome,” he gushed.
“Ethan,” she replied stiffly, clearly nervous.
“Caitlin,” Ethan exclaimed, rushing to help her dismount. “I didna recognize ye in yer Drummond plaid. And Nairn, home safe and sound.” He nodded to Rory’s father. “Welcome home, Uncle Ian.”
Rory put an arm around Fiona’s shoulders. “Dinna be nervous.”
“I’m nay nervous,” she countered. “Just cold.”
He knew better than to challenge her. She would deal with the apprehension on her own terms. “Let’s get ye inside.”
She squealed and put her arms around his neck when he scooped her up and carried her across the threshold. “
We’re nay married yet,” she said, though her smile betrayed her delight.
He kissed her pouting lips. “As far as I am concerned, we are.”
Her blush sent blood rushing to his nether regions. “Ah, Fiona, lass, now ye’ve got me all excited.”
Ethan’s polite cough caught his attention. “We dinna have a chamber prepared for Lady Fiona.”
“She can have my bed,” Nairn declared. “I’ll share with Caitlin.”
Caitlin looked none too pleased with the idea, and he half-expected Fiona to insist on her own chamber. Instead, she smiled and said, “That would be fine. Thank ye, Nairn.”
It gladdened Rory’s heart to realize his wee sister seemed to have taken a liking to Fiona. When Caitlin left to marry Shaw, Nairn would be separated from the sister she’d known all her life.
“People are gathering in the hall for the evening meal,” Ethan informed him as servants helped remove their winter clothing. “They’ll be glad to see ye all returned, and to hear yer happy news.”
Fiona squeezed his hand. “I’m nay presentable after the journey.”
“I understand,” he whispered. “But ’tis my duty to go, and ye ken ’twill be considered strange if ye dinna appear. Besides, I’m anxious to show ye off.”
She straightened her shoulders. “Aye. Lead on.”
He took her hand and led her to the hall.
*
Fiona’s first impression of Ardblair was of a much smaller castle than Drummond. And not as well kept. However, Rory had forewarned her and admitted the place lacked a woman’s touch. If ever there was a woman adept at transforming a neglected keep into a showpiece, it was Fiona Drummond.
The Blair Clan might resent her at first, but she’d never worried about popularity. Rory loved her and she was optimistic Nairn liked her too. It would be like having the daughter she’d always craved.
She strode into the noisy hall, determined not to be dismayed if the crowd reacted negatively. They would come to recognize she loved their laird and appreciate her efforts to spruce up their castle.
Rory waved an acknowledgement of the rousing cheer that went up as he mounted the dais. It was clear they respected him.
She expected he would be the one to speak when everyone at the head table was seated. However, it was Ian Blair who came to his feet and glared. A hush fell, but most curious eyes were on her, not the former laird.
“I’ve an announcement,” Ian declared. “A few, actually.” He waited for quiet. “Ye’ll be happy to hear a date has been set for our Caitlin’s marriage to Shaw Drummond. This important ceremony will take place in three weeks at Drummond Castle, and I ken ye all wish my daughter every happiness.”
Polite applause and a few cheers greeted his announcement.
Caitlin waved, her face beet red.
Fiona took a deep breath. They were already aware of Caitlin’s betrothal and their response to the latest development wasn’t enthusiastic.
Ian resumed his speech. “Now, for the best news of all. Yer laird is also getting hitched.”
Amid the cheers, Fiona felt every eye fixed on her as they waited to learn her identity.
Ian shouted over the din. “I’m happy to announce a betrothal between my son, Rory, and Lady Fiona Drummond.”
Her name buzzed around the stunned crowd like a swarm of bees.
Fiona Drummond!
Fiona Drummond?
Fiona Drummond!!!
Evidently, her reputation had preceded her. She forced herself to keep the smile plastered on her face, but her throat was as dry as a desert. This had all been a big mistake. These people would never accept her.
Trembling, she became aware Rory had risen. She accepted his hand to help her rise. She stood beside him, glad of his strong arm around her waist, lest her knees buckle. She risked a glance at his face, astonished to see a boyish grin.
“I understand yer surprise,” he began. “No one thought I would ever marry…least of all me.”
She breathed a little more easily when people laughed.
“However,” he declared. “I’ve fallen hard for this lovely lass, and I canna wait to make her my bride.”
Determined not to avert her eyes from the crowd, Fiona was encouraged to notice a few nodding heads and smiles.
“I warn ye,” he continued. “She’s a feisty lass, but that’s what I love about her. And, ye’ll nay believe it, she loves me in return.”
“She’ll keep ye in order,” a man shouted.
Loud guffaws greeted the jibe.
Rory assumed a more serious demeanor. “Nay doot ye can understand why Caitlin and I want to marry in the same ceremony.”
More nodding heads.
“So, Fiona and I will tie the knot…” He paused to wink at her… “in Drummond.”
A murmur of discontent rumbled.
Rory raised a hand. “I ken, I ken. Ye’d prefer we wed here. Rest assured, we’ll return to Ardblair before the wedding day is out. I intend to claim my bride in my own castle.”
The deafening cheers were music to Fiona’s ears.
Anticipation
There was much to do in preparation for the wedding ceremony, as well as umpteen matters to attend to concerning the formation of a new council of elders. Shaw was grateful for Uncle Jamie’s help and advice. It gladdened his heart when his father took it upon himself to supervise the lads cleaning cobwebs from the rafters of the Great Hall. He was more than pleased to see Fiona return after three days at Ardblair. Gordon and Logan seemed to be everywhere, tackling tasks on their own initiatives. He was optimistic about the clan’s future now the feud was at an end, and more appreciative of his family’s support than he’d ever been.
Pleased his sister had been welcomed by Rory’s clan, he soon grew weary of her constant chatter about plans to re-decorate her future husband’s solar. She reported the snow had worsened in the three days she’d been away, and consequently they both fretted about the traveling conditions.
He was granted a reprieve when fabric she’d ordered from Perth arrived. He wasn’t allowed to see it, since the same material had been sent to Ardblair for Caitlin’s wedding gown, but she was clearly thrilled.
He sympathized with the seamstresses who left Fiona’s chamber with harried looks on their faces after hours of fittings, but it kept her busy and he had to admit he’d never seen her so happy.
The flurry of activity over the gown reminded him to get his dress plaids cleaned and a new laird’s bonnet made. His father’s was well-worn and the eagle feather had seen better days. Besides which, he didn’t fault Brodie for not wanting to surrender it.
In short order, Fiona transformed his masculine chamber into a more welcoming place for a woman. A soft blue bedspread replaced the red. Hunting trophies were taken down, brightly colored tapestries put in their place. He wasn’t sure where his sister found all the stuff, but was grateful nevertheless.
He also appreciated Fiona’s taking charge of preparations for the celebratory luncheon.
The days passed quickly. The nights seemed endless. Nervous anticipation and worries about the snow kept him awake, as well as the uncertainty about Stirling. When he did manage to fall asleep, erotic dreams of sexual congress with his bride resulted in greeting the dawn with an urgent necessity to see to his own needs. The wedding day couldn’t come soon enough.
*
After Fiona left Ardblair to return to Drummond, Caitlin was surprised to discover she missed her future sister-by-marriage. It was amazing how, in three short days, the bossy woman had charmed her way into the hearts of the clan.
It was as if they realized the castle needed a strong female to take charge. They rushed about doing her bidding with smiles on their faces. Rory was a man transformed, the quiet, reserved eldest son who could now be found seemingly everywhere, full of jovial confidence.
She initially resented Fiona’s insistence on ordering fabric for her wedding dress, but the dove-gray silk took her breath away when it arrived
from Perth. Never one to worry overmuch about her wardrobe, she willingly spent hours with the castle’s seamstresses, gawking at her reflection in the mirror as the gown took shape. Giddy with excitement, she anticipated Shaw would be pleased.
The excited, blushing woman reflected in Ardblair’s mirror stood in sharp contrast to the unhappy, fearful lass who’d frowned back at her in Stirling.
She was optimistic about Ardblair’s future in Rory and Fiona’s hands. Nairn would benefit from being a member of a well-run clan. Her own destiny was to become a Drummond, but the welfare of Clan Blair would always be her concern.
*
Rory would never admit it to Fiona, but he’d been apprehensive about the clan’s reaction to her, not so much because she was a Drummond—though some might take a while to accept that. He loved her forthright nature, but his people might deem her too bossy.
In fact, they were soon happily carrying out her wishes. Servants who’d served him meals for years suddenly became solicitous about her portions and tastes. Even the cook inquired about her preferences. He realized the clan had been drifting for too long. The prospect of a capable Lady of Ardblair who would be a helpmate for their laird seemed to provide an anchor. Chatter about the number of future heirs was on everyone’s lips. It hadn’t struck him before how unsettling an unmarried laird was for a clan.
He couldn’t wait to get started on creating those bairns.
In private discussions, she made suggestions as to which clan members he might appoint as elders. Despite living in his castle only three days, she recommended men he himself was considering.
Upon her departure, he was left with little doubt as to the changes he needed to make to the furnishings in his chamber before the wedding night.
*
After the midday meal, Fiona retired to her solar to await Rory’s imminent arrival at Drummond. The snow had continued to fall in the weeks since her return from Ardblair, but she was confident he and his family would make it through. Rory Blair wasn’t a man to be late for his own wedding. By this time on the morrow, she would be a married woman, celebrating her new status with her family and Rory’s. It would be an eventful day. This afternoon was the last chance to relax and enjoy the solar where she had spent so much of her life.
Kilty Party Page 18
