"Nay. Do wish me to send you word when he arrives?"
"Aye." Walking over to the wall's edge, Alexander scanned the vicinity of the inner bailey.
Below him, teeming activity stirred in every corner of the castle grounds. Casks of ale and usquabae lined the area in front of the alehouse. Even though the morn had just begun, several clansmen sweated from their efforts as they loaded huge casks onto a wagon to be pulled to the great hall.
He recognized Duncan, the castle steward, tallying bottles of wine being carried up from the wine cellar. A traveling tinker was bartering with him apparently in hopes of trading some of his wares for a bottle. It seemed the man was having little success.
In front of the stable, a few clansmen held the reins of a group of horses as they snorted and pawed at the ground. Harried grooms scurried back and forth leading the animals to vacant stalls.
Children's laughter caught Alexander's attention and he turned to scan the kitchen yard at the far end of the outer bailey. It, too, bustled with movement. Servants carried large platters filled with various foods to the great hall. Young children, with dogs romping at their heels, ran in and out amidst the activity, obviously excited by all of the preparations.
From the sight of the long line of people carrying bread from the kitchen, it seemed the gigantic stone ovens had baked enough fresh bread trenchers and barley bannocks to feed a small army. Alexander spied a large group of men carrying pots of steaming stews and meats. It appeared that the cauldrons and spits turning meat over blazing fires had been going constantly for several days.
The smell of fresh baked bread filled the air. He inhaled deeply of the pungent aroma of foods being prepared for the wedding feast. His mouth watered in spite of his anxious thoughts.
From the well, servants carried dozens of buckets of water to be heated in the kitchen. Soon it would be taken into the guests' and families' chambers for bathing in preparation for donning their fine wedding attire.
Alexander gripped the stone wall until his knuckles turned white. Aye, he would be expected to begin his preparations shortly. Where in God's name was Malcolm?
"Look there, Alexander." One of the sentries motioned to a lone rider passing through the gatehouse of the inner bailey. Alexander narrowed his gaze to the fluttering green and red tartan of the MacGregor clan. A sigh of relief crossed his lips when he recognized his man-at-arms.
Pebbles scattered and dust mushroomed up from the ground around the horse's dirt encrusted hooves as the older man pulled his mount to a sharp halt in front of the keep.
The steward's bony arms waved through the rising dust and quickly motioned to him. "Och, mon, where have ye been? Laird Alexander has been lookin' fer ye since afore sunrise. I didna know ye were gone, except that he was askin' about ye this morn." The steward called to a young boy who stood nearby. "You, lad, see to his horse."
When the boy ran forward and stretched out his hands in readiness, Malcolm dismounted and handed him the reins.
From above, Alexander cupped his hands around his mouth and shouted. "Malcolm, 'tis high time you arrived. Shake the dust from your boots and meet me in my chamber."
"Aye," Malcolm shouted back.
Stepping out of Malcolm's way, the steward called after him. "I'll send some ale to quench yer thirst."
"Yer a good mon, Duncan. I could do with a long drink. I'm dry enough to fart feathers."
Just as he entered Alexander's chamber, a young lad brought him a tankard of ale. He took a long drink and wiped his mouth on his sleeve.
"By God, Malcolm," Alexander said. "'Tis glad I am to see you. I was fearful you would not arrive in time. Did you give Laird Drummond my message? Did he come with you as I asked? Where is he?" Alexander fired the questions, one right after the other, without giving his man-at-arms time to utter a reply.
Malcolm chuckled and answered when Alexander paused to take a breath. "Aye, Laird Drummond and four of his men await my signal by the southern hillock at the corrie where ye two adventured when ye were lads." He took another deep swallow of ale. "I will ring the chapel bell after the weddin' vows have been spoken. They will ride in with all haste bearing tidings for you to attend the king immediately at court."
Alexander slapped his forehead with his hand and grinned. "A royal summons? By God, Davey doesn't skimp on his reasoning."
"Laird Drummond said naught other than a royal summons from the king would be deemed important enough to cause yer leave of yer own weddin'."
"Aye, he's right. This wedding has me thinking none too clearly. 'Twill be good to be gone from here soon. I need the peace of mind only time and distance from Ka… from here will give me. You have done well, Malcolm. When I leave, you may stay and enjoy the feast if you wish it."
"My thanks, but I will travel with ye as always. I only hope to eat fare half as good as we'll miss by our journey."
Laughing, Alexander clapped him on the back. "I vow to pay for the best fare at the first inn where we stop. How does that suit you?"
The older man grinned in return. "Until then, I'll just sample a wee mouthful or two whilst I arrange the signal fer Laird Drummond."
Alexander stood deep in thought after Malcolm left. If they did indeed travel to court, he would have many days reprieve. After that, well, he would need a wife at Ironwood. And there were always occasions to travel away from home if need be.
**
Gillian held out the flowing white gown. "Come, my lady. Ye will feel better after ye are dressed."
Nerves knotted in Katherine's throat. If only that were true.
The young servant's bright smile did naught to ease the anxiety that held Katherine in its grip. It was difficult to take a calm breath. Her stomach clenched into a tight knot. The throbbing in her temples competed with the pounding of her heart. Sweet saints be with her. She could delay it no longer.
Willing life back into her stiff limbs, she dropped her arms heavily to her sides and forced her legs forward. Cool fabric whispered over her shoulders and down around her hips. Snug sleeves fit like a sheath. The handmade lace on the bodice was soft to the touch. When the gown closed around her figure, and the lacing was pulled tight, the air's chill touch disappeared.
"Oh, my lady, ye look like an angel. Truly ye do. All ye need now are yer slippers." Gillian handed them to her then went around the room, picking up and straightening the many items strewn about from the morn's preparations.
Katherine smiled as she slipped her feet into the slippers. The shoes were made of pale blue suede, the color of spring sky. They were a wedding gift from her parents.
She recalled what her da had said when he gave them to her. "I canna have my daughter dancin' barefoot at her own weddin', now can I? You'd best remember to save a dance for me else I'll be takin' them back. And 'twould be a waste of good coin, for they willna fit me."
The lush silk of her wedding gown swished against her shaky legs as Katherine walked over to the large mirror that had been set up near the window to catch the sun's rays. Bathed in the early morning light, she stood before the tall oval looking glass and stared at the reflection of a wan young woman in a flowing white gown. If not for the sight of the silver brooch from her mother, she wouldn't have recognized herself. She looked changed, different.
Her wide-eyed expression screamed of uncertainty and the paleness of her face seemed to fade into the white of the gown. Thank goodness for the bright spot of colored tartan ribbon at the hem. Without it, she might appear to be even more of a pale shadow than she felt. She twisted her hands nervously. Staring into the mirror, she watched Gillian pass in and out of sight and wished for the girl's cheery demeanor.
The door opened. Her breath hitched in her throat and she glanced behind her in the mirror. A grateful sigh escaped. It was only Maman. Until Da came for her, she could pretend nothing had changed. Katherine turned around as her mother approached.
Monique stood with her hands clasped together at her chest, her eyes sparkling with unshed tears
. She blinked them back, and gently drew Katherine to her in a quick hug. "Oh, mon cheri, you are truly lovely. Turn around and let me look at you." As Katherine slowly revolved, her mother added, "You look like an angel in that gown. Your da and I are so proud of you. Sir Alexander is a lucky man."
Katherine tried to smile, but the best she could do was offer a weak grin. Filled with trepidation, she bit her bottom lip, then glanced down and smoothed her dress. All of a sudden, she couldn't look into her mother's eyes. It was all too much. A single tear trickled down her cheek.
Her mother reached out and squeezed her hand tenderly. "Don't cry, cheri. If you start, I fear I will too. All will be well. You will enjoy living here." Monique's voice cracked. This time it was she who quickly glanced away.
A feeling of dread settled over Katherine. She shuddered and gulped a deep breath trying to calm her nerves. What was she thinking? She couldn't do this! She'd had her heart broken once before by a false declaration of love only to be abandoned when she needed it most. Hadn't she vowed never to give her heart again? Aye, and though she was physically attracted to Alexander, she'd seen little to commend him as a husband. She frowned. Indeed, his liaison with Fiona proved him to be more false hearted than Daniel.
Fearful of being overheard, her words rushed out in a frantic whisper. "Maman, please, stop the wedding. I cannot do this. Let me return with you and Da."
Monique raised her moist eyes to face her daughter, shook her head, and answered in hushed tones. "No, cheri. You must go through with the marriage. It is best for you and it will make Angus and me very happy. We truly wish it."
Katherine's heart twisted until she thought it would tear in two. She swallowed the burning sensation rising in her throat and blinked back her tears. 'Twas naught else for her then. She would have to do it. She gazed at her mother's face, so filled with love. Aye, do it for them.
Nodding in mute surrender, she darted a sad glance around the room. When she saw Gillian straighten the tray of bread and wine across the chamber from where they stood, she walked over, poured some wine in a goblet and drank it down quickly.
It burned a fiery path through her, urging her to temporary courage. The bread held no appeal. She had long since lost her appetite. Pasting a brave smile on her lips she didn't feel, she drew her shoulders back and turned to face her mother. "Tell me what is happening below stairs. How does everything look? Have you seen Alexander? I… I wonder if all the wee fairies of Scotland are flitting about inside of him as they are in me this morn."
Monique's laugh sounded relieved. "The great hall is fit for a king. There is enough food and ale there to feed half of Scotland for a sennight. You will have a grand wedding feast to remember. And as to Alexander, no, I haven't seen him, but I did hear his man-at-arms shout for a servant to bring his lord a loaf and a jug not long past. It seems he hasn't lost his appetite."
Her mother smiled reassuringly and continued. "I know you two haven't known each other long, but you are well matched. I have seen you look happy in his company and at times he looks at you as if he grows fond of you."
Katherine glanced warily over her shoulder and whispered. "Do you truly think so? I was against the marriage when I was first told of it and my reasons haven't changed. I hope Alexander and I will be happy together, but I still have doubts."
"Darling, what you hope for will come in time if you and he both wish it. Do not be impatient. Remember as new as this is to you, it is also to him. You must not expect too much at first." Her mother patted her hand. "You both need time to accustom yourselves to each other and married life. Follow your heart and all will be well."
"But, Maman, what if I give my heart to him and he doesn't truly wish it? Perhaps he cares for another."
"Shh, mon cheri. You are fanciful with worries carried on the wings of your wee fairies. Alexander is an honorable man. He would not betroth himself to you if there were another who held his heart. Now, I must go tell your da you are ready. Smile, this is a day to be glad in." Monique kissed her cheek and left.
Katherine walked back to the window and stared at the garden below. She thought of the conversation she had overheard between Alexander and his da on the night of their betrothal. Silently, she sent a prayer upward. Sweet Mary, please let Maman be right.
Chapter Ten
A knock at the chamber door brought Katherine's head up with a snap.
Gillian walked over, opened it, and spoke quietly with someone in the corridor. Closing the door and returning to Katherine, the young girl curtsied. With a smile, she handed her a small wreath of fresh heather. The delicate lavender blossoms were lovely and gave off a sweet fragrance.
"My lady, 'twas Sir William. He bid me tell ye these bonnie flowers were from yer betrothed as token of yer happiness together in years to come." The servant placed the delicate wreath in Katherine's hands.
The flowers looked like the ones Alexander had picked for her when he found her sleeping on the hill. Suddenly her heart began to pound anew, but now its erratic beat called forth a different emotion. She smiled and pressed the wreath to her face, inhaling the sweet fragrance. "Mmm, they smell bonnie indeed."
She gently removed a sprig of heather from the wreath and tucked its stem beneath the silver brooch she wore over her heart. Alexander's thoughtfulness had touched her and she wanted him to know it.
"Will you help me, Gillian?"
"Aye, m'lady." The young girl gently placed the heather wreath on top of Katherine's head. The tiny purple flowers, intertwined with green leaves, formed a lovely crown. "Oh, m'lady, ye are beautiful! The bonnie flowers bring out the blue of yer eyes."
With the gift of the flowers having calmed her, Katherine sat on the carved stool before the window. She looked out over the private garden, and allowed herself to dream. She would wed Alexander. Of that, she had no choice, but perhaps one day she would have more than just a dream of a happy future with him.
It was strange, but she didn't even know if he wished for a large family with many bairns, or not. Growing up as the only child in her home, she had decided long ago she wanted many children.
She sighed and whispered to herself. "Ah, I will know in time. Until then, I will just have to be patient, as Maman said."
A short time later, a firm knock on the door drew her from her daydreaming. She stood and slowly turned toward it, waiting. Gillian opened the door and Angus walked into the room.
Da had come to escort her to the chapel. Sweet Mary, 'twas time. Katherine raised a trembling hand to the brooch and sprig of heather pinned to her gown. With one, love was assured. With the other, there was hope. She touched them both and smiled tremulously.
Angus looked at Katherine and stopped short. "Och, Katy, I dinna know where the years have gone since first I beheld you. By God, you've grown into a verra bonnie lass." His bright smile beamed with love as he walked over, grasped her shoulders gently, and kissed her cheek. He cleared his throat before he spoke again. "'Tis time, lass. Everyone awaits us outside the chapel steps. You and Alexander must be the first to enter and receive God's blessings."
Katherine looked up into his loving face and his moisture brimmed eyes. Her throat constricted and she forced herself to breathe.
When a slight shiver caused her shoulders to tremble, Angus squeezed her arm gently as if in reassurance. He frowned slightly. "Och, look at me. If I crease your fine gown, your mother will ne'er let me hear the end of it." He winked at Katherine and gently smoothed the sleeve of her dress.
Watching his big rough hands ease over the fabric was almost her undoing. Dear sweet Da. Always trying to make aught right.
He extended his arm to her and patted her hand as she hesitantly placed it on his forearm. "Dinna look so skittish, lass. 'Twill be fine." Angus escorted Katherine from the room and headed toward the stairs.
Her stomach clenched into a tight knot. Awkwardly, she reached down to lift the front of her skirt to keep from tripping as they descended the winding stone steps. With her other h
and, she gripped tightly to her father's arm earning her a worried glance from him. She knew he felt her trembling, but she didn't have the power to stop. If not for his support, she would surely end up in a tangled heap of silk and lace at the bottom of the stairs.
As they approached the chapel, she looked out across a sea of silent, expectant faces. Some she knew; most she did not. There were so many. Sweet Mother Mary, where had they all come from? There had not been enough time to send distant messages. Yet, here was a gathering large enough to more than fill the chapel. Angus squeezed her hand gently. When they reached the crowd, the people separated, allowing them a clear path. Ian, his sons and Monique waited on the chapel steps.
Katherine looked across at Alexander and her heart skipped a beat. How handsome he was. Never had she seen a more entrancing sight. He looked the ultimate Highland Scot draped in his MacGregor plaid. Heat warmed her face. She looked down hoping to hide her inner feelings from so many curious faces and calm her emotions. It didn't help.
Her gaze came to rest on Alexander's shining black leather boots then on to muscular calves encased in snug tan hose that fit his legs to perfection. It was impossible to look away or to keep from glancing upward. Brawny legs led up to his kilt, every pleat of which lay in stiff folds, in line with his taut body and straight back.
His pale linen shirt had long full sleeves and wide cuffs pinned with the MacGregor crest beautifully wrought in silver. They glistened in the sun. But the wide sleeves couldn't disguise the thick chiseled upper arms that had held her close. The end swath of his tartan plaid wrapped past his thick sun bronzed neck and draped boldly over his left shoulder, above his heart. It was pinned in place by a large silver brooch with an amber cairngorm in its center.
His tanned face glowed in the morning sun. The cleft in his chin lay shadowed but those full lips that had kissed her so warmly were set in a smile. And his eyes… Sweet Mary. Those wondrous deep green eyes only had to look at her as he was doing now to drive her to distraction. Katherine's mouth went dry and she stumbled.
Highlander's Bride (Heart of the Highlander Series Book 1) Page 13
