Highlander's Bride (Heart of the Highlander Series Book 1)

by Gafford, Deborah

  Angus brought his hand up to cover hers where it lay forgotten on his arm. With his steadying touch, she dared to let her gaze remain on Alexander's face.

  His pleasant smile called attention to a slight nick that reddened his cheek. It seemed his shave had been a wee bit too close. Or could it be that he'd been as nervous as she? The thought brought a sense of relief. Silly, but there it was. The mental image of his hand shaking, nicking him, perhaps even prompting him to utter an oath in exasperation, eased some of her jitters. He was only a man after all.

  When they reached the bottom step, Monique hurried over to them. Hugging Katherine, she smoothed back a stray lock of her hair and whispered, "We love you, mon cheri. Be happy." Then she stood beside her.

  Alexander, followed by Ian and William, walked toward Katherine as she stood between her parents. The mere sight of him as he approached started her legs to shaking. Angus tightened his hold. She stared into the fathomless green depths of Alexander's eyes and her will floated away.

  For one long moment, everything dimmed and the world disappeared. There was nothing, no one but him. Would he accept her? Care for her? Would her worries prove unfounded?

  The silence drew out. She watched a play of emotions cross his face before a bemused expression settled there. He nodded once, and then as her parents stepped back, he took his place beside her and wordlessly turned to face the chapel doors.

  As if naught had passed between them, the two families followed, climbing the steps together stopping at the threshold to kneel and genuflect. The crowd fell in behind them in a quiet procession.

  Young men dressed in the tartan of the MacGregor clan, stood just outside the doors to take each man's weapon as he entered the chapel, making sure they could be readily handed out if the need arose. Only Alexander and Angus would wear their swords inside.

  Katherine trailed her glance past the young men to the inside of the chapel, aglow with dozens of costly beeswax candles. Sprigs of heather, mixed with grains of wheat and barley were strewn down the center aisle signifying the promise of health and plenty. A large candelabrum filled the altar with light. It shone down on the spot where Alexander and she would stand to be joined in marriage.

  Following custom, Alexander, Ian and William left Katherine and her parents just inside the building's portal. They walked to the front of the chapel and turned to face the entrance.

  Chosen friends also filed past and quickly seated themselves on benches to observe the ceremony. Since the chapel was small, the majority of the onlookers had to content themselves to listen from outside.

  With great gentleness, Angus removed Katherine's hand from his arm. Silently, Monique and he stepped away. Their movements were slow, almost hesitant. Katherine gripped her hands to her sides. Were her parents' thoughts as torn as hers? When would she see them again?

  A shadow passed over her as Angus slowly raised his sword above her, pointing it toward the heavens. Sunlight shone through a stained glass window and arced over the gleaming blade. Hues of the rainbow flashed in brilliance across the chapel. Then he sheathed his sword again, seeming to draw the very light away with it.

  Katherine's pulse began to race. Cold dread rose up within her. Once again, her fears of marriage to a man without love froze her into immobility. Her frightened gaze darted about the chapel. Then she looked into Alexander's eyes.

  They appeared to glow with simple warmth and tenderness. A feeling of hope seemed to flow from them, melting the icy chains that held her fast.

  Taking a deep breath for courage, she gathered up her skirts and walked the length of the chapel, followed by her parents, never once looking at anyone but him.

  The heather and grains of plenty crushed beneath her slippers, emitting a rich fragrance. When she reached Alexander, she knelt at his feet and stretched out her arms, palms up, as a token of wifely obedience and acceptance.

  Silence reigned inside the chapel as Angus stepped forward and once more raised his sword, holding it above her. He cleared his throat and called out in a firm voice. "Before all, Lady Katherine Gordon comes to be joined with Sir Alexander MacGregor. If anyone seeks to claim otherwise, let him answer to my blade now."

  His fierce scowl raked across the people in the chapel. An eerie silence lent an echo to his words. Nodding, when no one spoke in challenge, he gently laid the wieldy blade across her palms and stepped back to stand beside Monique.

  It was difficult to remain upright in her kneeling position with the heavy weight of her da's sword across her arms. Katherine drew a deep steadying breath. She must not show weakness. Straightening her shoulders, she lifted her face toward Alexander and watched as Ian and William approached him with the symbols of her new status.

  Ian placed a newly woven MacGregor tartan across his son's right shoulder. William handed his brother a silver ring carved with the family crest. After they stepped back, Alexander withdrew his sword from its sheath. He knelt before Katherine, and placed the claymore on the chapel floor in front of her.

  His voice was sure and strong. "Lady Katherine, on my sword, I pledge to take you as my wife, to keep and protect you from this day forward for as long as I live."

  Katherine looked from his handsome, sun-bronzed face and solemn green eyes to the large broadsword lying before her. Delightful warmth flowed through her at his nearness and his words. Surely a man such as he would keep his vows.

  Still kneeling, she turned toward her parents allowing Monique's trembling hands to take the Gordon sword from her and return it to Angus.

  A mixture of emotions surfaced in Katherine as she gave up the sword. No longer weighed down, she felt a lightness of body and spirit. While filled with hope that they could forge a pleasant future despite their bad start, she also suffered a sense of loss. She now gave up her claim to the Gordon clan. With a physical effort, she chased the small fear of uncertainty from her mind.

  For a moment she drifted, lost between two worlds. Then Alexander slipped her wedding ring on the third finger of her left hand above the betrothal ring. When the shiny silver band encircled her finger, she let out a relieved sigh and smiled.

  Alexander and she knelt face to face.

  Angus walked over, picked up the MacGregor sword and, with a bit of a flourish, placed it across her palms. He spoke in a voice loud enough for all to hear. "Daughter, no longer shall you follow the Gordons. From this time forward you shall cleave to the MacGregors. Be obedient and honorable to your husband and loyal to your new clan." Then he stepped back again beside Monique.

  A tight lump formed in Katherine's throat as she heard her da's words. She could do no more than nod her thanks to Alexander as he draped the new MacGregor tartan over her left shoulder. A shudder rippled down her spine as she watched him grasp his sword by its razor sharp blade and hold it above her.

  As he stood, continuing to wrap his fingers about the deadly edge, she knew her first moment of fear for him. The weapon could easily slice his hand. She looked up into his face and tried to appear calm. But his words, coupled with the intensity of his gaze, left her breathless.

  "I, Alexander James MacGregor, vow to be your husband and protector till death parts us. Let all here know you to be mine." Turning toward the guests, he called out, "Before all, I now claim the right of protector for Lady Katherine MacGregor. She bides by the strength of my arm and the MacGregor might. Let none dare bring her harm."

  He held his sword above her for another moment, before he sheathed it and stretched out his hand to her. The warmth of his fingers chased away her fears and uncertainty. She rose, eager for his touch. Together they approached Father Micheil, the MacGregor family priest, who stood waiting beside the altar rail.

  As they knelt and received the blessings of the church, Father Micheil made the sign of the cross over them. Taking Katherine's right hand, he placed it in Alexander's, clasping them together over an ancient rune stone carved with the Celtic Claddagh symbol. "May our Lord God bless this union and may ye always live tog
ether in the spirit of the Claddagh; in love, loyalty and friendship."

  Then the priest released their hands. They stood and faced him. The candelabra's reflected light glowed on the stocky man's tonsured head as he spoke out clearly for everyone in the chapel to hear. "I give to ye, one and all, Laird Alexander MacGregor and his wife, Lady Katherine MacGregor."

  Boisterous cheers and loud clapping rang to the rafters of the chapel. Alexander leaned toward Katherine and took her in his arms. The sensation of his warm lips as they descended on hers kindled a spark deep within her, calling forth a sense of newfound caring and emerging passion.

  Raising her arms to his neck, she stood on tiptoe and pressed against him. She longed for his nearness, his touch. He wrapped his arms tighter about her and their kiss deepened.

  From a small tower above them, a young lad pulled on the ropes of the heavy chapel bells. They pealed out loud and strong.

  Mesmerized by the feel of his lips and body pressed so close, Katherine ignored the bells and the smiling faces around them.

  Chuckling, Ian walked over to the newly wedded couple and clapped his son on the back. "Come, Alex, you have a lifetime for such. Now 'tis time to join in celebratin' the happy event. Lead your wife to the great hall so we may all make merry."

  As if he were reluctant to let her go, Alexander slowly released her. She looked deeply into his eyes. Surely there was lust in his expression, but, just for a moment, there had seemed to be something more. A promise of growing affection and gentleness. Could she be lucky enough to find these qualities in him?

  Chapter Eleven

  Alexander smiled at the noisy exuberance of the crowd. Excitement filled the air as people milled about, shouting and laughing. 'Twas strange, but the wedding had an opposite effect on him. Surprisingly, he felt calm. In truth, if he allowed himself to admit it, he was pleased with the prospect of now having Katherine as his wife.

  She was truly beautiful. When she had knelt before him with her wedding gown pooled about her knees, she had appeared lovely and delicate, an illusion of an angel rising from a cloud.

  Indeed, the lass intrigued him. Over the last two days she had moved him from feelings of indifference to pleasantness to lust. Even to anger. True, there had been times when she greatly provoked his irritation. But he would show her the error of her ways and eventually all would be well. Her violent reactions to Fiona and him had been out of some misunderstanding, not because she was of unsound mind. Da had assured him 'twas naught wrong with her.

  He'd been surprised by her show of affection when he'd taken her in his arms. Planning only to give her a simple kiss before all, he expected a shy, maidenly kiss in return. But as he looked into her eyes and their lips met, a burst of passion had surged through him and she had answered in kind. Even after their previous moments together on the hillside, he hadn't expected such a passionate response to his kiss.

  Her soft, tender lips had opened to his for a brief moment, freely giving him her sweetness. And when she had wrapped her arms around him and pressed close, he'd felt his ardor grow almost out of control. Knowing she belonged to him alone filled him with a sense of euphoria that left him feeling lightheaded and somewhat stunned.

  He stole a glance at her and stroked her hand where it lay on his arm as they walked through the great hall and took their places at the laird's table.

  Following tradition, they took their seats at the center of the dais, as new husband and wife, before the rest of the family and clan members entered. Within a few moments, Ian, William, Angus and Monique had joined them on the dais and the huge room filled with a throng of friends, castle folk and villagers.

  Ian nodded to the musicians to begin. The players strolled through the hall with bagpipes, lutes and bodhrans performing ballads and love songs. Members of the clan shouted their good wishes and sought out places to sit to enjoy the festivities.

  Servants handed out all manners of food and drink as they passed among the crowd, and the music and laughter got louder. The atmosphere in the hall quickly rose to a frenzy. Alexander smiled at Katherine, caught up in the moment of joyous celebration.

  His gaze rose to the heather wreath crowning her face, then down to a sprig of it pinned to her bodice. They reminded him of the moment he'd found her napping on the hillside and he had picked flowers for her. Never before had he done so. Her vision of loveliness had enthralled him so, he'd felt like a young lad with his first love.

  Katherine followed his glance and smiled sweetly. "Thank you, Alexander. 'Twas most kind of you to send the flowers. They—"

  A noisy commotion drew his attention to the entrance of the great hall. A small company of armed men quickly strode into the room. Throughout the hall, McGregor men stood and drew their swords in readiness should they be needed. Malcolm, with his hand on the hilt of his sheathed sword, met them and spoke with the leader. Then he led the group of men to the dais.

  Ian stood up, motioning to the musicians to cease playing. As the men drew closer, he smiled. "Ah, Laird Drummond, welcome. Your visit is truly well timed, coming on this special day. We are verra pleased to have you share this grand occasion with us. I bid you and your men join us in celebratin' the marriage of Alexander to Lady Katherine, daughter of our good friends, Laird and Lady Gordon!"

  Alexander saw a look of confusion on his friend's face as he looked toward the dais. He stood with his mouth agape as if stunned, unable to move. After a long moment, Davey walked up to the dais and bowed deeply to Ian. "Och, Laird MacGregor! I beg your pardon for interrupting this most special of days!" Turning toward Alexander, he continued. "Sir Alexander, it sorely grieves me to come at such a time, but I must deliver a royal summons. His Royal Highness, King James, requires your presence at court immediately."

  Before Alexander could respond, Monique gasped and clutched Angus' arm. "No! It cannot be! Not now! I know a royal summons may not be refused, but surely a few days delay will cause no harm."

  Drummond shook his head. "Alas, my lady, already we will have to beg leave of his Royal Highness for our belated arrival. The royal messenger met with foul play on his travel here and was sorely wounded, delaying his message by several days. My men and I immediately rode here to join Sir Alexander and set out for court at once."

  Alexander shot an uneasy glance at Katherine and then to her parents. Damn, perhaps he should have sent Malcolm to intercept Davey and his men. This had seemed such a grand idea when he'd concocted it, but that was before he'd met Katherine.

  Tears pooled in Monique's eyes and her voice quivered, "Oh, Angus. This is terrible."

  Katherine's father leaned close, tenderly patted her mother's hand, then straightened and looked directly at Laird Drummond. His eyes narrowed and he clenched his jaws together as color suffused his face, darkening the glare of his countenance. His dark, anger-filled expression resembled a thundercloud ready to explode with all the fury of nature. "God's blood, mon! His Majesty picks a terrible poor time to summon Alexander to court. My daughter has just spoken her weddin' vows with him!" Angus surged to his feet. "I willna have her weddin' day ended so! I will travel with you in his stead. As his wife's sire, and now da to him within the law, I will beg his apologies to the king and give explanation of his absence."

  Ian frowned and shook his head. "Och, Angus, old friend, you know it canna be so. As much as it grieves me to say it, you know Alexander must go himself before His Majesty. None here may go against the king."

  Angus sat down with a look of angry acceptance.

  Everyone in the hall quieted and looked to the dais. Shock filled the faces of the merrymakers.

  Ian called out loudly. "My friends, I have important news. Laird Drummond has just arrived with a message from His Majesty. Alexander must leave at once to attend the king!"

  Gasps and whispers rippled through the crowd as each person looked from one another, back to Laird MacGregor, and then to the newly wedded couple.

  Alexander glanced at Angus and Monique's woeful expres
sions and gripped his wine goblet until it bit into his fingers. He dared not look at Katherine again. Damn. He hadn't meant to cause such consternation with his leave-taking. Why did they have to react so? Alexander's conscience stabbed him as sharply as a dirk. Och, you're a bloody fool. How did you expect them to feel? Alexander lifted his goblet and took a deep swallow wishing he could drown his conscience.

  "But," Ian continued, "we willna separate my son and his wife on their weddin' day." He cast his gaze across the room, until he spotted the castle steward and called to him. "Duncan, set everyone in the castle to packin' as much of the feast and clothes for Alexander and Katherine as possible and for Laird and Lady Gordon, and William and I as well. We shall accompany them to court! We'll leave this verra day."

  Alexander choked on his wine.

  Voices rose in clamor and Ian pounded on the table with his fist until all hushed into silence. "Ne'er let it be said that the MacGregors and Gordons are not loyal to their king!" He waved his arms to still the whispering that had begun again. "I call on every faithful MacGregor and friend of our clan to leave off your celebratin' and help make ready the things we shall need for our journey. I wish it could be otherwise, but you will forever have our thanks. Afterward, you are welcome to stay and celebrate in grand fashion for us."

  Alexander coughed, frantically trying to clear his throat. God's blood, he couldn't allow his family to accompany him and learn the real reason for Davey's visit. He gasped a steadying breath and quickly rose to his feet. For a brief moment, he glanced at Katherine, then his da, and finally over the faces in the crowded hall. This was turning into a muckle debacle. Guilt burned through him like a fiery brand. When he'd sent for his friend, he'd been sure of his dislike for this marriage and had still needed to seek Fiona to find out if he'd left her with child. Now, well, his feelings were mixed.

  There was no help for it now, but to accompany Davey. And in truth, leaving would allow him to regain control of his emotions and perhaps it could still work to his advantage. Time away from him would give his new wife a chance to settle in and calm her headstrong ways. Aye, he would cut short his travel and return soon. After a time, he would explain aught and all would be well.