by Alisa Adams
Michael had youth, but Gavin had a further reach, more strength, and more experience. He had fought in battle against the forces of the English army and had the scars to prove it. Michael came charging out like an enraged bull, but Gavin neatly sidestepped his attack and Michael stumbled, almost falling. When he recovered his balance, he was much more cautious.
Gavin’s strategy was not to attack his opponent, but to tire him out so that he became careless. He did this by constantly stepping out of the way of Michael’s thrusts and raising his claymore high above his head when Michael tried to strike a blow at Gavin’s head. Several times, the young man carelessly gave away his lack of experience by letting his guard down and leaving himself wide open to a killing strike, but Gavin did not take advantage of it, merely pushing Michael further and further back until he was almost at the edge of the field and had little room to maneuver.
The spectators gasped, cheered, and booed, but Allana could not make a sound. She stood silent and almost immobile while the claymores clashed against one another, but she gave a little squeal when Michael’s claymore nicked Gavin’s arm. It was only a flesh wound, but the blood spread quickly, making the cut look much worse than it was.
Gavin eventually decided that enough was enough since the boy was an amateur and quite out of his depth. He wanted to finish things quickly to save everyone any more pain. He forced Michael backward so that he was off balance and dropped his arm then stepped forward so quickly that the young man toppled backward and landed on the grass. The back of his head hit the ground with an audible thud.
Gavin heard Michael’s mother’s agonized scream as he pointed the claymore to his enemy’s throat. He dug the point in just far enough to break the skin and release a trickle of blood. Michael’s eyes looked up at him, wide and terrified.
“You have a choice,” Gavin growled. “You may choose death, in which case I will end your life swiftly and cleanly right this moment, or you may apologize to Allana for the filthy insults you hurled at her.”
Michael held his hands up in front of his face. “Mercy,” he cried hoarsely. “I will beg for her forgiveness.” He struggled to stand up, so Gavin reached down to help him and they stood looking at each other for a moment. Michael dropped his gaze to the ground and walked over to Allana, dropping down on one knee in front of her. She could still see the hostility in his face, but she respected him for his bravery and she blamed herself for starting it all.
“Mistress Allana...” His voice was soft but hoarse with anger and shame. “I humbly beg your pardon for the shameful names I called you. I hope you will forgive me.”
“Stand up, Michael,” she said quietly. “I am sorry too for this was my fault. I should not have betrothed myself to you knowing that I loved someone else. It was cruel of me. Will you forgive me?”
“I will, but I must ask one more thing Allana.” Michael sighed and looked into her brown eyes, his own hard and merciless. “I know that we are now at peace with each other – or at least, not at war - but it will be easier for us both if we never see each other again.”
“I agree,” she replied, but she was sorry. In spite of what had transpired, she still thought of Michael as a fine, brave man. He had been a bit too puffed up with pride, but then she had wounded him badly. She hoped that he would recover from this. It had been a lesson for both of them.
At the thought of the word ‘wound’, she turned to Gavin and saw that he was standing smiling at her as the church housekeeper applied a bandage to his arm. “Are you hurt?” she asked anxiously.
“Yes, Allana,” he replied, “I am, but I will live.”
“You never intended to kill him, did you?”
He kissed her lips softly before replying. “No, I did not, and I do not think he intended to kill me either. Even if I had been lying on the ground, I doubt he would have done anything. I know killers; they have a look about them.”
She shook her head and looked at him despairingly. “Men!” she cried. “I will never understand you.”
“You don’t need to understand me, just make good on your promise.”
“Promise...?” Allana asked, confused for a moment before remembering their earlier conversation. Gavin’s eyes sparkled with barely contained lust. As soon as they departed the field, they were quick to consummate their love for a second, wonderful time. Allana had never been so happy.
They had decided to dispense with a betrothal ceremony so that the serious business of the wedding could begin. Edme had a beautiful new cream silk dress made for her daughter and she would be wearing Gavin’s scarlet shawl. Allana wanted a very small wedding, but she was outvoted by all the women in her family right down to the tiniest of her cousins. Everybody wanted to see with their own eyes the indomitable Allana Dundas finally being tamed at the altar.
Leann had come to stay for a few days before the ceremony. As soon as they saw each other, they fell, laughing, into each other's’ arms and as they were sitting down talking before dinner, Allana asked Leann about her conversation with Gavin.
“Forgive me for saying this, Allie,” she said, her eyes twinkling. “But your husband-to-be can be a bit of a ditherer. He needed to be dragged kicking and screaming into making a decision and I felt that someone had to do it. Please pardon me if I did wrong.”
She looked so anxious that Allana laughed. “I know he can be a bit slow at making up his mind,” she said, sighing. “But once he has made a decision it is cast in stone. No, you did the right thing, Leann, and thank you.”
Bettina, who was feeding David, spoke up. “I have never seen you happier or more radiant, Allie.” She fastened her gown again and David fell asleep straight away.
Allana stretched out her arms for him and looked down at the chubby little face. His hair was becoming as fair as his parents’ and his eyelashes curved like half-moons over his cheeks. His rosy lips were sucking at something in his sleep and he looked absolutely adorable.
“Would you like one of these, Allie?” Bettina asked with a sly sideways glance at Leann. Allana’s face was as soft and peaceful as they had ever seen it as she gazed at the cherubic little face.
“Oh, yes,” she whispered, “but only with Gavin.”
“You really have had a long journey, Allie,” Leann observed. “Nevin, Kendrick, Michael, Gavin. You have arrived at journey’s end now though.”
Allana looked up, her eyes shining. “I cannot wait to be his wife!” She looked down at the baby. “And the mother of his child. It is strange; Michael wanted a big family and I was horrified, but if Gavin wanted the same thing I would be overjoyed!”
Bettina laughed as she took David back to put him in his crib. “You really are in love, Allie!”
They talked inconsequentially about small things: what they would wear to the wedding, who would go with whom, and the latest betrothal that was about to be announced. Through it all, Leann felt like an outsider. She had no hope of being married again and there would be no babies for her.
Thanks to Kendrick, she was spoiled goods and if the Church did not grant them a divorce then she could never be married again and she wanted to be married. She wanted children desperately, although she had always kept that fact to herself. She still grieved for the baby she had lost, even though the pregnancy had only lasted a few months and time had passed since then. However, maybe it was better that there had been no child, given the tempestuous happenings of the last few months.
She had weighed up her options carefully. If she could not marry again, she could work with children, perhaps start a school or something similar. She was knowledgeable about many subjects and could speak both French and Gaelic fluently. She could adopt or foster children; there were plenty of them looking for love.
Perhaps, she should give up all idea of being married and simply live her life the best way she knew how. Somehow, though, she knew that she was not destined to be alone. Be it a husband, a lover, or even just a close friend, God had put aside someone for her. She was still d
aydreaming when Allana put her hand over hers and said softly, “You will marry again, my friend. If it is the last thing I do, I will make sure of it.”
“What makes you even think I want to?” Leann asked, laughing.
“The look on your face,” Allana answered. “You look so preoccupied.”
Leann sighed. “Maybe you are right, Allie, but tomorrow is your day, and you will be the queen for a while. Enjoy it and forget about my troubles.”
Allana stroked Leann’s hair back from her face. “I worry about you, Leann. You are my dearest friend and don’t forget, if it wasn’t for you, Gavin and I would not be here at all.”
Leann had to admit the truth of this. She smiled at Allana and kissed her cheek. “It was the best thing I ever did,” she said warmly.
36
Allana’s Wedding
Compared to Bettina’s and Nevin’s wedding, Allana’s and Gavin’s was like a theatrical production. Gavin had little family, only a brother and a few cousins, but Allana had a few aunts and cousins on her mother’s side, many more on her father’s, and, of course, Bettina, Nevin, and David. Then there were Allana’s friends, Bettina’s friends, and Nevin’s family, plus there were other guests too! The servants attended also, at least thirty had managed to squeeze into the Ingram Castle chapel. No-one wanted to miss a minute of the wedding of their Laird to the beautiful Lady Allana.
The priest officiating at the ceremony was Father Henri, a thin French priest with cadaverous cheeks whose daunting appearance belied his gentleness and wonderful sense of humor. He always approached weddings joyfully rather than solemnly for, in his opinion, the joining of two loving souls was the happiest of occasions apart from the birth of a baby.
There was an audible gasp as Allana came in wearing her cream silk dress with the scarlet shawl draped over her shoulders and a cream veil over her hair. There were no roses in the winter so she carried a bunch of snowdrops, which suited the color of her dress very well. She looked regal as Malcolm brought her into the church and handed her over to Gavin.
He was resplendent in a snow-white silk shirt and a kilt of his own tartan with a plaid over his shoulder fastened by a large silver brooch encrusted with Cairngorm stones. His claymore hung at his side in its engraved silver scabbard and his long silver-streaked hair was tied back in a silk ribbon. A golden earring pierced his left earlobe giving him a piratical air. From the top of his head to the tip of his toes, he was every inch a man and Allana could not wait for the ceremony to be over so that they could consummate their wedding.
Father Henri smiled at both of them and the congregation, looking as if he would burst with joy. Seeing the way they were looking at each other, he made a sly comment. “Ah, I see that there are two people here who want to be married very quickly,” he observed, laughing. “So let us grant their wish. Gavin, will you make your vows to Allana? Vite! Vite, Gavin! Before I marry Allana myself!”
Père Henri’s ceremonies were legendary for being completely unconventional, and this one was no different. There was a ripple of laughter at the last speech before Gavin took Allana’s hands, kneeled down, and said his vows.
“My darling Allie, remember the evening we met? It was not a promising start!” They both laughed. “Then it changed so quickly to love, but I was so scared to love again that I foolishly pushed you away. There has been much misadventure since then, my sweetheart, but here we are, at this altar, where I give myself to you, heart and soul for as long as we both live and love. I am your slave, Allana, and glad to be so.”
Allana’s eyes were shining with love and tears. Her throat had closed up with emotion. She took a deep breath and began to speak. “My dear Gavin, as you say, we did not fall in love at first sight, but I loved you from the moment I heard your sweet voice singing on the turrets. You have shielded me and fought for me and I am completely in your debt. Yes, my sweetheart, I will marry you, be faithful to you, bear your children, and love you forever.”
Gavin stood up and slipped a simple gold ring on the third finger of her left hand. “I am yours,” she said simply. His smile was so bright, loving, and so happy that she would remember it forever.
As he looked down into the dark eyes that had enchanted him for so long, Gavin felt a surge of pure love pierce his heart. He did not deserve her. Why would she marry such an old man? It must be love, he thought in disbelief.
The service carried on, but neither of them heard the rest of it. At last, Père Henri pronounced them husband and wife. He held his arms up and turned them toward the congregation. “Mesdames et Monsieurs, I give you Laird and Lady Ingram!”
They walked out of the church and into the Great Hall where they were besieged by well-wishers. Everyone was excited and wanted to offer their congratulations and after a while, Allana longed to sit down.
Gavin, seeing her tiredness, lifted her up and advanced toward the door. “My wife is tired,” he announced. “She needs to sleep, do you not, my sweet?”
“Of course, I do!” Allana agreed, laughing. “I am exhausted by all the excitement!”
There was a chorus of ribald cheers from the crowd as Gavin sprinted upstairs, holding Allana as if she was weightless. He laid her tenderly down on the bed and looked his fill at her. “At last,” he murmured. Then he saw that she was trembling. He took her hands in his and kissed them. “This time it will be different, Allana. This time we will finally make love as husband and wife. I can take my time and be gentle with you if that is what you wish.”
She nodded and then smiled at him. “Gentle it is,” she murmured.
He kissed her and then tenderly peeled off her clothes, unwrapping her as if she was a precious gift. She did the same to him and found that she was shaking even though the room was warm. He began to touch her gently, letting his fingers slide over her body and following each touch with a kiss.
“Touch me, Allana,” he murmured, “anywhere you want to.”
So, she touched his manhood and heard him groan with pleasure, then he moved his fingers to her secret place and she cried out. Instinctively, she arched her hips up to better feel the pressure of his fingers. She had never felt anything so wonderful. When she looked into Gavin’s eyes, he was smiling at her tenderly loving the fact that he was bringing her so much joy.
“Please…” she whispered, not quite knowing what she was pleading for. “Please…”
But he knew what she wanted as he gently eased inside her. They began to move in time with each other and with each thrust of his body Allana’s pleasure grew. She felt as if she was striving toward something incredible as waves and waves of a most delicious sensation washed over her. Finally, the ecstasy overwhelmed her and she cried out, clinging onto Gavin with her fingertips digging into his flesh as the tremors faded away and she lay, gasping and stunned. He watched her incredulous face as she turned to him.
“Now, you are truly Lady Ingram,” he whispered. He rolled sideways, taking her with him so that they were lying facing each other, each looking into the other’s eyes.
“Gavin,” she murmured, “I cannot think of any place I would rather be right now.”
He laughed softly and then drew the bedclothes over them so that they were lying in a cocoon of warmth and softness. “I cannot believe you are here, Lady Ingram,” he whispered, “or that you are mine.”
Allana brought her hand up to show him the golden ring. “I am yours,” she said softly before they nestled together and fell asleep, wrapped in love.
When they woke the next morning, it was snowing and the ground was beginning to whiten. Eerie blue-white light was streaming through the window. It was almost the time of year when the livestock were brought into pens and barns, farm implements were repaired, and food was salted and pickled for the winter.
Allana loved winter. It was freezing, granted, but now she could lie by the fire with Gavin, wrapped in his arms, or stay in bed, although she was too restless for that and Gavin had work to do. So, she spent her time knitting scarves for t
he poor and making up food parcels for them, determined not to be the kind of Lady of the Manor who cared nothing for her tenants. However, she also had reason to be sensitive to Gavin’s feelings. His wife had frozen to death in the winter and as it came closer to the date of her demise, Allana wondered whether it would be appropriate to bring it up or not since it might be hurtful to him.
I wish Leann was here, she thought. She understands everything. She wondered if she should talk to Bettina, but her sole concern these days was her family. In the end, she spoke to her mother who came to visit her just before Christmas. Allana was delighted to see Edme and hugged her tightly as soon as she saw her. Edme was equally pleased to see her daughter looking so well.
“Marriage suits you, Allie,” she said, caressing her daughter’s face and smiling at her. “You look satisfied.”
“Did you think it strange that I married a man so much older than myself?” she asked.
“I was surprised you married Gavin,” she replied. “You and he got off to a very bad start.”
“That is behind us, Mother. He is so good to me,” she said, smiling. “It goes beyond love, Mother. He cherishes me as if I was a precious possession except that he is careful to say that he does not own me. He says we belong to each other. And... There is one more thing, Mother.” She paused and blushed, desperate to speak to someone about this. “He satisfies me in another way.”
Edme cocked her head inquiringly to one side.
“He... pleases me in the bedroom,” Allana said, embarrassed. “He makes me...” She looked at her hands. “Is it right to... Is my body supposed to—”
“Indeed, it is, Allie!” she replied, laughing. “You may ask Bettie who has no complaints either!”
