by B. J. Scott
“If that is your wish, Uncle,” Laurel said.
“It is. Not to mention the hour grows late and I am verra tired.” He patted her hand, then glanced at Blair. “I know it is a lot to ask of a young virile warrior, but can you wait until the morrow?”
Laurel heard the strain of exhaustion in her uncle’s voice. “Aye, Uncle, we can wait,” she replied before Blair could speak.
“She’s making the decisions already, I see.” Keenan threw back his head and laughed, gaining him an elbow in the stomach from Ian and a dour look from Blair.
Blair nodded. “While it will be a chore to wait another minute to make Laurel my wife, we will honor your wishes.”
Lachlan frowned. “Is there need of a bundling bag?”
Keenan snickered, while Blair cleared his throat. “No, sir, your niece’s chastity will not be in jeopardy.”
“See that it isn’t,” Lachlan replied, narrowing his gaze.
Laurel felt the heated flush of embarrassment rising in her cheeks. While marriage to Blair was all she ever dreamed about, the wedding night and details of their joining was something she found uncomfortable to discuss in public. She had never been with a man on an intimate level and had no idea what to expect. She hoped if and when the time came, it would be something shared with Blair alone, not his entire family.
She was as anxious as Blair to see their union completed, but she could appreciate her uncle’s request. And while it might seem selfish on her part, this was her wedding they were talking about. She wanted the day to be special, not a hurried ceremony with little or no fanfare.
“This works well for me. If you’d excuse me, I bid you all good night. I’d like to check on Isla before I retire.” She bobbed a curtsy, then kissed Blair on the cheek. “Sleep well. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Wait. I will accompany you,” Blair said. “That is if you have no objections.” He took her hand and brought it to his lips.
Her heart skipped a beat. Their eyes locked and she struggled to remain standing. It was as if they were the only two people on earth. Any uncertainty she might have about marrying Blair disappeared. She was meant to spend her life with him.
“If you’d like to go with me, that would be fine,” she stammered, finding it hard to form the words.
“Make sure that is all you are doing,” Lachlan said sternly.
Keenan trotted up beside them, grinning broadly. “Not to worry. I will go, too.” He stood between them, sliding on arm around Blair’s shoulder and the other around Laurel’s.
“That won’t be necessary, brother,” Blair snapped.
“I think it a fine idea. Maybe we should all go,” John chimed in. “It has been a long time since I’ve seen Angus.”
Chapter 21
Laurel stretched languorously, inhaling deeply, the scent of heather and fresh rushes filling her nostrils. Unable to ever remember waking in such a comfortable bed, she almost hated to get up. But today was her wedding day. And this time, when she went to the kirk, it was with a heart filled with love and hope for the future.
She slid to the edge of the pallet and dropped her feet over the side. Unlike the room she’d occupied for the last eight summers, the floor was warm, a fire still blazing in the hearth. Her uncle insisted she stay in her solar in the south tower, the one Deirdre had removed her from the day her father died.
When Laurel heard the sound of familiar voices in the hallway, she rushed to the door, then opened it before they had a chance to knock. “Elise, Mairi, please enter. It is a bonny morning, is it not?”
“Aye. A fine day,” Elise said with a broad smile. “Isla would have joined us, but she is still recovering. She will do her best to attend the ceremony.”
“I visited her last night and told her to rest,” Laurel replied.
Mairi carried a tray laden with food. “Are you hungry? I’ve brought you something to break your fast.”
“Please place it on the table by the bed,” Laurel said. “My stomach is all aflutter, so I’m not sure if I can eat, but will try.” She picked up a piece of cheese and popped it into her mouth.
“I dinna blame you for being excited. It isna every day a woman marries the man she loves. And such a braw one at that.”
“I still canna believe how things can change in the blink of an eye. Yesterday, I was dreading a marriage to Allan and thought my life was over. Today, Blair and I will wed, and I canna wait for my new life to begin. I only wish my parents could be here to share my happiness.” Despite her effort to hold them at bay, a tear tracked down her cheek.
“Your parents would be pleased with your choice.” Elise slid her arm around Laurel’s shoulder. “And while they canna be here in body, I believe they will be here in spirit.”
“Have you decided what you will wear?” Mairi asked. “Certainly not that hideous gown of Deirdre’s.” She cringed and shook her head.
“Nay, that garment will find its way to the trash. But she destroyed my mother’s gown, the one I’d hope to wear. It has been so long since I had anything new. Those I do own are plain and serviceable, but I am not sure any is suitable for the occasion.”
“Perhaps this will do,” Elise said as she opened a linen-wrapped bundle.
Laurel gasped and clutched her hand to her throat. “How lovely! Where on earth did you get it?”
“I know it isna you mother’s wedding dress, but this did belong to her. In fact, it was her favorite.” Elise held the emerald satin gown in the air. “The color even matches your eyes.”
“I was verra young when she died, so I dinna remember much about her clothing. Aside from the gown my father gave me as a keepsake, I thought the rest were lost or destroyed.”
“The day your mam passed, Laird Brandon asked me to fetch her wedding dress. When I inquired what he wanted me to do with the rest of her belongings, he told me to give them away. He loved Lady Katherine so much that he dinna want anything around that reminded him of her,” Elise explained.
“But you kept this?” Laurel clutched the garment to her breast.
“Aye. She once told me that she was wearing this on the day she met your da. She believed it was lucky, and planned to wear it on their wedding day. When you father commissioned the village seamstress to make her a new one, she dinna have the heart to disappoint him. So you see, this is a verra special gown indeed.”
Laurel stared at it. “I’m so glad you kept this, but I am a bit confused. You left on the night my mother died. You didn’t take dress with you, did you?”
Elise shook her head. “Nay, but I carefully tucked it away in a safe place before I left, hoping someday to return and present to you. I knew Lady Katherine would want you to have it. I saved a few other trinkets that your mam was fond of as well. I will bring them to you later.”
Laurel’s chest constricted with emotion. She turned to Mairi. “Could you do me a favor?”
“Aye, m’lady. Name it.”
“Please go to my room in the north tower and fetch something for me? On the left side of the hearth, there is a loose cornerstone. Pry it free. You’ll find a book and a wooden box hidden beneath.”
“I’ll go right away.” Mairi bobbed a curtsy and raced off.
“While she is gone, mayhap you could get dressed. Lord Blair and the guests are waiting for you.”
Laurel’s hands trembled as she stroked the soft fabric. When she closed her eyes, she could picture her mother wearing the dress, could almost smell her delicate lavender scent.
“Here, let me help you.” Elise took the gown and slid it over Laurel’s head, then fastened it in the back. She fussed with the skirt for a moment, before taking a step back. “A perfect fit. But I knew it would be. You are the image of your mother and every bit as beautiful.”
Laurel hugged her. “You have no id
ea how much your words mean to me. I can never thank you enough for this wonderful gift.” She smoothed her hands down the front of the garment.
“I have the items you asked for,” Mairi announced as she entered the room, then came to an abrupt halt. “Saints preserve me, but you are a vision. The most beautiful bride I have ever seen.”
“Thank you, Mairi.” She took the wooden box, opened the lid, then carefully plucked out her mother’s emerald pendant. “Will you help me put this on, Elise?”
“My pleasure, m’lady. I remember this gem. It was a gift to Lady Katherine from your grandmother. Rumor has it, the talisman has been passed down for many generations to the wife of the next MacClay laird. I am surprised Deirdre dinna snatch it up when she took over as mistress of the castle.”
“She tried.” Laurel caressed the amulet with her fingertips and smiled. “There were days she liked to turn the keep upside down searching for it, but I kept it well hidden.”
“What do we have here?” Mairi asked and lifted a carved silver ring from the box.
“A ring of intent. A gift from Blair on the day we met. I’ve kept it all these years.” She placed it on her finger. “He told me it belonged to his mam and wanted me to keep it as a token of his vow to see us wed when we came of age. We were bairns, and I never believed I would see him again, but held to it anyway.” She lifted her hand, admiring the way the sunlight made it shine.
“He’s a true Highlander, a man of his word, and about to make good on his promise.” Elise smiled. “That is, if you dinna keep him waiting. Best we fix your hair.”
After putting the finishing touches on Laurel’s appearance, Mairi placed a braided ring of heather on her head. “Beautiful.” She sighed.
“Can I ask you something of a delicate nature, Elise?” Laurel lowered her gaze and began to twist the ring around her finger. “It’s about the wedding night.”
“You can ask me anything, dear. What is it that brings a frown to your lovely face?”
“I love Blair with all my heart, but am afraid he might be disappointed when we join for the first time.”
Elise smiled and clasped Laurel’s hand. “All young ladies are uncertain the first time, but dinna fear—” she began, but a loud knock on the door interrupted her explanation.
“Aye, who is it?” Mairi asked.
“Angus. I wish to see Lady Laurel if I may.”
“Please, come in,” Laurel called as she padded to the door. When Angus entered, she threw her arms around his neck, kissing his cheek. “I am so pleased to see you. Are you well?”
“Aye, m’lady. Takes more than a few days in the pit to keep me down. But I dinna come here to discuss that. Your uncle asked me to escort you to the kirk.” Angus puffed out his chest with pride. “I was honored he picked me.”
“As am I. You know my uncle?”
“It has been many years, but I knew him well. I was verra happy to learn he was alive.”
“Of course you did. Being so close to my da, it stands to reason you would be friends with his brothers as well.”
“Your uncle would have come himself, but with his limitations, he finds climbing the stairs too difficult, so he prefers to wait for you in the kirk.”
“I understand and am blessed to have you accompany me.”
“Then let’s not keep the groom waiting any longer.” He offered her his arm. “Shall we go?”
Blair paced the small vestibule like a cornered animal. “Why is this taking so long?”
“Mayhap she came to her senses and changed her mind.” Keenan slapped Blair on the back, laughing.
“Best he learn you canna rush a woman. She will come when good and ready,” Ian added.
“How is it you are suddenly experts when it comes to women? Neither of you were married the last I checked. In fact, I canna say either of you have ever been in a committed relationship that lasted more than a day,” Blair countered.
“Your brothers jest, son. I am sure they speak out of envy and not expertise,” John Cameron said as he entered the room. “Laurel is a comely lass and any man would be proud to call her his wife. It isna often the youngest son marries before the older ones.”
“I dinna wish to marry the first lass I meet. I much prefer to sample the wares of many ladies before I make my choice,” Keenan boasted.
Ian shoved him. “The real reason you aren’t married is because no woman will have you.”
“You should talk.” Keenan pushed back, sending Ian crashing to the floor.
“Enough!” John glared at his sons. “Today is your brother’s wedding day. I’ll not have you acting like a pair of buffoons. Get up, Ian, and the two of you stop acting like unruly bairns.” He faced Blair. “Are you ready? The guests have gathered, and all we need now is a bride.”
Blair peered into the kirk and swallowed hard. He had never spoken before such a large crowd. He hoped he’d be able to recite his vows. He spotted Lachlan, sitting alone in a small alcove at the side of the kirk, not front and center as one would expect. “I still canna believe her uncle came back from the dead to stop the wedding.”
“It wasna easy for him. From what Robert tells me, this is the first time since his injury that he has made an appearance. I only recently found out he was still alive. But the king swore me to secrecy,” Blair’s father said.
“I dinna blame him for becoming a recluse. War changes a man, but when one suffers the way Lachlan did, it’s a wonder he dinna go mad.” James joined them.
“I sympathise with him, and in his position, I am not sure what I would do. But I did know Brandon, and he was devastated by the loss of his brothers. He would have welcomed the chance to see them again and to care for Lachlan,” John added.
“The priest is ready for you, Lord Blair,” the friar said, poking his head in the door.
John hugged his youngest son. “I am verra proud of you. You will make a fine laird. If you ever need anything, you know where to find me. I wish you and Laurel happiness.” He kissed Blair’s cheek, then released his hold. “Let’s get you married.”
“Good luck, brother. May you have many strong sons.” James thumped him on the back.
After receiving best wishes from his other two siblings, Blair strode into the kirk and took his place beside the priest. When a rumble of voices suddenly moved through the congregation, Blair turned. His heart stalled when he beheld Laurel standing at the door.
Chapter 22
Laurel waited at the entrance to the kirk with Angus by her side, nerves knotting her belly. How foolish, she thought. Yesterday she’d come perilously close to marrying Allan, doomed to a life of misery. Today, Blair stood before her, the man she’d dreamed about since the day they met. Soon they’d be joined as husband and wife. She should be elated.
While the idea of marriage wasn’t causing her uneasiness, the wedding night was entirely different. Despite Elise’s attempt to put her at ease, what transpired between a groom and his new bride beneath the pelts still gave her serious pause for concern.
She was four when her mam passed, and could never go to Deirdre with her questions. If she listened to the shocking stories bandied about the keep, a convent might be a favorable option.
“They’re waiting for you,” Angus said with a smile. “Blair Cameron is a verra lucky man. A lovelier bride I havena seen.”
“Thank you, Angus. I just hope I am making the right decision, and that Blair willna be disappointed,” she added softly.
“Impossible. Not only are you a stunning lass, but you have a heart filled with love and compassion. Any man would be proud to call you his wife.” He squeezed her hand. “Time to go.”
Laurel inched forward, then halted and searched the sea of faces. She noticed King Robert, John Cameron, and Blair’s three brothers sitting in the front row. But h
er uncle was nowhere to be seen.
Angus leaned in close. “If you’re hunting for Lachlan, he’s off to the side, by the vestibule. He told me crowds make him uneasy and he wished to remain as secluded as possible.”
Although she was thrilled to learn her uncle was alive and pleased he had remained for the wedding, seeing the cloaked figure sitting alone in the shadows proved bittersweet. Her heart ached for him. A broken man, he’d suffered so much during the war for Scotland’s independence, yet he left the comfort and privacy of his hideaway, revealing his disfiguring scars to the world in order to come to her aid.