Andrew turned towards the altar and the priest, dressed in his habit, nodding at him as the pipers arrived into the chapel. Andrew dare not turn around, he wanted to savor the moment, to see Nairne as she arrived next to him at the altar, a more beautiful sight than he could possibly imagine.
Behind him, the congregation stood, and taking a deep breath, he waited for Nairne’s approach.
* * *
“Thank ye mother,” Nairne whispered, as she and Una arrived at the door of the chapel.
Her mother had agreed to give her away, and now they stood arm in arm as the pipers played their tune and the congregation rose to greet them. Nairne could see Andrew down by the altar, his gaze seemingly fixed resolutely forward, his hand clenched at his side. She knew he would be nervous, just as she was, and as they began their slow walk down the aisle, it seemed to be the longest walk of her life.
How often had she run into the forest in search of Andrew? Or walked the paths to him in anticipation? But now this walk seemed the most momentous of her life.
“Ye look beautiful, Nairne and I love ye, always remember that,” Una whispered, as they approached the altar.
“I love ye tae, mother and if it were not for ye these long years would have been unbearable.”
“Unbearable for us both, my darling Nairne,” Una loosened her arm, and stepped to the side, as Nairne took her place next to Andrew who turned and smiled at his bride-to-be.
“Ye look … ye are the most beautiful lassie I have ever seen,” His breath was taken away by the sight of the beautiful bride before him.
“And ye are a handsome laddie tae,” and she took his hand as the priest called for quiet.
The congregation settled into their seats, and the priest began to read the service, reminding Nairne and Andrew of the solemn commitment which they were now to make before God and his people.
“Andrew Iain Cameron, will ye take this woman tae be yer wife, will ye love and honor her, protect her and ever care for her, so long as ye both shall live?” the priest's words echoed down the aisle as Andrew turned to Nairne.
“I will.”
“And Nairne Mackintosh, will ye take this man tae be yer husband, will ye love and honor him, protect him and ever care for him, so long as ye both shall live?”
“I will,” Nairne replied.
“I, therefore, declare that ye be man and wife, let that which God has bound together never be put asunder,” and a great cheer went up from the congregation, as Andrew and Nairne shared their first kiss as man and wife.
Tears of joy were shed in the chapel that day, not least by Rhona and Una who could not be happier to see their children so happily wedded, hoping their futures would be bright and they would come to know the joys of bairns and of old age together.
“I could not be happier, Andrew,” Nairne smiled as they walked hand in hand down the aisle, the cheers of the congregation reverberating in their ears.
“Nor I, thank ye for being my wife, Nairne Mackintosh,” and as they stood in the doorway, he kissed her, embracing and holding her close, a happier scene could not be imagined.
* * *
The wedding feast went on long into the night, and there were many speeches and toasts as the castle rang with the sounds of merriment and laughter. Andrew had ordered for the cellars to be opened, and there was an abundance of food and drink laid out upon the tables. He and Nairne sat upon the high table on the dais, with Una and Rhona to their left and right, next to Stewart and Duncan. Below the gathered clans sat as one so they were no longer Cameron and Mackintosh but instead one family united by the happy marriage.
The fires were burning low, and despite the abundance of food and drink much of it had now been consumed. Many of the clansmen were asleep at their places, and Una and Rhona had retired. Nairne and Andrew sat together, her head resting upon his shoulder as he played with her hair.
“Did ye ever think that such a day would come, Andrew?”
“Only in my wildest dreams, as a boy, I was always told that it was my destiny tae sit in this chair, but tae sit in this chair alongside the most beautiful woman in all of Scotland, that was a dream that I never dared tae dream.”
“When I was younger, I used tae dream of escaping this place, of running off intae the forest and finding a hero, like the legends of old. One that would rescue me from the wickedness of this place. How strange that my rescuer should come tae me and he should be in the disguise of a shy wee laddie who has now shown himself tae be my brave and noble warrior.”
Andrew smiled and kissed her forehead.
“Ye know, there is something I would like tae do now, something I have been planning all day,” he gave her a knowing smile.
“And what is that?”
“Let us run off intae the forest and swim in the pool, and if anyone misses us then so be it, I am Laird, and this is our wedding night, we shall do as we please. Come now, follow me,” and taking her hand, he led her from the Great Hall.
The feast had gone on so long that already the dawn was breaking over the mountains and as they left by the door in the north wall, they took hold of each other’s hands, running into the forest beyond. It was cool and quiet amidst the trees, the occasional song of an early bird rising above them. Their feet were swift, and soon they arrived into the glade, where the waterfall splashes into the pool, its still surface, fresh and inviting.
“Will ye swim with me, Nairne? The first swim of our married lives together in this beautiful place. We shall remember the happy times of the past and look towards those of the future.
” “Aye, of course, I shall, and we shall return here often, ye and I, the place where first we met and the only place where once either of us was happy.”
“Now we can be happy forever,” Andrew waded into the pool, as Nairne followed him, and taking her in his arms, he kissed her.
“I love ye, Nairne Cameron, and I always will love ye,” and she rested her head upon his chest, there, in the pool where their love had begun, a love which would last for eternity.
The End?
But there’s more…
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Afterword
Thank you for reading my novel, Highlander's Rightful Claim. I really hope you enjoyed it! If you did, could you please be so kind to write your review HERE?
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Do you want more Romance?
If you’re a true fan of the Scottish romance genre, here is a sample of my latest best-selling novel: Capturing the Highlander's Heart
This is a story about two persons that fate brings together unexpectedly, when tragedy hits both of their families...
* * *
Capturing the Highlander's Heart
Chapter One
Early November 1750, London, England
Amelia Parker rose with the sun shining through the large bay windows of her bedroom. Her blue eyes squinted at the light. Even though the maid would always close the bed curtains every night, Amelia would open them up just a crack after she’d left. She liked to see the beautiful morning light stream in, and it gave her enough light to read. She loved to feel the morning warmth on her face and savor those few moments of peace before she experienced the busy movements of the day.
Her lady’s maid, Beth Smith, entered quietly.
“Good morning, Miss” Beth said with a curtsy. “Let me assist you to dress.”
“Thank you, Beth.” Amelia removed the covers and touched her toes on the cold floor. She shivered, since she was just in a white, linen shift. While Beth was busy at the closet, Amelia asked. “Beth, will my father be joini
ng us this morning for breakfast?”
Beth looked uncomfortable and kept her head down. “No, miss. No one has seen Lord Parker since he left last evening.”
Amelia’s face scrunched up in concern. She sighed, “I suppose he’s making quite a habit of it lately, coming in reeking of whiskey and smoke.” Where could he be again? And why every night? What was so important about drinking and smoking in dark clubs with other old men?
Beth’s eyes widened in surprise at her mistress’ confidence. She simply nodded and replied, “Yes, Miss.”
Amelia’s mind snapped back to reality. “Oh, forgive me. I’m ready now.” She stood in front of the long mirror and held out her arms.
“Pardon me, miss, for my delay. Let me get your stays and gown.”
Amelia stood in front of the mirror while Beth gathered the pieces of clothing. Her father’s continual nightly adventures continued to prey upon her mind.
Beth began to lace up her stays tightly. Amelia had to hold onto the cabinet next to her as the corset kept getting tighter and tighter. Thankfully, she didn’t need her corset to be laced as tightly as some women, as her breasts were already quite large and the tops of them peeked out coquettishly from the brim of her stays.
Her blond braid fell over her shoulder as Beth did her work. But, then a smile crossed Amelia’s face.
“I forgot! Today is the day Mother and I will search for my wedding trousseau! Oh, I have been waiting for this day for so long! Beth, I must look my best today. We can’t forget a single detail!”
“Yes, Miss,” said Beth as she pulled the gown over Amelia’s head and adjusted the fit. “I’m so excited!” Amelia started dreaming of her wonderful fiancé.
“Lord Charles Devereaux is a viscount, you know, Beth. I can’t believe I will be marrying him!” She clapped her hands in front of her. Charles was tall, young, and deliciously handsome, with a swirl of thick blond hair and dark green eyes that put a spell on every young woman, even the old ones too. Amelia and Charles had met at a ball recently; her father had introduced them. The viscount was known to be quite a lady charmer, but as soon as Amelia saw his face and danced with him, she was in love, and knew that she could change him. She knew then from his winning smile and clever wit as they danced, that she had found the one.
Last week, he had proposed marriage!
“You are going to be a beautiful bride, Miss.” Beth smiled at Amelia in the mirror while continuing to smooth her dress.
“Thank you, Beth. I was surprised at so quick a proposal, but I can’t say I’m not blissfully happy!” He and her father had talked long in the study after their union, and she could barely contain her excitement. Me and the most eligible bachelor in all of London society--to be married! And he loves me, and I love him!
Before Amelia could continue with her daydreams, Beth said, “Please, sit, Miss. Let me make your coiffure.”
After an hour or so, Amelia glided down to breakfast with her hair curled atop her head just so, and a smile on her face. Her blue eyes matched the lovely blue gown Beth had chosen.
But her face fell slightly as she watched her mother sitting alone at the breakfast table once again. “Hello, Mother. Good morning. How are you feeling today? I see Father has decided not to join us once again.”
“Good morning, my dear,” said Amelia’s mother Henrietta with a slight, almost imperceptible sigh. Amelia was about to inquire further, but then Henrietta looked up and smiled at her beautiful daughter.
“Don’t you look absolutely lovely? You’ll be a sight to see on our shopping trip. Are you excited for today? But, first, have some breakfast.”
Amelia went to the sideboard to make her selections of toast, jam, sausages, and eggs, before returning to her seat. The butler poured her a cup of steaming tea, and she began to eat quickly. “Mother, I don’t think I’ve ever been so excited! What do you think Charles, I mean Viscount Devereaux, would like most? What colors, what fabrics?”
“I don’t know, my dear, but we’ll be sure to make the best selections.”
From a side door, the butler quietly entered with a silver tray which held a solitary envelope and opener, and he paused in front of Henrietta.
“The post has just come, my lady.” The butler bowed his head as Henrietta took the letter.
“Thank you, Stevens.” She turned the envelope over in her hands. “Hmm...no sender’s address, and it’s a very plain envelope. I wonder who it could be from?”
She smiled at Amelia next to her who was still eating happily and cut open the envelope. Suddenly, Amelia was jolted out of her wedding reverie by her mother crying out and slumping over in her chair.
“Mother!” She yelled. Stevens rushed into the room once again. “Please! Send for the doctor! I believe Mother has just fainted!” Stevens nodded and hurried off to send a boy for the doctor. Henrietta awoke with a groan and tears were in her eyes.
“What is it mother? Are you all right?” Amelia’s face was poised in concern as she took her mother’s hands and felt her forehead gently.
“Look. Look at the letter,” Henrietta whispered, and her body wracked with sobs. Amelia decided to first help her mother over to the couch in the sitting room next door before hurrying back to the dining room for the letter. I wonder what could cause her to faint so?
She picked up the letter, written in a hurried hand on rough, grayish paper.
My dears,
It is time I admitted the truth. You must have noticed my nightly disappearances and my recent absences from the breakfast table. The authorities have taken me in from the gambling hall last night. I’m afraid I’ve gotten a taste for the wretched habit in recent months, and my dear Henrietta and dearest Amelia, I’ve gambled it all away. There is nothing left. The creditors will be at the house by morning to organize and evaluate all furniture and other belongings to be sold for repayment. There will be nothing left for a dowry. I am so sorry. I have arranged for you to go live in a small cottage in Brechin, Scotland tomorrow morning by carriage. The carriage will arrive at dawn and knows where to take you. Take whatever money you have saved. Send all the servants away. Please do not come by the prison. I cannot bear the shame.
I love you, but I am not worthy of you.
Be well,
Jonathan Parker
1750
Amelia sank to her knees to the ground, a few stray curls falling from her coiffure. She could not cry; she could not even speak. The letter fell to her side, and the only question in her mind as she stared at the carpeted floor was What are we going to do?
Chapter Two
Early December, Brechin, Scotland, Kinnaird Castle
“Och, ye dinnae need a companion, ma,” said James Kinnaird to his mother, Fiona, as they sat in front of a roaring fire in the main hall. James had a pint of ale in his hand, and he turned to his mother with concern.
“And why not? Ever since your father died, I’ve been so lonely. We haven’t been to any social functions or had any balls, and it’s far too cold for me to travel for visiting.” She stared into the flames, and discretely wiped a tear from the corner of one eye.
“But ye have me, dinnae ye? Am I not companion enough?” James moved to kneel by his mother, and he took her hands in his, looking into her soft brown eyes.
Fiona smiled and squeezed his rough hands. “Ach, Jamie, you are a wonderful son, of course! But it’s time I had a little female company. Women need other women, you know, my dear. I would love a young girl with a good education to come and read to me and discuss the gossip of the day. I’ve already sent out an advertisement in the newspaper.”
Jamie sat back down, sipping his ale again. Fiona chuckled.
“Now, why do you look so concerned?”
“‘Twill be a stranger, ma, in our house! I don’t very much like the idea of leaving ye alone with someone we don’t know while I’m away on business.”
Fiona lifted her chin stubbornly. “I’m left all alone with no one to speak to while you’re away. Thin
k of the danger of that in such a cold and lonely place!”
Jamie said, “Aye”, and he stared into the flames.
Fiona sighed next to him, “When your father was here, every hall of this old place was filled with laughter. He was always so kind to everyone, from the kitchen cook to your angry cousin Donald.” She laughed slightly to herself, remembering. “He was the love of my life.” She turned and placed her hand on Jamie’s. “I wish as much for you, my dear.”
Jamie thought back to when his father, Laird James, had died four years prior in The Battle of Culloden. He saw his father, pride in his eyes, fall victim to an English bullet and release his lifeblood into the grassy hills. Since Jamie returned home alone limping from the battle, released from prison and spared his life, a light had gone from his mother’s eyes, and no matter how hard he tried, he hadn’t been able to replace it.
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