Page 71 of Bride of the Wicked Laird
He had yet to endure the night’s feast before he could ask her to handfast with him and for her to put him out of his misery by telling him yes.
He was charmed by the sight that met his gaze when they entered the solar.
Aileen was seated in front of the fire, her untouched embroidery on her lap, while Davina softly trilled the strings of theclàrsach, with a soft, sweet, melody.
He put up his hand, smiling, his heart warmed by the smile she sent his way. “Dinnae stop yer playing. “’Yer music is beguiling. It soothes me soul tae hear ye play.”
Davina played until the final notes faded, then she stood and curtsied to Everard.
“Ye have me grateful thanks, me laird. Ne’er did I dream I would receive a gift of such pure magic as this weeclàrsach.”
At once the encroaching misery was whisked away. An idea dawned.Let the Council meet the fair lass they were so against.
“Davina, I’ve nae heard such sweet music. Yer melodies are even more spirited and gracious than even me dear maither once played. Can I prevail upon ye tae play fer us and the Clan Council at the feast tonight?”
Aileen clapped her hands. “Och, that would be a great treat fer us all.”
Davina’s cheeks were pink. “How could I refuse when ye’ve endowed me with this perfect gift. I shall play fer ye tonight and hope there are other souls will enjoy the magic of this bonnyclàrsach.”
She smiled at him, her cheeks flushing pink and he turned to liquid at the sparkle in her eyes as she met his gaze.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
As Davina rose from the table in the feasting hall all eyes were upon her. Unused as she was to being the center of attention, it was not as unpleasant as she’d feared. Even so, her hands trembled as she walked across the hall holding theclàrsachand perched on the high stool where all could see her and hear the music. She draped the folds of her long green kirtle around her, resting her feet on the stool’s crossbar, propping the instrument on her knees.
Looking up, she caught Everard’s proud smile and gulped in a deep breath, exhaling slowly, so that her ragged breathing achieved something akin to calm.
Yet from the moment she plucked the first string, her hands steadied. The old instrument spoke to her lovingly and the melodies flowed, almost as if she had only to lay her hands on the it for the mellifluous sounds to come forth. Her fingers found the familiar notes and her heart swelled with the music.
She played until her small repertoire came to an end and she rose from the stool to the sound of clapping. Everard held his goblet of wine on high and proposed a toast.
“Slàinte mhath, friends, I drink tae the good health of ye and I thank ye fer attending our meeting today. I drink also tae the fair lady Davina, who has entertained us all with such sweet melodies.”
The assembled Clan Council members and their ladies raised their drinks echoing Everard’s words.
He stepped across the room to meet her halfway, lifting the instrument, and taking her arm. He dipped his head and spoke in a soft voice. “That was beautiful, me sweet. As are ye.” Her heart stuttered at his words and her throat tightened, making speech difficult. His eyes were shining as he led her to her seat beside his.
As the night drew to a close, several members of the Council came by to thank her for the music. One grey-hair was particularly gracious.
“I am pleased tae make yer acquaintance, melady. I cannae recall when I’ve been entertained with such skill and charm.” He glanced meaningfully at Everard.
“Apologies, Uncle. I should have already introduced ye. This is me maither’s braither, Davina. Me Uncle George. He stays in the north of the Island.”
The man bowed from the waist and nodded to Everard. “Mayhap I need reverse me decision,” he said, enigmatically. “I daresay I am nay the only one of the Council who may have had a change of heart this evening.”
George wished them both a good night and moved among the other members of the Council, nodding and shaking hands, before he left the hall with his good wife.
When she looked at Everard, somewhat puzzled by George’s words, Everard simply smiled and placed a finger to his lips.
“Thank ye fer yer charm and fer yer music, me sweet Lady Davina. Will ye walk wi’ me a while when they’ve all taken their leave? There are matters I wish tae discuss.”
She nodded, glancing at him in an attempt to discern what was on his mind. But he was already speaking with another of the Council who was making his farewells before being ferried across to lodgings in the village for the night.
Once the last of them had taken their leave, Everard extended a hand to assist her from her seat as Aileen and Maxwell went over to them.
Aileen leaned in and delivered a sisterly kiss to Davina’s cheeks. “Ye did us proud wi’ yer beautiful playing, Davina. Bravo!”
Maxwell nodded, adding his thanks. “Well done, lass.”
