Page 17 of A Merry MacNaughton
“When Rabbie left for Canada?” asked Calum, his tone light but his eyes intense.
“Nay, Rabbie was a childhood crush. A sweet boy who made my lip bleed when he tried to kiss the first time.” Calum’s face darkened, and she took a wicked pleasure in it.
“The first time?” His voice was quiet and deep. His brothers began a round of teasing, Hamish punching Calum’s arm and Finley making irritating gasps and chortles.
Peigi grinned. “The second time he missed my mouth completely. He was never a good aim with a bow or rifle either.”
Calum scowled then let out a laugh. “Ye’re a saucy lass to be sure.”
“Always has been, my boy. Just like her mother,” informed Malachi. “Now, how about some music? Ailish says this family is quite talented.”
The MacNaughtons were as talented as they were entertaining. Finley played the fiddle, Angus was a master on the bagpipes, and Ailish moved her fingers over the harp strings as sweetly as an angel. Her father and Calum lent their voices to an old Scottish folk song.
Angus bowed before his wife. “Would ye care to dance, milady?”
“It would be my greatest pleasure.”
Malachi took over the fiddle while Fin and Ham joined their parents in a reel. Calum sat next to Peigi, patting his knee to the beat. She watched the easy and practiced way they danced together, laughter filling the room as they held hands and moved in a circle, then separating. Angus whispering something in his wife’s ear each time they joined hands or passed one another. A touch, a look, an intimate brush of a hand. She sighed, wondering if her parents would have remained so affectionate.
“Ye see it, too, I ken. Theirs is a true and genuine love. It’s the reason I havena married. My brothers and I want what my parents have.” He began clapping his hands. “I hope ye like to dance. Soon, I’ll be swinging ye around like that.”
Her throat tightened at his confession. He longed for the love he saw between his parents. Yet, he was willing to settle for only a possibility of that. Why? Duty? Nay, the MacNaughtons were not duty-bound to the Craiggs. Pity? He had expressed his distaste of the earl’s proposition. Or was he honor-bound to accept her father’s attempt to settle his debt? Peigi shook her head. This was not her worry or concern. The men had made decisions and, as a dutiful daughter, she must accept it. Even if she received so much more from the bargain. If Calum regretted the union, it was a burden she would have to bear. Her grandfather’s words came back to her.It could always be worse, lass.
But for who?
They were toleave in the morning. The wedding would take place on Hogmanay, the last day of the year. Peigi would begin the new year as Mrs. MacNaughton. First, she would return to Castle Craigg and put the household in order and pack her belongings. Several heirlooms had been designated as part of her bridal dowry. This afternoon, she would accompany Calum on a secret mission. The man had been so mysterious about the destination, she had broken into another giggle. The swelling had gone from her leg, thanks to Enid’s ministrations, and she was ready for some fresh air. She would miss the Craiggs but knew these people would become like family to her. Even the crusty chieftain had a certain charm.
Tiny flakes floated in front of the window, like sugar sprinkled on a tart.
“What are ye reading?” asked her father.
She sat in the parlor with a book as she waited for Calum. With a guilty glance at the cover, she shrugged. “I’ve been distracted.”
“Are ye happy with the way things are turning out then, Daughter?” His eyes held worry and she wanted to ease it.
“Aye. I think Uncle Archie will be pleased, too.” She reached for his hand and gave his fingers a squeeze. “I’ve slept sound since I accepted the offer of marriage. Ye were right, Calum is a good man. I’m lucky to be bound to such a generous man and loving family. But…”
“But? That was never a good word when yer mother used it.” He sat next to her in one of the upholstered chairs, looking uncomfortable as he lowered himself on the pattern of delicate flowers.
“I will miss ye, Da.” She blinked back the tears. “Ye saved me, ye saved the clan, but at what cost?”
“Ah, my sweet bairn, I would give my life for ye.” His voice thick, he pulled her up and folded her in a tight embrace. “Ye’re a day’s ride from us. We’ll see each other often. And I’ll ken that ye are well taken care of and happy. I canna ask for more.” He pinched her cheek. “Except for bairns to bounce on an old man’s knee.”
She blushed and hugged him back. “Thank ye, Da. I love ye so.”
A throat cleared and Calum stood at the door. “If ye’re busy, we can go later.”
“I wouldna miss this adventure for a chance to meet Bonnie Prince Charlie himself.”
A large, black gelding had been harnessed to a sledge. Calum helped her onto the seat and climbed in next to her. “We have one stop to make first. This is where yer help is needed.” He grinned and winked at her, sending her stomach into a tumble.
He clicked to the horse and guided them past the house and toward the stable. Stopping in front of the structure, he helped her down and escorted her inside. In the last stall, a reddish-gray Scottish deerhound lay sprawled in the straw, multiple puppies climbing over and around her.
Peigi gasped and dropped to her knees, ignoring the bits of dust and straw covering her freshly-washed traveling cloak. She picked one up and touched its nose with hers, breathing in the scent of puppy breath. “Oh, Calum. They are precious.”
“Enid’s niece lost her dog in November. She’s only seven, and the dog had been with her since she was a bairn.” He picked up one of the pups. “I want to give her one of Luna’s litter, but I have no idea what a wee lass would like. So I need ye to pick one out.”
“Ye are a caring man. I’d be honored to assist.” After carefully inspecting each pup, she decided on a female that looked like the mother. Peigi tucked the squirming bundle of fur inside her cloak and they returned to the sledge.
