Page 54 of An Allusive Love
“Ye’re lovelier than the first day of spring after a long winter. If my brother doesna come to his senses, I’ll marry ye.”
Lachlan stood smiling down at her, handsome in his tartan kilt and blue dress coat, auburn hair combed back, the silver chains of his dress sporran glittering. He had returned for the festivities and would escort the bride to the kirk. Ross Craigg had refused to attend the ceremony. No one had argued his decision and hoped he didn’t change his mind.
“Today is about Nessie and Hamish, but I thank ye for the compliment.” Kirstine blushed.
A stranger stood at the entrance of the hall dressed in the English fashion, his wine-colored tailcoat fitting snugly across his shoulders with an embroidered gold waistcoat and matching trousers. He had the same dark looks and blue eyes as Calum and Brodie, except his features were sharper, more English, she guessed. His intense gaze searched the room and landed on something behind her.
Kirstine turned to see Lissie blushing, then disappear into the crowd. “Is that yer cousin and aunt?”
“Aye.” He waved them over. “I’ll introduce ye.”
Maeve was a tall, graceful woman with shining auburn hair and a brilliant smile. She resembled a younger Peigi, but with the MacNaughton eyes.
“Are ye enjoying yer visit?” Kirstine asked after the introductions.
“Aye, it’s been too long.” Maeve nodded at several passersby. “I’ve no’ attended a cèilidh since I was a girl. I feel years younger just being here.”
“I’m surprised ye’ve kept yer brogue.” There was such a difference between mother and son when they spoke.
“I’m afraid it gets stronger the longer she’s here,” explained Gideon. “May I ask if you are related to the MacDunns of the day?”
Kristine nodded. “Hamish is my cousin. We are grateful to yer grandfather for his intervention.”
“Then Rory MacDunn is your uncle?” Gideon shook his head. “He’s a good man. I’m glad the truth came out about the sheep.”
“My cousin was in Dunderave when Craigg was caught in his lies,” added Lachlan. “I imagine he liked thescunnerless than me.”
“I certainly don’t trust the seedy shaver,” he agreed. “It’s hard to believe Lissie is related to him.”
Lachlan grinned. “Ye can choose yer friends, but yer stuck with family.”
Someone yelled from the courtyard that the bride had arrived. Maeve took Gideon’s arm, and they moved to the entrance. Before they left the hall, Kirstine noted that he had attached Lissie to his other arm.
“May I?” asked Lachlan, extending his arm. She placed his fingers on his.
Outside, Nessie waited in a wagon, her cheeks glowing in her muslin rose gown. Her shining, dark hair fell loose over her shoulders, crowned with a ringlet of pink flowers.
“Right foot forward for good luck,” someone yelled.
“Yer father hated these old wives’ tales. I’ve almost forgotten some of them,” she heard Maeve tell Gideon as the girl stepped down with the correct foot.
A piper led the procession to the kirk, followed by neighbors who sprinkled a trail of flower petals, the groom, and then Lachlan escorting the bride. The bagpipes serenaded the party as they stopped at the front steps. The men were splendid in their tartans with dress sporrans and glinting dirks, hair clean and shining, beards trimmed or faces shaved. The women wore their best satin or silk dresses or earasaids, plaids over their shoulders or across their chest, depending on their station.
At the ancient kirk door, Reverend Robertson welcomed the couple. Hamish gave Nessie a sheaf of wheat, and she gave him a piece of woven cloth, representing their promise to each other to provide for their home. Next, the couple exchanged a dagger and a bible.
“This shows his physical pledge and her spiritual pledge to defend their home,” the reverend spoke to the assembly. The guests crowded into the small church. Near the altar, Lachlan’s sword hissed as he unsheathed it to make a circle around the couple. As he did so, the couple said in unison,
“The Mighty Three, my protection be, encircleme,
You are around my life, my love, myhome.
Encircle me, O sacred three, the MightyThee.”
Reverend Robertson finished the ceremony and presented the couple to the crowd. “You may kiss the bride.” Hamish took Nessie’s hands in his and stared at her for a long moment. Then he dipped his head, brushed his lips lightly across her mouth, and leaned his forehead against hers. Kirstine dabbed at her eyes with her knuckle, so happy for the young couple who had come so close to losing one another.
Aye, Brodie, it’s our turn next.
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