Page 37 of A Sinful Night with a Scot
Instead of placating the maid, however, those words only seemed to make her even sadder. “Oh, me lady,” she sighed.
“It is what it is and I have made peace with me destiny a long time ago,” she looked everywhere but in the maid’s eyes. “Ye might nae realize how lucky ye are fer nae been born a laird’s daughter.”
And then they were quiet for some time. Elsie, too, felt the heavy weight of the maid’s despair, and in that small moment, they shared it together. But as Anna finished intricately styling the last strand of hair, pinning it with skill, the maid took a long breath in.
“Well,” she said, pinning a smile on her face. “Let us nae think on such things. Instead, we’re going tae mak’ certain ye make an entrance.”
Anna stepped away and lifted a gown she had brought with her. Elsie spun around on the chair to look.
“Oh, Anna,” she breathed.
“Aye.” The lass beamed a determined smile. “All eyes will be on ye this night.”
It took another half an hour of Anna fixing, and pulling and tucking and tightening, until eventually, Elsie was ready. Tentatively walking over to the full-length mirror, she gazed atherself, her lips parted breathlessly, while Anna stood back with glowing delight, admiring her hard work.
“Keane’s sister has good taste, I’ll give her that,” Elsie breathed.
Gold threads were woven through the green silk brocade dress that cinched at the waist, highlighting Elsie’s tiny figure. The boned corset was tight against her bosoms, lifting them, and forcing the pale plump flesh to burst out at the top, while the skirt draped down to the floor, high at the back with the tussled underskirts. The sleeves were tight to her arm, and flared out just after the elbow, with a band of dark velvet draping at the cuff.
Around her throat, she wore a pearl necklace, her long neck accentuated and naked thanks to the intricate style of her long locks Anna had pinned to her head, beautifully decorated with a feathered clip.
“Ye look beautiful, me lady,” Anna gushed.
Elsie turned to speak, but was distracted by a firm knock at the door.
“It is time,” the maid said, hurrying across the room to answer it.
Elsie turned towards the door as it opened. Keane took an automatic step into the room, and then, catching sight of her, faltered, his mouth falling open while he took a steep breath in.
“Holy God,” he blurted.
She felt a sudden rush of heat spiral up her throat, climb past her lips, and pool at her cheeks. She had no idea what she was supposed to say to his obvious astonishment, but she did notice Anna, still holding the door, and now standing behind him, nearly bursting with pride, her smile as wide as it would go.
While Keane still struggled to gather himself, Elsie noticed she wasn’t the only one who had made an effort, for he looked more than striking in his formal attire.
“Ye look well, me laird,” Elsie said nervously, desperate to ease the tension, and feeling like she had to say something.
His eyes had scanned her body several times now. She was certain he was still a little flustered, but clearing his throat, he nodded. “And ye, look absolutely exquisite,” he breathed. He held his hand out to her. “Shall we?”
He had still not fully gathered himself as they made their way down the broad stone staircase, and continued on to the great hall. But while Keane’s mind was elsewhere, Elsie’s stomach was turning as knots formed, the nerves growing at every step.
She was to be presented in front of all who resided in the castle, which was no easy task, for when she walked through the doors they now approached, she knew every eye in that room would fall upon her, and that thought utterly terrified her.
The guards at the door bowed towards them and opened both doors wide. Laughter, conversation and music trickled out to meet them, but as they entered, all the noise faded away, replaced by gasps and murmurs, as, just as Elsie imagined, every eye fell upon her.
Oh, God. Oh, God. Oh, God.
Her body shook, the tremor travelling to the very ends of her fingers, but then, Keane, who still held her hand tightly, lifted her hand, and tucking her arm under his, pulled her in close to him.
“I’ve got ye,” he growled under his breath.
At that moment, Elsie felt suddenly bolstered by his protectiveness. Forgotten were all the snide comments, smirks, and scowls he had given her over the last few days. Tonight, he was with her, not just beside her, but really with her. He held her to him as they travelled past all those looking on, most of whom were wide-eyed and in awe at her appearance.
Perhaps Anna went a little too far with me outfit.
“Ye are a vision,” Keane breathed. “Dinnae be ashamed o’ ye beauty.”
He spoke as though he had plucked the very thought from her mind, and while her stomach still clenched, Elsie could not help but feel alive at his words. Evidently, he was also keeping to theirvow, for this was the kindest he had been to her since that first day he snatched her from the chapel. But she felt more than that. She felt empowered by him. He, her protector, and she, his loyal wife.At least in front of his clan.
