Page 38 of In Love With the Wrong Highland Sister
“He hero-worships you,” Laria remarked one day as they walked along the turrets with William skipping in front.
“I would hardly call it that,” James replied, laughing.
William turned back then and grabbed James’s hand. “Will you lift me up onto the wall so I can see better?” he asked, pointing at the valley below them.
“No,” James said firmly. “It is too dangerous. You might fall. You can look over when you are tall enough.”
William knew that when James spoke like that, it was useless to argue. They had both established the boy’s boundaries early on in their relationship and had made it clear to him who was in charge. They both treated him strictly but fairly and lovingly, the way their own parents had done, and he had become a well-behaved and loving child. Both Laria and James were very proud of him.
Looking at the two of them, Laria could see that James was already the kind of father most boys adored and respected. She smiled inwardly as she realized that although William liked and perhaps even loved her in his own way, James meant everything to him, and she found that she had no objection to that at all.
19
Afew weeks before the weddings…
When Laria suggested a double wedding, she had thought that Eloisa would be thrilled and was amazed to find that she was not. She was, if anything, somewhat annoyed.
“It may sound selfish, Laria, but I want this to be a special day—a day just for us, one that we will remember for ourselves, not half of someone else’s. I don’t want to share it. I am sorry if you are upset with me.” She looked into her sister’s eyes, pleading for understanding.
“Oh, darling Ellie, I could never be upset with you,” Laria said soothingly as she put her arms around her sister. “And perhaps two weddings would be better. Two wedding dresses and two wedding feasts. It would be like being married twice, and Mother would be over the moon with happiness.”
“Plenty of time to fuss over each of her daughters in turn!” Ellie pointed out, giggling.
“And who will go first?” Laria asked.
“You should,” Eloisa said firmly.
Laria was puzzled. “Why not you?”
“Because you are the experienced one, and you can show me how everything is done.” Eloisa leaned forward and whispered, “And tell me all about the wedding night.”
“I can tell you about that already,” Laria reminded her.
“I know what happens.” Eloisa frowned in confusion. “But what am I supposed to do? Just lie there?”
“No,” Laria replied. “You have to please him too. I will tell you everything you need to know in good time, Ellie. And I have a book that I can show you, but not yet. When you read it, you will understand. You may be a little shocked now, but you will be far more so if you are unprepared. And believe me, you will not be shocked when it all happens.” Her voice was firm. “You will love it because you love him, Ellie. Do not be afraid.”
Eloisa was still staring at her sister, her expression doubtful. “Are you sure of that, Laria?”
Laria smiled. “Yes. I am absolutely sure because I experienced it myself.”
“Will you and James do it?” she asked, swallowing. “All the time?” Her eyes were wide as she looked at her sister.
“Yes,” Laria replied. “I know we will, all the time, and it will be wonderful, Ellie. You will love being with Gavin. I am sure of it. Every woman is unsure before her first time, but unless your husband is a brute, and I do not think for a moment that Gavin is, I think you will love it, and so will he.”
“Will it hurt?” Eloisa’s eyes were tearful, and Laria’s heart went out to her. She was so innocent.
“Yes, but only for a moment or two, and only the first time,” she answered soothingly. She sat down and drew Eloisa with her, then pulled her sister’s head onto her shoulder and stroked her shining fair hair. “You will be fine, I am sure. Robbie was very gentle with me, and I am sure that Gavin will be with you.”
The two sisters sat for a long time chatting and drinking wine before they both became drowsy.
Laria yawned. “Time for bed,” she said lazily. “And if you have any questions, just ask me. After all, that is what big sisters are for.”
“Please do not forget the book,” Eloisa reminded her. “Where did you get it?”
Laria looked around as if to see if anyone was in earshot, which was ridiculous since they were in her bedroom with the door firmly locked.
“I stole it,” she whispered, her eyes twinkling.
