Page 64 of The Trials of Alaric
Bea touched it. “That is not old enough to be from Lulach’s time,” she objected.
“Whatever is inside is what counts,” said Alaric.
“You open it,” Bea decided. “If it is the Heart, then it is your place to find it.”
Alaric lifted the bag. “It is a fair weight,” he commented. He cupped the base of the bag and shifted his hand to feel what was inside. “A chain and something flattish,” he said.
She was bouncing with impatience. “Open it,” she pleaded.
He untied the strings that held it closed and tipped the contents into his hand. Gold, as bright as the day it was beaten into links and a smooth heart shape. Alaric turned the shape over to show the surface, with its central ruby and the engraving all around—workers in the fields, fishermen, people dancing—similar to the backgrounds of the panels.
“The Heart of Claddach,” Bea said, her voice hushed. “But why did Papa sayIam the heart?”
“Because you are.” Alaric’s voice was equally low and reverent. “You are the heart, and this is the Heart. You are the secret gold, and this is the secret gold. This is the symbol of which you are the reality. May I put it on you, Bea? Will you give me the right?”
She knew what he was asking, and she had already given him his answer. Still, something in her wanted it all. “You may propose now,” she replied, and his eyes lit with laughter, even as he lowered himself to one knee.
“Beatrice Collington, Heart of Claddach and possessor of my own heart, will you be my wife? Will you allow me to stand beside you and support you and Claddach all the days of my life?”
Oh! That was perfect. A simple yes would not suffice. “Alaric Redhaven, I will. You have passed my father’s trials and my own. Stand with me as Master of Claddach and master of my heart.”
He rose from his knee and kissed her, then he put the chain over her head, so the Heart nestled between her breasts. Then he kissed her again.
“I love you, Bea,” he said.
“I love you, too,” she told him. It was some time before they locked up the cupboards and the door to the room.
*
When Bea producedthe Heart of Claddach, Eunys was as awed by it as Bea had been. Bea gave her the Heart’s bag to put away. Tonight, she would wear the Heart for all to see. She asked for a dinner gown that would do it justice, but Eunys had first to study it and exclaim over it before she pulled from the dressing room a gown in dark green against which the Heart blazed.
Bea and Alaric had agreed to meet in a parlor downstairs and allow the rest of the house party to gather in the drawing room before they entered together. Bea was delayed more than she expected as servants gathered to watch her pass. Eunys must have disclosed the news and it had spread quickly.
She arrived in the parlor to find Alaric had only just arrived. He, too, had been detained by servants who wanted to congratulate him and tell him how pleased they were.
“You look amazing,” Alaric said, his gaze skimming her once and then focusing on the Heart.
“You look splendid,” she returned. “So, do you think Eunys and Colyn conspired?” He was dressed all in black, white, and silver, except for a waistcoat the same color as her gown.
He glanced at it, and chuckled. “Now I know what was in the message that came for Colyn while I was dressing.”
“Let us join the others,” said Bea holding out a hand. He took it and led the way out into the passage. They were greeted by clapping. The passage was lined on both sides by servants, who smiled and clapped as Bea and Alaric walked the short distance to the doors to the drawing room.
Two beaming footmen opened the doors and Skelly announced them: “Lady Beatrice Collister, heir to Claddach, and Master Alaric Redhaven, heir to Turstin Fitz Waudrile and Jamie McAllister.”
Conversation in the room stopped. So did Bea. Alaric must have shared the same impulse to give the servants their dramatic moment, for he stopped too at her side. He lifted her hand, so it rested on his and smiled at her before looking back into the room.
Papa walked toward them with both hands out, one to clasp Bea’s free hand and one for Alaric’s. His glanced at the Heart. “Well done, Alaric,” he said.
“I could not have done it without Bea,” Alaric answered, and Papa’s smile became a broad grin.
“You’ll do, young Master,” he replied, then he turned back into the room, standing at Bea’s side without releasing her hand. “My ladies, my lords, gentlemen, I am delighted to announce the betrothal of my daughter, Beatrice Elizabeth Maeve Collister, to Alaric Theodore Redhaven.”
Mama had recovered from her shock and was at the head of the crowd coming to congratulate Alaric and tell Bea how delighted she was. “He is a fine young man,” she said. “Your Papa has been telling me about how he behaved in the trials. And the Heart of Claddach! I had no idea that it was even real! Papa said he was certain Alaric would find it. Oh, Beatrice, I am so happy. Papa will see you married before…” She broke off and patted her eyes with a lace handkerchief from her reticule.
Aunt Joan put her arm around Mama’s shoulders. “There, there, Mary. Claddach is still with us. We must be glad of that. Especially on this happy occasion. Bea, dear, I am so happy for you. Congratulations, Master Redhaven.”
“Please,” said her betrothed, “call me Alaric, Aunt Joan.”
