Page 48 of Bride of the Merciless Laird
Now he must find his bride-to-be and advise her to ready herself for her wedding.
He found Tyra in her bedchamber, seated by the fire. She looked up as he strode in, her eyes clouded and anxious.
“I’ve been awaiting ye, Laird Ewan. What did yer Council say?”
“’Tis well, me lady. Their ire rose as I told them of our encounter and they will nae countenance Laird MacDonald entering our lands fer savagery.”
She got to her feet and stood before him, her chest rising and falling as he spoke.
“Dinnae fash.” He spoke soothingly. “We shall be wed on the morrow. Ye will be safe from the rough threats made by MacDonald. Our clan will defend ye if he should attack again.”
Her shoulders slumped and he saw the tension ease from her eyes. A faint smile wavered on her lips.
“I thank ye. This is indeed good news. But what of me braither, Laird MacNeacail, he hasnae yet been party tae arèiteach? How did the Council agree tae the wedding without the terms of the dowry and the betrothal agreed tae?”
“We will negotiate wi’ yer braither when he arrives here. The terms we’re asking will serve him well. Dinnae fash.”
He wished to stay to allay her fears even further, but he had much to arrange before the ceremony could take place. He took her hand, enveloping it in his and with the other he brushed away a loose lock from her forehead. “I shall see ye on the morrow, when ye enter the banqueting hall where the ceremony that will bind our union will be performed.”
She nodded, the smile hovering on her ruby lips enticing his. The memory of their kisses sent the blood rushing to his groin. He took a deep breath, turned, and strode to the door leaving Tyra to make her preparations. Tomorrow she would be his wife.
The remainder of his day was spent with Duncan and with Joseph.
Duncan was already rallying the garrison and sending messengers abroad to the clansmen to ready themselves if called upon to do battle with the MacDonalds. He ordered more patrols and more soldiers to guard the causeway. Then he progressed to discuss the arrangements for the marriage ceremony and the feast with Joseph. Finally, he summoned his will to deal with the priest. The man would not be happy to preside over an irregular marriage ceremony. But, regardless of any priestly concerns, the wedding must take place.
“Please ask Faither Conran tae join me in the study.”
The priest was a small, wizened man, with a bald pate that almost covered his entire head. Despite his aged appearance, his green eyes were bright and when he held his head in a tilt, like a curious bird, Ewan could almost see the thoughts racing through his head.
“So, ye wish me tae perform a handfasting fer ye. Nay banns have been published, so ye’ll nae wed in the kirk?”
“Aye,” Ewan bristled a little under the priest’s unwavering gaze and explained the reason for the urgency. “Nae time fer banns.The danger is close and I willnae risk me bride’s safety. We can dae that at a later time, if necessary.”
Father Conran nodded. “I understand, lad. I’ll attend ye both on the morrow and the ceremony will proceed.”
After he’d escorted the priest to his horse, Ewan returned through the bustling courtyard to the keep. Villagers had brought supplies for the feast, sausages, a side of venison, beets, cabbages and carrots. All precious produce from their own stores. All of them were proud to assist with the upcoming marriage of their laird.
He would keep them all safe from any marauders that might threaten.
After an early supper taken in his bedchamber, Ewan spent long hours in his chair by the fire. Eilean Donan and the castle had been made secure, he and Duncan had seen to it.
His birlinns were guarded by a contingent of soldiers placed in the landing place, the causeway was well guarded. If MacDonald attempted an assault, he would find his way blocked and his men routed.
Yet, despite his confidence in the impregnability of his castle, he still harbored fears for Tyra’s safety. She could not spend her days guarded within the keep. There would be times she would sail to Skye, or ride into the village and beyond.
He downed another dram, shaking his head. He refused to live his life fearing for Tyra’s safety. The final settlement with the Laird Harris could not come soon enough.
He arose early and made his way to the study to work on the draft of therèiteach. He wished to have it ready to present to Tyra’s brother – his soon to be brother-in-law – when he and his party arrived. He regretted that Laird MacNeacail would not be present for the ceremony, but time was short and he was not prepared to wait.
He’d only just finished the quick repast which had broken his fast, when Joseph was knocking at his door.
“Begging yer pardon fer the interruption, sire, Elder Hamish and young Aonghas representing Elder Jacob wish tae speak wi’ ye.”
With a huff of impatience Ewan got to his feet. “See them in, please.”
The two men sidled in and stood by the fire. Aonghas, looking uncomfortable, did not meet Ewan’s eyes, while Hamish shifted from one foot to the other, a faint grin on his face.
Ewan refrained from inviting them to sit in the hope they would make their visit brief. He frowned. “What is it lads? I’m working on an important paper. I wish tae have it prepared before the ceremony today and me time is precious.”
