Page 49 of Bride of the Merciless Laird
Hamish was the one who spoke. “We’re here representing the Council as spokesmen. There is a matter of some delicacy we need tae discuss wi’ ye.”
Ewan sighed. “Come sit, gentlemen.” They walked to the table where they pulled up two chairs and sat. Ewan joined them after moving his parchments aside and waited expectantly.
“As ye ken, milaird,” Hamish began. Pausing, he cleared his throat before continuing. “The handfasting ceremony will take place in the banqueting hall later today. There’s nay chapel or kirk tae be involved.”
Ewan nodded gravely. “If ye’re concerned the marriage willnae be recognized by the church, I have been assured by Father Conran that he will preside according tae all kirk law and that the handfasting will be recognized, even though it is an irregular marriage. And we will then consider a church ceremony at a later time, if deemed necessary.”
Hamish coughed again, drumming his fingers on the table. “Och, lad. That is what we need tae discuss wi’ ye.” He took a deep breath and looked directly at Ewan.
“The handfasting has certain requirements tae be met before it can be accepted as law.”
Ewan leaned back in his chair, clasping his hands across his belly, his impatience blooming at the delay. “I am well aware of what is required of me.”
“So, as ye ken, fer the marriage tae be lawful, ye must both agree that the marriage is what ye both wish. There is nay coercion, nay one is being forced against their will.”
Ewan huffed. “Of course, lad. The marriage is what both parties have agreed tae of their own free will.”
There was another cough from Hamish and Aonghas shifted uncomfortably in his seat. A pause hung in the air like a stone.
“Well?” Ewan said, finally.
“The other condition that must be met fer the marriage tae be accepted as lawful, is that is must be consummated.” Aonghas blurted out the sentence, his face reddening.
“Aye. I understand the conditions.”
Hamish went on. “All the members of the Council understand why ye’ve objected fer so long tae our demands fer ye tae remarry. We ken ye’ve vowed ne’er tae risk a lass’s life by causing her tae be wi’ child and the rigors of giving birth that will come from it.”
Ewan nodded, drawing in a breath and slowly releasing it. The raw words on Hamish’s tongue tumbled him into memories that cut deep. “Ye’re right, lad.” He lifted his head and met Hamish’s dark gaze unflinchingly. Despite the affront, it’d be no hardship to give them the lie that would appease them. “Tell thecouncilors they should have nay fear. I will perform the duty expected of me tae ensure the legality of the marriage.”
Both the other men nodded slowly.
Aonghas sucked in a breath and huffed it out nervously before he spoke. “Aye, Laird Ewan, that may be so, but the Council wishes proof of the consummation.”
Ewan bristled, frowning. “They willnae take me word?”
Hamish shrugged. “Ye’ve told us all these past five years that ye’d nae take another lass tae yer bed fer fear of bringing a wean. Each time we’ve prevailed upon ye tae consider another marriage ye’ve reminded us of yer vow. Please forgive some their skepticism.”
Ewan’s thoughts were falling over themselves at what he was being asked. He was well aware that the Council had the right to witness the act of consummation within the marriage chamber should they insist upon proof. His head whirled. This was a violation. Yet, he had no right to disagree.
He growled, clenching his fists by his side. “I’ll nae tolerate the impertinence of witnesses at me marriage bed.”
Hamish shook his head. “’Tis nae what they demand,” he said soothingly. “On the morrow, they wish tae see the sheets from the marriage bed.”
This statement was met with a loud “pshaw” from Ewan. Even though this was a step back from what they had a right to, it still went against the grain that his word would not be accepted.
“Very well.” He gritted his teeth and rose from the table, standing aside for the others to get to their feet. “Ye may tell the councilors that I shall give them what they wish.” His eyes were flashing fire as he spoke. “But ye may also tell them that I am greatly offended that me word isnae good enough fer them.”
“I dinnae think the councilors will be surprised tae hear ye’re nae pleased, milaird.” Hamish mumbled. “If they have offended ye, they regret it. Yet we wish tae be satisfied we are nae breaking the law. We have naught but good wishes fer ye and the lady, but given the threat the clan now faces from Harris MacDonald, we all wish tae be certain that yer marriage is beyond lawful challenge.”
Hamish and Aonghas both bowed from the waist.
Ewan gave a grudging nod and ushered the two men out before closing the study door behind them with a loud crash.
He returned to therèiteachbut the words on the parchment danced before his angry eyes, refusing to settle and form coherent sentences.
This is nae the time fer me tae deal with a serious matter that requires all me wits.
He replaced the stopper in the ink and laid down his quill. Mayhap there would be time later. Rising to his feet, he moved to the door. What was required was a crisp stride along the tower battlements to clear his head and wait for his rage to subside.
