Page 54 of Bride of the Merciless Laird
Only what it was Ewan required of their union, and why he’d insisted on this marriage, she was yet to learn. She knew it wasmore than simply to achieve the Mackenzie clan’s access to the trade route around Skye.
Musing on this, as she walked with him to the entrance to the keep, her heart grew heavy.
As she had only first met Ewan a matter of days ago, Edmund would hardly be expecting theirs to be a love match. Love took time to bloom and blossom and, while in her heart she hoped this may one day be the case, what was there between them now that could convince Edmund theirs was a genuine match?
In truth, her brother need only believe she was safe and that this marriage was what she had chosen freely, without coercion and without pressure and that Ewan was a fair, kind, and honest man.
Establishing all that would not pose a challenge. Her spirits lifted. All of it was true of Ewan and would quickly become evident to Edmund.
But it was Annora who would need convincing that marriage to Laird Ewan was genuinely what Tyra’s heart desired. Annora would be alert to every small thing she witnessed passing between them. Every gesture, every meeting of their eyes, every moment, whether it might be of fondness and respect or coldness and disaffection, would be weighed under Annora’s astute gaze.
One thing Tyra was certain of, was that neither Edmund nor Annora would be satisfied if they had even the slightest fear her happiness was at risk.
As they reached the entrance to the keep and took up position at the top of the stairs, she tucked her arm into Ewan's and pasted a smile on her face, breathing deeply to steady the raging butterflies in her belly.
She glanced at Ewan. “How on earth are we tae convince Edmund and Annora that all is well in this hasty marriage of ours?”
He smiled. “Dinnae fash, Lady Mackenzie. All will be well.”
She took some solace in the certainty of his tone.
By the time Joseph escorted her brother and sister-in-law and their two companions across the courtyard Tyra was ready to greet them.
Edmund and Annora were all smiles as they walked up the stairs and they each greeted her with a hearty embrace.
“It is good tae see ye safe,” Edmund said, taking a step back to hold her at arm’s length, studying her from head to toe. “Ye look well.”
Annora grinned. “And that is a glorious gown, me sweet Tyra.”
Of course, Annora’s probing eyes would notice the new gown right away.
Ewan quickly greeted Edmund’s companions, Lionel MacLaren and Tormod MacNeacail, passing a word to Joseph to accompany them into the keep. As the two men disappeared, seeing that Tyra was welcoming their guests, he turned to Edmund, proffering his hand.
As the two men shook hands Tyra observed them each taking the other’s measure. As this was to be a union between clans it was important for them both to be able to see eye-to-eye on important matters. She hoped there would be more than just agreement. Mayhap, with time, her brother and her new husband might even become friends.
Eyes sparkling with pleasure, Annora took Tyra’s hands in hers and squeezed them tight. “’Tis splendid tae see ye again dear Sister. We were both so very concerned fer yer safety when word came tae us of the attack.”
Tyra shrugged aside Annora’s anxious words. This was not the time to talk of what had befallen her. Instead, she managed a wide smile and took Annora’s hand. “Come. Ye have reached us in time tae share our wedding feast.”
Annora looked taken aback. “Wedding? Already? We both thought the wedding would nae take place until after we arrived.” She frowned. “How could it be, fer there’s been nae time fer publishing the banns?”
Tyra felt her face flush. “With nay time fer the banns, Father Conran presided over our handfasting.” She cast Annora a rueful smile. “There were certain unexpected events that befell us. An attack. After that, Ewan decided it was best fer the safekeeping of all, fer us tae marry without delay.”
Annora shot her a look of alarm. “Safekeeping?”
Tyra shook her head. “We can discuss it on the morrow.” she said in a hasty whisper, guiding her sister-in-law toward the hall. “Now it is time fer ye both tae enjoy our festivities, eat yer fill of our fine food and drink Ewan’s best French wine.”
Annora placed a hand over Tyra’s. “Indeed, we shall be honored tae share such a special night wi’ ye both.”
After handing over Annora’s and Edmunds cloaks to one of the chambermaids, the two lasses trailed behind Edmund and Ewan to the noisy banqueting hall. As they entered, a hush fell over the festivities and all heads turned toward them.
Tyra hoped Edmund would be impressed by the grandeur of the hall. This keep was vast in size, dwarfing the MacNeacail keep at Scorrybreac. Clan Mackenzie lands were extensive, covering a large area to the north and south and controlling the seas to the west.
Her marriage to Ewan would surely please Edmund, at least as a most advantageous union of their clans.
Once space was made at the table for the two newcomers, Ewan rose to his feet holding his goblet of wine aloft.
“Me bride and I are greatly honored tae have our wedding feast graced by the presence of me braither-in-law, Edmund, Laird of Clan MacNeacail, and his wife Lady Annora. Let us drink tae their health.”
