The Unwilling Groom

By Cait Perez

Enid carries a secret that only her family knows. She is blind. Her vision is limited to no more than the distance from her outreaching fingertips.

Her betrothed, however, is not an enthusiastic groom. He's been given the best of everything and is not much more than a spoiled future laird. He is unruly and disrespectful even on the night of his wedding to Enid.

What prompts Finley McCoy to become the man he has to be in order to lead his people and love his bride?

Enid continues to be just what she is. Her limitation in vision does not hinder her skills as a young lady of noble birth. Can Finley learn in time to make things right by her?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Byron Rider
• Release date: May 7, 2016
• ISBN: 9781310950179

Cait Perez

About Cait Perez. That is a big story. Born in the 1960's, she was taught to be a housewife and mother. She was creative most of her childhood, although her talents lay in visual art, painting, coloring, and drawing. By the time she was a teenager she read everything she could get her hands on. She also found out she was quite the convincing storyteller. Writing has never been a problem for Cait. She was quite good at putting words together on paper. She loves different styles of writing, from adventure, to academic, to fantasy and historic. Using her vast tastes she decided one day "What the heck?" and wrote a book. From there another and another. Currently she has completed many books and has been told she is prolific if nothing else. Her life is full of change and diversity,too. As a shy and understated child, she kept to herself and was only pulled out of corners by others who wished to spend time with her. Low self-eseem made her think very low of her own value, but it seemed that other children and adults saw something in her that she didn't see in herself. No matter her own low self-image, Cait understands how intelligent and capable she is. She is kind of an oxymoron in that way, bu it's alright--it works for her. She enjoys history so much that her genre is Historic fiction adventure with a bit of love and romance. She tries to use historically correct landmarks and names as much as is possible, but of course with the literaray license she can use. Scotland is her love. She has never been, but one day will go, only because she's never been. The Highlands, with the rough mountains and rougher people,compels her. Writing books is now something she does a lot. She gets up and writes. Comes home from work and writes. She takes most of her time reading for ideas and then writing. Her hope is that you will enjoy what she writes. After all, Cait is a giver, above all things.

Book preview

The Unwilling Groom

By:

Cait Perez

Copyright 2015 Byron Rider

Published by Byron Rider at Smashwords

Smashwords Edition License Notes

Thank you for downloading this e-book. This book remains the copyrighted property of the author, and may not be redistributed to others for commercial or non-commercial purposes. If you enjoyed this book, please encourage your friends to download their own copy from their favorite authorized retailer. Thank you for your support.

Table of Contents

Title Page

Disclaimer

Dedication

Other Titles by Cait Perez

Acknowledgements

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

To My Readers

About the Author

Acknowledgements

First, I would like to thank anyone who has given me a chance to share my words with them. I love to write and hope that my stories resonate in the minds of my readers.

Second, I would like to thank my relatives. Those who supported me have been invaluable. Those who chose to turn their backs on me? Without you I would never have been able to say Watch me.

Third, I would like to thank anyone and everyone else. I have learned a lot through reading the works of others, have learned through my experiences in day-to-day live. I appreciate the love you taught me and I hope I have brought it to life in the pages of my story.

Disclaimers

**

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

**

The locations, movies, products, and such, are mostly all real. I looked up much of these using internet search engine, Google. The active story characters, however, are not. If I accidentally managed to make any one of my characters seem like you, it was not intentional, and I hope they are the good guys.

**

Some of the characters may be historic and were real, but their behaviors in the author’s writing reflect traits that coincide with the plot and may not be completely historically accurate.

**

The language used in this historical fiction book comes from Medieval times. During this historic era, there were no standards regarding spelling. Many people used the same words in different ways. Due to the lack of standardized spelling, the reader may find that my word choices do not coincide with other works. That is our literary license as authors, to do our best with the information that we have.

**

Unfortunately, there are no people still alive who lived in Medieval Europe to ask for appropriate reference.

Dedication

Sometimes there are just so many people who have inspired my work. I thank those authors who have written excellent works that gave me ideas for my own. I thank those who have written excellent screen plays that have inspired me to do my own writing. I thank my students who laugh in all the right places and ask, even though I will not solicit my work in class, what my books are about and how they can get them.

To each of you, thank you so much for your assistance in inspiration and self-confidence. You are all appreciated.

Other Titles by Cait Perez

The MacRae Series

The Silver Eyed Warrior

Amber Flame

Highland Beginning

Other Titles

No Home in Time

Taming the Free Spirit

A Simple Thank You

A Maiden’s Beauty

Fourth Time a Charm

No Home in Time

Which Love to Choose

To Conquer the Viking

Prologue

The banns had been posted. The contracts signed, and the dowry and bride price paid. There was nothing left for Enid MacFarlane to do but wed her betrothed. She took a deep breath, looked at herself in the floor-length mirror one more time.

Her mother stood behind her, holding her lovingly by the shoulders. Och, Enid. You are so verra bonny. She sobbed.

Thank ye, Mum. I ken I amnae a prize, but ye have made me look maun lovely.

Ye ne’er did ken the strength of yer beauty, love. Her mother, Lis MacFarlane whispered to her as she gave her a hug. Are ye ready, love? she asked.

Just then Enid jumped, someone was pounding heavily on the door.

Are ye going to hide in there all the morn’? the bristled man’s voice growled through the door. Lis rolled her eyes and smiled gently before opening the door.

"Husband. It is not e’ery day our wee lass will be getting wed. I wanted her to feel as perfect as she is."

Seoc’s expression softened when he saw his wife in the door, hands fisted to her waist and scolding. Aye, love. I ken what ye mean. Our wee bonny Enid wasnae e’er verra much on herself. She makes a verra bonny bride. Since ye, I have ne’er seen more bonny a one. He said then, reaching past his wife to take his daughter’s hand.

Come, dearest. Yer braw husband awaits. He said.

He isnae yet me husband, Da. She said then paused. Is he truly braw?

Seoc chuckled. Aye, he is. As for being yer husband, he has only a few hours afore ‘tis truth. Seoc told her.

She nodded, her cheeks turning an attractive pink. He leaned down and kissed her on the cheek, feeling the heat.

E’eryone awaits, Da. A man’s voice called from the main floor of the keep. Come on, then. He said joyfully.

When Seoc, accompanied by Enid, followed by his wife, Lis, reached the main floor, Valdemar’s mouth dropped open. His sister, to whom he was completely devoted as a protector, could not believe his eyes. No longer was there a mousy young thing with braids and a dirty nose standing before him. The vision of the most beautiful young woman he had ever seen had taken root in his eyes. He took in her appearance. She wore an ivory gown that was framed by a conservative neckline in green lace that accented her hazel eyes to make them sparkle. She held her eyes half-shut, her dark blond eyelashes casting shadows on her cheekbones. Her cheeks were still the lovely rose-colored.

In her hair, her mother and lady’s maid had twined purple and white heather for luck. Her blond locks, hanging half-way down her thighs, were brushed to a golden sheen that could have put the sun to shame.

Seoc grinned at his son and reached forward to shut his mouth. Ye dinnae wish the flies to come a’ calling do ye? he asked, laughing.

Valdemar shut his mouth and raised his arm to take his sister the rest of the way to the chapel. Seoc granted his son his request, placing Enid’s hand over Valdemar’s arm. Then, the elder MacFarlane dropped back to take his wife’s hand in his arm.

The four of them walked to the chapel. Everyone was already seated when Seoc and Lis stepped into the chapel and to the front; to the laird’s family apportioned seats. Valdemar stood in the doorway, in the shadows, with his sister. He could feel her trembling. Dinnae worry, sister. The mon willnae hurt ye. He isnae a bad mon, ye ken?

I dinnae ken at all, Valdemar. She struggled to keep herself from crying, squeezing her eyes tightly.

Besides, I’d have his bollocks if he tried. He told her. Valdemar looked at her with loving concern and tugged on her arm. ‘Tis time. he whispered. She nodded and the two walked into the church.

The first thing Enid saw was all the members of her own clan, friends and even the servants were invited to attend. She saw a few strangers wearing the McCoy plaid. They were salted through the MacFarlane and made for a spectacular and colorful display. The plaids swirled in front of her face. She could not make out the faces, only the shadows. She could almost determine another woman and man sat in the MacFarlane pews beside her father and mother. She supposed they must be Finley’s parents.

She looked forward to see who her betrothed, soon-to-be husband was. She knew of the man. She knew his general appearance, but had never been close enough to him to truly see his face. The girl suffered from vision problems. She could not see further than her arm’s reach with any clarity.

Thankfully, however, she also could not see the expression of sorrow and pity on the face of the priest who stood in front of the man she would soon call husband. If she could, she might have chosen to turn tail and run.

She could not even see that her betrothed had not chosen to turn around and look at her at all.

Finley McCoy was standing stiffly in front of the priest, his shoulders, slightly broad, his stance agitated and stoic at once. He was muttering under his breath how he did not want to be tied to any woman and would not be. He was the man, after all, and would have what he always had. A bride would not keep him from his other women.

Enid was taking her time, and Finley was getting more and more perturbed by her slowness. No one had informed him that she had limited vision and therefore was very cautious when she stepped outside of her bed chamber, which she was very acquainted with.

Finally, after what Finley thought was an excruciatingly long period of time, but was actually only about a minute, Enid’s hand was given to his. He took her hand but still did not bother to look at his bride. He decided to look above her head to a corner of the chapel, instead. She felt his cold, rough skin on her slightly warm fingers and inhaled sharply. She had never felt fingers so cold.

Enid took the time to assess the man she would soon know intimately. She noted the over-long hair; blond and disheveled. She frowned a little over his lack of care. She looked at his face then. He had a day or two growth of beard on his chiseled jaw. His color was good; bronze and clear. He had brown eyes that she could only just see, he was so much taller than her. Her initial inhalation provided a scent of leather, grass, and sweat, with something she could not quite determine. She noted that she barely reached his shoulder with the top of her head.

The priest began speaking and Enid turned to look at him instead. She was now also close enough to see the look on his face. She wondered as to the priest’s expression. He did not seem pleased. Enid listened intently to every word the priest was saying. She wanted to be assured she would follow her vows implicitly to please her husband.

Finley did not care one way or another. He was thinking of the woman, no women, he had bedded the night before. There was thin, but shapely Milly, with her long red hair that draped over his body like a cloak, and Nellie, who was pleasantly plump, but gave him every pleasure he could ever ask for. He didn’t even have time to bathe before his father tore him from his bed between the warm bosoms of the two willing wenches to this unwelcome wedding.

When it came time to agree to his vows he did not hear the question until he heard his father stomp his foot and cough behind him. Och, aye. He said without any conviction.

Enid frowned again at his less than genuine interest in her. She quietly agreed to her vows and then they were wed. When the priest invited the couple to kiss to seal their vows, Enid turned her face up and closed her eyes. Finley looked down at her, not even truly looking at her, and kissed the tip of her nose.

Enid opened her eyes in time to see what she thought to be Finley stepping out of the chapel, taking long steps, waving at all and sundry as though he had just accomplished some great feat.

Chapter 1

Valdemar was at Enid’s arm before she could fall off the slight dais on which she stood. She was stunned, the rest of her family shocked. The MacFarlane clan gasped at the audacity of the heir apparent to the McCoy dynasty.

Father and mother McCoy were embarrassed for their new daughter and jumped up quickly to speak to Enid. Lass, welcome to the family! Aragorn tried to say joyfully.

Aye, thank ye. Enid replied, her mind still on the open chapel door and the missing bridegroom.

I am so verra sorry, Enid. Meta McCoy said then. I had nay idea he would do that.

Do what, M’ Lady? Enid asked, moving closer to the voice to see the lovely middle aged woman who spoke.

Leave ye on the altar.

Och, well, I suspicion he has things to do. Enid said then.

Dinnae ye be making excuses for the mon, Enid. Valdemar told her, scowling at the open door. His behavior is inexcusable.

Well, Valdemar, we will see soon enough, aye? I suspicion we will have the seat of honor at the table, aye? Mayhap I can speak to him and find out what displeased him so verra much. Enid said sweetly to her brother.

Meta McCoy and Lis MacFarlane took Enid by the arms and walked with her back to the keep. Lis spoke sweetly about everything but Finley McCoy, while Meta could not speak of anything but her elusive son.

Finally Lis, Enid, and Meta reached the keep. Mum. I will retire for a wee bit afore the celebration. Enid said quietly. She was quite discomfited by what had just occurred. She was not embarrassed, but she was quite confused. Certainly Finley McCoy had found himself in a quandary over something and had to rush off to handle it.

Do ye want me to take ye, dearling? Lis asked her daughter.

Nay, Mum. I will be careful. Enid promised as she was led to the stairs. When her hand was given to the rail her father had installed for her when she was but six years old, she stepped up the first step. Ye go and finish the preparations. Send for me afore they begin, alright?

Alright, sweeting. I will do that. Lis told her daughter. Come on, Lady McCoy. Let us see to the meal. She said, smiling.

Oh, please, call me Meta. We are family now. Mrs. McCoy requested, Lis nodded.

Only if ye call me Lis. She said and gave Meta a small hug.

The two women stepped out of the hallway and followed the small path to the kitchen, giggling and carrying on like young maidens. Here now, what is this I see? Seoc asked as he came across the two women. Lovely garden nymphs out for a stroll?

The women broke into even more giggling. Where is me husband, Laird MacFarlane? Meta asked when she got herself under control.

I suspicion the mon is looking for his, er, yer son.

Ah. Meta said.

Seoc. Lady…er, Meta and I are going to the kitchens. Mayhap ye can check in on Enid and see that she is alright?

Aye. I will do that, love. He said and kissed Lis on the cheek before rushing toward the keep.

Ye and yer husband are a lovely pair. Meta told Lis. I pray that yer Enid can stop me son’s roguish ways.

What mean ye, roguish? Lis asked, her attention caught by the negative term.

Our son is a bonny mon. Ye ken that. He is a score and four years old and thinks the wild oats he is spreading around are for all the lasses in the glen. I, that is to say, Aragorn and meself, are concerned that he isnae ready to take on Aragorn’s place as laird.

Why would ye worry on that? A score and four isnae e’en auld.

Ye see, Aragorn willnae be thanking me for telling ye, but he isnae well. The healers say he has troubles that will take his life too soon. Meta said, wiping a small tear from the corner of her eye.

Oh, Meta. I am sore saddened to hear that. Is there nae a chance? Lis asked, wrapping her arm around Meta’s shoulder.

The healer says nay.

Lis nodded and changed the subject back to Finley. What could have caused him to leave the chapel so suddenly?

Women. Meta said, matter-of-factly.

But…

Aye, I ken. ‘Tis his wedding day. He should be here with his bride. He will learn to be stable, Lis. I suspicion yer wee lass with the strong spirit will be able to help him see he hasnae been verra good for his own self.

I pray ye are right. Enid is a good lass. She has always done what we ask, but her vision isnae good. Surely ye saw that? Lis asked.

Aye, when I saw her taking her time walking, and when she would squint and look verra closely, I could tell she couldnae see verra well. That willnae cause her distress will it?

Oh, nay. When she leaves to yer castle I will send a maid with her. Someone she kens well, to help her as she learns your lands and yer keep. She will adjust quickly. Her eyes may be poor, but her intelligence isnae.

Och, I would ne’er e’er think such a thing. She is taking all this verra well, Finley, I mean.

Lis nodded and reached forward, opening the door to the kitchen. The smells of venison, rabbit, and quail were wafting through the air, mixed with fresh breads and sweets. There were several different vegetables and spreads being created. I wanted to thank ye for offering yer kitchen staff to help our cook.

‘Tisnae just yer bairn who wed today. Meta said and winked.

The women stood in the door of the kitchen and observed the well-organized perform the duties of their station with military-like precision. I dinnae think they need us here. Lis said and smiled.

The cook looked up at that point. He was making decorative crusts for the meat pies he knew Enid loved. Small leaves and flowers were being adhered to the top of the crusts with an egg white wash. When they were finished baking, the egg whites would give the crust a shine that would add to the festive appearance of all the rest of the foods.

Cook, when will the meal be ready? Lis asked.

I suspicion I will have the foods on the table in thirty minutes, M’ Lady. Cook replied.

Lis nodded. I will leave ye to it, then. Wonderful work ye are doing. I thank ye. Lis said.

Cook’s cheeks turned pink. Even with all the years he had worked with the MacFarlane kitchen staff, he was still not used to the compliments that the laird’s family would give him. I am merely doing me wee part, M’ Lady. He choked out.

Lis nodded and left the kitchen. Meta looked at her curiously.

He doesnae take compliments well. We took him from another laird with the promise of better pay and a better kitchen. He is a good cook and a good employee.

Ah. Meta said and the two ladies returned to the great hall to oversee last minute decorations.

When they reached the hall they noticed that there were already two women sitting on the dais. Who are ye? Lis asked as she approached the women.

I be Millie, M’ Lady. A thin woman with red hair said, her eyes sparkling. Me name is Nellie. The other woman, more buxom and slightly portly, told her. We are guests of the groom. Nellie added.

Lis looked at the two women. They were clearly not of noble blood and she wondered why they would sit at the high table. Instead of questioning them further, she tilted her head to the side a fraction and turned from the table. She still had work to do.

Meta rushed to her side. Lis, I am so verra sorry.

For what?

Those women. They are…hmm... Meta could not find a polite way to explain the relationship between the two women and her son.

They are his pleasure? Lis offered.

Meta’s cheeks turned a blazing red color and she nodded.

Lis sighed. She prayed that this would not be the beginning of a very bad marriage for her daughter. Meta nodded again, reading the expression on Lis’s face. I vow I didnae ken he invited them.

I know, Meta. I wouldnae think ye would have allowed it. An’ afore ye say such, I also ken yer husband wouldnae have allowed it.

Meta looked thankfully at Lis and turned abruptly. Men were shouting in the corridor outside of the great hall.

Nay! I willnae. I amnae here by me own agreement.

Son, ye will be a mon, and will take yer bride as ye vowed.

Nay. All I needs is get her with child and then me work is done with her. A younger man’s voice shouted.

The voices were so loud that Lis did not doubt that they could hear the two men at the gate.

Laird McCoy, Laird Finley. Why are ye speaking so loudly? Should ye be airing yer noble secrets to me clan? Lis asked.

‘Tisnae a secret, M’ Lady. Aragorn said. All in the glen ken of me son and his terrible habits.

Lis swallowed hard. She was surprised at the way Aragorn spoke of his own son, but understood his behavior thanks to Meta’s more polite remarks.

Aragorn pulled Finley through the doors of the great hall. Look around, son. This ‘tis what the MacFarlane family has done for ye.

Finley looked around, disinterested and unimpressed. The great hall was beautifully decorated with sprigs of heather and pine decorating the doorway and windows. The windows were open and the light breeze blew the scents into the hall, making the room smell lovely. Then his eyes lit on the high table. Ladies! How verra fine it ‘tis that ye have come. Finley said, walking quickly up to the two women who giggled and wrapped their arms around his neck, taking turns kissing him seductively on the mouth.

Lis gasped. Aragorn and Meta turned from red-faced to nearly purple with rage and embarrassment. Where is yer daughter? Aragorn asked quietly.

She has retired to her chamber. Lis answered, sounding immensely thankful for that small miracle.

Aragorn nodded. Verra good place for the lass just about now. Where is yer husband?

With Enid. Meta said.

Aragorn nodded again and stalked into the great hall and to the dais.

There was another vocal row between father and son before the two guests were escorted from the table. They plopped themselves at a table very near the high table, tossing Aragorn daggers with their eyes. Aragorn looked satisfied with what he had been able to accomplish and turned back to his son.

What do ye mean inviting yer whores to yer own wedding?

They arenae me whores… Finley began but then looked at his father’s expression and changed his mind. Och, alright, they are me whores, but they are me guests. Why, they are practically family.

Aragorn shook his head and reached forward cuffing his man child on the side of his head. This ‘tis yer wedding day, boy. Why would ye bring them here? Ye are to sleep with yer bonny bride.

Bonny? She is too wee, she is too slow. She has naught to catch me attention. He said, gesturing with his hands to show feminine curves and bosom large enough to grasp.

If ye would just open yer eyes, ye would see she isnae slow. She cannae see, ye dolt! She is verra bonny. Did ye e’en take a look at the lass? Aragorn asked.

Nay. Why would I? She is naught but a person of the right blood to give ye an heir.

Me? Aragorn asked, incredulous.

Aye. I dinnae care for an heir. I am naught but a score and four. ‘Tis too young to settle on one wee bride. He said, puffing his chest out and trying to look larger than his figure actually was.

Those wenches will be gone from this hall afore Enid comes down. Do ye ken? Aragorn asked.

Nay. Finley said, standing straighter, pulling his shoulders up and showing his full height, which was substantially more than his father.

What did ye say? Aragorn asked, fisting his hands.

I said nay. They are me guests and they will stay.

Aragorn bellowed at the top of his voice and left the great hall in an even greater huff.

Seoc was coming down the stairs, his brow was furrowed in worry.

Enid had retired to her chamber, not to rest, but to cry in peace. She was devastated. Her life was over. The man who she was now wed to was not interested in her in the least bit. She was too small, too homely. She was too something for his liking. Why else would he have rushed out of the chapel only moments after saying his vows?

She put her head in her arms. Her gown was all but ruined, wrinkled beyond repair. The shoes she wore were falling from her feet as they hung over the edge of the bed. Her shoulders were pumping up and down with the impact of her sobs. She could not be consoled.

Seoc had come to her chamber to check on her and he found her in the same position, half hanging off the bed, her head in her arms, sobbing piteously.

Lass, Enid love. I am here. He said and lifted her up into his arms. He held her there and let her cry. He didn’t know what else to do.

He just l…left..t me there! she cried out.

I ken, love. Seoc told her, smoothing out her hair and pulling the heather from her curls.

I dinnae ken what I did wrong! she cried louder.

Ye did naught, dearling. Ye agreed to the wedding that I and Laird McCoy contracted. Ye dressed like the most bonny lass in the glen. Ye did e’erything right. The mon didnae e’en take the time to look at ye. Seoc said which prompted another bout of uncontrollable sobs.

Lass, I am sorry. Please, stop crying. I will make this right. Mayhap we should just call for an annulment? he offered.

Enid stopped crying abruptly and pulled herself back from her father’s shoulder. Annulment? she asked, looking shocked and a bit perturbed.

Aye. I cannae put ye through this kind of a life, lass. The mon isnae good for ye.

Aye, Da. ‘Tis true. Howbeit, am I nae good for him? she asked.

Seoc grinned at her. Aye, lass, ye are more than good for him. Ye are too good for him. He told her.

She shook her head. Does the Bible nae say that a woman should guide her husband to the straight and narrow through her own actions?

Aye, lass. It does, at that. Seoc smiled at his daughter’s spirit. So ye will keep wed to the mon?

Aye, Da. ‘Tis what is meant to be. Dinnae ye think?

Aye, I do at that. Ye are verra good for him. Mayhap he will stop with his wild ways once he kens the bonny and brave bride he has to stand beside him.

With that, Enid stood. She pulled herself together. Da, help me to me pitcher? she asked.

I thought ye kenned this chamber? he asked teasingly.

Aye, but I just would like ye to stay a wee bit longer.

Seoc nodded and guided her around the bed to her pitcher. She poured a bit of water into the basin and washed her face and then dried it on a cloth. Her hair was a mess from crying so she pulled it back into a braid, tying it with a green ribbon. She smoothed her gown the best she could but the wrinkles were hopelessly deep and would only go with a wash.

Come, Da. I have a wedding celebration to attend. She said.

Seoc nodded but talked her out of coming down right away. He had heard the shouting and arguments between Laird McCoy and his son. He wanted to be certain that all was well before he brought her down.

When he reached the hall he saw two ‘less-than-proper’ women sitting near the dais. He saw Aragorn and Finley McCoy in the end of what looked to be a battle of wills. He seemed to think Finley had won the round.

Lis. Is it alright to bring Enid down? She is ready if we are. Seoc whispered to his wife.

She looked around, saw Finley and Aragorn had parted. Finley was pouting in a chair near the center of the high table, Aragorn was nearer the far end. She nodded.

Seoc turned to retrieve his daughter when Valdemar came into the keep. What was all that shou… he began but was cut off by his mother lightly touching his hand. He looked at her curiously and she just shook her head.

Valdemar, why don’t ye go and fetch yer sister? She has gone to her chamber to freshen up.

Valdemar looked curiously at his mother and father then nodded, smiled and ran up the stairs.

Within only a few moments Valdemar came slowly down the stairs with a red-faced sister on his arm. He looked unhappy and kept his face turned so Enid could not see. When they reached the hall he stepped inside with his sister and saw what was already beginning.

People had been filtering into the great hall to join in the festivities. Everyone in the MacFarlane clan were thrilled to see their own Lady Enid wed to the heir of the rich and prosperous Carlagh.

He took his sister around the perimeter of the hall and up to the dais. The clan members who were milling about gave way, understanding the lady’s needs. They smiled and grasped her hand, hugged her, kissed her on the cheek, and gave her other indications they were on her side.

She was given her seat to the left of Finley. He, Finley turned his back on her nearly immediately. Valdemar noted this, although Enid was not looking. He took his own seat on Enid’s left. The two, sister and brother, had their heads close together, speaking quietly to each other. No one else could have heard them, anyway. The crowd was getting loud, rowdy, and even some ribald comments were beginning. Valdemar looked at the guests and glared. Some of the men caught his eye and calmed the conversations down to more discreet and polite ones.

After Valdemar and Enid sat, the lairds and ladies MacFarlane and McCoy joined the rest of the noble guests at the high table. They had invited the priest, of course, and he was thankfully sitting very far from the newly betrothed.

M’ Laird. The priest muttered to Seoc.

Aye, Father? he asked.

I wasnae meaning to, but I heard some verra concerning words from Laird Finley while we awaited yer daughter at the altar. He said quietly so only Seoc could hear.

Aye? And what kinds of things could he have been saying on his wedding day? Seoc asked, knowing quite well what he was probably saying.

The young laird was speaking of doing just what was required but returning to his auld ways as soon as the consummation was done. He said, trying to be descriptive and polite at the same time.

Seoc scowled at the young Finley whose eyes were only on the two