Fraser 03 - Highland Homecoming (23 page)

“If Fallon hears you talking like that, you will wish you’d held your tongue.” Connor laughed.

“I willna allow you tae relinquish your seat as clan leader, Connor, no matter what the cost,” Alasdair said adamantly, then raked his fingers through his hair. Mayhap his brothers were right. He did love Edina and he had always felt at home on the northern shore of Scotland. The thought of never seeing her again caused his heart to ache. Jayden’s suggestion was looking better and better.

“What say you?” Jayden badgered. “If you wish tae stop the wedding, I’d suggest we leave right away. I received a missive from home prior tae the battle. A priest has been summoned and the nuptials between Duncan and Edina are set tae take place three days hence.”

“I will go with you, but I willna take Connor’s place as laird.” Alasdair faced Jayden. “If you are serious about needing my help, I can think of nowhere else I would rather live.”

“About time you did the wise thing.” Jayden slapped Alasdair on the back and grasped his forearm, giving it a hardy shake. “But if you dinna make haste this will all be for naught and my sister will be a married woman.”

Connor reached for his brother’s forearm. “We will miss you, Alasdair, but you canna deny what is in your heart. Godspeed and good luck.”

After exchanging embraces with both his brothers, Alasdair turned to face Robert. “You will sanction the union?”

Robert nodded, picked up a piece of vellum, and penned a note. “Give this tae Laird Sutherland. But if he doesna choose tae honor it, you must abide by his wishes, and allow the wedding tae take place as planned.”

Alasdair took the document and bowed. “Hopefully that willna be necessary.” After tucking the missive into his sporran, he turned on his heel, and jogged toward his horse. “If you are coming Jayden, make haste.”

Jayden trotted to his mount and climbed into the saddle. “I will see him married and would be honored if you and your wives could pay us a visit in the near future.”

“Try and stop them,” Bryce chuckled. “Once Cailin and Fallon learn of Alasdair’s marriage, there will be no appeasing them until they have seen it for themselves, and have offered their best wishes.”

“Safe journey, brother and we will see you soon,” Connor added.

“Enough chatter, we must be off.” Alasdair dug his heels into Odin’s sides and the horse lunged forward.

“We’ve made guid time, much better than I had expected.” Alasdair reined in Odin and brought him to a walk. “We should be at Sinclair Castle well afore the noon meal and in time tae stop the wedding.”

“Aye, but we’ve ridden nonstop for two days and three nights. I’m exhausted, covered in dirt, and we have nearly run our horses intae the ground. My arse is numb and I have no feeling in my legs, not tae mention we havena eaten since yesterday. But I guess for a man with an important mission time is of the essence and the necessities of life, like food and sleep are not an option.” Jayden dismounted by a stream.

“You complain worse than Bryce.” Alasdair jumped from the saddle and strode toward the water. “We dinna have the luxury of time. Mayhap Edina is already wed.” Alasdair shuddered at the thought and balled his fists at his side. “I hope we are not too late.”

“You really do love her.” Jayden patted Alasdair on the back.

Alasdair grunted and squatted by the brook. He dipped his hand in water and scooped out enough water to quench his thirst, then began to fill his wineskin. He was not accustomed to talking about his feelings and when it came to Edina, he had no idea what to say or think. He’d never been truly in love before.

“I am positive my sister will be elated tae see you. I’m not sure my da will be as pleased. He can be a verra thrawn man. But once I tell him you are willing tae stay and help me to oversee Sinclair land, I am sure he will be agreeable.”

“I pray you are right, my friend. The more I think about Edina being married tae Duncan, the less I like the idea.” Alasdair took another drink, then capped his wineskin, and hung it at his side. “Is it much farther?”

Jayden threw his leg over his horse’s back and hauled himself into the saddle. “While we are on the Sinclair land, we still have a wee way tae go. Best we be off.”

Alasdair didn’t need any prompting. He could not wait to see Edina and hoped Jayden was correct in his assessment. The thought that she might say no troubled him, but his worst fear was that she might already be wed. He dug in his heels and Odin lunged forward.

They covered the next few miles at breakneck speed, both of their mounts frothing from the mouth and nose as they entered the bailey. Alasdair barely allowed the destrier to come to a stop when he flung himself from the saddle. “See that someone tends tae Odin,” he shouted over his shoulder as he raced toward the castle.

“Walk the horses for a bit tae cool them down, then see them well fed and watered,” Jayden instructed a lad who approached. He handed over the reins, then hurried after Alasdair. “Haud on, man, you canna rush in like the castle is afire. That is no way tae make an impression on my father.” Jayden paused, doubled over at the waist and sucked in a deep breath. “You are going tae be the death of me.”

“I canna help it if you have the stamina and strength of an auld woman,” Alasdair said as he stopped to open the castle door. “There is no time tae dally.”

“I’d not be so quick to pass judgment or to rile me, Alasdair. You need an ally when speaking tae my da, not an enemy.” Jayden climbed the castle steps and joined his friend. “It might be wise tae clean up afore we talk to him.”

“There isna time for such things. I must see your father afore the wedding.” Alasdair yanked open the door.

“Look at yourself, man. You’re covered in dirt. Anyone would think you’ve been dragged by your horse, not riding him. It is still early. I dinna expect the ceremony tae start until just afore noon. That is when the messenger told me it was tae take place.”

Alasdair dragged his hand across his beard-stubbled chin, then glanced down at his dust-covered trews, muddy boots and sweat-soiled tunic. “Mayhap you’re right. Clean and shaven I could stand a better chance with both Edina and your da. But we must hurry.”

Chapter 25

Edina fussed with the bodice of her gown. “This was worn by my mother on her wedding day. My father asked me tae wear it. But I have lost weight and it is too large.”

“Och, you look lovely. A comelier bride I havena seen,” Helen said as she tied a sash of Sinclair plaid around Edina’s waist to improve the fit, then placed a ring of heather atop her mistress’s head.

“I dinna know why my father decided tae start the wedding earlier than planned. He said noon and if true tae his word, I’d still have a couple of hours of freedom left.”

“I am told the priest must leave early. He has a funeral tae reside over in the next glen and must leave afore noon. If the wedding happens an hour or two early, it canna make that much difference,” Helen replied.

Edina sighed as she sat on the end of her pallet. “I dinna wish tae marry Duncan at all, but unless I betray Oceana’s confidence and tell him about the babe, I fear there is no choice. I will find myself wed tae a man I dinna love and the poor lass will end up at a priory. She will lose her babe and Duncan will never know he has an heir.”

“Aye, her quandary is verra sad indeed. Mayhap you should tell your betrothed about the babe and let fate decide the outcome. Tae begin a marriage with such secrets isna prudent.”

“I hear what you’re saying, Helen, and agree, but I gave my word tae Oceana. She was so distraught when she found out I wanted tae tell Duncan she was here and made me swear I wouldna betray her.”

A loud rap at the door caused Edina’s heart to jump. “Aye, who is it?”

“Your father. Duncan is in the great hall with the priest and they are awaiting your arrival. Dinna tarry lass, your husband-tae-be grows impatient. This is no way tae start a marriage.”

“I come anon,” Edina replied. She turned to Helen and grasped the lass by the hand. “Fetch Oceana and bring her tae the great hall. Please hurry.

“Are you planning tae tell Lord Sutherland about the babe, m’lady?”

“I dinna have a choice. You’re right. If Duncan and I are destined tae be married, I canna conceal something that could ruin any chance of our happiness. He has a right tae know he has sired a bairn. Once he learns the truth, I pray he will wish tae marry the lass and be a father tae his babe.”

Helen touched Edina’s arm and smiled. “I pray that happens for everyone’s sake as well, m’lady. Try tae stall the priest as long as you can. I will go and get Lady Oceana right away.” She turned and scurried out the door and down the hall.

Edina sucked in a deep breath for courage and followed in Helen’s wake. She hoped Oceana would forgive her and that Duncan would do the right thing by her.

“Here is my lovely daughter now,” Laird Sinclair announced as Edina entered the hall to the cheers of those in attendance. “This is indeed a fine day for both our clans. I only wish your da could be here to witness your joining.”

“As do I. We will drink tae his health during the feast.” Duncan approached Edina and took her hand. “You look lovely, my dear.”

Edina bobbed a curtsy. “Thank you, m’lord. If it would be possible, could I speak with you in private afore the wedding takes place?”

Duncan’s brow furrowed. “Of course.” He took her hand and escorted her toward the corner of the room.

“What is the meaning of this delay?” her father asked.

Edina turned to face her father. “Da, please. There is something I need tae discuss with Duncan. We will be but a moment.”

“I’ll not hear of it. There will be plenty of time tae talk once you’ve exchanged your vows,” her father argued.

Duncan stepped forward. “We have waited this long tae marry, a few more minutes willna matter. Obviously, Edina feels this is important and I wish to hear what she has tae say.” He bowed. “We will return promptly. I promise.” He slid his hand from Edina’s hand to her elbow. “Come, m’lady. Let us speak in private.”

Edina twisted her hands in her skirt, worried she was making a mistake by telling Duncan the truth, but she honestly believed it was the right thing to do.

“What is it you wish tae say? The priest is waiting and best we not anger your father any more than we already have,” Duncan warned. He took a step in her direction and once again clasped her hand. “Tell me what troubles you.”

Edina straightened her posture and swallowed hard against the lump building in her throat. “What are your thoughts on a married couple having secrets from each other?” she asked.

“That would depend on what it is, Edina, why do you ask?”

“If I had a secret and failed tae tell you about afore we were wed, one which might affect your decision tae take me as your bride, would you want tae know?” Her heart raced like a runaway horse and she found it hard to look him in the eye, but she had to make him understand.

“Is there something you’ve done, something I should know afore we marry?” Duncan released her hand. He crossed his arms over his chest and tapped his foot, waiting for her to respond.

“It is not what I have done, m’lord, rather what you have done . . . you and someone else.” Edina nipped at her bottom lip.

His frown deepened. “I dinna understand. Explain yourself, m’lady.”

“I know about you and Oceana, that you were verra much in love, and if not for the agreement between our fathers, you would have likely chosen tae marry her and not me,” Edina began, but Duncan cut her off.

“We have already talked about my involvement with Oceana at great length. That is in the past and we have our future ahead of us. Just as we discussed that people in our positions, the sons and daughters of powerful lairds, often must sacrifice our happiness for the good of our clans. We dinna always have a say in who we marry. This tradition of having our mate selected and my relationship with Oceana prior to our betrothal are not secrets or anything new,” Duncan said.

The fact that Duncan implied he did not want this marriage, but felt he had no options was evident in his choice of words. “Aye, we have discussed this afore, but there are things you arena aware of. T-things about Oceana you have a right tae know,” Edina stammered. Her nerves were getting the better of her, but she had started to tell Duncan the truth and could not turn back now.

“There is naught about Oceana that I dinna know,” Duncan replied. “Even if there was, this isna the time tae be bringing it up. We are about tae be wed.”

“Did you or did you not consummate your love for each other?” Edina blurted out.

“What are you asking?” Duncan turned around and began to pace.

“Is everything all right?” Laird Sinclair called out. “We are waiting to complete the ceremony. Can this not wait until later?”

“Nay, it canna wait.” She raised her hand to stay her father’s advance, then touched Duncan’s arm. “Did you take Oceana tae your bed?” she asked softly.

“It is not uncommon for men tae have bedded women afore they are wed and some still do it after. What difference does it make? I never claimed to be celibate afore we met,” Duncan snapped, then turned his back to her and started to walk away. “Your father is right. This can wait until later.”

“Please answer my question, Duncan. Did you bed Oceana?” she asked again.

He stopped and spun around. “Aye, but I am here tae marry you. Now, if you are satisfied, I’d suggest we get on with the nuptials.”

“Would you be in such a rush if I told you Oceana is with child? That she will birth your babe in a priory afore the snow flies, then hand the bairn over tae a family she doesna know?” Edina could not stop the words that needed to be said. “Forgive me, Oceana,” she muttered under her breath.

Duncan grabbed her by the arms and glared down at her. “You lie. Oceana isna having my babe. We were only together once. This is but a ruse tae get out of marrying me. Well it willna work. I dinna want this union any more than you do, but it has been arranged by our sires and we will go through with it.”

Gasps of shock and the din of voices rumbled through the great hall. It was obvious everyone had heard Duncan’s comment, since he did not bother to lower his voice.

Heat rose in her cheeks. “It only requires one joining, and I wouldna lie about something so important,” Edina replied with her chin held high.

“You dinna know Oceana. How could you be privy tae such personal information? It is a trick I say and in verra poor taste. This is not the way I pictured our marriage beginning, Edina.” Duncan grabbed her wrist and tugged her toward the priest. “Father Cullen, we are ready to complete the union.”

Edina dug in her heels, refusing to take another step. “I know Oceana better than you think. She is here Duncan and she is verra much in the family way. What you chose tae do about that is up tae you. But I willna be dragged tae the altar and marry a man who thinks me a liar.”

Duncan’s face blanched. “How long has she been here? Why was I not informed?”

“Because I asked Edina not tae tell you about my presence or the babe.” Oceana entered the great hall and approached Duncan and Edina.

“What is the meaning of this intrusion and who is this lass? Duncan, you had better have a guid explanation,” Laird Sinclair shouted.

Duncan glared at Edina. “How did she come tae be here?”

“I invited her. I thought mayhap if you had the chance tae see each other one more time, you would realize how much you care for her, and break our betrothal.” Edina spoke softly and lowered her eyes in shame. “I had no idea she was expecting a babe until she arrived. Once she was here, Oceana told me she was on her way to a priory, and planned tae give up the babe, I dinna know what tae do.”

Duncan faced Oceana. “Why? I had a right tae know you bore my babe.” He slid two fingers beneath her chin and lifted until their eyes met. “Talk tae me, lass.”

“Because I love you and wouldna ask you tae choose between me and your duty tae the clan. I know how much your honor means tae you.” Tears streamed down Oceana’s cheeks. She wiped them away with one hand and slid the other over her belly.

“This marriage is sanctioned by the king of Scotland and was arranged in accordance with Highland tradition. You have brought shame upon yourself and your family name, lass, but your dalliance, and the spawn thereof has no bearing on the marriage between Duncan and Edina.” Laird Sinclair shook his fist at Duncan. “You will marry my daughter or suffer the consequences.”

Edina grasped her Laird Sinclair’s forearm. “Father, please give us time tae sort this out. How can you expect me tae marry Duncan after learning this news? He loves Oceana—”

“Fail tae honor the pact, Duncan, and I will have your head, after I’ve severed all ties with your clan.” Laird Sinclair threatened. “As for the lass, I will have one of my guards escort her tae the priory where she can give birth tae your bastard, and we willna speak of the bairn again.”

“Father, you are being cruel and unreasonable. At least let Duncan and Oceana have a few minutes tae talk afore you force them tae make such a difficult and unfair decision,” Edina pleaded.

“He should have thought about that afore he bedded the chit. He has only himself tae blame,” Sinclair replied harshly.

Duncan glanced between the two ladies. “I wish you had told me about the babe sooner, Oceana. I might have been able tae get my father tae speak with Laird Sinclair and make alternate arrangements. But he is right, I must honor the pact for the sake of the clan.”

Oceana lowered her eyes and sniffled. “I understand, Duncan, and wish you both much happiness.”

“Now we have that settled, let us get these nuptials done and over with, afore we have any more interruptions,” Laird Sinclair growled as he clasped Duncan and Edina’s wrists and hauled them toward the priest.

“Do something, Duncan. You love Oceana and she loves you. This isna right and the Almighty willna bless a marriage based on lies,” Edina pleaded.

“Hush, daughter. We willna speak of this unfortunate incident again.” Laird Sinclair called to the priest, “They are ready. Make haste.”

The priest nodded, then wrapped a length of Sinclair plaid around the couple’s wrists and repeated the act with a length of Sutherland colors. But as he began to read from the bible, reciting prayers in Latin, the door to the great hall opened.

“Wait!” someone shouted. “I must speak tae you Laird Sinclair.”

Edina’s heart leapt when she recognized the deep rumble and familiar cadence of Alasdair’s voice. Had he returned for her? She wanted to tear the bonds of marriage from around her wrist, run to him, throw herself into his arms, and kiss him. Instead, she glanced over her shoulder and stood her ground. If he had returned with the intent of asking for her hand, she wouldna give in so easily.

“Jayden, what is the meaning of this?” Laird Sinclair asked. “Can you not see we are in the middle of a wedding?”

“It is mid-morning, Da, and we have ridden hard in order tae arrive afore noon, the time I was told the ceremony would take place. There is something urgent we must discuss,” Jayden replied. “Let me talk with my father afore you speak your mind,” he said to Alasdair.

“Plans change. If you will give us a moment, Father Cullen will hear their vows. We can talk when the union is completed.” Laird Sinclair turned tae the priest. “Forgive yet another interruption. Continue, Father.”

“Nay. This canna be postponed until after the wedding,” Alasdair blurted out.

Laird Sinclair threw his hands in the air. “I canna believe this is happening. What is so blasted important that it canna wait a few minutes? I canna understand why everyone suddenly has something urgent tae discuss.”

“If these proceedings continue, it will be too late. I wish tae make a bid for Edina’s hand,” Alasdair blurted out.

Edina had waited and prayed to hear those words from Alasdair. Once uttered, she could no longer fight the urge to go to him. She damned the idea of being coy and prideful and turned to Duncan. “You are a fine man, but I am in love with Alasdair and this would solve all our problems. You will then be free tae marry Oceana.”