Highlander's Bride (Heart of the Highlander Series Book 1) (14 page)

Chapter Nine

Katherine watched the pale rays of dawn spread
their golden hue steadily over the garden below. Too nervous to sleep, she had
tossed and turned in bed for most of the night. Despairing of rest, she rose
and wrapped in the thick pink robe, then crossed the chill room to sit on the
window bench and stare out into the fading darkness. 

With the rising of the sun, the day she dreaded
had begun. It was her wedding day. Thoughts of the event to come formed a
burning lump in her throat and her chest tightened like twisted wool on a
spinning wheel. Her hands shook as she crossed herself. Sweet Mother Mary, give
her strength to do what she must.

She drew a deep trembling breath and pulled her
legs up to her chest, wrapping her arms about them. Lowering her forehead to
her knees, she let out her breath in a long slow sigh. She had no choice but to
wed the arrogant Highlander, but he would never have her heart.

"Lady Katherine? Are ye asleep?"

"Oh, Gillian, you startled me."

"Forgive me m'lady. I knocked but ye didna
answer. I brought ye some bread and watered wine. It wouldna do for ye to go
below stairs afore the weddin'. Ooh, your hands are like ice, my lady."

The servant girl bustled about the room. She
stirred up the embers in the fireplace and added additional logs until a bright
blaze crackled from within. "Ah, 'tis better. Ye'll soon be warm as a
chick under a broody hen."

Gillian walked over to the chest on the far side
of the room, took out linen towels and fresh soap and laid them beside the tub.
"The lads will be bringing up hot water anon. After ye've had a warm bath
and a wee bit to eat, I'll help ye dress and prepare yer hair."

Half an hour later, Katherine sat before the fire
with her eyes closed. She clasped her hands in her lap and concentrated on the
feel of the boar bristle brush as Gillian pulled it through her hair. It never
failed to calm her nerves. Until today.

When the motion stopped, she looked up hesitantly.
A few more minutes wouldn't hurt. It was early yet and no need to rush. A
shiver shook her. She rubbed her hands briskly up and down her arms. Her new
chemise lent little warmth.

"Beggin' yer pardon, my lady, ye dinna need
to stay sittin' in yer shift. Come. I'll help ye with yer gown. I can finish
yer hair after ye are dressed and warm again."

Katherine stood motionless, her arms wrapped tightly
about herself. She was frozen. A statue. An ice maiden. Across the room, her
wedding finery lay waiting on the bed, the gown's long sleeves stretched out
and compelling. Cold despair touched her like a ghostly embrace, chilling her
heart as well as her flesh.

**

Alexander climbed the last few stairs and crossed
the open walkway of the castle's north tower.  He nodded to one of the sentries
on duty. "Has Malcolm been spotted yet?"

"Nay. Do wish me to send you word when he
arrives?"

"Aye." Walking over to the wall's edge,
Alexander scanned the vicinity of the inner bailey.

Below him, teeming activity stirred in every
corner of the castle grounds. Casks of ale and usquabae lined the area in front
of the alehouse. Even though the morn had just begun, several clansmen sweated
from their efforts as they loaded huge casks onto a wagon to be pulled to the great
hall.

He recognized Duncan, the castle steward, tallying
bottles of wine being carried up from the wine cellar. A traveling tinker was
bartering with him apparently in hopes of trading some of his wares for a
bottle. It seemed the man was having little success.

In front of the stable, a few clansmen held the
reins of a group of horses as they snorted and pawed at the ground. Harried
grooms scurried back and forth leading the animals to vacant stalls.

Children's laughter caught Alexander's attention
and he turned to scan the kitchen yard at the far end of the outer bailey. It,
too, bustled with movement. Servants carried large platters filled with various
foods to the great hall. Young children, with dogs romping at their heels, ran
in and out amidst the activity, obviously excited by all of the preparations.

From the sight of the long line of people carrying
bread from the kitchen, it seemed the gigantic stone ovens had baked enough
fresh bread trenchers and barley bannocks to feed a small army. Alexander spied
a large group of men carrying pots of steaming stews and meats. It appeared
that the cauldrons and spits turning meat over blazing fires had been going
constantly for several days.

The smell of fresh baked bread filled the air. He
inhaled deeply of the pungent aroma of foods being prepared for the wedding
feast. His mouth watered in spite of his anxious thoughts.

From the well, servants carried dozens of buckets
of water to be heated in the kitchen. Soon it would be taken into the guests'
and families' chambers for bathing in preparation for donning their fine
wedding attire.

Alexander gripped the stone wall until his
knuckles turned white. Aye, he would be expected to begin his preparations
shortly. Where in God's name was Malcolm?

"Look there, Alexander." One of the
sentries motioned to a lone rider passing through the gatehouse of the inner
bailey. Alexander narrowed his gaze to the fluttering green and red tartan of
the MacGregor clan. A sigh of relief crossed his lips when he recognized his man-at-arms.

Pebbles scattered and dust mushroomed up from the
ground around the horse's dirt encrusted hooves as the older man pulled his
mount to a sharp halt in front of the keep.

The steward's bony arms waved through the rising
dust and quickly motioned to him. "Och, mon, where have ye been? Laird
Alexander has been lookin' fer ye since afore sunrise. I didna know ye were
gone, except that he was askin' about ye this morn." The steward called to
a young boy who stood nearby. "You, lad, see to his horse."

When the boy ran forward and stretched out his
hands in readiness, Malcolm dismounted and handed him the reins.

From above, Alexander cupped his hands around his
mouth and shouted. "Malcolm, 'tis high time you arrived. Shake the dust
from your boots and meet me in my chamber."

"Aye," Malcolm shouted back.

Stepping out of Malcolm's way, the steward called
after him. "I'll send some ale to quench yer thirst."

"Yer a good mon, Duncan. I could do with a
long drink. I'm dry enough to fart feathers."

Just as he entered Alexander's chamber, a young
lad brought him a tankard of ale. He took a long drink and wiped his mouth on
his sleeve.

"By God, Malcolm," Alexander said.
"'Tis glad I am to see you. I was fearful you would not arrive in time.
Did you give Laird Drummond my message? Did he come with you as I asked? Where
is he?" Alexander fired the questions, one right after the other, without
giving his man-at-arms time to utter a reply.

Malcolm chuckled and answered when Alexander
paused to take a breath. "Aye, Laird Drummond and four of his men await my
signal by the southern hillock at the corrie where ye two adventured when ye
were lads." He took another deep swallow of ale. "I will ring the
chapel bell after the weddin' vows have been spoken. They will ride in with all
haste bearing tidings for you to attend the king immediately at court."

Alexander slapped his forehead with his hand and
grinned. "A royal summons? By God, Davey doesn't skimp on his
reasoning."

"Laird Drummond said naught other than a
royal summons from the king would be deemed important enough to cause yer leave
of yer own weddin'."

"Aye, he's right. This wedding has me
thinking none too clearly. 'Twill be good to be gone from here soon. I need the
peace of mind only time and distance from Ka… from here will give me. You have
done well, Malcolm. When I leave, you may stay and enjoy the feast if you wish
it."

"My thanks, but I will travel with ye as
always. I only hope to eat fare half as good as we'll miss by our
journey."

Laughing, Alexander clapped him on the back.
"I vow to pay for the best fare at the first inn where we stop. How does
that suit you?"

The older man grinned in return. "Until then,
I'll just sample a wee mouthful or two whilst I arrange the signal fer Laird
Drummond."

Alexander stood deep in thought after Malcolm left.
If they did indeed travel to court, he would have many days reprieve. After
that, well, he would need a wife at Ironwood. And there were always occasions
to travel away from home if need be.

**

Gillian held out the flowing white gown.
"Come, my lady. Ye will feel better after ye are dressed."

Nerves knotted in Katherine's throat. If only that
were true.

The young servant's bright smile did naught to
ease the anxiety that held Katherine in its grip. It was difficult to take a
calm breath. Her stomach clenched into a tight knot. The throbbing in her
temples competed with the pounding of her heart. Sweet saints be with her. She
could delay it no longer.

Willing life back into her stiff limbs, she
dropped her arms heavily to her sides and forced her legs forward. Cool fabric
whispered over her shoulders and down around her hips. Snug sleeves fit like a
sheath. The handmade lace on the bodice was soft to the touch. When the gown
closed around her figure, and the lacing was pulled tight, the air's chill
touch disappeared.

"Oh, my lady, ye look like an angel. Truly ye
do. All ye need now are yer slippers." Gillian handed them to her then
went around the room, picking up and straightening the many items strewn about
from the morn's preparations.

Katherine smiled as she slipped her feet into the
slippers. The shoes were made of pale blue suede, the color of spring sky. They
were a wedding gift from her parents.

She recalled what her da had said when he gave
them to her. "I canna have my daughter dancin' barefoot at her own
weddin', now can I? You'd best remember to save a dance for me else I'll be
takin' them back. And 'twould be a waste of good coin, for they willna fit
me."

The lush silk of her wedding gown swished against
her shaky legs as Katherine walked over to the large mirror that had been set
up near the window to catch the sun's rays. Bathed in the early morning light,
she stood before the tall oval looking glass and stared at the reflection of a
wan young woman in a flowing white gown. If not for the sight of the silver
brooch from her mother, she wouldn't have recognized herself. She looked
changed, different.

Her wide-eyed expression screamed of uncertainty
and the paleness of her face seemed to fade into the white of the gown. Thank
goodness for the bright spot of colored tartan ribbon at the hem. Without it,
she might appear to be even more of a pale shadow than she felt. She twisted
her hands nervously. Staring into the mirror, she watched Gillian pass in and
out of sight and wished for the girl's cheery demeanor.

The door opened. Her breath hitched in her throat
and she glanced behind her in the mirror. A grateful sigh escaped. It was only
Maman
.
Until Da came for her, she could pretend nothing had changed. Katherine turned
around as her mother approached.

Monique stood with her hands clasped together at
her chest, her eyes sparkling with unshed tears. She blinked them back, and
gently drew Katherine to her in a quick hug. "Oh,
mon cheri
, you
are truly lovely. Turn around and let me look at you." As Katherine slowly
revolved, her mother added, "You look like an angel in that gown. Your da
and I are so proud of you. Sir Alexander is a lucky man."

Katherine tried to smile, but the best she could
do was offer a weak grin. Filled with trepidation, she bit her bottom lip, then
glanced down and smoothed her dress. All of a sudden, she couldn't look into
her mother's eyes. It was all too much. A single tear trickled down her cheek.

Her mother reached out and squeezed her hand
tenderly. "Don't cry,
cheri
. If you start, I fear I will too. All
will be well. You will enjoy living here." Monique's voice cracked. This
time it was she who quickly glanced away.

A feeling of dread settled over Katherine. She
shuddered and gulped a deep breath trying to calm her nerves. What was she
thinking? She couldn't do this! She'd had her heart broken once before by a
false declaration of love only to be abandoned when she needed it most. Hadn't
she vowed never to give her heart again? Aye, and though she was physically
attracted to Alexander, she'd seen little to commend him as a husband. She
frowned. Indeed, his liaison with Fiona proved him to be more false hearted
than Daniel.

Fearful of being overheard, her words rushed out
in a frantic whisper. "
Maman
, please, stop the wedding. I cannot do
this. Let me return with you and Da."

Monique raised her moist eyes to face her
daughter, shook her head, and answered in hushed tones. "No,
cheri
.
You must go through with the marriage. It is best for you and it will make
Angus and me very happy. We truly wish it."

 Katherine's heart twisted until she thought it
would tear in two. She swallowed the burning sensation rising in her throat and
blinked back her tears. 'Twas naught else for her then. She would have to do
it. She gazed at her mother's face, so filled with love. Aye, do it for them.

Nodding in mute surrender, she darted a sad glance
around the room. When she saw Gillian straighten the tray of bread and wine
across the chamber from where they stood, she walked over, poured some wine in
a goblet and drank it down quickly.

It burned a fiery path through her, urging her to
temporary courage. The bread held no appeal. She had long since lost her
appetite. Pasting a brave smile on her lips she didn't feel, she drew her
shoulders back and turned to face her mother. "Tell me what is happening
below stairs. How does everything look? Have you seen Alexander?  I… I wonder
if all the wee fairies of Scotland are flitting about inside of him as they are
in me this morn."