Chapter 28

An early July wedding in the Isles could be stormy or bright. Alex was thankful today was the latter, with abundant sunshine and calm winds blowing in off the inner seas. Isobel wanted the ceremony to be held outside along the coast in view of Columba’s church, so it was. She stood before him looking so certain of the choice she made. He felt the same certainty about her.

Isobel was bringing renewal to his clan, ensuring his sisters could each make a good match and even helping make sense of the clan’s record keeping. There was no end to her talents and generosity. She was passionate and courageous. He had never met her like, and he was awed she had accepted him to be her partner. He recognized how lucky he was and hoped to be a man deserving of such good fortune.

The softness in Isobel’s violet eyes made his chest ache as she recited her vows. Today, she wore a gold velvet gown with fine gold-thread needlework embroidered across the bodice. Adorning her hair was a gold circlet, and she wore a delicate gold necklace with a ruby pendant. With the sun shining on her, she possessed a graceful radiance. In that moment, it was easy to imagine her as a princess standing proudly beside King David in the great hall at Edinburgh Castle. At the same time, he also saw that this radiant woman fit perfectly into his life. Isobel made his world complete.

Isobel studied Alex’s expression as he repeated his vows. His face was like granite—the crusader’s façade she’d seen in place countless times over the last few weeks. Why wear such a mask on our wedding day? She had a sickening thought for a moment that Alex could not love her, but she dismissed it. Even though the words had not yet been spoken between them, he cared for her just as she cared for him. His love could be seen in his actions, from his thoughtfulness in gifting her a new cloak and gingerbread on their journey, to his treatment of her as his equal with the record keeping, and, of course, his passion and care of her the night in the forest when they made love. The memory of it heated her skin, for tonight she knew they would be together once more.

She hoped her appearance pleased him, for his appearance pleased her. Alex had taken particular care with his grooming today. His hair was combed back, and his face was clean shaven. He wore a fine navy tunic that deepened the blue of his eyes. His leather trews were also fine; Isobel could tell they were not ones he wore in battle. She inhaled deeply, savoring his scent. The heady smell of rosewater radiated from him. She’d only smelled it on Alex a few times, so she knew he used it sparingly. Strange how such a floral scent could be so masculine.

The outside was perfect; she just needed to be patient for what lay within. His crusader’s heart would not easily allow love in. She could not rush him, nor did she want to.

As he finished reciting his vows, Isobel studied his gray-blue eyes. Unlike his face, they were alive with emotion. She could only hope he was thinking what she was: I love you.

Alex’s people cheered after the exchange of vows. As the clan funneled into the great hall for the wedding feast, Alex caught sight of two riders approaching—Robbie with Ewan Maclean. Alex gave Isobel a kiss on the cheek, and she nodded for him to go on to meet the two men. Alex greeted them at the stables.

“Robbie,” Alex said. He turned to the other man. “Maclean.” He eyed his old friend sharply. The first time they’d spoken in six years. Alex was anxious to see what sort of man he had become.

“MacKinnon,” Ewan said, as he and Robbie both dismounted their horses.

Alex reached out and shook his hand.

“Thank you for coming,” he said. “Why don’t you come inside for food and drink? We are celebrating.”

“I am happy for you, Alex, but I am guessing by the way I was…” He paused and looked at Robbie. “Shall we say, encouraged?”

“Aye, that is a good word for it,” Robbie said.

“By the way I was encouraged to follow MacDonald here, that this is not a social visit.”

Alex could only imagine how Robbie convinced Ewan to come with him. He was certain that’d be a story to share over a tankard later. Right now, it was time to talk peace.

“Aye, it is not. I have a proposition for you,” Alex said.

“I am not the chief, Alex,” Ewan said. “You know I cannae negotiate with you on behalf of my father.”

“I know it, but listen to what I have to offer.”

His old friend nodded for him to continue. In the years since Alex had seen him, Ewan’s appearance had changed. While he was no longer a lanky youth, his muscular frame was lean—he hadn’t bulked up in size like Alex. He never was a fighter, Alex thought. Perhaps Chief Maclean’s obsession with battle had turned his son from it. Ewan had trained, of course, and his skill with a bow and arrow was exceptional, but he was not a warrior by heart.

“I think I can offer something you and your father will value,” Alex began.

“And what is that?”

“A marriage alliance with my sister, Anna, which comes with a handsome dowry,” Alex said.

****

Inside the keep, the drinking and frivolity was under way. Hundreds of people were squeezed inside the great hall; the sound of all those voices talking and laughing was so loud, Isobel could hardly hear a word Joan said to her. They were the only ones seated on the dais; everyone else was off in conversation with the clansmen and women or the Irish warriors. Isobel wanted to laugh when she saw a group of MacKinnons scowling as a handful of women carried on with some of the Irish. She knew the men would be happy when their guests left; the competition for attention was not welcome, even if their skill with the sword was.

Flora was engaged in conversation with Murdoch while Anna was talking with Robbie, who had just arrived in the hall. Joan, it seemed, had taken notice.

“After we eat, you should ask him to dance,” Isobel suggested, leaning closer to Joan so she could be heard.

“Did you see me practicing the other day?” Joan asked. “I was terrible.”

“You were just nervous.”

“And I won’t be tonight?” Joan sighed and toyed with the emerald pendant that hung from her necklace. “He is interested in Anna.” Joan’s eyes went wide with realization, and she looked at Isobel. “Listen to me,” she cried. “I sound like a lovesick fool.”

This was clearly a position Joan had never found herself in before. Isobel could relate. She’d never experienced such feelings until she met Alex just a few weeks ago. It meant she probably wasn’t the best person to give advice, but she’d do her best.

“He is interested in you. He only avoids you because he likes you.” The few times she’d seem them cross paths around the keep, it had been painfully awkward. Yet, when Robbie interacted with any of the other women, including Anna, he did so with ease. At least with as much ease as a mercenary could muster. Isobel knew what that meant—Robbie had feelings for Joan.

“You really think so?” She stopped toying with the necklace and looked back to Robbie and Anna.

“I do,” Isobel said. “Now have some wine to calm your nerves.” Isobel filled a glass and handed it to Joan.

Joan took it and cautiously sniffed the liquid.

“You’ve never had wine before, have you?” Isobel asked.

Joan shook her head. “Is it like ale?”

“In a way. Just be careful. A little will calm you; too much and you will act a fool and have a terrible pain in your head come the morning.”

“So it is like ale,” Joan said and took a sip. “But better tasting.”

Isobel poured herself a glass and toasted Joan. “To you and your sisters,” Isobel said.

“And to you, Isobel, for coming here to help us.”

After taking a drink, Isobel decided now was as good a time as any to talk to Joan about taking over her duties in the keep.

“I should have spoken with you sooner, so forgive me. I do not want there to be any bad feelings about my new position here,” Isobel began.

“Nae, of course there are none. ’Tis the way of things. I knew Alex would take a wife and she would take over the duty of managing the keep,” Joan said. “If Alex said I am displeased with you, it is not true. I just needed time.”

Alex hadn’t spoken of it, though she assumed that meant he was unaware of Joan’s feelings.

“You have done a wonderful job with Flora and Anna. I have no doubt they have grown into the women they are now because of your guidance and care.”

Joan didn’t say anything but nodded. Isobel sensed that Joan was not used to taking compliments. Isobel would make sure that she, and her sisters, received praise more often. She had been fortunate in her own life to receive the accolades of David, Mattie, and her tutors. While it did not do to rely on others for one’s own self-worth, praise helped build one’s confidence. Isobel wanted all of Alex’s sisters to feel confident in their own talents and abilities.

“You have done so much with limited resources,” Isobel continued. “That takes creativity and determination.” She could not imagine what Joan needed to do to keep things going in Alex’s absence. Isobel had walked in and taken note of everything that was wrong; she failed to see what was working. Anna’s and Flora’s positivity was proof that not all was broken here. And Isobel knew that had a great deal to do with Joan.

“There is much I have yet to learn. I hope you will help me so I may serve the MacKinnons as well as you have,” Isobel finished.

Joan set down her wine glass and looked Isobel in the eye. “I will be glad to help you.”

Isobel smiled in relief. This was an important step in building a relationship with her new sister.

“Now tell me what I should say to the islander when the dancing starts,” Joan said. Her glass was half empty; the wine had indeed had an effect. She just hoped the woman paced herself; it would be a long night.

****

Once Alex explained his plan regarding the alliance and gave the details of Anna’s dowry, Ewan agreed to it. Alex made it clear that nothing would be final until Anna also agreed, but, for now, terms were tentatively set.

“Then let us go in for the feast,” Alex said, when they’d finished discussing the plans. They made their way up from the stables into the entry hall of the keep. Alex could barely fit inside the doors; the room was shoulder to shoulder with people.

“Do you want to meet her?” Alex asked. He cringed as a reveler elbowed him in the side.

“Forgive me, Chief,” the man said.

Alex smiled and nodded at the man, and looked behind him at Ewan. “Well?”

“Aye,” Ewan said, pushing his way through the crowd.

“She wants to meet you,” Alex said, dodging a woman carrying two tankards of ale. “I thought you two could sit together during the evening feast.”

“Aye, that is fine,” Ewan said, stepping aside to avoid getting hit by the woman carrying the ale. “What does she like to talk about?”

They’d reached the great hall where Alex found Isobel and Joan seated together on the dais. Then he saw Anna. “Ask her yourself. She is the one in the yellow dress standing next to Robbie.” Alex pointed to her and turned to see Ewan’s expression.

Ewan’s mouth dropped open, and his eyes widened. Alex’s fists reflexively tightened at his sides. Isobel had insisted all his sisters have new gowns for the wedding. It was a great kindness, for it upset Alex to see his sisters in rags; however, the fashions from Edinburgh were a bit more revealing than he cared for. Clearly, the dress was having an effect on Ewan.

“You haven’t married her yet, Maclean,” Alex reminded him, unclenching his fists.

Ewan’s face hardened, but his cheeks colored over in pink. Alex knew he was embarrassed for showing his interest so freely.

“I will be keeping an eye on you. Remember that my sister has the final say in this agreement.” With that, Alex made his way up to the dais.

“Let us tell the cook to bring everything up,” Alex said, taking his seat beside Isobel. “The clan is already half drunk. Best get some food in them.”

“I sent word to the kitchens as soon as you entered the hall,” she said. She then leaned in to him and whispered, “Did he agree?”

“Aye, he did.” Alex took her hand in his and kissed it. “Now we wait and see if Anna agrees to it.”

“How did he seem?”

“As I remember him,” Alex said. “If my judgment has not failed, I think he would be a fair husband to Anna.”

“Then let us hope the alliance works.”

“Aye,” he said, turning to see Ewan introduce himself to Anna. Alex looked on, trying to study Anna’s facial expressions to gauge her interest in Ewan. Anna was known for wearing her feelings on her face, but to his surprise he could discern nothing from her face. Is that good or bad? Is she disinterested? Is that what her disinterested face is like?

“Alex, stop staring,” Isobel whispered in his ear.

“I should have introduced them,” Alex said. “Then I could have stayed to listen.”

“If you keep looking on in such a way, you are sure to make them nervous. Just leave it be,” Isobel said. “Besides, Robbie approaches. He must want to speak with you.”

A few moments later, Robbie stood before him and Isobel.

“May I have a word with Lady Isobel?” he asked, to Alex’s surprise.

“Of course,” Isobel said. “Shall we step into the solar? It is quite noisy in here.”

As Isobel and Robbie left the dais, Alex glanced over at his sister, Joan. She was scowling, and her face was bright red.

“Sister, are you well?”

“Hand me that wine,” she instructed, as she stretched out her hand.

Alex looked around the table and found a carafe of wine sitting to his right. He picked it up and handed it to Joan, who nearly dropped it into Isobel’s chair.

“Have a care,” Alex said. He frowned as Joan attempted to fill her glass, spilling half the wine on the table. “Joan—”

“Not a word, Brother.” She held up her right hand to silence him and picked up the drink with her left. “I am two and twenty, and I have to dance.”

Alex did not begin to understand what the wine had to do with her age or dancing, so he simply shrugged and let his watchful eye fall once more on Ewan and Anna.

****

When they were both inside, Isobel closed the door to Alex’s solar and invited Robbie to sit at the table. He took a seat and Isobel joined him, rather curious to know what he wanted.

“What can I do for you, Robbie?” she asked.

“I have no favor to ask,” he said. “I want to apologize.”

“Apologize?” Isobel was confused.

“I never apologized for the way I treated you and for stealing the Rood,” he said. He cleared his throat, showing his discomfort in speaking this way to her, but he kept his eyes on hers—never wavering. “Though my motivation was only to save my sister, it does not excuse my behavior. I am truly sorry.”

Isobel had never expected an apology. He’d proven himself over and over again since their first meeting.

“I can only accept your apology if you will accept mine.” She thought often of how she had wounded him. “I am sorry for stabbing you.”

“Nae. You had to.”

“I believe we were both doing what we thought we had to,” she said.

Robbie nodded.

“I think then we are even.” Isobel stood and reached out her hand in peace.

Robbie accepted it, and they shook. “I also appreciate your care of Agnes,” he said. “She is the happiest I have ever seen her.”

“She is dear to me and to all of Alex’s sisters,” Isobel said.

“The MacKinnons are fortunate to have you, my lady.”

“And we are lucky to have you and your kin, Robbie.”

They left the solar and returned to the celebration in the great hall. Isobel found Alex still watching Ewan and Anna, who were deep in conversation at a table near the dais, and Joan was half falling out of her seat. Isobel rushed to her, but Robbie was by Joan’s side in an instant, helping settle her in the chair. He righted her and immediately stepped away.

“I need to fetch Agnes,” he said, looking at Isobel. “Murdoch told me the healer will permit her to come down to eat with us. She will be waiting.”

“I am glad she can join us,” Isobel said, noting how flustered the usually composed islander looked.

Isobel took her seat by Alex, and Donald, head of the guard, offered the first toast of the night.

****

After the meal, and a nearly endless line of wedding toasts, the music began. Alex’s uncle, William, and a handful of his men played a lively tune on their pipes and strings. Some of the crowd dispersed outside, leaving open space for dancing in the hall. Soon the clan was whistling, clapping, and dancing along with the music. It’s the perfect time to leave, Alex thought. He was about to steal Isobel away to their room when Flora rushed up to the dais with a wide grin on her face. “I have a surprise for you both!” she exclaimed.

“What sort of surprise?” Alex frowned. Flora’s surprises usually began or ended with a catastrophe, so he had good reason to be wary.

“I made a banner to celebrate your wedding!”

“How thoughtful,” Isobel said.

“Oh?” Alex looked cautiously around the hall for it. “Where is it?”

“Look up,” she said. She waved her arms, as though signaling to someone in the crowd, and moments later a banner reading “Alex and Isobel Forever” unfurled from the rafters.

“It’s wonderful,” Isobel said, to a beaming Flora.

“Aye,” Alex agreed. “It is verra nice, lass.”

“I am so glad you like it! I had Murdoch help me hang it this afternoon.”

Alex peered into the crowd and found Murdoch standing beneath the banner, holding onto the rope that kept it up.

Suddenly, a man in the crowd bumped into Murdoch, causing him to lose hold of the rope. The banner dropped, falling into the crowd and onto two torches, where it promptly went up in flames.

“Fire!” Alex shouted above the music. “Fire!”

He leapt from the table and raced into the crowd. Fortunately, everyone had moved clear of the flames, but the fire still posed a risk to the wooden keep.

“Bring water! Quickly!” he ordered the nearest two guards. He found in such cases that orders needed to be given to specific people. If he just shouted out for anyone to help, everyone assumed someone else was managing it.

“Use the banner to smother it,” Ewan suggested, coming to Alex’s side.

Alex grabbed the banner, but the cloth was nearly covered in flames. “There is no time,” he said, letting it go. He stomped on it, but the flames grew by the second.

“Here!” Robbie shouted. He rushed to Alex’s side, handing him a bucket of water.

Alex took it and doused half the flames. “One more and it should be under control.” The fire was contained now, but smoke was filling the great hall.

“Open the doors, Murdoch,” Alex instructed the lad. He looked ill, but obeyed.

The two guards brought in more buckets of water, and Alex and Robbie dumped them on the flames, putting out the fire completely.

Within minutes, all the doors were open and the furs were pulled back from the windows allowing the smoke to escape.

“Let us continue the celebration outside!” Alex shouted, and the men and women cheered in response. The musicians resumed playing their instruments, and the melody mingled with the laughter and conversation of the clansmen and women. Everyone filtered out of the smoky hall and into the summer night.

When the hall had cleared, Alex took stock of the damage.

“These boards will need replacing,” Alex said, as Isobel came to stand beside him.

“You wanted to rebuild in stone anyway, did you not?” Isobel asked.

“I do,” Alex replied, rubbing the back of his neck as he studied the wall and floor.

“Then no harm done,” she said.

“No harm done?” Alex asked in disbelief. “The keep could have burnt down.”

“But it did not,” Isobel said. “Your sister meant well, and it was not Murdoch’s fault. Someone bumped into him.”

Isobel was right, of course, but she didn’t understand that this happened every time Flora essayed any of her projects. He’d witnessed all manner of mischief from the girl before she was even old enough to say her own name.

“It does not matter if her intentions were good. She could have injured someone.”

“I understand,” Isobel said. “But today is a celebration. Go to her now, and tell her all is well. Otherwise, she will fret all night.”

“Very well,” Alex said, glancing out into the crowded bailey then back to her. “Are you coming?”

“I am going to our room,” Isobel said. “Will I see you up there soon?”

“Aye.” Alex felt his blood heat as his wife sashayed out of the hall. The sooner he found Flora, the sooner he could join Isobel. He made his way out into the bailey.

Already, a series of bonfires had been lit. The flames flickered in the summer sky as the clan’s people danced to the Celtic tunes of their Irish guests. He searched out Flora and found her and Murdoch standing near the stables. The young MacDonald was trying to console her.

“Everything is fine,” Murdoch said. “The keep still stands.”

“Alex hates me,” Flora cried.

“Not true,” Alex said, making himself known. He came to stand beside his sobbing sister. Her face was buried in her hands.

“Come now, Flora,” he said. He wrapped his arms around her. “Isobel and I loved the banner.”

She dropped her hands and looked up at him. “Do you mean it?”

“Aye.”

“But what about the keep wall?” Her eyes welled with tears.

“In truth, I think it looks better with the soot stains,” Alex said, causing Flora and even Murdoch to laugh. “There now. No more tears.”

She nodded her head and wiped her face with her hands.

“It is a beautiful night. Why don’t you and Murdoch join the group for a dance?” Alex looked to Murdoch, waiting for the young man to object.

“I would love a dance,” Murdoch said. Alex released Flora and clapped Murdoch on the back.

“You hear that?” Alex gently nudged Flora’s chin up with his finger. “There are too few nights in life like this one, Flora. Go enjoy yourself.”

His young sister looked up at him with her big green eyes and smiled. “I have not danced yet,” she said.

Alex waved his hands at Murdoch, as though presenting him to her for the first time. “I believe this young man offered to be your partner.”

Murdoch looked uncertain, and Alex knew he was as upset as Flora had been. “No harm done,” he told him. “I won’t have you think on it a moment longer. That is a direct command from the chief.”

Murdoch nodded. “Aye, Chief.”

Flora tugged on Murdoch’s hand. “I love this tune! Come on, Murdoch!”

She was already dragging him away, but Murdoch leaned back and whispered to Alex, “She won’t let me lead.”

“Best get used to it.” Alex patted him on the shoulder and sent them off into the crowd.

One sister happy. Just one more to see. Since Isobel had forbade him from talking to them during the feast, he wanted to find Anna and see where the marriage alliance stood. He searched through the crowd but did not see them gathered by any of the bonfires, so he checked the front gate, where four guardsmen stood on watch.

“Have you seen my sister, Anna?”

“She and a man just walked up to the ramparts,” one of the guards said, pointing to the steps just inside the gates.

Alex jogged up the steps to the top of the gate wall. The wooden walkway was narrow but allowed enough room for two rows of archers to take positions on the wall. He’d fortified the walkway after his return home, knowing men would need to line the walls if the Macleans attacked.

He found Anna and Ewan facing the sea, looking up at the sky. The heavens had gifted the clan with a clear night, and the stars were plentiful.

“I wanted a word with Anna,” Alex interrupted. They both turned at the sound of his voice.

“Of course,” Anna said.

“A fine feast, Alex,” Ewan said.

Alex nodded in thanks.

“I will be over here,” Ewan told Anna, pointing to the end of the walkway before he left. Alex waited until Ewan was out of earshot before he spoke. “Well?”

“He is nice,” Anna said.

“And?”

“I could marry him.”

Alex hugged his sister in relief. “Are you certain?”

“Aye.”

“Because if not, just tell me.” He released her and held her at arm’s length, trying to discern her usually readable face.

“Alex, you just hugged me to near death. I do not think you could have been any more relieved by my choice.”

“Anna, I will not see you married against your will. Forget everything else. Forget me. Is this what you want?”

“From what I can garner, he seems a fine man and should make a respectable husband.” She shrugged and added, “Honestly, Alex. I do not know what you expect me to say after just meeting the man a few hours ago. All I can tell you is I am at peace with my decision.”

It was wrong of Alex to expect more from her. Selfishly, he wanted peace of mind. He needed to believe that this decision benefited Anna, not just the rest of the clan. He would not be able to live with himself if she were unhappy. He bid her good night, resisting the temptation to have the guards keep an eye on them as he passed by the gates on his way back up to the keep.

One sister happy. One sister at peace. Alex could live with that. Should I check on Joan? She drank so much wine at dinner, she’s probably fast asleep in her room. Deciding he’d managed as much as he could for the night, Alex returned to the keep and made his way up to his chamber.