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W
here are ye, Jack? Hurry up man, we're gonna be late, I tell ye. And where's Hector and Ian? They're all supposed to be here now. And where's Wabi? And Andrew and Jamie? They're supposed to be here, too."
Da smiled as he watched his firstborn, Alexander, pacing the room, taking long quick strides that spoke of his anxiety, an emotion he never had much experience with.
Ah, yes, my oldest lad. The intellectual one, always logical. Decisive.
"Ah, stop yer yelling, brother. We'll all get there. Now hush before ye get everyone else as worked up as yerself. I'll get ye to the kirk on time and I won't let Caitlin box yer ears."
Hmm, my number three lad, Jack, the protector — and a good one he is.
"Alex, this outfit is getting so tight I can hardly breathe. Are ye sure I have to wear it? I mean, I think ye and Jack getting married and all is fine, but is it really necessary for us to get so fussed up?"
Daniel's smile got even wider. My youngest lad, Ian. So much wants to be like his brothers. But this young lad is, um, well he's special. Yes, special, Alice, just like ye always said.
"Will the lot of ye try to get along for just a few minutes without a referee? I don't know how ye get through the day without someone to keep the peace."
And that would be my number two lad, Hector, ever the peacemaker, negotiator. Has a little of ye in him to be sure, mo chridhe.
Da looked at this small group of men, the sons he and Alice had raised. It wasn't always an easy task, but he was ever so glad they were his lads. Each man had qualities any father would have been proud of, and certainly any mother.
Alice, they're fine lads— and fine-looking, too.
Now here they all were, outfitted in the finest clothing they had. Mam had made sure each one had a complete outfit for a celebration of any kind—perhaps it would be a funeral, a christening, or maybe one of them may marry one day. Daniel recalled it had cost him most of a year's profits from the sheep farm to manage to pay for it all. But just now, he so wished his Alice could see them.
Each man was wearing a fitted wool jacket, a white shirt with turndown collar and French cuffs, a five-button black waistcoat, kilt from the MacKinnon plaid, a tie, and black ghillie brogues. Of course, they sported hose with flashers to match their kilt, and a black, leather sporran with their clan symbol emblazoned on it. Each man had a sgian-dubh (small knife) tucked into the top of his hose. Mam had been careful to attach Alex's to his left leg, as he was left-handed. And lastly, their Highland bonnets were in place.
"Well, now that's quite a display of MacKinnons, I do say," Da said, smiling broadly.
Wabi and Uncle Andrew walked in together and finally old Jamie showed up. Andrew had returned last evening from Edinburgh and he and Jamie were attired in their finest Highland wear also. As for Wabi, everyone stared for just a moment. They had all grown accustomed to his peculiar ways and understood he was an unusual man, so his choice of apparel went unquestioned, with only slight nods from everyone.
Wabi's lineage had never been explained to Caitlin, but she knew it was most unusual. So here he was at this gathering, wearing his chosen garb. He had donned a floor-length silk robe, a most resplendent one — a deep forest green with unusual symbols around the hem. Maybe a language they thought, but again, didn't question it. His one bit of attire they did recognize was a cummerbund made from the MacKinnon plaid. It was a gesture on his part to indicate his belonging to the clan as well, and they all approved of that gesture.
Before Wabi had come out, he had asked Owl to inspect his garment. "Let's make sure there aren't any loose threads or rips that I've missed." Wabi slowly turned around, making sure Owl could see all sides.
Master, I do believe this garment is from another time. It even has a unique scent that I remember from a previous life. And our Caitlin will detect that, no doubt. But yes, I believe it is exactly what you should wear on this special occasion. Most elegant. I wholeheartedly approve. Of course, each word had been clipped in his most officious English manner.
Now that everyone was here, Da walked forward and turned, facing them.
"If one of ye'll fill the cups, I would like to make a toast."
Hector hurried to complete this task and stood in line with his brothers.
"A toast is traditional, I'm told. As ye all know, I'm not good with words, but today is a fine day for we MacKinnons. We have two lovely ladies joining us, and fortunate we are to be so blessed. Yer mam would be happy to know ye've chosen such fine ladies and that they've been so taken with ye they agreed to wed ye. She'd be just as proud of ye as I am. Ye are the finest men I've ever known and I'm proud to be yer da."
Everyone tossed the liquid back, even Ian, who tried his hardest not to cough. He did turn bright red in the face, however, but not a brother commented on it.
"Speaking of ladies, where are they?" Alex asked, wondering why he hadn't thought of that already.
"They've already gone to the kirk. The dressmaker will do the last of her stitching there. According to Millie, it's traditional to never try the dress on before the actual day. Whatever last minute alterations are necessary will be made then. So now that everyone's accounted for, Alex, relax," Jack smiled at his older brother.
~ * ~
"MILLIE, IF YE DON'T be still I'll never get this neckline finished. It's almost time now."
Deirdre had to stand on a small stool in order to reach Millie's collar to complete the final stitching. Yes, this was a rather tall woman and very beautiful. Even Deirdre knew Millie was a real Lady. That fact was evident to anyone who spent any time in her presence.
"There. That's done. Now, Caitlin, come over here and stand on the stool."
Unlike Millie, Caitlin was so short she needed to stand on the stool instead of Deirdre. The dressmaker was quite a bit taller than Caitlin, and had to bend to work on her dress—hence the need for the stool.
"The waistline is a tad too big. I'll try to tighten it if I can. Not much meat on yer bones, ye ken? Certainly not much to keep a Highlander warm on a cold December night."
Caitlin glanced at Deirdre, not sure why she would make such a remark. But she didn't make an issue of it.
"Almost done, just one more stitch," and she proceeded to make her alteration.
"Ouch! That smarts." Caitlin flinched as the seamstress stuck the needle into her side. Accident certainly.
"Oops. Sorry. Never meant to stick ye."
Deirdre was boiling inside just thinking about this small, red-haired lass from the Isle claiming her Highlander, Alex MacKinnon. He'd be sorry he had chosen this woman. She'd make sure of that.
"Ok, ladies, yer as ready as I can make ye. Stand here and I'll weave a little white heather and moth orchids in yer hair — for good luck, ye ken?" She proceeded to take ribbon and wrap it around the heather, then attached it to their locks, carefully tucking in a few small orchids as well. All the while she was wishing the lasses were weaving ribbons and heather in her own hair. Somehow, though, she knew that would never be.
"Wherever did you get moth orchids this time of year?" Caitlin asked.
"Oh— that young lass — the one from Spain or was it Greece? I forget. She's a wee lass if I ever saw one — she's even smaller than you, Caitlin. And she's verra easy on the eyes. I noted several lads looking her way when she dropped these off. That long, shining, dark hair and those eyes that twinkle when she speaks. And that accent — it's strange, but I could understand her well enough. She insisted that I put these in your hair. Seems they're considered good luck in her country also."
"Oh, you mean Lourdes, and you're right, she's from Spain. She just arrived here a few months ago. I think she's married to that older man . . . uhm, McGowan, or McGuire? Not sure. But I met her in the village recently where she was selling the most beautiful flowers. She told me she grows them in a small room that she keeps very warm with a small peat fire. According to her, the flowers will grow in there year round. She obviously has a very green thumb as she also had some herbs that looked very healthy. I'll be sure to stop by and thank her for the orchids." Caitlin smiled as she watched Deirdre arrange the delicate flowers in her hair.
"Hold on. Let me see if the signal for ye to come out has been given."
Cracking the door ever so slightly, Deirdre could hear the pipes as they began their whine.
"Aye, 'tis time for ye to join yer escorts. Millie, yer to go first."
And Millie, looking so perfect in her dress, a full-length, cream-colored lace with a train, calmly stepped through the door and began to walk across the cobblestone path where Uncle Andrew stood, smiling as he watched her approach.
"Ah, lass. Yer even lovelier today than ye were yesterday," he beamed.
The old man was honored to have been asked to escort this fine woman who was to marry his nephew. Millie walked as she always did, as elegantly as any queen. She took Uncle Andrew's arm and smiled at him.
"Thank you, kind sir. I think we should go inside now."
They proceeded along the curving, cobblestone walkway and entered the kirk.
Millie smiled when she saw the transformation the kirk had undergone. The villagers had been so excited about the MacKinnon lads finally finding women. The young lasses, though wishing it had been them, had spent hours adorning the kirk with flowers from their own gardens. They had hung ribbons and heather on the lampposts and doorways, and flowers were placed in vases at the front of the altar.
As they approached the first pew, the pipes were playing a haunting, flowing piece with a fiddle echoing in the background. The pipes were calling to the fiddle and it was responding in a yin-yang song that seemed to have been written precisely for the two. Millie didn't think she had ever heard anything so moving. She had only heard the pipes making off-key sounds 'til now, but this was music, beautiful music.
Uncle Andrew delivered Millie to the right side of the altar, where Jack grinned from one ear to the other. His auburn hair had been brushed till it shone in the morning sunlight coming through the stained glass window. He held out an arm and Millie took it, desperate for anything to keep her feet on the ground.
"All right, now ye, Caitlin. It's time."
Deirdre could hardly get the words out of her mouth. They tasted like bitter bile and she had to work exceptionally hard to keep her emotions under control and her feelings to herself.
Not yet . . . but soon . . . soon.
Caitlin lifted the front of her dress, a soft, pale blue satin that, too, had a lengthy train. She took a deep breath, stepped forward and made her way to the edge of the cobblestone path. She saw Uncle Wabi coming her way and he looked splendid in his eloquent clothing.
"Uncle Wabi, how dashing you look. Where did you ever find such a robe?” She looked at the garment carefully and observed the symbols stitched along the hem.
"Is that a language, Wabi?"
Then she slowly turned her head from one side to the other, lifting her nose and sniffing, much like Willie would have done.
"Do you smell the aroma that drifts from the robe? That's an interesting scent that I'm not familiar with. What is it?"
"It's a very old garment, Caitlin, and I particularly enjoy wearing it on special occasions. And today is a special one, my girl. I'm so pleased to be a part of this ceremony. And the aroma...from the Orient, I would think." He kissed her cheek lightly. "Now, we should be going in."
Caitlin just nodded her head.
Yes, we should be going in.
The pipes and fiddle were still performing their yin-yang dance and Caitlin found it most alluring. Never had she thought pipes could produce such stirring music.
As they walked down the aisle, however, Caitlin could see little, due to her small stature. What she could see was that the young lasses had strewn flower petals about the floor and bouquets were tied to the pews and adorned the doorways. They couldn't have made it any more beautiful.
However, as Millie and Uncle Andrew walked to the right side of the altar, Caitlin could see everything and everyone. Apparently the whole village had come. She stopped abruptly. She could now see the entire group that was assembled at the front of the kirk, on the altar, waiting for her to join them. The sight took her breath away.
Never had she seen such an array of so many striking men . . . and all of them MacKinnons. They always appeared handsome to her, but now, in their finest clothing, the bonnets, MacKinnon kilt, hose, and sporrans, they were stunning. Uncle Andrew, Jamie and Da had even trimmed their beards, a chore they never enjoyed. Oh what a sight! And that tall, most handsome one on the far left was her man, her Highlander, her Alex. And she couldn't take her eyes off him.
Uncle Wabi felt her vibration and sensed her emotions. "It is quite a magnificent gathering of MacKinnons, is it not?"
He smiled and nodded at her and began to lead her forward again. She was having difficulty getting her feet to move and even greater trouble keeping her emotions under control — but knew she must.
However, she needn't have worried so. She looked up at that moment and was ever so relieved. Alex had stepped from the altar and was striding down the aisle, coming to meet her. It seemed he couldn't wait another moment. Her heart was full, and as she reached out for his arm, Uncle Wabi stepped aside, understanding that his niece was in very capable hands now. His heart was full also, but a great measure of relief flooded him as well. Now she had a protector even better than the wolf. Then, as if he had read Wabi's thoughts, Willie came running through the kirk entry and joined Alex and Caitlin as they made their way to the altar. Alex may be her new protector, but Willie would always be at her side.
~ * ~
THE BELLS IN THE TOWER pealed out as Millie and Caitlin walked out of the kirk, escorted by their fine-looking gentlemen, and they were both smiling as they approached the carriage waiting for them at the end of the walkway. Apparently the young lasses had gotten to the horses, too. They had woven heather and ribbons into their manes and tails and bouquets were tied to the sides of the carriage. No doubt those young lasses wished it was their special day. And no men could be finer looking than the MacKinnon lads.
Jack climbed up and held the reins as Alex helped the ladies to their seats. Their cumbersome dresses were a challenge for him but he managed, then took his seat next to Caitlin.
"Jack, my man. I do believe we have just joined the league of old married men."
"Aye, brother. What were we thinking?" Jack laughed.
Alex lifted Caitlin's hand and kissed the back of it lightly— a gesture she would remember one day years from now — sending shivers up her arm.
The brides and grooms had stayed for a short time at the kirk talking with the vicar who had insisted they share a wee dram with him before leaving, but finally they were on their way. Jack clucked to the horses and they picked up their pace.
"Well, the celebration can't very well get underway until the brides and grooms arrive," Jack laughed. However, a short while later, as they pulled the carriage close to the lodge it was obvious no one had thought of waiting for them to begin the celebration. Many of the villagers had already arrived and from the sounds coming from within, they were all having a great time.
"Well, I suppose that tells us how necessary we are to the party," Millie laughed.
"They may have started without us, but I'll bet there's not a one of 'em who can do a proper reel." Alex grinned and handed Caitlin down from the carriage.
Opening the door, they were surprised to see several of the young lads and lasses already moving about the floor, even Ian, who was having no trouble with his new prosthesis. He and Hector had left the wedding and hurried home to help get the celebration underway. The brothers nodded to each other when they saw the lad twirling a pretty fair-haired lass. There were several fiddles, a base, a banjo, and a young woman whom neither of the brothers recognized sat at Mam's harpsichord. The place was filled with toe-tapping music and Hector had the cider flowing generously. Caitlin looked around, stunned at the number of people crowded into the lodge.
"I thought it would be just family and a few friends, but it looks like the whole village has come," Caitlin said. Alex took note of how many folk had made the effort to celebrate this occasion with them. He wished Mam could have been here.
"Ah, about time ye got here. We waited for a few seconds, but then decided to commence with the festivities," Hector said, handing them a cup of his tasty cider.
Alex took a thirst-quenching swallow and turned to Caitlin. "My lady, let's show 'em how the Gay Gordons should be done!"
"What? You dance? Alex MacKinnon you are full of surprises."
With that she found herself being pulled onto the dance floor, trying desperately to keep pace with her Highland fool. She would never have thought this quiet, reserved, man would engage in such an undertaking. Something told her this might be the first of more surprises to come.
Millie and Jack were more content to watch from the sidelines, but both were glad the day had finally come and happy to have so many well-wishers at the celebration.
Alex, aware that Caitlin was tiring a bit, took her over to her uncle.
"Wabi, she's just unable to keep up with me, ye ken? So I'll leave her here with ye for a few minutes. I'll see if Millie will give it a try."
Alex was thoroughly enjoying the evening. He had planned to marry only once, and he wanted it to be right. So far, it was the best day ever.
Jack wasn't much on dancing, even though Mam had spent an enormous amount of time teaching each of them the proper steps to many reels. But Alex took care of that. Millie was thrilled to find herself twirling about the floor, and it only took a few reels for her to be exhausted.
"Alex, that's more than enough for now."
Millie had drunk a cup of cider and found her dress just too confining and, at the moment, rather warm. She excused herself to go change.
"Where ye going lass?" Jack stood as if to follow her.
"Oh, just going to find Deirdre and see if she'll help me get out of this dress. It's lovely, but I think something more comfortable would be in order."
Millie waved at Deirdre across the room and the seamstress knew what she wanted. She had counted on it, in fact. Good. Now my plan can be put into action.
"Aye, Millie, let's go to the rear storage room. There's a closet in there to hang yer dress and ye can come later and put it away. It's a bit cold there, but we'll only be a minute."
"The cold would be welcome just now. This dress is awfully warm. Of course, the cider might be a factor too."
The two women laughed and went on to the storage room and entered, closing the door behind them.
"Hold on just another second. OK, now. Step out of yer dress and slip this one on. I made it just for you, Millie. The color is perfect for your hair and skin."
"I can't thank you enough, Deirdre. I had nothing to wear when I came here, and this is such a treat. I just hope Jack likes it. I don't usually wear red, but with Christmas just a few days away, this is just perfect."
"Oh, he'll like it, lass. He'll like anything that ye wear."
Deirdre had managed so far to keep her intentions to herself, but her patience was running thin. These two women coming here and taking not just one man but two was too exasperating for words. Highland men were a breed unto themselves, and these MacKinnon men could have had any lass they wanted. But in Deirdre's case, none of them seemed to desire her. Be that as it may, they would all be sorry they had rejected her, especially Alex.
"All right then. Back to the party. Send Caitlin and I'll help her too. She's bound to be getting a mite warm herself," Deirdre said.
Uncle Wabi had stood at Caitlin's side when Alex left her with him. "My girl, that was the finest ceremony I've ever seen. And I couldn't be more pleased with your Highlander. He's exactly what I would have chosen for you — as if I ever had the opportunity."
"Aye, Uncle Wabi. He's special to me. And he's just what I want, too. I think this entire day has been a success."
"Then ye'll not mind if I make myself scarce? I believe I'll start my trip to Skye. There's something niggling at the edges of my mind. Or maybe someone. Can't really tell, but I feel I should be getting home. I need to check on a few things."
"Of course I don't mind. But wouldn't it be better if you waited until morning? Traveling in the dark and through this snow could be dangerous."
"Well, I'll be there in just a few moments, Caitlin. And Owl will go with me, though he'll complain about it all the way."
Caitlin just stared at her uncle for a brief moment. Then she remembered.
"Aye. I see. You'll use that time-weaving, place-weaving thing... whatever it is you do. Maybe one day you'll explain it to me. But do be careful. You're not as young as you used to be."
"And don't I know it. But all will be well and I'll be back soon. I've spent some time with Ian and promised to come back soon and continue our sessions. He's special, Caitlin, as I have told you. We have an understanding, you see. And, my girl, remember — about your nightmares — visit the circle of stones."
"Um, yes, I'll remember. As for Ian, well, he's his own person, true. And a bit different from the other brothers. But he's still young and could use guidance. He misses his mam a lot, I do know that."
Uncle Wabi had spent as much time as he could with Ian this trip, doing his best to continue his mentoring of the lad. There was so much the young boy needed to know, and he was like a sponge soaking up everything Wabi taught him. In their most recent session, Wabi had stressed to Ian the necessity of being thoughtful before acting. The lad had such a great amount of power that Wabi was most concerned he could get into trouble before he even knew it.
"Ian, when you are one of the called, you will often find that having powers can be quite a burden and responsibility. Even I still have situations that require me to think long and hard before I act. For a young person such as yourself, it will be even more taxing. Remember that I am always within your reach and I have taught you how to call me. I must warn you there might come a time when the powers make themselves known rapidly and strongly. You must strive to keep them under control and think though the situation before acting." The lad was making great progress, but Wabi knew he needed extensive mentoring in order to fully become the wizard he was to be.
Now, as he was about to take his leave from the wedding celebration, Wabi took a few minutes to say good-bye to Ian, who was still paying court to the lass with the golden hair. Wabi kept his good-bye short, but wanted to be sure the lad knew he was planning to return. The old wizard figured his sessions with the lad had gotten his brain into overdrive, and his mind was churning with thoughts he'd never experienced before. He put an arm around the young man's shoulder briefly, then handed him a folded piece of paper.
"Here lad, take this. It's something I would like to ask you to keep for me. And I'll ask you not to read it — just yet. But a situation may arise that will have you wondering what I've written on the page. If that time comes, then you should read it carefully and follow it to the letter. It will be of utmost importance that you do. Can you do that for me?"
"Aye, Uncle Wabi. I'll take care of it for ye. And I won't read it. Ye don't have to worry about that. I keep secrets better than anybody." He put the folded paper in his jacket pocket for safekeeping.
Wabi quietly walked out the front door and immediately Owl flew in and alighted on his shoulder.
Are we leaving so soon, Master?
"Yes, Owl, I think I should go home, now. Something brewing there, maybe. Are you ready?"
I suppose you mean time weaving, Master?
"Well, yes. It's the fastest way and the weather isn't the best for walking."
If we must. But don't take any detours —just get us there quickly.
Wabi started laughing and stroked his friend’s head.
"You know, Owl, on second thought, I wonder if perhaps you might stay just for a short while. Just to see that Caitlin is all right. I know, I know. I've got to let her go and let her find her own way. And I will, but if you could watch just for a short while, then I'll release her into Alex's hands for good."
As you wish, Master. Alex is very capable and I know you'll keep your promise of letting her go. Eventually.
The great bird headed to the night sky and found his way to the birch tree, relieved to skip this time weaving event.
And in the twinkling of a star that was moving overhead, the old wizard disappeared into the darkness. And the star twinkled even brighter than before.
~ * ~
MILLIE NEEDN'T HAVE worried about Jack liking her red dress. Jack thought she was beautiful in anything, but his eyes did sparkle when he saw her coming across the room, trying to make her way through the throng of dancers.
"I was getting worried about ye, lass. What were ye doing?"
"Jack, unbuttoning a thousand buttons is tedious. Remind me to never have a dress made with that number of buttons again. But Deirdre did a fine job with this one. What do you think?"
"Lass, red is my favorite color, and ye are my favorite lass. So that about sums it up for me." Millie stood next to him, and it was such a joy to be able to stand next to him and have him be taller than she. She liked that.
Shortly, Alex wound his way through the crowd and caught Millie by the sleeve.
"Have ye seen Caitlin? I seem to have misplaced her."
"Aye, Alex. She's in the rear storage room changing her dress. Deirdre's helping her. She's got a thousand buttons on her dress, just like mine, and that takes a bit of work to get those undone. She'll be here shortly. Go now. Find another unsuspecting lass and wear her out on the floor."
Alex smiled and walked over to speak to Hector.
"Brother, looks like ye outdid yerself with this ceilidh. Verra fine vittles in my opinion. I thank ye for yer efforts."
"Nah. Wasn't so much work. Millie helped quite a bit and we managed to pull it off. Now that we've done it, we might just do it more often."
He smiled and sipped his cider. Looking around the room, he failed to see any lass he thought might suit him. But now that Alex and Jack had wed, there would be pressure for him to do the same.
Well. When I'm ready, he thought.
Caitlin found her way to the storage room where the dressmaker was waiting for her.
"Ach. Ye must be ready to take that dress off, Caitlin. It's bound to be warm by now."
"I really would like to keep it on, but it is pretty warm and heavy. But it's even more beautiful than I had pictured, and you did such a fine job making it. Your work is excellent. I'll have to get with you to have more made."
"Right ye are. Now here, step forward and I'll start to work on those buttons. Here, have some cider while I get this job done."
Caitlin drank deeply from the cup and it felt so cool, relieving the dryness in her throat. It really was warm with all these people in the lodge.
"Now, step back once more and we'll get rid of that petticoat."
Caitlin did as instructed and Deirdre brought out a dress created for Caitlin also. But not red. Hers was green. Another color of the season.
"Oh, it's a beauty, and my favorite color. Did you know that?"
"It suits ye. What with that flaming hair. Alex will like it for sure."
Caitlin was glad to hear that comment. There was something about Deirdre that made her scalp tingle, but she couldn't define it yet.
"Here, this one needs a stitch at the waistline too. Ye've got to start eating more, lass, or ye'll blow away."
"Ouch! Not again, Deirdre! Ye've got to be more careful with your needl....need. . .ne . . "
Abruptly, she sank to the floor in a puddle of silk.
O h glory. I didn't think the concoction would work so fast. Devil berries she called them. They were supposed to make her sleep, not die! Oh, what have I done? Alex will kill me for sure! But I don't care. This woman is not going to have what's supposed to be mine. I'll fix her so he won't even want to look at her face!
It seemed when Deirdre made a decision lately, it was one that brought her deeper and deeper into a place that had little light and her soul was becoming blacker and blacker.
She had visited Nezzie and asked her for a potion or medicine that would make one sleep, but not really harm them. She told the old woman it was for her ailing mother.
"She never gets any sleep. Says her arthritis keeps her awake."
The old potion mixer dug through her basket containing an assortment of herbs, and came out with a handful. "Here, give her these. They're called devil berries. Crush them and add some water. They'll relieve the pain, and help her sleep. But be careful, ye hear. Don't give her too much or she might not wake. Don't think ye want that do ye?"
Well, that had worked on her mother, so it would work on the red-haired lass, too. Now that Caitlin had succumbed to the cider laced with "devil berries," Deirdre had to get her into her cart, which she had driven to the rear door when she arrived. She knew every room in this lodge, having been here before when Mistress MacKinnon was alive. She knew this would be the best place to have the ladies undress.
Now, however, she was struggling to get Caitlin into the cart. She was certainly a tiny thing, but a limp body was hard to manage. She pulled and shoved until she got her in the cart, then covered her with a blanket. She lashed the whip at the pony pulling her cart, and they were down the lane headed to a place only Deirdre knew about.
The evening was wearing on and there was one more surprise in store for Caitlin — for everyone. Until Mam passed away a couple of years ago, most evenings she would have the lads standing next to the harpsichord. She had begun teaching them to sing when they were but wee ones at her knee. With the four of them, she had a bass (Alex), a baritone (Jack), a tenor (Hector), and Ian . . . well, his voice couldn't be counted on to stay in any range just yet, but he was willing to sing with them. Mam knew he would eventually figure out where he wanted to land. So the finale of the evening would be the lads serenading the group a cappella. Mam always played the harpsichord for them, but they did well with no accompaniment, too.
Alex was off to find Caitlin so she didn't miss out on this treat. Walking to the rear of the lodge, Alex wondered why the ladies would have come here, so far away from the front where it was warm. He knocked on the door and waited a moment. No one came.
"Hello. Caitlin? We need ye out here. Come on now, lass, hurry."
Still no answer. He knocked again and opened the door, calling out as he entered.
"Caitlin? Deirdre? Where are ye?"
He still didn't see nor hear anyone, so he walked the length of the room and went around the corner to the closet. The ladies were not there. As he started to leave the room, however, an odd sight caught his attention.
"What does this mean?"
He bent over and lightly touched the satin, blue dress laying on the floor. That was Caitlin's wedding dress, and it was laying in a heap here in the storage room. Caitlin was meticulous about the few items of clothing she had acquired since arriving in the Highlands. He was sure she would never leave her dress in a puddle on the floor. Something was not right.
It only took his agile brain a second to make a few connections.
"Deirdre. No. Surely ye aren't that deranged."
But no sooner had the thought entered his mind than he knew he was right. Deirdre had taken Caitlin. He recalled her saying "ye'll be sorry ye humiliated me, Alex. Ye'll pay for that." He had thought she was just angry. But now, he had no doubt she was keeping her promise.
He hurried to the great room. As tall as he was, he could see over all the heads in the room. He quickly caught Jack's eye and no words were necessary. Jack nodded and struggled to get through the dancers as they continued their reels. Finally, he was at Alex's side.
"What's wrong, brother? I know that look."
"Caitlin's gone, Jack. She's not here at the lodge."
"What? Whadda ye mean she's gone?"
"She's with Deirdre. But I don't know where."
"Why in the world would she leave with Deirdre?"
"I don't think it was by choice. I believe Deirdre has taken her someplace. Apparently she never got over my refusal of her attentions and this is her way of repaying me."
"Jesus, do ye think she's that vengeful?"
"Aye. She has a mean streak, and I've witnessed it on more than one occasion. She's cruel to her own mother, so that tells me she'd not hesitate to hurt Caitlin. We've got to find her. And now."
"Aye. We will, Alex. We will. I'll have Hector get the folks to leave now and I'll talk to Millie, tell her what's happening. We'll be out of here in just a few minutes. Let's get out of these clothes first. I'll meet you in the stables."
"Aye. And Jack, I'm asking Ian to go with us. He's a better tracker than any of the three of us . . . something about that keen nose of his. And he's old enough now to take part in family affairs."
Jack was glad Alex was including the lad. He had earned the right to be part of this band of brothers, for sure. He'd learned a lot from his Culloden experience and Alex was showing a new willingness to let someone other than himself make decisions. Jack knew that was difficult for his older brother.
"Aye. Ye get him and tell Da what's going on. He'll want to ride too, but he and Andrew need to stay here. Millie won't like being here by herself with little Midge."
"Be with ye in a few minutes."
Alex scanned the crowd looking for Ian. The lad was getting tall himself, just like his brothers, so finding him wasn't difficult.
Alex spotted the lad grinning at that same lass he'd seen him talking with earlier. Pretty little thing, no doubt. He hated to interrupt, but he needed the boy's help.
"Ian, could I have a word, just for a moment, lad?"
"Alex, can't it wait? I'm just a bit busy at the moment." He had cornered this little lass and didn't especially appreciate Alex interrupting.
"Sorry, lad. It's important."
Ian made his excuses and came over to where Alex was pacing the floor. "What's got ye so riled? I could sense it across the room."
"Caitlin's been taken. We've got to find her, and we need yer help. Ye could always track better than the rest of us, and with the night and the snow yer nose will come in handy."
"What? Who's taken Caitlin? Why?" He was having trouble following the conversation. It made no sense to him.
"I'll answer yer questions later. Right now, I need ye to be changing and getting saddled. I'll see ye in the stable." Alex's worry was overwhelming, but nothing compared to the anger that was building inside him. He had enough maturity and experience to know, however, that anger needed to stay on the back burner until the proper time. A cool head worked better than a hot one.
He left quickly, and as he went through the room he could hear Hector addressing the crowd.
"Ok, we should all say goodnight. The brides and grooms tell me they need a little rest, so ye need to be getting on about finding yer own beds."
This brought laughter from the men and giggles from the ladies. The men were already in their cups and the women were more than ready to call it a night. A ceilidh at the MacKinnon lodge had been a grand evening, certainly one they would all remember.
Alex was stopped by Da as he hurried through the kitchen, headed to the stables.
"What's going on, lad?"
"Da, Caitlin's been taken. By Deirdre. We're going to search for them. Hector's disbursing the well-wishers, so if ye could go help him that would be good."
Da never blinked an eye. He had no difficulty understanding that Deirdre would do such a thing. He had never liked her from day one, and remembered her Da in the same way.
"Aye. But I'll come with ye, and Andrew, too. We both still know how to track, lad."
"We were hoping ye and Andrew would stay here in case they might come back to the lodge. Millie would need help if Deirdre did show up. I think it would be comforting for her to know the two of ye are here with her and the bairn."
"I see what ye mean. All right then. But ye lads need to be careful. It's slushy out there and yer mounts aren't going to thank ye for taking them out in this weather."
Da immediately went to the front door and shook hands with the men and gave hugs to the ladies as they left.
"Ah, Daniel, 'tis fine ladies yer lads have there. I was beginning to think they'd never find anyone. And now just look. Two lads wed on the same day."
This particular neighbor had a daughter that he had hoped might snag one of the MacKinnons lads. But, looked like she'd have to look elsewhere now. He laughed heartily and slapped Daniel on the back.
Da closed the door on the last guest and leaned against it. He had seen his lads in action and knew they would find Caitlin. He wasn't sure what they might do to Deirdre, however. She could have done a lot better than to make an enemy of the MacKinnon men.