Page 21 of Deception

The priest said in a loud voice, “In as much as this man and woman have pledged their troth to be married this day, we call upon Heaven to bless this union. Therefore, if anyone can show just cause, why they may not be joined together by God’s law, let them now speak, or else hereafter keep silent for all time.”

He went silent for half a dozen heartbeats, and Linnae expected someone to burst into the room and shout that she was an imposter. Her heart thundered so loudly she was certain everyone in the room could hear.

Then he pronounced them married and gave Jacob leave to kiss her.

Jacob grasped her shoulders and turned her to face him. She looked up into his face. He smiled down at her, and his fingers flexed on her shoulders as he lowered his head. When his mouth touched hers, she flushed at the velvety softness and warmth of his lips. When he broke the embrace, she was certain her cheeks must be flaming.

“Lass.” Lyel motioned her closer.

She sat on the bed and he grasped her hand. She was surprised at the moisture glistening in his eyes.

“I am pleased, Granddaughter.”

She suddenly felt oddly shy and said, “I will do my best to make ye proud, Laird.”

“Grandfather,” he corrected.

“Grandfather,” she whispered, and wondered when she would wake from this dream.

* * *

Jacob slowedhis steps so that Linnae could match his pace without running.

“What will your clansmen think about their laird adopting a serving girl as his granddaughter, then marrying her to you?”

“They will thank him for ensuring peace.”

“Even if that serving girl is a Donald?”

He looked down at her. “Who better to help us unite our clans?”

Minutes later, they reached the great hall to find the room still filled with men and women.

Jacob grasped her hand and started toward the dais.

“What are you doing?” she asked. “You are not telling them now?”

“When is a better time?” he asked. “The longer we wait, the harder it will be.”

They reached the dais and he led her up to the table. Jacob grasped a mug and pounded on the table until the room quieted.

“My friends, as you know, I am to marry Laird MacKenzie’s granddaughter.”

Loud cheers went up.

Jacob waited until the room quieted, then said, “You also know that Lady Alison’s carriage was attacked on the way here.”

More shouts. These included threats and curses against the Donalds. “Sadly, Lady Alison was killed in the attack,” Jacob said.

A murmur swept through the room.

Jacob pulled Linnae to his side. “This is Lady Linnae, she is Lyle’s adopted granddaughter, and I have just married her with Lyle witnessing the marriage, along with Reams and Richard.

The murmurs rose again with shouts of, “Why did you not tell us?” and, “Who is Lady Linnae?”

“Lyle wanted Lady Linnae and I married before we made the announcement,” Jacob said. “This was for her safety. As for who she is, she is Lyel’s adopted granddaughter. That is enough.”

“It is true,” a man shouted. The crowd parted to reveal the priest. “I just married them as Laid MacKinnon said.”