Page 62 of A Flawed Scotsman

Catriona’s mother, although solemn, managed a warm look. “Ye have always been such a good friend to her.”

“What if we plan a small celebration?” Esme’s aunt exclaimed. “We have yet to observe Esme’s marriage and there is the fact we won against that horrible man.”

The last thing Esme wished to do at the moment was to host festivities, but she remained quiet to see what the other women would say.

Her mother leaned her head to the side in thought. “A small one of course, aye. I do think it would be good for us at the moment. We can invite a few people, mostly family.” She smiled at Esme. “Ye do deserve a wedding celebration.”

Everyone looked to Catriona’s mother, who replied, “It may be just what is needed. Some levity. I agree.”

When Esme remained silent, they waited. She let out a breath and nodded. “Of course, I would love a wedding party.”

“Splendid!” Her mother came to life, jumping to her feet and turning in a circle to inspect the great room.

At the front of the room, her father, who’d been sitting with several council members in discussion, looked over at his wife with curiosity.

Lady Fraser motioned for several maids who were cleaning to come over. “Sweep up all the rushes and fetch lads to scrub the tabletops.” When the maids hurried off to do as told, Lady Fraser then turned to the trio of women. “How many days will we need to be prepared?”

Her aunt tapped her chin while considering. “Five.”

To hold back a chuckle at the arbitrary number, Esme pressed her lips together and shrugged. “Sounds perfect.”

“Very well,” her mother said and hesitated for a moment. She then came back to life and announced, “I will send someone to the village to fetch the seamstress. Esme requires a new gown.”

As her mother and aunt hurried to the kitchen to give instructions for the meal that would be served, Esme sat with Catriona’s mother. “I will speak to Catriona now. Explain what is to happen. I do not wish her startled or scared.”

“Thank ye.” The woman sighed. “I hope that, by then, she will be well enough to attend.”

“Esme, what is going on?” Her father neared. “What has come over yer mother?”

“She is planning a wedding celebration,” Esme replied with a smile. “There is nothing anyone can do or say to stop her.”

He watched for a moment as additional maids walked in with brooms and buckets. “I am aware that once she sets things in motion, nothing will stop whatever it is she plans.” Laird Fraser shrugged and returned to the men who waited with obvious curiosity.

Moments later, when Esme entered Catriona’s chamber, she found her friend curled up in her bed, facing the wall, her body shaking, heart-wrenching sobs filling the room.

A red-faced maid rushed over. “She will not allow me near.”

Chapter Nineteen

Music and song competed with conversations during the marriage festivities. The great room had come to life with flowering branches over the entrances and on surfaces. Ribbons had been fastened to bouquets that were placed atop the high board. Women wore adornments in their hair and had taken extra care with their appearances.

Ruari, along with many guardsmen, had gone to the creek to bathe. Many of his men were anxious to meet single women from the village and other areas nearby.

As much as he wanted to celebrate, a part of him wondered if it was an opportunity for Mackenzie to infiltrate. Not even a season at his new home and, already, he constantly thought of ways the enemy could cause harm. It wasn’t something he was used to. At Ross lands, he was part of a large and powerful clan that was rarely threatened. The last battles that had involved his clan, they had been the aggressors.

This experience was completely different. The burden of keeping a wife and her family safe weighed heavily on his shoulders.

“Is something wrong?” Esme asked as she studied him intently.

He shook his head. “No. It is nice to see everyone’s enjoyment.”

“Do ye dance?” His wife took his right hand with both of hers. “Dance with me.”

The center of the room had been cleared for dancing and, currently, there were so many dancing that it would be hard to find a space. Ruari was glad for it as he’d only danced a few times in his lifetime. Only when around his family at Dun Airgid did he give in to prodding and join in reveling.

Unlike him, Esme moved fluidly, her feet in perfect time with the tune. As she whirled, he held her waist, enjoying the feel of her body between his palms. In that moment, both allowed themselves the freedom to enjoy themselves. Neither thought past that night and what it would bring. It was, after all, a celebration of their union as husband and wife.

Ruari nuzzled Esme’s neck when she collapsed against him, breathless. He took her hand and led her to the side of the room to escape outdoors.