Bound to the Highlander(18)

Just before the eleventh hour, Gwen clasped her hands together and declared, “Oh, you are perfect! Do you not feel the power of rebirth today? Of all the days you could have chosen, Beltane is the most appropriate. And do you see? ’Tis raining this morn: a true sign of fertility and good luck.”

Aileana scrunched her nose. “Gwen you know I don’t believe in the old ways.”

“I also know you don’t look down upon those of us who still do. When the Beltane fires are lit tonight, what will your betrothed think? I’ve heard he supports the Bishop’s opinion on heresy and that we’re being labelled witches.”

Though she kept her tone light, Gwen’s worry shone through her eyes. Their usual twinkle dimmed.

“Nonsense. Our Bishop has no such opinion. That’s a load of fear mongering spread about to pressure more people to attend mass. If I thought for a second you, or anyone else here, were in actual danger from James MacIntosh or any of his ilk, I’d never let him over the bridge.”

Gwen laughed. “And what about you? Are you in any danger?”

Aileana’s eyebrows shot up. “Me? Of course not. I will have as little to do with that man as possible. And speaking of which, I’ve learned Father Addison and Andrews both knew about this arrangement from its birth. Tell me Gwen, and tell me true, did you know anything about any of this?”

Silence followed for far too many heartbeats. Gwen’s brow furrowed. Aileana couldn’t bear it if her most trusted friend had also kept such a huge and important piece of information from her.

“My lady, I understand how shocked you must be to learn trusted others knew of the arrangement, but let me assure you, I was not a member of that secret coven. My concern is only for your happiness and that does not involve keeping secrets from you.”

“Yet, you dislike Gawain.”

“My lady, you have reminded me on several occasions to be respectful towards him. I shall do so by remaining silent on that subject.”

“So you didn’t know about the arrangement but your dislike of Gawain holds true.”

Silence.

“You don’t have to berate the man to tell me what’s on your mind.”

“Very well, my lady. I do not think he is worthy. You deserve someone who will cherish you. I do not believe him capable of that.”

“Knowing you as I do, I can accept that. Thank you, Gwen, for your honesty and your counsel. You are more dear to me than ever.” It was true. Who else could she trust? Gwen would probably not find anyone worthy and it was nice to have someone so devoted to her happiness.

“Lady Aileana, your words make my heart swell. I have a gift for you.” She lifted a wreath of colourful dried flowers onto Aileana’s head, “Roses for love, carnations for health, lavender for luck, and daisies for innocence. Beltane flowers given from the heart, and blessed with love and this witch’s art.”

Aileana placed her hand over her heart. The gift and the declaration filled her with peace. “My deepest gratitude.” Her words were but a whisper.

Gwen’s watery smile was no doubt a mirror of Aileana’s own. Such a sentiment was a reminder of the kind of love which had always surrounded her. What would her future hold?

“It’s time, m’lady.” Andrew’s voice followed a soft rapping at the door.

The room spun around her for a moment. Aileana swayed until Gwen helped her into a chair. She was about to make a permanent commitment to James MacIntosh. Was there no way out of this?

“My lady, are you unwell?” Gwen asked. “I can see that you are not. We shall get you through this with great haste.” Gwen gaze darted around the room. “Flowers! You need to think of flowers. Try this, start with ‘A’ and think about all the flowers beginning with that letter. When you’re done with ‘A’, do the same for ‘B’ and so forth.”

Aileana was quiet for a moment or two before nodding. If it took something like listing flowers to calm her frayed nerves, so be it. A second ago she was fine, now she was stupefied. What Gwen suggested took determined concentration, but after a few minutes her shoulders relaxed a little.

She took a deep steadying breath and glanced at Gwen. “I can do this.”

“Yes you can. You’ve endured much over the past few days. It’s natural for you to feel nervous about receiving guests without your uncle. This is the first time you will have to do it alone.”

Her words were the truth. The funeral itself had been open to clansmen alone and other visitors were never in the form of a large crowd. This was the first time she would appear on her own so it was no wonder she struggled with composure. Gwen was right, it had everything to do with all her guests and not just one man.