***
Maddie spent the next two days on wedding plans. Keeping busy while Alex was away was not as challenging a task as she had expected. Brenna, Alice, Jennie and Maddie gathered together to decide the directions of their plans.
“First is your dress, Maddie. That will take the longest. I will have the maids bring up the bolts of material we have to see what you like,” Brenna said.
Alice reached over and held Maddie’s hand. “I hope you will do me the honor of allowing me to sew your wedding dress. I owe this to your mother. I would know what she would like to see her only daughter in for her wedding.”
Madeline beamed and said, “Thank you, Alice. You do such beautiful work. I would love to have you sew my dress.”
“Wonderful!” exclaimed Brenna. “What color do you think you would prefer? I hope we have something you like.”
“Oh, I am sure you have many lovely fabrics to choose. I was hoping for a soft blue. What do you think, Alice?”
“Blue would be stunning because it will show off your eyes. Your mother was married in blue, as well. But it has to be just the right shade.”
“We will check later,” Brenna said.
“Can I have a special dress, Brenna? I want to be beautiful, too,” Jennie chimed in with a hopeful expression on her face.
“Of course, Jennie. We shall find something special for you to do. Mayhap we could give you a basket of flower petals to toss at the chapel. How does that sound?” Brenna asked.
“Aye, I want to throw petals at Maddie and Alex!” she cried.
“What else must we do, Brenna?” Maddie asked. “I am afraid I do not have much experience with wedding feasts.”
“We must notify some of the smaller clans under Alex’s domain. They would like to see their laird and his new bride. We can send notice with the messengers that go to the king.”
“We must plan the menu for the day,” Alice offered.
“’Twill take massive amounts of food, as Alex has many warriors to feed. The clan members in the cottages will be feasting as well as the neighboring clans,” Brenna said. “We shall hopefully have pheasant, lamb, pigs, and small game, along with fish. I want to have many meat pies to offer in case we run out of meat. Mayhap if we are lucky, the men will catch a deer or two, or perhaps a wild boar. Alex said he will send them out to hunt. Everyone anticipates a grand feast for the Grant laird’s nuptials. We must obtain extra help from the clan women. They will love participating in the event. The laird’s wedding must show our strength and pride in our clan for all to witness.”
“We need lots of fruit tarts, Brenna. You know I love fruit tarts. Can we have apple and pear tarts? Please?” Jennie begged.
“Do not worry your pretty wee head, there shall be many sweets to choose from,” said Brenna. “I think you can help Cook in the kitchen with the pastries, too. We all have to help.”
“Aye, I would love to help Cook. Mayhap she will let me try one when it is still warm.” Jennie’s eyes were blissful at the thought.
“We also need to have the men put up tents in the outer bailey, but that can wait awhile. Alex may decide to have some jousting tournaments for entertainment. I will let him decide what entertainment he wants at the wedding feast. Och, there is too much to do! But we will make merry doing it.” Brenna declared with a smile on her face.
“Thank you for all your hard work,” Maddie said quietly.
Alice turned to her. “We do it gladly, Madeline.”
Brenna agreed. “I am so happy that you and my brother have found each other. It is time for him. He needs some happiness in his life, instead of constant stress and worry.” Brenna reached out to hug Madeline. “You will make a wonderful wife and sister-in-law.”
***
Much later, the solar filled with bolts of cloth from the stores, the four sorted for just the right fabric for Maddie’s dress. Pastels, whites, and ivories tumbled through Maddie’s fingers as she sighed at the abundance of choices. Could this truly be happening to her? Not long ago, her best hope was to join a convent. Soon she would be Alex’s bride in front of all his clan. Would they accept her, even like her?
“Oh, Maddie, I do not see the right blue, do you?” Alice asked.
Brenna held up a pale green that was beautiful. “Mayhap this?”
“That is very pretty,” Maddie said as the soft cloth slid through her fingers.
“I like this pink.” Jennie held up a pastel pink that shimmered in the sunlight. “It sparkles, see Brenna?”
“Aye, Jennie, the shade of pink is lovely. That would be perfect on you,” Madeline said with a smile.