Dismounting at the steps to the great hall. Alex turned to Maddie and said, “I am sorry, sweeting, this will take awhile, but it must be done. You may lean against me if you need to.”
Grasping her hand, he guided her up the steps to the keep. At the top, he turned, waiting quietly as his guardsmen formed columns in front of them. Once they were in formation, the entire crowd quieted.
Maddie faced out as he did, perplexed. Taking her hand in his, he held it above their heads. Surveying the crowd, he offered, “Behold my wife, Lady Madeline. Treat her as you treat me.”
Dropping her hand to her side, they stood as Robbie and Brodie marched forward, knelt and placed their swords on the ground pointing to her. They both then stood, bowed to her, and strode away as the next pair of guardsmen came forward and repeated the process. She glanced at Alex in confusion.
Leaning down, he whispered, “My men must swear to honor and protect you as they do me. You are my wife. It is a requirement of all my guardsmen.”
Since there were many guardsmen, Madeline eventually leaned against her husband, but she managed a smile and a nod for each clansman. As the last guardsmen stood, the entire area erupted in a cheer. Alex bowed to his men, and turned to lead his wife inside.
Once inside, they stood at the dais and Brenna called for the food to start. People filled the hall, anxious to take part in the great feast. When Robbie and Brodie arrived, the family exchanged hugs and well wishes.
Brodie held up his mug of ale and announced, “To many years of happiness!” The yelling in the hall was deafening.
Alex leaned over and whispered in Maddie’s ear, “Are you happy, my lady?”
“Oh, aye, Alex, I have never been happier!” She smiled up at Alex’s gray eyes.
“And I think you have never been more lovely, lass.” he said as he rubbed his hand down her hip.
Maddie blushed and whispered, “You are very handsome, my husband.”
Jennie found her way to the table and quickly hugged her brother and Maddie. “Kiss her, Alex. You are supposed to kiss your wife.”
Alex promptly kissed Maddie as he was told and Jennie giggled. “I love weddings!” she declared.
Brenna ushered them to their seats as the food was served. Loaves of brown bread, pheasant, roasted pig, lamb, fish and trenchers of various stews and meat pies adorned each table. They had baked apples, squash, cinnamon pears, and turnips.
“Brenna, the food is wonderful,” Maddie said as she fussed over the baked apples.
“When do we get the tarts, Brenna? I want an apple tart and a blueberry tart!” Jennie exclaimed.
“We have plenty of time, little flower,” Alex said. “Did I tell you what a pretty lass you are in your pink dress?” Alex leaned over and lifted her out of her chair. He set her on the floor and said, “Let me look at it again!” He twirled her in the dress until she was dizzy and chuckling. She promptly forgot about the pastries. Tommy rushed over and they twirled together.
Brenna sighed and shook her head. “It does not take much to distract her, does it, Alex?”
Alex laughed and said, “’Tis good to hear her laughter again. Isn’t there anyone here to distract you, Brenna?”
“Nay, Alex, I am too busy with my own family, as you know,” she answered quickly.
“There are plenty of lasses here to distract me,” Brodie said wistfully. “I cannot wait for the dancing to start.”
A short time later, the hall cleared of tables, the dancing began. Maddie danced with Alex, Robbie, Brodie, Mac and even some people she didn’t know. After awhile, Alex tugged her off the floor, found a chair and settled her on his lap.
“I don’t want you to get too tired, lass, especially with your arm,” he whispered. “We have much ahead of us.”
Maddie leaned her head down on his shoulder. “Oh, Alex, I am fine and my arm is fine, although it tends to be a wee bit heavy when I am dancing. But I had such fun! I have not danced in a long time, but I think I have had enough.”
“Those words are music to my ears, lass. Are you ready to depart for our chamber yet?” he quirked a brow at her.
As he spoke, Alice appeared at his side. “My lord, may I escort Maddie upstairs and help her to get ready?”
He sighed, “Aye, you may, Alice. I will be up shortly.” He gave Maddie a quick kiss on the cheek and set her off his lap. Hopefully, Alice would to offer some advice to Maddie. He chuckled, realizing maybe he should have talked to Alice himself, even he was feeling apprehensive. He did not want to make any mistakes tonight, it was important to him that Maddie have fond memories of their wedding night. Tempering his desire for his wee wife would not be easy.