True to the Highlander(75)
The refugees from Meikle Geddes planned to return to their homes tomorrow, led by Robley. He vowed to remain there to see that the Comyns didn’t attempt another siege. Besides, someone needed to help repair the damage, and he claimed it should be him. But tonight everyone celebrated together, and for more than one reason.
Their enemies had been routed by Malcolm and a score of their clansmen, their land and holding restored with no more loss of life. The harvest this year had been plentiful, with enough to spare for luxuries traded for at the fair in Inverness. And now a wedding.
A knock on the door interrupted her thoughts, and Lydia swept into the room with a grinning Elaine behind her. “Thank you, Beth. You may take your leave. Elaine and I will see to my good daughter’s needs.”
Beth placed the brush on the table, curtsied and left, giving Alethia a wink at the door.
All afternoon she’d taken comfort in the warmth of Lydia’s smiles and the welcome in her eyes as she celebrated her only son’s union . Lydia and Elaine had attended her during her bath and had given her the embroidered night rail and robe she wore.
“We’re truly sisters now.” Elaine sat at the foot of her bed with a satisfied grin.
She smiled back, pleased, but unsure what to say.
“How old were you when you lost your mother, my dear?”
“I lost both my parents when I was ten.”
“Then I shall act as your mother this night.” Lydia took the chair opposite and reached out to pat her knee as if she were still ten. “This is your wedding night, and I would be remiss in my duty if I did not tell you what to expect…what happens between a man and a woman—”
“Oh. I already know about the birds and the bees, Lydia.”
“The birds…and…” Lydia looked at her in confusion. “I dinna wish to speak of birds and bees, True. I came to speak about husbands and wives…and the marriage bed.”
Now her face felt as if it would burst into flames. She looked to Elaine for help, only to find her smiling wickedly back at her. “Oh.”
“Aye, ahem.” Lydia smoothed the skirt of her gown, her own face rosy now. “You see, a man has certain needs,” she began.
“What about women?” Elaine interrupted. “Do we no’ have needs as well?”
“Um, aye, but we dinna speak of it,” Lydia stammered.
“Lydia—” Alethia was desperate to get out of this awkward conversation.
“Men and women have certain needs,” Lydia blurted. She held her hand up as if warding off further interruption. “If you are fortunate enough to have married a generous man, the marriage bed can be a blissful experience. And I certainly hope I have raised my son to be a generous man.” Lydia fanned her face with one hand. “His father certainly is. I did my best to teach my son to care for others, to consider their feelings as well as his own. It is my hope that…that…”
“Lydia, I am sure everything will be fine,” Alethia whispered.
“Well, most mothers would tell their daughters to lie still and simply endure what is to come. Those mothers do their daughters a grave disservice. Passion between a husband and wife can be a wonderful thing. ’Tis no secret you and Malcolm care deeply for one another.” She reached for Alethia’s hands. “I could no’ be more pleased for Malcolm, my dear. You make him happy, and in the end, ’tis all we can hope for our children. Welcome to our family, Alethia.”
Lydia rose and kissed her on both cheeks. Her eyes stung as she squeezed Lydia’s hands. “Thank you. I am honored.”
“Come, ’tis time to take you to your husband.” Elaine left her perch and walked to the door. “Dinna worry about Hunter. I’ll look after him. Tomorrow he can return to your old room; ’tis his chamber now.”
Alethia nodded and let them lead her down the long hall. She took a deep breath and let it out slowly. It’s not as if she’d never been alone with Malcolm before. They’d come close, so close that day by the spring. Even so, this felt different. So different. Before God and his clan they’d promised their lives to one another. Her heart raced with anticipation and something else much more profound. She loved him. She would always love him.
They stopped in front of the heavy oak door to Malcolm’s chamber. Lydia and Elaine both gave her a fierce hug. Lydia opened the door and gently shoved her over the threshold, shutting the door behind her.
A fire blazed in the hearth, casting a soft, warm light to silhouette Malcolm where he stood. He wore a robe of midnight blue velvet. His hair shone golden about his shoulders. Backlit by the fire, it made him look like he had a halo. She smiled at the memories of their first meeting. My love.