Nineteen
“Doona look so grim, Maddie. ‘Tis not the end of the world!” Katie said and Maddie planted a frozen smile on her face.
Maddie’s lips formed into an ‘O’ as decorations adorning the huge room captivated her. Numerous tables were, a sign that the family must have been expecting a great many guests. The tables were decorated with beautiful arrays and colors of flowers. Candles were lit down the center. Linen tablecloths were placed underneath the fine table settings, candles, and flowers. Draperies and rich colorful tapestries hung around the walls. The rushes were new and spread out. Maddie presumed that the area at the bottom of the stairs would be where the guests would dance with merriment and delight after the ceremony and supper. The dais was at the top of the stairs, where the vows would be exchanged. A rich burgundy material ran down the length of the stairs. Flower petals were scattered all over. Looking at the many steps, Maddie immediately felt contrite for wishing the bride to fall. The tables above the stairs were split so that two were on each side from where the couple would stand.
The tables at the top of the stairs were even more ornately decorated. Garlands dangled from the table sides and flowers were tucked here and there. Even petals were scattered on the tabletops. Golden goblets with inlaid jewels were waiting for their laird and lady’s lips.
Maddie turned her head again.
The columns were scrubbed clean so that they glimmered and gleamed. There was garland and flowers swirling around them, too, only these garlands were made from white and gold threads and white flowers. More hung from the ceiling and twirled around the columns. The number of candles amazed Maddie. On every table there were short and tall candles. Wall sconces were lit. Large candelabras held other candles in place and the flames danced. It looked so magical that it took her breath away.
“Do ye like it, Maddie?” Miriam asked eagerly, like a young girl.
Maddie slowly nodded her head. The ghost of the smile on her face and the light in her eyes slowly faded.
“Aye, ‘tis lovely. What a fortunate bride she is.”
“Why do ye say that?” Malcolm asked, joining the women.
“Because she not only marries the finest man I’ve ever known, but she inherits his family who is worth more than their weight in gold,” she whispered absently, as she continued to look around.
Malcolm, Katie, and Miriam all smiled at Maddie’s compliment.
Guests were walking in and being seated. Those who were already seated were eagerly awaiting the ceremony where their beloved laird would finally take a wife.
Maddie looked around. Thinking of him then, where was Connor? She looked to the dais again and saw him standing there in the center where the tables split. When had he gotten there? It was hard to miss him, as massive as he was.
Father Dircan was also waiting. He was tall and thin like a reed. Gray hairs had taken over the color of his hair, but his green eyes were the purest she’d seen. They rivaled the vibrancy of grass. She had gotten to know him while at the castle. She had made it a point to remember to ask him about entering the convent and the vows she needed to take. She would ask him after the wedding.
Father Dircan was also richly dressed. He had on a kilt with the clan’s tartan. A heavy ornate cross hung from his waist. When a laird married, no detail was too small, Maddie supposed.
Maddie finally looked at Connor. His dress was immaculate. His red and black plaid was perfectly bunched at his waist, where a rich black shirt that covered his massive chest was tucked. A tartan hung from his left shoulder to the right of his waist. His hair was loose around his shoulders. His strong powerful legs were exposed and heat flushed her cheeks. She looked up to his face and found him staring at her with a raised eyebrow and grin.
Electricity crackled around them. A strong current passed between them as their eyes locked.
Connor took in her appearance. From the crown of her head to her slippered feet hidden beneath the gown, she looked beautiful. The gown was absolute perfection on her. Although he couldn’t see her irises from this distance, he knew that they would be sparkling as the gown reflected the light into her eyes. If his bride knew the way he was looking at her and thinking about her, she would certainly have his hide. He smiled at the thought.
Maddie tentatively smiled back but it faltered when she saw a woman touch his shoulder and talk to him.
That must be her.
She was pretty, Maddie thought. Certainly prettier than herself. Blond hair fell to her waist, and she wore a simple green gown. She couldn’t see the color of her eyes but they looked as if they were light in color. How come she hadn’t ever seen or met her before now? This woman was definitely the type that Connor would like, with her blond hair, light eyes, and a full figure. This woman had Maura’s traits.
Well, Maddie would just have to force herself to make it through the ceremony without crying. Other than the Lord, Connor was the only other man for whom she would have given everything up. That was a wasted vow now, though. Connor had moved on and now she had to move on, too.
“Maddie, let us go say hello to Connor!” Miriam said.
Maddie shook her head. “‘Tis nay appropriate. Besides, he seems quite busy.”
“Honestly, Maddie, ye have the oddest notions,” Miriam said, and without another word, she grabbed Maddie’s hand and pulled her forward. Malcolm moved to Maddie’s other side. They reached the stairs and slowly ascended on the burgundy runner. Maddie noticed music starting to play.
“The musicians have made some error, Miriam. They are playing music while we’re going up.”
“Doona worry so much, Maddie!” Miriam assured her.
Once they reached Connor, the music lulled melodically in the background. Connor turned around to face them, and stared down at Maddie.
Her breath caught. He was breathtakingly handsome. She was grateful for Miriam and Malcolm’s support, for surely she would have fallen over from the sheer power of his commanding presence.
“Hello, Maddie,” he said, his voice as smooth as rolled velvet.
“Hello, Connor. Are you nervous?” She grimaced, having asked the first thing that came to mind.
He quirked an eyebrow again and grinned. “Apparently nay as much as my bride,” he said and winked at her.
She blushed. He was an insufferable flirt even on his wedding day, but he was adorable. Maddie looked at the woman dressed in green, who had her back turned to them.
“What is her name, Connor? I don’t think I’ve met her. Her green dress is lovely.”
Connor called out in Gaelic to the woman and she came over. Maddie didn’t think she’d ever heard him speak Gaelic before and the sound emanating from his throat was one of the sweetest sounds she’d ever heard even in its guttural intensity. Maddie turned her attention to the woman standing before her, and much to Maddie’s dismay, next to Connor. She was beautiful.
“This is Silenna.”
“‘Tis a pleasure to meet you, milady. You’re very fortunate. ‘Twill be a stunning wedding. You are a beautiful bride,” Maddie said and curtsied.
Connor spoke in Gaelic again. Apparently Silenna didn’t speak English. The other woman smiled at Maddie once Connor finished the translation. She seemed a little confused, and then Connor said more in Gaelic and the woman laughed. Maddie’s cheeks were flaming.
This was yet another flaw Maddie had. It should have been obvious to her. Connor would want to marry a Scotswoman who spoke his language. How stupid and fanciful she had been.
“Did I say something to upset her, Connor?” There was a twinge of sarcasm in her tone. She didn’t appreciate being laughed at.
Miriam and Malcolm had moved to the side witnessing the interaction with amused smiles.
“Nay, Maddie. ‘Twas that I simply introduced her to ye because ye said ye hadna met the lady in the green dress, but she isna my bride, Maddie,” he said grinning down at her.
“What? Then where is she?” Maddie asked confused, looking around.
“She’s right in front of me. She’s the most beautiful woman here. She’s the most beautiful woman that has ever walked this land,” he said as his eyes glittered with mirth.
Maddie looked behind her and to both of sides. She grasped Connor for support as she rose to her tiptoes to look around him, too. Connor was grinning and laughed softly. Malcolm and Miriam had the manners to keep their laughter silent, but Katie, Iain, and Kiel were not as well-mannered.
Maddie’s face grew impatient and flustered. Connor was grinning again.
“Honestly, Connor, what game is this? And stop grinning at me like that or I will pop you over the head! If you don’t want to tell me who she is, then I’ll find my place at a table and watch the ceremony. The ceremony need not be delayed any longer!” Maddie whispered harshly in annoyance.
“Ye’re absolutely correct, Maddie. I agree,” Connor said grinning. He took her hands and turned her around to Father Dircan.
“We’re ready, Father. Let’s proceed.”
Maddie tried to take her hands out of his grasp but he held on to them.
“What are you doing?” she whispered, and then smiled Father Dircan.
“I thought that was obvious, Maddie. I’m marrying my bride.”