Chapter Eighteen
Candlemas. A day marking the end of Christmas. For him, it was a day that would mark the beginning of his life with Alice.
The sun was starting to set when Hugh finally spied through the crowds Alice’s chestnut-coloured hair against her green cloak.
Entire families were carrying their candles into the church for a blessing and then placing them in the square until every bare spot was covered. The well and cross in the square’s centre dripped and flamed as bright as any sun and illuminated the snow-covered square.
And there, as the flickering flames glowed brighter than the dying sunlight, was Alice, taking candles and helping William find places for them.
It was weeks since he’d held her, kissed her. Weeks while he and Eldric had planned what needed to be done and how. What steps he would take to protect himself, Robert and the Clan Colquhoun. What he would do to protect Alice.
Already Swaffham might be plagued by other spies, and they’d agreed they wouldn’t be together until every detail of the plan had been discussed. Even he and Eldric had limited their time in the open together. Nothing could be left to chance.
Seeing her here, her grey eyes glowing like the flames, her chestnut hair haloed like some angel, her cheeks red with the cold, he knew nothing had been left to chance. He’d never risk it otherwise. She was too precious to him.
He slowly stepped into the square, simply to prolong watching her take these last moments with William that she wanted so desperately. Theirs would be a difficult parting, but he was a child and wouldn’t be able to bear the burden of the truth.
However, he and Alice had made contingencies and William and his family would be well cared for. William would be positioned as a steward-in-training with Mary, and when enough time had passed he would know the truth. Hugh would do everything in his power to ensure Alice would see him again.
She shared a few more words with William, gave him a strong hug that took the child by surprise, before she stepped down from the well’s steps to walk towards him.
She was beautiful. Tiny, fierce, determined. Her grey eyes wide, shining. He could barely contain his happiness as Alice stood in front of him. So close he could touch her, hold her. Against the cold of the dying sunlight he felt her warmth.
Children played, animals grazed, adults laughed and chattered. The town centre was as full as he had ever seen it.
They had planned every detail and every possibility. ‘It’s time,’ he said.
She tilted her head. ‘You’ve said that to me before. I kept thinking you had a hidden meaning.’
He tried to think of the past few months and their words exchanged, but couldn’t recall.
‘I understand it now.’ Her lips curved. ‘You mean, it’s time for us.’
‘Always,’ he easily answered.
She looked around her, her eyes taking in the beauty, the laughter, and this most familiar and treasured of Christmas traditions.
For himself, he didn’t need to look anywhere else but at her.
‘Every person and most of the animals are here, and as far away from that barn as we could get them. When we light the fire, Eldric will ensure that all the animals nearby are free to run.’
‘I’m not worried. What I am is surprised at how much I’ll miss all this.’
She took his hand and placed it on the side of her cheek.
‘You’re cold,’ he said.
‘Not for much longer,’ she said.
‘Don’t. Not even in humour. Eldric will ensure nothing happens.’
She nodded. ‘We have to let them see us together now.’
‘How do you want to gain a crowd? Should we argue? And if so about what?’ he said.
She bit her lip. ‘What do you think will get their attention?’
His eyes on her lips, he said, ‘All I want to do is kiss you, and I don’t care if it’s in front of everybody.’
Before she could answer he swept his hand along her nape and tilted her lips to his. What was meant to be brief, warm, tender, quickly turned to so much more—and still not enough. He would never get enough.
When he pulled away it took Hugh a moment to hear the laughter and clapping over the roaring of his own blood. Even knowing that people watched them, he felt his body protest at pulling away from her.
Smiling, laughing, enjoying the ribald jokes that were making Alice blush, his happiness overwhelmed him.
Facing the crowd, he announced, ‘I want you all to know that Alice has agreed to become my wife!’
Cheering overpowered the sound of his words, but he knew Alice heard.
‘Exactly who proposed to whom?’ she said.
He glanced at her. Laughter was in her eyes. He could not love her more. ‘Are you ready? They’ve seen us together.’
‘With that kiss, they’ve more than seen us,’ she quipped.
As they hurried away from the town square, Alice’s heart expanded. Her love for Hugh was endless, the thread binding them together strong. But there were more steps to take this night, and she grew impatient for their lives to begin.
A few buildings away, Eldric came out of the shadows. While slowly walking past them he whispered, ‘It’s all set. Good luck.’
All they had to do was light the match. Alice gave him a quick smile and hoped it wouldn’t be long before they saw each other again.
A horse ride later, they reached the barn. Slapping the horse away, Hugh looked around. In the distance, they could hear the Candlemas celebrations and the singing.
‘It’s all clear,’ he said.
‘Are you worried for others?’
‘I only want to make sure it’s safe.’
Inside the barn, Alice spied the pile of wool and hay, the large church candle and the lone torch hanging on the wall.
Alice looked at the restored barn so full of possibilities. She had been excited at starting it with Mitchell and his family, and now in one moment it would be gone.
‘Sad to see it go?’ Hugh asked.
‘Happy that it was started. I have no doubt that Mitchell will build it again and continue with our business. Mary and Elizabeth both know of my intentions here—they’ll see to it.’
‘I wish I could protect you from all this.’
She brushed the front of his tunic as she looked around again. ‘And that is why I fell in love with you.’
‘Because the best plan I had was to burn down your future dreams of dominating the wool market?’
She shook her head vehemently. ‘No, because you’re always looking out for others. Your father, William...me.’
He pulled her into his arms, and she squeezed until she could barely breathe. She felt the tender kiss he brushed against her hair. Felt love and warmth and comfort as he bowed his head and laid his cheek to her temple.
‘I like us better this way,’ he whispered.
Joy soared through her. Together, they had made it.
‘As a couple of wrens? Me, too.’