Chapter 10

CHAPTER TEN

“How d’ye find yer chambers? Are ye comfortable? D’ye have everythin’ ye need?” Ivar was asking Anastasia solicitously.

“Aye, the room is beautiful, we love it, eh, Cat?” Anastasia replied, looking across at her.

“Aye, we dae.” Catalina nodded in agreement, trying not to meet his eyes but nevertheless conscious of Ivar’s piercing gaze upon her.

“We shall be very cozy and comfortable. And after travelin’ so long, it was so nice tae sleep in a proper bed for a change,” Anastasia went on brightly.

“I’m sure it must have been. I’m glad ye’re happy with the arrangements. I wish I could claim credit fer it, but we have tae thank Dahlia and Sofia fer all that,” Ivar told her.

“I suspected as much. I must thank them mesel’ fer their time and trouble,” Anastasia answered with a smile.

There was a short, intense silence, then Ivar asked, “Are yer maids lookin’ after ye all right?”

“Och, aye, they’re lovely lassies, a lot of fun, but very good at their jobs too. We all had a fine old time getting’ ready, did we nae, Cat?” Anastasia said.

“Aye, we did,” Catalina replied, wishing Anastasia would leave her out of the conversation for a while. She did not like the way Ivar kept on giving her cold glances then smiling at his fiancée the next moment. It made her doubt her resolution to apologize properly. Words of contrition were spinning in her mind, and she struggled to frame them into a coherent sentence so they would be ready at the appropriate time.

Painful as she knew it was going to be, she wanted everyone to hear her apology this time for Ana’s sake. But the meal had not yet started properly, so she waited on tenterhooks for the right moment to speak her piece.

Eventually, while platters of food were brought up from the kitchens and served, along with a seemingly endless supply of wine, mead, and ale, she took the opportunity to distract herself and fell into the general conversation with the rest of the family, glad to leave the engaged couple to themselves for a while.

As the meal progressed and Catalina, being ravenous by this time, ate heartily of the excellent victuals and drank more deeply than she was used to of the rich, expensive imported wines, she became emboldened. She had framed some suitable words of apology in her mind, and finally, during a lull between courses while their drinks were being refreshed, she decided it was time.

“I have something I’d like to say,” she heard herself announce. Ivar’s icy gaze settled on her, and all heads around the table turned to her with curious gazes.

“Speak up, then, lass,” Haldor told her genially. “We’re all ears.”

“Aye, what is it, Catalina?” Sofia wanted to know, smiling as she leaned her heart-shaped chin on her hand and looked at her attentively.

Catalina saw the encouraging glance Anastasia gave her. So, further emboldened by her sister’s apparent approval of what she was about to do, she took a deep breath and locked eyes with Ivar’s stony stare.

She summoned a smile and said, “Ivar, I ken we didnae exactly get off on the right foot, but now we’ve been formally introduced and are soon to become family, I wish to clear the air between us. What happened before was a simple misunderstanding. I ken it was all me fault, and I’m very sorry fer hurtin’ ye. I also sincerely apologize fer me foolish words upon our meeting.”

It seemed to Catalina that everybody around the table was holding their breath, waiting for Ivar to respond, including her. Anastasia appeared particularly anxious, and she hoped that he would accept her apology this time for her sister’s sake.

“Very well, I accept yer apology, even though ye half killed me,” Ivar said eventually, his tone light yet laced with sarcasm. A collective breath went up from the others, as if they were satisfied the tricky moment had passed.

But Catalina saw Anastasia glancing at him, her expression a mixture of relief and doubt, and she decided she needed something more emphatic to reassure Anastasia that the situation between them had been successfully resolved.

“Aye, that’s true, but ye must understand, I didnae ken who ye were then, nor yer good intentions fer the wee fawn,” she tried to explain further to Ivar. “I admit, I assumed the worst, and I ken now that I made a terrible mistake. I should nae have kicked ye like that and laid ye out. I hope ye can truly forgive me, and we can put such an unfortunate start behind us.” Surely, she thought, he must relent now, if only for Anastasia’s sake.

“Aye, all right, but I still have a lump on me head the size of a bird’s egg,” he pointed out, attempting a small laugh to make light of his comment as he raised a large hand to his head and touched his hair. The others chuckled, but Catalina thought she could tell from his eyes that she was not forgiven.

A voice at the back of her head was telling her to hold her tongue, that it would be better to let sleeping dogs lie. But the urge to break down the wall of his stubbornness was too strong, and she just kept talking.

“It was a mistake, I ken. But I was angry, and I just lashed out without thinkin’. I’m really sorry. I suppose I dinnae ken me own strength,” she admitted, looking at him searchingly for any small sign of warmth, anything to put Anastasia’s mind at rest by showing her all was well.

The sound of chuckling came from Haldor and Arne then, and Catalina watched as Ivar’s face seemed to darken as he turned his head to face them. “I’m glad ye all find this so entertainin’,” he suddenly addressed them, giving a laconic smile.

“She disnae ken her own strength,” chortled Arne, gesturing at Catalina with mirthful eyes. “This wee lass here, she’s altogether fearsome, eh, Ivar? Ye wouldnae like tae face her in battle, I reckon.”

“I’d have her on me side anytime. Sounds like ye’re lucky she didnae decide tae finish ye off altogether,” Haldor chimed in mockingly.

As Catalina watched, Ivar’s mouth became a thin line, and his face began to redden. It was obvious he hated his brothers’ teasing remarks.

“Take nae notice of them, Ivar. They’re only playin’ tae rile ye,” Anastasia suddenly said soothingly, apparently aware of the growing tension as well. She put a hand on Ivar’s arm in a gesture of comfort. At her touch, Ivar seemed to snap out of his dark mood and smiled at his betrothed.

“Aye, I ken that well enough. I’ve had a lifetime of it,” he said jokingly, but there was a brittleness to his good humor that did not quite ring true with Catalina. Nevertheless, everyone seemed to accept the matter was settled and slipped back into more light-hearted conversation. Ivar began outlining to Anastasia all the places he was going to show her around her new home, and Catalina was pleased to see her sister begin to look more relaxed.

She thought it was over, until Ivar caught her in a moment of inattention when his betrothed was engaged with Dahlia. “Are ye pleased with yersel’ fer makin’ me a laughingstock again?” he hissed quietly, his gaze accusing.

“What? I was just tryin’ tae apologize tae ye,” she pointed out, taken aback. “’Tis nae me fault if yer braither’s chose tae make fun of ye. Ye should nae be takin’ it all so seriously.”

“Why, ye have a nerve, ye witch. I’d nae be the butt of their jokes if nae fer ye,” Ivar growled.

“Ivar, I dinnae think ye should talk tae Catalina like that,” Dahlia put in warningly. “Ye’d best apologize.”

He scoffed. “Ach, I was just jestin’, sister, just jestin’, that’s all,” he insisted jovially. “Catalina kens it well.” The steely glance her gave her across the table belied his smile.

“Aye, I was just jestin’ when I called him a great dummart as well,” Catalina shot back, mirroring his genial demeanor.

Arne snorted with laughter at that, but Dahlia’s expression grew pinched with concern. She looked about to say something more, but surprisingly, it was Anastasia who put a stop to their bickering by tapping her spoon on her wine glass. The pure, ringing tone silenced everyone around the table.

“Thank ye, everybody. I’d like tae make a small speech tae thank all of me new family for takin’ such trouble tae make me and Catalina feel so welcome in yer home. This is such a lovely engagement party, and I can see that a lot of people have been to a lot of trouble to arrange this delicious feast on such a special occasion.” She turned to Ivar and said, “I’d especially like tae thank me betrothed fer all the kindness he’s shown in makin’ me feel at home.” She squeezed his arm in a gesture of affection. “Thank ye fer everythin’, Ivar. I’m sure we’re going tae be very happy together.”

Catalina was deeply moved by her sister’s words, which had the air of a plea. Shame nipped at her for giving way to her argumentative side at this, her sister’s special party. She noticed that Ivar appeared to take his bride-to-be’s words very seriously and made a visible effort to adopt a more genial, easy-going attitude.

“I’m certain of it, Anastasia,” he finally said in a reassuring tone, placing his hand over hers where it lay on his arm and squeezing it.

“I want us all tae be one big happy family,” Anastasia told him sweetly, shooting Catalina a beseeching glance that begged her cooperation. Catalina smiled at her and nodded almost imperceptibly, to show she understood. Nevertheless, she was sure she was not imagining Ivar’s continued underlying sarcasm.

But is it my fault if the fool disnae ken an apology when he hears one? He needs tae get down off his high horse and learn how tae laugh at himself.

But whatever justification she tried to summon in self-defense, guilt continued to eat away at her. And Ivar’s obvious unwillingness to make true peace between them just made her detest her prospective brother-in-law even more.

Throughout dinner, they had been gently serenaded by harp music, but as the night wore on and an alcohol-fueled atmosphere of gaiety gradually prevailed, a fiddle and drum were brought out, to accompany the piper, with the trio striking up some lively country tunes for dancing. Tables were pushed aside to form a makeshift dance floor in the middle of the hall.

The fun began with three large, circular wheels of couples forming in the center of the floor. Ivar invited Anastasia to dance. She accepted, and the engaged couple were the first to dance their way into and around the circles, swapping partners for a few moments before rejoining and continuing on their way.

Catalina was happy to sit the first dance out, and she was glad to see her sister looking more carefree than before. In fact, she was laughing as she and Ivar weaved in and out of the other dancers, with Anastasia twirling beneath her fiancé’s arm as they gradually completed their circuit and finally joined in circle, ready for the next couple to commence their jig around the perimeter.

Everyone clapped and cheered, with all seeming to approve the young, betrothed couple. Catalina clapped along with the music as well, but she soon found herself distracted by the sight of Ivar’s splendid legs. There was no denying he cut a fine figure, and she could not help but admire his agility on the floor. Despite his size, he was light on his feet and commanded the space. Never missing a beat, he effortlessly directed her sister’s every step with practiced ease.

Catalina was shocked to feel a sudden pang of something like jealousy as she watched them dancing. Helplessly, she found herself wondering what it must be like to be whirled around the floor while clasped to Ivar MacLeod’s impressive chest. Disturbingly, the very thought sent tingles up her spine, and she was glad of the distraction when she saw Dunstan approaching.

He was clutching a tankard of ale in his fist, and despite the joyful occasion, Catalina noticed he did not look particularly happy.

“Ye dinnae look exactly in the celebratin’ mood,” she said as he joined her.

“I’m all right. I only just got here, so gimme a chance,” he rejoindered. “What about yersel’? Ye’re nae dancin’?”

“I thought I’d let the happy couple have the floor first,” she joked, sipping her wine. “Though it might have something tae dae with the huge dinner I’ve just eaten.,” she confided.

“Aye,” he replied.

“Ach. And what about ye, with yer face a yard long. What’s up with ye? Ye’ve nae been right since we left home.”

He shrugged. “I dunno what ye’re talkin’ about. I’m all right, I tell ye. There’s naethin’ wrong with me.” He took a long draught of his ale.

“Tryin’ tae convince yersel’, are ye?” she said teasingly.

“Jesus, I’ll take mesel’ off if ye’re gonnae be like this.” He began to move away with a teasing smile.

She caught his arm and pulled him back. “Sorry, Dunstan, take nae notice of me. ’Tis all the strain with Ivar gettin’ tae me. ’Tis upsettin’ Ana, and I dinnae ken how tae put it right.” She briefly explained what had happened at dinner earlier when she had tried to apologize to Ivar for her mistakes.

“And what happened?” Dunstan appeared mystified.

She shook her head. “He sort of accepted me apology, but ye could hear in his voice he didnae really mean it. He was just sayin’ it tae please Anastasia and the others.”

“Ye think so? I dinnae like the sound of that, Cat. I suppose he has reason tae dislike ye, but he shouldnae bear such a grudge. Ye’re his betrothed’s sister after all. I fear it bodes ill for Ana’s happiness.” He frowned as he stared hard at an oblivious Ivar, who was flying around the floor with Anastasia in his arms.

“He’d better treat her right, or he’ll have me tae answer tae,” Dunstan ground out so darkly, Catalina looked at him in surprise. There had been real venom in his voice. It did not even sound like the Dunstan she knew.

The change in him was unsettling, and she had no idea what was causing it. Dunstan had always been a steadying, reliable, brotherly influence in her life, and she was uncomfortable with that changing, especially when everything else felt so uncertain.

“Och, he seems tae like Anastasia well enough, and he treats her kindly,” she said lightly, wanting to bring him back to his old self. The current dance was coming to an end, and she knew it wouldn’t be long before another started up. “How about a dance, then?”

“I dinnae really feel like dancin’.”

“Ah, come on. Ye’ll enjoy it. I need a partner, Dunstan!” she declared, grabbing his arm and pulling him towards the dance floor.

“Nae, I dinnae want tae,” he remonstrated, shaking his arm free. “Get some other poor bugger tae dance with ye.”

“I’ll dance with ye, Catalina, if ye’ll dae me the honor that is.” It was Arne who had come up behind them while they had been talking. He gave her a dazzling smile.

“There’s yer partner, lass,” Dunstan told her, sitting down on a nearby bench and plonking his tankard down on the nearby table, as if to show he had no intention of moving very far.

“Very well, ye miserable so and so.” She turned to Arne and gave him her best smile as she took his proffered hand. “Thank ye kindly, Arne. I’d love tae dance with ye. At least some folks around here have nae forgotten how tae have fun!”

She and Arne laughed as she threw Dunstan a disparaging backward glance over her shoulder as Arne led her onto the floor. The next dance was announced—a spirited Highland reel, one of Catalina’s favorites, so she was excited. Many couples were staying on the floor from the previous dance, including, she noticed, Ivar and Anastasia.

“They seem tae be getting on well, eh? That’s good news. Maybe it’ll all work out for them,” Arne said as they joined hands and circled each other in time to the music.

“Aye, it is. She was really very nervous, ye ken. Marryin’ someone ye’ve never met because the king says so cannae be easy.”

“Too right. Ivar was very angry at first, but he seems to have gotten over that. Then, he just got more and more nervous tae meet yer sister as well. And all the waitin’ was doin’ him in,” Arne vouchsafed as they revolved around one another.

“Ye mean yer braither gets nervous? Pardon me if I dinnae believe it,” she replied, skipping beneath his raised arm. The very idea was startling, and somehow very intriguing.