Chapter 10

10

T he day of the wedding between Aidan Bane, Laird MacLuther, and Tillie Killmartin of the MacFair clan arrived. Thankfully, the weather had held, and it was a bright, sunny day with just a few puffy white clouds drifting overhead. Per Tillie's request, the garden area had been weeded and cleaned up. Per Aidan's request, barrels of ale had been brought out and placed around.

Tillie sat in her chamber, waiting for the time when she would go downstairs and outside to say her vows.

Me vows. I can't believe I'm wedding the Laird today!

She was already dressed in a pale blue dress with a darker blue overskirt. The bodice was the same dark blue color, but it had tiny pearls sewn up and down the center. She wore soft blue slippers on her feet, and Paisley had already worked a miracle on her hair. She'd swept up only part of the brown tresses, leaving several strands to hang around Tillie's face. Paisley had used a hot iron poker to curl the loose strands, and the result was beautiful.

But Tillie wasn't interested in all that at the moment. Any minute now, Paisley would return and tell her it was time to go out to the garden. In a short time, she would be a married woman, and while that concerned Tillie, what really bothered her was that her family wasn't here yet. A frown marred her face as concern for them took hold in her heart.

Where could they be? Had something happened to them? Had the keep been attacked?

Tillie shook her head. That was unlikely. The sheer number of MacFair seemed to be enough to discourage those who might think to try and take the keep from them.

Something must have happened though. Me family wouldn't just abandon me on one of the most important days of me life! Besides, me parents would want to see the results of the matchmaking through to the end.

A scratching sound on the door alerted Tillie that Pasiley had returned. A second later, the door opened, and the maid walked inside the chamber. Tillie's heart lodged in her throat and a wave of dizziness caused black dots to swim before her eyes.

She wasn't ready for this. She didn't want to get married. No matter how handsome her betrothed was, he wanted children, and she did not. A shive of dread danced along her spine. In a few hours, she would have to consummate the marriage. Tillie's mother had told her what to expect, but that only seemed to make things worse for her.

She'd seen animals on the farm rut and had been surprised when Lady MacFair had said it was basically the same thing for people, too. Tillie suppressed a shiver of revulsion. She couldn't imagine the Laird doing those things to her.

"'Tis time," Paisley said with a smile. "I've come to make sure ye dinnae get lost on the way downstairs."

The comment had been meant as a joke, but Tillie didn't notice. She wished she could get lost and forego the wedding. With a trembling hand, she brushed a stray curl away from her face and stood. She took a moment to smooth her skirts, trying to summon strength and courage.

After a minute, she took a deep breath and raised her chin. She could do this. It was just a few words and then the ceremony would be over. She'd worry about what came after, the wedding night, later. One problem at a time.

Tillie followed Paisley down the stairs, through several corridors, and then outside. Her steps faltered slightly when she caught sight of Aidan. He wasn't wearing his usual black trews. For the ceremony, he'd donned his kilt; the dark brown and red of his clan's plaid looked good on him. He wore a fresh white linen shirt but had his plaid over one shoulder, crossing over his chest and hanging down his side.

He looked up when she went outside and stared at Tillie. He watched her approach without expression. She wished he'd at least smile. As Tillie walked over to him, she scanned the crowd for any signs of her family, but they weren't there. Only strangers. MacLuther men, women, and children whom she did not know.

"Yer family willnae be attendin', lass." Aidan leaned down to give her that piece of information for her ears only. Tillie was surprised at the understanding note in Aidan's voice. She looked up at him, a confused frown creasing her brow. "They sent a messenger," he explained. "Their carriage broke down on the way here and ‘tis too long of a journey to continue. They had to turn back to get repairs"

"No one was hurt?" she asked anxiously, and he shook his head.

"Are we havin' a weddin' today?" This came from the officiant, and Tillie blushed to the roots of her head.

"Aye, get on with it then," Aidan said, his voice level and not showing any of the embarrassment Tillie felt. She didn't dare risk a glance at the people gathered to witness their nuptials. She was sure they'd be looking at her and Aidan with reproachful gazes.

She was relieved, though, that her family was okay, even as she was disappointed to the bone that they wouldn't be here for this day. She really could have used some friendly faces and support from people who knew and loved her. But such was not to be.

The ceremony was quick. The officiant wrapped a strap of tartan around their hands, said some words, and the next thing she knew, Aidan placed a chaste kiss on her lips.

Tillie blinked up at him, surprised at the kiss that lacked any emotion, especially after the bone-melting one he had given her before. But when she met his gaze, she shivered. The want burning in his blue eyes was anything but chaste.

"Ye are truly mine now," Aidan whispered next to her ear. Before she could respond, the sound of bagpipes kicking up a lively tune sounded. Hoots and hollers, along with clapping and whistling chimed in, the noise of it so loud it almost made Tillie want to cover her ears, but it also made her want to dance.

As they walked toward the crowd of well-wishers, Aidan's hand pressing lightly against the small of her back, Tillie's mind whirled with his words. Ye are truly mind now . He'd said that as if it was a relief. As if he'd expected something to prevent their marriage. Tillie didn't know what to think about that. It was almost as if… as if he couldn't wait to be married.

A group of men surrounded Aidan, slapping him on the back and loudly congratulating him. Tillie took the opportunity to step away from him and breathed a sigh of relief when she was several feet away.

She stood off to the side, her foot tapping to the sound of the music. A small smile lifted the corners of her mouth. Although she preferred landscapes, Tillie thought she just might have to paint the scene before her as everyone danced, sang, and celebrated their laird's wedding.

The tables practically groaned with so much food placed on them, everything from pigeon and boar to breads and blood pudding. Haggis, a Scottish favorite, was on every table, and it seemed everywhere she looked, people had tankards of ale in their hands.

Tillie's feet seemed to have a mind of their own, and now, both were happily and anxiously tapping against the ground as a particularly rambunctious song played. She spotted Paisley walking by and grabbed her arm.

"Let us dance!" Tillie announced loudly.

Startled, Paisley's mouth dropped open, and she glanced at the people dancing. "But, Me Lady! 'Tis not proper!"

Tillie waved a hand dismissively. "Nay, 'tis my weddin'. I can celebrate how I wish, so let us have fun and dance!"

Tillie didn't wait for Paisley's response. She grabbed the maid's hand and pulled her out to where the others were gathered dancing. She thought she heard Paisley mutter a protest, but she was too anxious and needed a way to release some of her nervous energy.

At first, Paisley just stood there, her wide eyes looking nervously at the other dancers. Tillie immediately started dancing, her eyes bright with excitement. Soon, though, Paisley couldn't resist and joined Tillie.

"See? Are ye not havin' fun now?" Tillie nearly shouted to be heard over the music.

Paisley's response was a wide grin. Strands of red hair slipped from their fastening and partially covered one of her green eyes. Her cheeks were flushed, and a fine sheen of sweat dotted her forehead.

Tillie tossed her head back and laughed. It felt so good to forget all her worries and just enjoy herself. She cast an absent look around at the others, then stopped, her eyes widening in disbelief.

There, over by one of the barrels of ale, were some of her Kilmartin relatives. Not her close family, though. These were her cousins who had somehow managed to make it to her wedding! Tillie grinned and was about to go to them when she spotted a familiar dark blonde head. She narrowed her eyes to see the woman better then squealed in surprised delight. Paisley startled and followed her gaze.

"Erica," Tillie explained. "That is my younger sister, Erica."

Tillie grasped Paisley's hand and led her toward her sister. "Come. Ye must meet her!"

Erica turned just as Tillie caught up to her. Her light green eyes lit up, and she grinned. "Tillie!" she exclaimed, throwing her arms around her older sister. The siblings hugged and laughed.

"I didnae think ye could make it to my weddin'," Tillie said. "The Laird told me yer carriage broke down."

Erica frowned slightly. "Is that why I dinnae see Mother and Father?" When Tillie nodded, she continued, "I have been at Edinburgh, so I dinnae travel with the rest of the family." She paused to glance around. "I suppose I am too late for the weddin' ceremony?"

Tillie nodded. "But ye are here now, and 'tis all that matters. Oh, this is Paisley," she added. A slight blush stained her cheeks for forgetting about the maid who still stood next to her although she looked a bit uncomfortable. "She is me lady's maid and …" Tillie shot a glance at Paisley and offered a smile. "… me friend."

Erica's gaze flicked over to Paisley, who was blushing furiously. As a maid, she wasn't used to socializing with lairds and ladies, and when Tillie had called her a friend, she'd been completely stunned.

"Hello, Paisley," Erica said with a genuine smile. "'Tis glad I am that my sister has already made friends in her new home."

Paisley performed a slight curtsey, her cheeks nearly as red as her hair, then turned to Tillie. "I must get back to work, or I'll be hearin' about it later."

Tillie nodded and watched Paisley hurry away. Slipping her arm around Erica's arm, she led her sister several feet away where they could have some privacy.

"I cannae believe ye are married," Erica sighed. "And yer laird is so handsome. Is he really like his letter? He doesna look like the kind of man who would write such flowery words."

Tillie frowned slightly then shook her head with a chuckle. "He didnae write the letter."

"Nay!" Erica gasped, then narrowed her eyes with suspicion. "Dinnae tell me! Our parents?"

Tillie nodded. "Aye. I suspect Mother wrote them."

Erica shook her head. "I am not surprised. They have made it their life's mission to play matchmaker. I fear who they will try to pair me with."

The sisters were quiet for a moment as they both watched everyone celebrate. Tillie's gaze met Aidan's, who was standing with a group of clansmen, each with a tankard in hand, and she was surprised to realize he'd been watching her. Even from this distance, she swore she could feel the heat of his gaze.

His eyes didn't veer from her, not even once. She wasn't sure if he even blinked. His gaze was that focused on her. It at once made her nervous and excited.

"So, if the Laird dinnae write the letters, what made him decide to take you as his wife?"

Tillie blinked and snapped her attention back to Erica. She scowled. "Because I'm a Kilmartin, and Kilmartins are known for their fertility."

"And how do ye feel about that?" Erica knew how Tillie felt about bairns, and the understanding expression on her face said she knew Tillie was not happy about it. However, before she could respond, Aidan walked over and held his hand out.

"I'd like to dance with my bride." His voice was low and gruff and sent a thrill of anticipation through Tillie's body.

She swallowed thickly and shot a quick look at her sister. Erica smiled and nodded. "I'll be here for a while yet," she assured Tillie.

Tillie allowed Aidan to lead her to the dance area. The tune wasn't as lively as the one she and Paisley had danced to. It involved clasping hands and spinning around each other.

"That was my sister, Erica," Tillie said when the dance steps brought them facing each other.

"Aye. I gathered as much."

Tillie waited until they were facing each other again. "The staff did an excellent job on all the food and preparations."

All she got for that comment was a grunt from Aidan. Tillie sighed. While he looked at her with hot passion shining from his blue gaze, his words were abrupt and seemingly disinterested. She decided to try and get a positive response from him one more time.

"Are ye enjoyin' yerself, Me Laird?"

He didn't answer until they were facing each other, and then he stopped dancing all together. "'Tis Aidan," he reminded her. "And I will be enjoyin' meself aplenty very soon." He paused to stare down into her eyes. "'Tis time to prepare yerself fer the weddin' night."