“Distractions? I believe you mean temptations.” The Bruce studied Ewan, then shifted his gaze to Allyson. “There is a difference about you both. Ewan, you appear a wee humbler, and Lady Allyson, you appear more at ease than I have ever seen you.”
“I am, Your Majesty,” Allyson spoke clearly but softly. She’d never felt comfortable during audiences with the king. She much preferred the time she spent with Queen Elizabeth. While still an imposing figure, the queen didn’t strike fear within Allyson.
“Your Grace, before aught else is said, I must inform you that Lady Allyson and I are legally married. We will have the sacramental wedding during Eastertide.”
“A betrothal ceremony is the same as a wedding. No priest will conduct the service.” The king shook his head. A look of genuine regret crossed his face as he studied the couple once more, noting Allyson’s stricken expression.
“Your Majesty?” Allyson waited for the king to acknowledge her, holding her breath, fearing King Robert’s reaction to her addressing him rather than waiting to be spoken to. When King Robert nodded, she proceeded. “If I might clarify, You Majesty. A betrothal isn’t sacramental. It doesn’t have to include a priest because it’s a promise to marry in the future which means it doesn’t violate canon law. We, um, already ensured that we’re legally married. We made our promise to marry in the future, and Eoin witnessed it. And since then, we, um—” Alyson couldn’t finish, her cheeks on fire with embarrassment.
King Robert paused as he considered Allyson’s announcement; he was slow to respond but eventually nodded his head. “It seems I will need to inform the bishop that there will be a wedding during Eastertide.”
“Thank you, Your Grace.”
The king returned to the center table and his advisors. While Eoin and Allyson talked quietly, Laird Gordon looked between his older son and his new wife.
“That went far more smoothly than I imagined,” Andrew spoke up. He had remained silent since they entered the Privy Council chamber. He’d barely acknowledged their arrival in the passageway. Ewan grimaced, fearing what his father would say next. The words made Ewan cringe. “I believe a tavern and a wench are in order to bid farewell to your bachelorhood.”
“Nay, Father. Those are part of my past. I have no interest in any woman other than Allyson.”
“Come now, you aren’t really married until the church ceremony. You made your position clear before this disaster. You don’t intend to alter your lifestyle. You have at least a sennight, if not a moon or more, before you’ll marry before God. Until then, we’ve got the contracts secured, and we can go on about our lives. Laird Elliot and I will set a date for the marriage. Until then, we’ll return to Huntley while Lady Allyson remains here or returns to Redheugh. It matters little to us.”
Allyson went rigid as Andrew’s words drifted to her. Eoin broke off mid-sentence as he looked past Allyson to his father and brother. He glanced down at Allyson before placing his hand on her arm in reassurance. Ewan’s irritated voice spoke over Andrew’s, and his words calmed Allyson’s moment of panic.
“That is not what will happen, Father. I will not be leaving Allyson anywhere. You heard Allyson, and I’m certain you understood her. We are already married, and the church service will be in ten days. If we can’t marry before a priest the day after Easter, then I will remain at court or Allyson will come home with us, but I am not going anywhere without her. She absolutely will not return to Redheugh. That is unacceptable.” Ewan pushed his shoulders back and lifted his chin in challenge to his father. “I am more than just betrothed to Allyson, and I am responsible for her wellbeing. And let me be very clear about something, Father. I love Allyson. Much has happened in the past moon, which I’ll explain at a better time. But make no mistake, I will be faithful to Allyson until I draw my last breath. She and I will have a very different marriage than you and Mother or Allyson’s parents. I will honor my vows from today until the end.”
Andrew watched his son, noting his son’s conviction and a hint of defiance as he defended his bride and his marriage. It was the most honorable act he had seen Ewan commit, and it filled him with pride.
“I wish you a happier marriage than I had with your mother. If you love Allyson, as you say you do, then you’re already on the right path. Your commitment and integrity reassure me that one day you will lead our clan with honor.” Andrew clapped his son on the shoulder before sticking out his hand. Father and son grasped forearms in a warriors’ handshake. Andrew turned to Allyson and smiled, waving her over. “I owe you an apology for those uncouth words you must have overheard. I understand that circumstances have changed much while you were away. I welcome you to Clan Gordon, lass. I hope you find your new home and family welcoming because we look forward to your arrival at Huntley.”
“Thank you, Laird Gordon. You are correct that much has transpired since we last stood in this chamber. I’ve come to know both of your sons, and I count Eoin as a friend I can trust in all things. But it’s Ewan who I love. I will do all that I can to be a good wife to him and a good lady of the clan to your people. I appreciate your welcome, and I hope you can forgive the inordinate amount of trouble I have caused.”
“It’s Andrew, lass. We are as good as kin now. And it would seem that the time away from court has made this marriage possible. You don’t look ready to murder my son in his sleep. And he is certainly a better mon for it.”
“I won’t be doing that, I promise.” Allyson smiled as Ewan wrapped his arm around her and kissed her crown.
“Lady Allyson, the queen will be happy that you’ve returned.” King Robert had remained silent as he observed the couple along with the father and son. He noticed that Kenneth seemed to float on the outskirts, saying nothing but watching his daughter like a hawk. He wondered what transpired to change the dynamics of these relationships. Allyson swallowed, dreading having to appear before the queen. She didn’t want to avoid the queen so much as she wanted to avoid the other ladies-in-waiting. The king observed her trepidation. “Perhaps you would benefit from some time to refresh yourself. The evening meal should be soon enough to reunite with your friends and for you to greet the queen.”
Allyson curtseyed while the men bowed and left the Privy Council chamber. Allyson looked about and felt suddenly lost, unsure of whether she should retire to her chamber or if she could slip out to the gardens. She assumed Ewan would have business to discuss with his father, and she doubted her father intended to spend time with her. She wasn’t surprised when Kenneth excused himself and left to make arrangements for his return to Redheugh.
“Come, Father.” Eoin wrapped his arm around Andrew’s shoulders, guiding him away from the couple. “I will explain all that happened, and we must plan for delivering the sheep to the Elliots.”
Allyson and Ewan stood watching the two men move further down the passageway before they looked at one another, broad grins breaking across their faces once more. Ewan pulled Allyson closer, whispering in her ear. “Eoin will keep Father occupied until the evening meal, then he will make himself scarce for the night.”
“Oh?” Allyson glanced at the men’s retreating backs.
“Ally, you’re my wife now. We have time to make up for from when we traveled with a retinue.”
“That’s only possible if we—”
“Aye, mo aingeal. I recall you have roommates, so we are going to the Gordon suite.”
Allyson glanced around, fearful someone overheard them. As far as anyone was aware at court, they weren’t yet married. She didn’t doubt that word was already circulating about their return, but she didn’t want rumors spreading that not only had she run away, she was allowing Ewan to bed her. She wasn’t certain who was aware that both lairds and Ewan had already signed the contracts.
“Are you sure that’s wise?” Allyson bit her lower lip. She wanted to retire with Ewan and spend the next week and a half in their chamber, not leaving it until the church service. But she feared the consequences of going with him when everyone at court thought they were only betrothed and loathed one another.
“Ally, regardless of whether people are aware of what happened, there will be speculation. Wouldn’t you rather we appear as a happy couple in love than have people gossip that our fathers forced the marriage?”
“I would. I just fear we’re being indiscreet.”
