As you mentioned there are young children in her household, I took the liberty of sending along some of your old toys from the attic. They have sat untouched for years, and it seems only right they should bring joy again rather than gather dust.
You asked, somewhat cautiously, after Christmas decorations. I have included a modest selection: greenery, ribbons, candles, and a few ornaments your grandmother favoured. Nothing ostentatious. Just enough to mark the season quietly, should you wish it. Traditions, even when frowned upon, have a way of keeping the heart steady. I trust you will use your discretion.
Above all, my dear son, take care of yourself. And of her.
You have always carried more than you needed to alone.
With all my love,
Mother
I took a few steadying breaths and reread the letter.
This was what I had needed. Acceptance.
I had never allowed myself to consider what might happen if my parents rejected my choice of bride. Or whether they might simply be grateful that I had chosen someone—anyone at all.
But my mother’s gracious acceptance was more than I’d dared hope for.
It settled something deep in my chest.
It gave me hope.
I folded the letter and slipped it into my pocket. I would reply to my mother before the day was out.
Today, I would begin the work of bringing Christmas back to Eilidh Manor.
The celebrations had been suppressed for nearly four hundred years. People had learned not to mark the day—had learned not to question it—even if no one could say why anymore. The kirk had never approved of such indulgences.
No one would stop me from making this winter special for Euphemia and her family.
? ? ?
When the heavy thuds outside the library door finally stopped, I glanced at the time.
Perfect.
Callum had arrived.
I placed the book on my desk and went to open the door.
“Huv’ye lost yer mind?” he exclaimed.“The church willnae look too kindly tae ye wi’all those Christmas decorations aroon yer hoose.”
I shrugged.
“Everyone will have a day off on Christmas Day at Eilidh Manor.”
His mouth fell open, and I almost smiled until I remembered what was at stake.
“I would have come over to you, but I wasn’t certain of my welcome,” I said, waving him over to take a seat.
“It’s yur property,” he said with a shrug.
“I wanted to apologise for not trying harder to get a message to you. When the snow piled up, it became near impossible after that.”
“Aye, Euphemia telt us that,” he said, eyeing me suspiciously.
“Why don’t you want your niece to marry me?”
