“Good marriages have been based on less.”
The older of the women held a length of plaited yellow flowers and ribbons to be woven through Emily’s hair while the other worked to entwine the garland through looped braids pinned atop her head. The pineapple-like fragrance tickled her nose.
After the women were satisfied with her appearance, Emily followed Isobell down the circular stairs, careful of her footing. The long gown made the descent in skimpy slippers risky. She huffed a breath when they reached the lower floor. At the entrance to the great hall, she stopped, searching for Gregor’s form among those men already gathered, her emotions all aflutter.
There he is.
The hairs on the back of Gregor’s neck stood on end with awareness.Emily. He spun around, and there she stood just within the doorway, stealing his breath with her beauty.
He strode toward her with purpose. Grasping her small hand within his much larger, calloused one, he bowed, breathing a light kiss on the tips of her fingers.
A lovely blush brightened her cheeks.
“Shall we?” He crooked an arm, offering escort.
She gave a quick nod and rested her fingers on his forearm with the lightest of touches, allowing his guidance down a short flight of stairs and into the gloom of the courtyard shaded by stark castle walls. They slipped through the gate and into the yard and were greeted by the golden rays of the rising sun.
He blinked. Emily shaded her eyes with her free hand.
Severalcurrachscarried a party of men across the small bay, lads straining at the oars as they cut through an unusually rough surf to beach on the opposite shore.
An angry sound growled from his throat before he could stop the sour utterance.
Emily stiffened. “What is wrong?”
“Naught. I am sorry.” He used his free hand to pat the fingers resting on his arm. “I am glad to see Ciaran leave. ’Tis all.”
“You sounded more angry than glad.”
“The man has a penchant for irritating folks.”
“Ciaran? That name seems familiar.”
“Aye. He has been filling Lach and Tevin’s heads with fantasies this past day about treasure and dragons in the mountains northeast of here.”
“Oh no. Tevin believes his destiny is to kill an orange dragon.”
“Ach, well, we are free of Ciaran for a while. His duty takes him far from Castle Lachlan.”
“That is probably for the best.” Emily relaxed. “What are those unusual boats in which the men travel?”
“They arecurrachsmade of wicker and skins. Those at the castle often use the wee crafts to travel back and forth to the mainland. ’Tis how I brought you here.”
“I’m sorry. My manners have been lacking. Thank you for rescuing me.”
“’Twas my pleasure, mistress.”
“We’ll be married in a few hours. Shouldn’t you address me just as Emily?”
“If that is your wish.” Warmth infused his chest.
“It is.”
“Perhaps after we swear our vows before the priest we will cross to the stables and ride to a hunting lodge tucked in the Fir-wood not far from here. The chief has given me leave to spend several days alone with you to celebrate our nuptials. Would you enjoy such a jaunt?” The thought of what they would do while at the lodge made his blood thicken. He hoped she was amenable.
Emily jounced on her heels, pulled her hand away, and hugged him quick.
Mercy. He tightened a slackened jaw. He liked this exuberant Emily very much indeed.
