“Then you shall learn, milady.”
* * *
The next threedays became a blur to Siena.
Siena and Agatha walked over to see the church. It wasn’t a very big chapel, but it had a quaint feel to it that Siena liked. There were ten rows of benches on each side and they had the Scott red plaid on the floor leading to the altar. Surely, she could make the short walk down the aisle without fainting and making a fool of herself.
As they left to go back to the main holding, Siena turned the small stones over and over in her fingers. It was a habit she was developing when she was thinking. “I wish there would be flowers in the church.”
“If you were getting married in the spring that might be possible but with this frozen ground nothing could live,” Agatha commented.
“I know but still ….”
* * *
Siena feltlike she was going to another hanging, and this time there would be no one to save her. Then she would think ‘save her from what?’ She actually cared for Roderick. There was no denying that he was nice to look upon, and he had been good to her. So why, couldn’t she be happy?
Because he didn’t love her. She hadn’t seen that spark in his eyes that told her of his love, and so far, he sure hadn’t mentioned the word. The only thing he felt was the need to protect her with marriage. Well marriage would certainly do that and there could be no greater champion than Roderick, but she wanted love. For once in her life, she needed someone to love her.
Her mind was whirling when Agatha entered with Siena’s gown.
“Are you pacing again, milady?” Agatha placed the gown on the bed and smoothed the skirt with her hands.
“I feel so restless, Agatha.” Siena was wringing her hands. “I’m going to throw up.”
“All brides feel that way on their wedding day. It isn’t unusual.”
“You mean everyone wants to throw up?”
Agatha chuckled. “Something like that. It is a big step, but I do believe that it will be good for you. From this day forward, you will be protected.”
“I know. But what if I’m expected to . . . well you know.” Siena felt her cheeks grow warm. “I don’t know what to do.”
Agatha smiled. “Don’t fret, milady. Believe it or not it will come to you. Remember when you first learned how to ride a horse?”
Siena nodded.
“You were afraid until you got the hang of it and then you thought riding was wonderful. It is just that simple.”
Siena gave her a doubtful look. “But I still don’t know what to do.”
“Your husband will show you. You just have to trust him. He will not hurt you.”
“Are you sure?”
“Aye. I remember my Robert when he was alive,” Agatha sighed, locked in a long-ago memory. “By the way, the laird’s brothers have arrived this morning, so you will be meeting his family today.”
“Have you seen them?”
“Just a glimpse. They are fine-looking huge men. Perhaps not as handsome as our laird, but I wouldn’t turn any of them down.” Agatha’s face turned a lovely shade of red.
“Agatha! I’ve never heard you talk like that.” Siena laughed. She felt all the tension leave her body, seeping away like water going to sea, and she finally felt calm.
“I have something for you,” Agatha said before she disappeared into the solar. It was only a couple of seconds before she returned with a small cup of whisky. “Here drink this. It will help with your nerves.”
“Thank you.” Siena sipped the whisky, feeling that slow burn down her throat. “It isn’t bad.”
“Let’s get you dressed.” Agatha motioned for Siena to come over to her. “We have taken one of your dresses and redesigned it. I wanted it to be fancy for your wedding. I think you will look lovely in this gown.”
