Then they discussed what they needed to bring to the Grant clan. Cailean fed and watered the horses and drew water they needed from the well.
It was a relaxing and cozy day alone together, and they were both grateful for it. Elayne felt like her old energy was restoring itself. She was nae as fatigued as days before. Late afternoon, the rain had stopped, and the dark clouds had disappeared. Cailean was hopeful they could resume their journey the following morning, but time would tell. He wished they could have stayed away much longer, but he was also eager to be wed as soon as possible. He kent her family and others worried for her.
The next morning, the sun shone intermittently. They packed and left the bothy clean, neat, and tidy with extra wood inside and Elayne’s lantern, candle, and flint on the table for other travelers. Elayne kent other weary travelers passing this way would welcome its light. She intended to make two more large ones for the bothy too. As they rode, they made good progress through the muddy grounds. The air was still chilly as they rodeback to the MacPherson Clan. Back to announce their love to the world, their betrothal, and to plan their wedding.
Chapter Fourteen
The Journey Home and Wedding
The rest of their journey was uneventful. They stopped at the forge so she could see her parents and Thomas first. Cailean dismounted and lifted Elayne from the saddle. Tears glistened in William’s eyes as he saw his daughter returned safe and sound to him. William wrapped Elayne in a bear hug as Thomas, relieved and happy, ran to notify Mrs. Logan that Elayne was back home. When Thomas returned with Mrs. Logan, they each gave Elayne a big hug. William noticed the closeness between Cailean and Elayne, the special looks they gave each other, and Cailean’s possessiveness of her.
“Before I left to find Elayne, the laird gave me his blessing to wed yer daughter. I ask ye for yer blessing too. I love Elayne and want her to be my wife. When I journeyed to the Grant clan with the garment ye gave me, a woman confirmed it was the dress she had sewn for Laird and Lady Grant’s daughter, Elayne. The Grant clan wants Elayne to return to lead them. We ask for yer blessing on that as well.”
Cailean and Elayne were beaming with happiness, their love evident.
“I am happy to give ye my blessing. I kent when Elayne arrived that I would be privileged to care for her as my own daughter until a man she loved claimed her heart, and that man is clearly ye.”
“Thank ye. I will return Elayne to yer care after we seek an audience with my family. We hope to be wed soon and travel to the Grant clan after the summer games and fair.”
“Aye, that is a good and reasonable plan. I’m sure the ladies will have much to discuss for the wedding. Thank ye, Cailean, for returning my daughter to me safely.” Cailean and Elayne led their horses to the stable, then entered the castle. The guards had obviously been alerted Cailean’s family of his return since they had gathered in the great hall and were all talking at the same time excitedly.
Cailean introduced Elayne to his family, even though she was still dressed as a lad. “Lady Elayne Grant from the Grant clan has graciously accepted to be my wife, and we are betrothed. It is none other than Lady Grant who my men and I owe our freedom to. Elayne rode alone to the Cameron clan, sought an audience with the laird, and bartered with her life and skills for six months to release us from the dungeon.”
Cailean heard gasps from his audience before he continued. “She labored seven days a week from sunrise to sundown for six months, sacrificing her freedom for ours. Our clan owes her for her courageous actions in averting bloodshed and war. I love her with all my heart and owe her my life.” Cailean beamed at her, holding her protectively against his side.
“I ken ye all have many questions, and we shall happily answer them soon. But first I’d like to tell you that we would like a small wedding for our clan as soon as possible. We plan to travel to the Grant clan after the summer games, where LadyGrant will assume her duties as the leader for her clan, the same role as a laird. And I will aid her in whatever capacity she needs me.” Cailean and Elayne were applauded, hugged, and kissed, and Elayne was heartily welcomed into the family. Cailean’s mother shed many tears of happiness and the men clapped him on the back and poured generous glasses of whiskey to toast the betrothed couple.
“When we first arrived home, we stopped long enough for Elayne to greet her father. I promised to return her to their care after we informed ye.”
Elayne smiled shyly at her new family, whose acceptance of her and her new status pleased her.
Cailean’s mother whispered to his father, and Cailean saw him nod. His father announced, “We will have a feast tomorrow to celebrate yer betrothal. We shall leave it to the ladies to let us ken how soon we can hold the wedding. I will agree to holding a small wedding for the clan for ye. Ye must agree to stay until we’ve met with the lairds at the summer games.”
“Aye, my laird.”
“Ye both can meet me in my study in the morning to draft a letter to the elders of the Grant clan and inform them of yer betrothal and intentions. We shall discuss who best to invite from the clans to travel here before the wedding in yer support. My lady, ye are welcome to stay and sup with us tonight, but I ken yer father and family wish ye by their side this eve. I shall make sure they ken about attending the feast in honor of yer betrothal tomorrow.”
Elayne curtsied to the laird and lady with a cheeky grin, dressed as a lad, and they all laughed heartily.
“I will walk Elayne to her parents and return,” Cailean announced, and they left to visit Bessie in the kitchens. Bessie screamed in delight, seeing both of them. Cailean announced their betrothal, and that they had informed the laird and his family of his betrothal to Lady Elayne Grant.
“I ken ye are eager to see yer family, lass.”
On the way out of the kitchens, Cailean found a secluded alcove and kissed Elayne passionately, savoring each taste and the press of their lips together.
“Ye ken I do nae wish to leave ye with yer parents, especially after the last few days together, but until we are married, we can only find a few stolen moments to be alone. I shall miss ye, Elayne.”
“Nae, more than I shall miss ye, Cailean. I slept so well in yer arms. Ye made me feel cherished and safe. Thank ye for coming to get me.”
“Early in the morning, I will escort ye to the castle. We will meet with my father and family, so ye can have time getting to ken my family. My sisters have many questions to ask ye about the wedding, I’m sure. Do ye have a dress for the feast, or should I ask my sisters for one?”
“I have a dress to wear for the feast tomorrow. I will need dresses made for our wedding, the summer games, and to wear in my role as laird for my clan later. Perhaps Mrs. Logan and I can meet with yer seamstress, and we can begin sewing these. Once we arrive at Ballindalloch Castle, we both will have much to do. There will be nae time for fittings and sewing dresses. More important clan issues will occupy us.”
“Aye, as ye say. What do ye think ye want to do first when we reach the Grant clan?”
“First, I would have ye see to the clan defenses. We should inquire as to the status of the defenses, the numbers of warriors and archers, and what is needed to make it more secure. After the clan is secure, we can concentrate on expanding our crops, ensuring more livestock, and seeing to other needed items. What do ye think?”
“I agree. Security is the primary concern. That will mean training more warriors for defense. We may think about asking young married couples to come to the Grant clan to live and farm. Families here with many children may send their young men to be fostered and trained as warriors. It would provide security for the families and lessen the burden to feed and provide for them.”
