“Faither, I require yer assistance. The wedding must be brought forward, as soon as it can be arranged. Taenight, if possible, or tomorrow morning at the latest.”
The priest shook his head. “I regret I willnae be here this night. I am summoned tae the village and leaving here soon. I cannae delay, fer I am called tae give an old man, faither of one of the fishermen, his rites before death claims him. I shall return latetaenight or first thing tomorrow. I shall be ready tae perform yer marriage ceremony before noon.”
Kenneth inclined his head. “Thank ye Faither. May yer journey be safe, and may yer prayers guide the elder’s soul tae its haven. We will rely on yer presence in the morning.”
The priest offered a small, sympathetic nod. “I wish yer safety, Kenneth. Dark times swirl around yer lands. Keep watch over your lady, and all shall be well, by God’s grace.”
Leaving the priest by the altar, Kenneth returned to the keep, his mind already racing through the preparations necessary to protect Selene and the castle.
He paused at the threshold of the solar, taking in the soft morning light falling across the wooden floorboards and the tableau of three beautiful lasses, Selene at the harpsichord, Maureen singing beside her, Elsie seated beside the fire – an audience of one.
He listened for a moment to the delicate notes of the harpsichord and Maureen’s voice raised in song, sweet and clear. He was reluctant to interrupt, but the urgency of the day weighed on him, and he stepped forward.
The music grew silent as he walked in.
“Fergive me intrusion, lasses,” he said softly, bowing his head slightly. “I shouldnae have entered unannounced.”
Selene greeted him with a beaming smile. “Oh, my dearest, we are rehearsing the song for Maureen to sing for us at our wedding.”
She then frowned upon seeing his expression. “What brings you here? I thought you were busy this morning.”
Kenneth wrapped her in his arms, smiling at Maureen and Elsie, determined to appear as if there was nothing else on his mind.
“Yer song is perfect. Ye and Maureen sound… wonderful. But I must speak with ye about the wedding. I am afraid… it cannae wait as we had planned. It must be brought forward. The ceremony is tae take place tomorrow morning, before noon.”
“Tomorrow?” Selene looked up, confused.
“I had hoped tae keep everything as we had planned.” He paused, considering his words carefully. He could not frighten her with talk of Aidan. That would serve no good, only cause anxiety, when all he wished for her was happiness.
He decided on a story that would hold the truth without alarm. Before saying more, he considered his words carefully. Falsehoods did not come easily to him.
“Father Mulcahy must return tae Ireland unexpectedly,” he said. “A matter of pressing duty calls him, and he cannae perform the ceremony as we hoped. He will be able tae officiate in the morning, before he leaves fer Ireland.”
She gasped. “Tomorrow? But… we arranged it fer a week hence.”
“I ken, me love.” He pressed a kiss to her temple. “I am afraid there is nay other way.”
Maureen looked dismayed. “We’ll have nay time fer…” her voice trailed off despairingly.
“I ken it is disappointing fer ye, Maureen, but I’ve nay wish tae delay until the priest returns. And yer sister and Halvard cannae wait that long. We want them tae be here, nay?” He turned to Selene. “There’ll be nay feast, nay formal celebration. But I ken that Maureen, Elsie, and the household will help prepare what they can. The ceremony itself will be our true celebration.”
Maureen, who had been watching, stood up, a mixture of disappointment and determination in her eyes. She turned to Elsie who was already on her feet. “Och, we must act swiftly. We need ivy fer wreaths and crowns, we must choose gowns and petticoats and I must consult with Cook. Even though there’s tae be nae feast, we will make it special.” She turned to Elsie. “There is much tae see tae, and very little time.”
Elsie clapped her hands. “Aye. Even without a full feast, we can make it beautiful fer ye, Selene.”
Kenneth breathed out, a small smile tugging at his lips despite the tension coiling in his chest. “Thank ye. And Selene…” He drew her close again, brushing a wayward curl from her face. “Once we are married, Laird Halvard will have tae return tae Raasay with Elsie.”
She looked askance at her sister. “We’ve had so little time together.”
Kenneth smiled, heart heavy but resolute. “I ken, me love. But we will visit often. Our families – our clans – will remain close. These bonds, now strengthened by marriage, will ensure that our lands and our people remain secure.”
Selene’s eyes shone with love. “Thank you. I am comforted, Kenneth. I don’t care a jot for feasts or merriment, or an imperfect song. You and I will be wed, and that is all that matters. It is the day I have been longing for.”
He gathered her hand and squeezed it. “Yes. And taegether, we shall face whatever comes.”
CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX
Iam to be married before noon.
