After all, Gretna didn’t know how long she had left to make all her wishes come true.
1
“Again.”
Gretna watched as the maid frowned before unraveling the braid that circled her head, the long blonde locks falling in waves around Gretna’s shoulders. The maid would likely pull the braid tighter in retaliation, but Gretna wanted everything to be perfect.
“Gretna, ye donna have a great deal of time left,” Ida chided her as she placed another dress in the trunk that was to accompany Gretna on her journey. “The last time was perfect.”
“This will be the last time I promise,” Gretna replied evenly, meeting her sister-in-law’s eyes in the mirror. Ida was correct. They would be late if Gretna tarried any longer and she did not like to be late.
“That was wot ye said four braids ago,” Lena sighed, her chin resting on her hand as she sat on Gretna’s bed.
Gretna smirked at her sister. “Tis wot has tae happen when one wants perfection.”
Lena rolled her eyes, but Gretna clasped her hands in her lap, watching the maid’s fingers as she braided her hair once more. Today was going to be the day that she hoped her future wouldbe decided. In less than an hour’s time, Gretna would climb into a carriage and make the journey north to another clan, one that held an eligible suitor. While the alliance with the McGregors remained strong, partly due to Ian’s love for his wife and his sister, there were still other allies to gain.
A potential marriage between the Wallace and McCellan clan would bring a strong ally from the north. “Everything has tae be perfect,” Gretna declared, wincing a moment later as the maid pulled on her hair.
“Forgive mah, miss,” the maid murmured, a shot of fear threading through her expression.
“Donna worry aboot it,” Lena said, swinging her legs over the side of the bed. “Gretna isna as mean as she appears.”
“Just because I wish for things tae be done mah way,” Gretna grumbled.
“Aye,” Ida agreed, shooing away the maid as she tied off one of the braids. “Let mah take over.”
Gretna cleared her throat as Ida’s capable hands took over, gentler than before. “I am ready tae see if this one is mah true love.”
“Only time will tell if he is yer love,” Ida explained gently, threading Gretna’s favorite ribbon through her tresses.
“I donna have time tae wait,” Gretna sniffed, keeping her back straight lest she grow a hump and become unsightly. “I have a good feeling about him. I was always meant tae wed someone of importance.” He was a laird’s son, the future ruler of the McCellan clan which meant that Gretna would be the lady of a clan one day.
This was the highest position that Gretna could attain and she felt as if it was within her reach. “I will need tae make the finest impression tae him and the clan.”
“As ye will,” Ida said, placing her hands on Gretna’s shoulders. “Wot do ye think now?”
Gretna looked at herself in the mirror, turning her head slowly to look at Ida’s creation. “Tis lovely, Ida.”
“Now stand,” Ida stated. “And let’s have a look at ye.”
Gretna rose gracefully from the stool she had been perched on and shook out her skirts, the dark green color shimmering in the firelight. The dress was her finest one, with velvet rounding out the neckline and cuffs. The gold belt encircled her slim waist, matching the ribbon in her golden hair and the bracelet on her wrist that had been given to her by her da on her tenth year. She felt like a lady, even if she didn’t own the title just yet.
Turning toward the trunk, Gretna walked over and started counting the bundles. “Are all the dresses there?”
“Of course, miss,” the maid answered, her hands clasped before her. “Just as ye ordered.”
“Ordered,” Lena giggled. “Gretna likes tae order people aboot.”
“Ye donna count,” Gretna shot back, stepping away. “I canna just go on this journey with only the gown on mah back.” What sort of impression would that give her potential husband? He needed to see that she was worthy of uniting the two clans together.
It was what her brother and their clan needed.
“All the gowns are there,” Ida added softly, touching Gretna’s arm. “Trust mah.”
That was the problem. Gretna couldn’t trust anyone to do what needed to be done. She checked and re-checked her things frequently, and with something as important as this, she was going to ensure that everything was perfect.
A movement caught her eye and Gretna moved closer to the window, watching as her brother’s captain of the guard walked through the courtyard, his laughter ringing out over the din of conversation around him.
