“I do support you, Argyll. You have become a friend to me as Lady Marion has become a friend to my wife. She treasures her above all others, and I want only what is best for you both.”
“And you harbor no ill will at the manner in which I left? I have lamented on it.”
“I do not. As much as I enjoyed our short time at Inverary, I am much more suited to the entertainment in my own court.”
Alexander wondered as much and was grateful for the king’s candor.
“Now that is sorted, I have a favor to ask,” Alexander said.
The king shook his head. “You do not need favors from me. Whatever it is you want, you shall have.”
“I wish to marry Lady Marion the day after tomorrow in the abbey.”
The king grinned. “Two days, hey. Someone is anxious.”
“Aye, that I am. There is no need to wait any longer. I am certain of my feelings for her.”
“And are you certain of her feelings for you? I do not wish to cast doubt, but the last I heard, she wanted to be as far away from you as possible.”
He was not certain, but he would be. And he trusted his heart which told him she would agree, and if she did not yet love him, she would in time. Of that he was certain.
“Aye, I am certain.”
The king peered up at the palace and then around the space in the courtyard. “Two days, you say,” he said and looked back to Alexander. “I can work with that.”
At that moment, the queen’s carriage arrived and the king moved to open her door. When she emerged and spied Alexander, she smiled genuinely.
“It is very good to see you, my lord. I trust my friend is well?”
“Aye, Your Majesty. She is well.”
“And she is about to become much better when our man here asks for her hand in marriage. Dear wife, it appears we have two days to plan a wedding. Are you up for the task?”
The queen clasped her hands together and laughed. “I am indeed, as this is the most glorious news I could have heard upon our return. You must tell me everything. How will you propose? What are her favorite flowers? Does she prefer fish or meat? You must bring her to my apartment this afternoon so we may fit her for a gown.”
“Now, now, wife. We shall ensure we have plenty of everything Lady Marion enjoys. We must release our friend so that he may go and ask the lady first.”
“Oh,” she said. “Right you are. We will need to check our mead stores, and I will have a peacock styled cake for her; she loves the white one…”
The queen moved away from them as she spoke to no one in particular but walked in the direction of the hall. Once the servants saw her, they rushed to her, and she sent them off to find various things.
“She will enjoy this task,” the king said. “Thank you for including us.”
“Your Majesty does not need to thank me. We are blessed to have your patronage.”
“And that you have. Now off you go to your bride. Godspeed.”
Alexander was as nervous as a schoolboy upon arrival at their manor house. He dismounted and tossed the reins to their servant and straightened his attire before knocking on the door.
A young maid opened the door and waited for him to announce himself.
“Please tell the lord of the house Alexander Campbell is here to see him.”
She nodded and permitted him entry. “Wait here, m’lord,” she said in a quiet, youthful voice that almost sounded like she was singing.
Marion’s father exited his study, and as soon as he saw Alexander, ushered him inside, all the while looking about. He was giggling like wee Archie when he closed the door.
“They don’t know,” he said and clapped his hands.
