Jack said, “Da.”
“Nae, Jack, ye hae tae say it like this: dreich.” He contorted his face when he spoke the Gaelic word and Jack giggled and said, “Da-da!”
I pulled Jack close and wrapped my raincoat around him.
Haggis jumped on Magnus giving him wet muddy paws on his coat and Magnus said, “I am so glad you all came early, Fraoch, the rain was making it difficult tae keep the surprise. I couldna come up with reasons tae stay here all day.”
Fraoch put his arms out, looking absolutely drenched, like a drowned rat. “Why nae? This is perfect Scottish weather! Tis good tae stay out in it all day, there is nothing at all tae make us go inside. Right, Isla?”
“I am cold.”
“Then as good Scots, we ought tae go in for food, a smart Scot will trade wonderful weather for a meal.”
We began the slow walk in the rain back to the castle, Haggis frolicking as if eighteenth century rain and mud were the best things in the world. Fraoch leaned back and looked up at the sky. “Och, Og Maggy, ye were right, this was worth the trip.”
Magnus chuckled. “Ye are teasin’ me, I dinna ken the weather. I was tryin’ tae be romantic.”
“Scottish rain makes everything romantic, daena it, Hayley? It rained a deluge on our wedding day.”
“I almost drowned on a runaway horse.”
“But I rescued ye, right by the wall of the castle, twas heroic.”
“Well, let’s put it this way, you were trying to be romantic, just like Magnus is trying to be romantic now.” The sky opened up and rain poured down even more.
Magnus said, “Yet failin’ miserably.”
In the courtyard of the castle we gave the horses to the stable boys and rushed into the main door, dripping puddles on the stone floor. Hayley said, “Dry off or someone is going to catch a cold!”
Fraoch said, “Och nae, that is just an auld wive’s tale!”
“I am an old wife! And I say you need to dry off, don’t argue.”
Fraoch said, “I will, but I am famished, when dost the feast happen?”
I said, “It’s just after the morning meal, I don’t think there will be food for hours yet.”
Fraoch looked crestfallen, “And Chef Zach only packed us this wee cooler.” He sighed dramatically.
Sean said, “I will hae Lizbeth ask for some food tae be put out in the Great Hall, but ye must be dry tae come, she will be furious if ye drip on the good rugs.”
CHAPTER 22
LADY MAIREAD
I INTRODUCE WILFREY TAE THE EARL
Ismoothed the folds down on the skirts of my deep crimson gown then put my hand on Wilfrey’s elbow. He said, “You look very beautiful, Mairead, far too beautiful tae meet some auld earl.”
“Thank ye, Wilfrey and ye look verra fine, are ye ready tae meet him?”
“The better question is, is the old man ready to meet me?”
I laughed as we swept from my chambers and climbed the stairs tae my brother’s solar, the fabric of my skirts whispering against the stone of the corridors. A dim morning light filtered through the narrow windows, twas raining.
“My son has lost his mind going out in the rain today.”
“He has a plan, you cannot fault him.”
