“O eternal God,” the priest prayed, “Creator and Preserver of all mankind, Giver of all spiritual grace, the Author of everlasting life, send Thy blessing upon these Thy servants, this man and this woman, whom we bless in Thy Name, that they, living faithfully together, may surely perform and keep the vow and covenant betwixt them made and may ever remain in perfect love and peace together, and live according to Thy laws, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”
“Amen,” Eleanor and Arran whispered together.
“What God has put together, let no man put asunder.” The priest closed his Bible and smiled at Eleanor and Arran. “I pronounce thee man and wife, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”
“Amen,” they repeated.
“You may kiss your bride.”
Arran did not hesitate, but wrapped Eleanor in his embrace and kissed her.
She was soft and tender, receiving his affection with her own, a smile on her lips.
Those who had gathered clapped and cheered at their union. Eleanor’s cheeks colored deeper than before and Arran felt himself smiling like a fool.
Eleanor was his wife, for the rest of his life. Every decision, from this day forward, would be made with her and for the benefit of his family. He no longer lived for himself alone, but for the good and prosperity of his wife and daughter. He’d always had a natural instinct to protect and shelter them, but a deeper desire to keep them safe overwhelmed him.
Miriam clapped and grinned with the rest of them, though he was fairly certain the wee bairn didn’t understand why everyone was so excited. If she did, she would understand that she was no longer an orphan, but his daughter, for as long as he drew breath.
He reached for her now, taking her from Nicolette’s arms. She came to him willingly, her toothy grin a little wet.
“Mama,” she said to Eleanor, and reached for Eleanor next.
Eleanor took her into her arms and pointed at Arran. “Papa,” she said.
Miriam studied Arran for a heartbeat before she said, “Papa!” and lunged back into his arms.
Arran held his daughter, took his wife’s hand, and walked them back into the fort. A small feast would quickly be arranged by their friends, with what little they had to offer, and then Arran had arranged for Miriam and Nicolette to sleep in Isla’s tent for Arran and Eleanor’s wedding night.
Eleanor sat beside Arran at the long table the settlers and voyageurs had set up in front of the fur post. There had not been much by way of food, but what the settlers had produced was the very best of what they had left. Hominy and sea biscuits hadnever tasted as wonderful to Eleanor as they had that afternoon. Everyone apologized profusely for their lack of elegance and refinement, but Eleanor could not have imagined any other wedding meal. It was perfect.
Now, after the meal had been cleared away, a settler produced his bagpipes, and two others their flute and fiddle. People had begun to dance and laugh for the first time in months.
Arran held Eleanor’s hand as they watched the settlers. He had not let her go once since they had sat down, and she was in no hurry to be separated from him.
“I haven’t seen this much joy since Pembina,” Eleanor said a little wistfully. “This has been good for everyone.”
“Especially me.” He lifted her hand to his lips and pressed a kiss there. Pleasure danced in his eyes and a shiver of excitement raced up her spine.
“Canoes!” A cry rose from the gate.
Eleanor looked over the heads of those dancing toward the lake. The sun was just setting on the horizon. Pink tinged the world as Arran stood, drawing Eleanor with him.
“’Tis my men.” He grinned. “With the de Meuron soldiers.”
Arran had already told Eleanor about Lord Selkirk’s mighty little army in bits and pieces, between the festivities.
Everyone went to the shores of the lake once again and welcomed the new arrivals. Mr. Heden was the first to disembark and his wife, Helena, was there with tears coursing down her cheeks. She hugged and kissed him and he pulled her into his tight embrace. Their children gathered around and he took turns hugging them, as well.
“That makes me happy,” Arran said to Eleanor while nodding at Michael Heden.
“And me,” Eleanor agreed. From the little she had come to know Mrs. Heden, she had suspected their marriage was on shifting ground, but it was clear they were relieved to see eachother again. Perhaps their separation would help to heal their wounds.
There were greetings all around, and then more dancing and festivities. Now that all the men were restored to the colonists, along with the promise of Lord Selkirk and his de Meuron soldiers, the mood had grown even lighter and more cheerful than before. Those who had lost loved ones at the Battle of Seven Oaks, as it had become known, smiled again for the first time. Even Fiona danced with Mr. Aiken, her merry laughter the greatest gift Eleanor could receive on her wedding day.
After the sun set, campfires were lit to aid in the revelry. Isla and Nicolette had long since brought Miriam back to Isla’s tent to sleep. She had almost fallen asleep on Nicolette’s lap, her day having been full of more excitement than the little girl was accustomed to.
“Are you happy?” Arran asked Eleanor as he watched her, the firelight flickering in his eyes.
