"Love."Cormac brushed her brow gently with his fingers."Dinnae be overly concerned.If ye wish to hold off retaining a maid, that is perfectly all right.I wish only for ye to be happy."
"I am worried about disappointing ye.We come from such different worlds.Ye are the son of a laird and I have no title or standing to match that."
Cormac cut off her next words with a kiss."Ye are my equal, Una Stewart.Ye could never disappoint me."
They gazed at each other for a long time until Nessa chuckled and shook her head."I see now why my brother was so determined to marry ye.But I best leave before Ma and Da realize I'm missing.I'll see ye both this evening and I'll send my maid to assist ye."
Una thanked her as Nessa rose and took her leave, her guard trailing close behind.
***
Chapter 21
The Gathering – Edinburgh Castle
Una stood before thelooking glass and barely recognized herself.She wore the deep blue gown from Bella's boist, the one she had spent months making and never imagined wearing.The embroidery at the cuffs caught the candlelight as she moved.Nessa's maid had dressed her hair up at the sides, the rest falling in dark waves down her back.The earbobs were in her ears.The wedding ring on her finger.
She took one breath.Then she picked up the small, folded cloth from the writing table and went to the door.
***
CORMAC WAS WAITINGin the corridor.
He turned when she stepped out and stopped.He stood very still.She watched his face and said nothing.
"Is something wrong?"she asked.
"No."He crossed to her and took her hand."Ye are breathtaking, Una.I need ye to hear that and believe it."
She looked at him for a moment."Thank ye," she replied quietly.
It was only then that she properly took him in.
She had not seen Cormac like this.The full Stewart plaid, the leather belt, crisp white leine, hair tied back, clean-shaved.He looked so braw.
"Ye look very handsome, husband," she said.
