Page 82 of Tales of Highland Loyalty

It was the start of fall three years later, the eve of Mary-Ann's feast of honor. Tonight was going to be the night she was presented to all of London's society.

Nervously, Will paced about outside the bedchamber door. It was getting late. The shadows were already beginning to fall, and soon guests would be arriving.

Rapping impatiently on the heavy oak door, he tried again.

"Hurry, now. There is still much to be done. And besides, you're hardly the king's new bride—ow!"

Will turned around fast. Lissie had poked him in the ribs. With a disapproving look, she knocked at the door. Then, in a soft voice, cooed, "Come on now. There isnae anything to be fashed aboot," she coaxed.

Silence.

"Translation into English, please!"

"Och!" began Lissie, pursing her lips together in amusement. She had had to get used to the Sassenach sense of "humor."

True to her word, Lissie had agreed to visit the South and divide time between the pair's two homes. One season every two years, they traveled to London.

And this time, they had a couple of additions.

"Where's Edward?" asked Will anxiously.

Lissie just rolled her eyes. "Your mother's taking care o' him in the nursery. Ye ken how much she loves to fuss over wee bairns."

Lissie turned, smiling at Will and caressing his hair.

Three years, and still, the wheels were turning. Many things had happened, but they were still as close as ever before.

Maybe a bit more.

Rubbing her midriff, Lissie sighed. The hot autumn air stifled her. She had forgotten the London stench and its cloistered atmosphere.

"Are you feeling unwell?" Will pressed his hand on her bump and held it there. Lissie placed hers on top. For a moment, they sat there, listening.

Then Lissie gave a short laugh. "Och, what are we waiting for? Him to give a speech?"

Will stroked her hair, bringing her near, and kissed her lips.

"So, you've decided it's a he then?" he said tenderly. Tonight he was looking especially dapper in the new doublet and hose made especially for the occasion. Lissie ran a finger down through the stitch-work, admiring the embroidery on the doublet.

"I have nae decided," she said with a flick of the hair. Tonight, her hair was loosed, which was to say it was partly in braids, but mainly unencumbered by hoods or cauls.

This was a brave move in London, and she felt sure that Cousin Annice would have something to say. But Lissie was too pregnant to care. Everything felt hot and tight. And suddenly, she just could not be bothered with fancy hoods.

Will smiled a while and caressed her waist before returning to the door and knocking on it hard.

"Hoo! Come on now!"

There was a silence. Then, finally, the door opened.

"I cannot believe you are making me do this!"

Lissie raised her eyes and shared a look with Will. Out of the chamber flounced Trenton, balancing an enormous headdress on top of him.

As he came closer, he immediately tripped over the long, pointed poulaine boots which extended halfway across the hall.

"Och, ye'll just have to learn to walk in them," pointed out Lissie as she helped him up.

Trenton took her hand but scowled. "It's not just them," he pouted, pulling the thigh-length footgear back on. "It's all this!"