Page 82 of Highlander’s Quest of Desire

Epilogue

“Gwen! This is absolutely stunning work!” Allie exclaimed. “Yer a genius with hair.”

Gwen blushed and held a mirror up for Elspeth to see. Allie was right. Gwen had done her magic again. The soft bun exposed the delicate bones of her cheeks, and the strands of hair by her jaw added an elvish charm. There were flowers in her hair, but only a few small white lilies for there was a thin band of diamonds in her hair.

“Thank ye, Gwen,” Elspeth said, taking the maid’s hand and kissing it. “Ye’ve made my day special.”

“I tried my best. I’ll go change; us maids have planned a small celebratory party where they’ll tell me everything I need to ken if I’m to serve ye, milady.”

Elspeth smiled. For the second time in a year, Blair Atholl was hosting all three clans but this time for a wedding. The servants’ quarters were full to the brim, but it was nice to see they were all getting along. The festive mood had taken over the castle, and celebrations would usually run until dawn.

After Gwen left, it was just Elspeth and her sister-in-law.

Elspeth admired the dress in the full-length mirror. It was her mother’s wedding dress, and though it was a little old fashioned, it fit her well. The cream blue looked especially fetching against her skin, and the embroidered bluebells on the bodice gave it character and depth. The sapphires at her neck and ears only highlighted the beauty and fit of the dress, and Elspeth felt regal. She could not wait to join Bruce at the altar.

In the mirror she could see Allie smiling nervously, and she looked deeply uncomfortable. “Is anything the matter?” Elspeth asked, sitting down beside her.

“This is embarrassing, is all,” Allie said. “Domnhall felt ye should be well versed in these matters, and I have nae had the courage to tell ye until now. I’m nae sure if we have enough time to really discuss everything.”

“What do ye mean?” Elspeth asked, her curiosity peaked. “Please, Allie. Speak frankly. What is it Domnhall wants me to ken?”

Allie swallowed. Her creamy skin was flushed with pink. Whatever it was that she had to say was making her very uncomfortable. Elspeth felt annoyed at Domnhall. Why couldn’t he tell it to her himself? Why make Allie suffer through it?

“Ye do nae have to tell me. I’ll ask it of Domnhall myself.”

“Nae!” Allie panicked. “Ye cannae ask him.”

“Why? Ye are nae comfortable. If he wants me to ken it, he should tell me himself.”

“How can he tell ye? Brother’s do nae teach their sisters about wifely duties!” Allie looked mildly scandalized.

Elspeth sat with her mouth hanging open and eyes wide. Allie mistook it for virginal blushes and held Elspeth’s hand, comforting her. “’Tis naught to worry about. ‘Tis what God intended for us. Ye see when a man loves a woman-”

“Nae!” It was Elspeth’s turn to panic.

“Ye need to ken this, Elspeth. There is nae shame. In fact, if ye go to the marriage bed without any knowledge it might be shocking for ye and ruin yer marriage!”

“It will nae ruin my marriage.”

“Ye’d think so, but a friend of mine went in completely clueless and-”

“I am nae clueless,” Elspeth interrupted. “I ken what a wife’s duties are.” She blushed.

“Oh, thank the Lord!” Allie sighed with relief. “But ye must understand it is painful the first time. Yer first time can be magical if-”

“Ye need nae worry on that score,” Elspeth choked out.

Allie looked at her curiously, and then her eyes widened. “’Tis nae going to be yer first time, is it?”

Elspeth bit on her lip to stop from laughing.

“Well!” Allie laughed. “Good for ye, Elspeth.”

Elspeth couldn’t help but smile. Good for her indeed.

* * *

The feast was still raging in the large hall downstairs, but Elspeth had retired to her rooms half an hour ago. Bruce had arranged a wonderful surprise for her at the ceremony. Beatrice, Jim, Liam, and a weather-beaten man named Morris were all in the wedding party. Beatrice had beamed at her when she had arrived at the altar to find the innkeeper as one of her bridesmaids.