Page 16 of Bride Takes a Laird
“He is well except that he is forgetful and often he doesn’t remember where he is or such matters. Bodily, I deem he is capable and I don’t believe he shall cause any trouble or delay on the journey to your home. His attendant John will look after him.”
“Family is most valuable. Of course, your father is welcome to stay with us until your brother returns. I have a large family and clan. Ye both will be welcomed, protected, and cared for.” Magnus stepped toward her and raised her chin with the tip of his finger. “I do not like though that ye worry for him.”
Kendra kept her eyes on his. “I cannot help but worry for him. Heis all I have and I thank you for allowing him to come. It would have distressed me so to leave him behind. Magnus, I vow to make a good wife for you.”
“I do not doubt it, lass. After this day, ye will have me too. Remember that. We will do well together. I should explain that as the laird, I have many duties to see to and am often kept busy. There will be times when I am away from the holding for a length of time. It is unfortunate, but we may not spend much time together.”
She put distance between them as his words came with sternness. “I thank you for explaining, but it is not necessary. I understand that you are a busy man as the laird of your clan. When you need me, I will be there for you.”
“We should return. Kendra…?”
She stepped away but turned back to him. “Aye?”
“I had not thought about taking a wife and never needed anyone,” his voice pitched. “I doubt I will need ye, but it is good to know ye will be there.”
“In time you will come to value our marriage and perhaps one day, you will also need me.”
“Perhaps,” he granted. “But I already value you.”
His declaration pleased her. They returned to the hall when the chamberlain approached and announced that their marriage would take place in the king’s antechamber. Guided by two servants, they were led to the room through a wall panel adjacent to the great hall.
Inside the small chamber, the king and queen attended. There were no others present except for the chancellor who wore stark black vestments. He appeared as aged as Saint Michael and his baritone voice droned on about their marriageable duty to each other, to God, and what marriage meant. His demeanor was almost judgmental and he scowled with unease. She wasn’t sure if he was judging her or Laird Cameron.
Kendra gave the appropriate responses when she was asked if sheagreed to marry Magnus. “I, Kendra of Clan Graham, take you, Magnus of Clan Cameron, to be my husband…”
He likewise agreed when asked if he would uphold his duty to her. “Aye. I, Magnus of Clan Cameron, pledge myself to ye, Kendra of Clan Graham.”
The chancellor then motioned to her. “Do you wish, Mistress, to speak of your vows to Laird Cameron?”
She shook her head. “He is already aware of my vows to him.” Kendra had said all that she needed to when they were on the balcony. What more could she ask of him since he allowed her father to go with them to his fief?
Magnus gave a slight shake of his head to the chancellor when he was asked. He, too, had spoken his vows to her on the balcony. Magnus took his duty as laird to heart and she suspected she’d see little of him. He had even spoken of such matters, so there was nothing left to be said. What saddened her a bit was that he’d practically said that he didn’t need her. She would make him need her one day even if it took years for him to admit it. It was unlikely that they would ever come to love one another. Love marriages were rare and most opted for the protection of a contractual agreement and that was exactly what she was getting.
What had she hoped? Had she had her heart set on a love match? Kendra wasn’t usually caught up in emotions or sentiment but the thought of having her husband love her would verily enrich her life. His kiss and their banter led her to believe that there might be something between them—something more than duty and honor. She might’ve been wrong about that.
A moment later, the Chancellor announced they were husband and wife. Magnus gave her a modest kiss on her lips and barely grazed her mouth with his. Kendra was disappointed because their kiss earlier was much more affecting. She’d hoped he’d at least press his lips against hers for more than a heartbeat.
The queen squealed and clapped her hands. “I know you two will do well together. When we return from England, Lady Cameron, I just might ask Alexander to bring me for a visit.”
Kendra bowed to the queen. “I should like that, My Lady.”
“Come, we should make ready to leave,” Magnus said in his no-nonsense tone.
She was shocked to hear they would leave immediately. “But can we not stay the night and leave on the morrow?”
Magnus shook his head. “I only explain because we are newly married. I will not do so in the future. My return is pressing and I cannot linger. I will have the horses readied. Get your belongings and your…father. We leave shortly. I will not be delayed.” He rushed away before she could object.
Kendra returned to her father and asked John to stay with him until she returned. She then hurried to her chamber and collected her and her father’s garments. Linet was a great help and had most ready. With the valises stuffed, she hastened outside with her two attendants and father and found Magnus standing with another man.
“Winston, this is my wife Lady Cameron. Ye will ensure her protection on the way home.” He turned away and tied a satchel she supposed was his to his horse.
The man, Winston, appeared young and probably had only just reached manhood. His hair was much longer than her husband’s and hung over his shoulders in dark straggly strands. “Milady,” he said and bowed.
“It is a pleasure to meet you, Winston.” Kendra released her valises when he reached for them. “Is there a reason we must hurry to your home?” she asked Magnus.
“Our home now,” Magnus said. “There is a reason. Aye, we need to get home so I can find my brother’s murderer. I have delayed long enough.” He didn’t explain further and turned away from her again.
Murderer?Kendra suspected now was not the time to ask questionsand would find out soon enough what had happened to his brother. When she reached her father and tried to guide him to his horse, he balked. But then she explained. “Come, Papa, we need to go. I married as the king commanded and Laird Cameron has agreed that you can come with us. Is that not wonderful news?”