Page 63 of Highlander's Wild Lass

“Are ye nervous?”

“A little,” Celestia said, bringing the linen up her chest and around her neck. The wedding was not what was causing her nerves, it was after, when she and Anthony would retreat to his bedchambers.

To consummate the marriage.

What happened in his study the night before Beltane was a fit of passion, she couldn’t stop herself. Her mind had been shrouded in fatigue from the day and the longing she nearly always felt when Anthony was nearby.

“Yer goin’ to look beautiful. Anthony will be thrilled.”

Celestia just made a noise that sounded like she agreed. She draped the cloth back over the side of the tub and dunked her head, wanting to get the scent of the water in her hair.

She came back up with Auralia’s head peeking in.

“Auralia!” She quickly crossed her arms in front of her chest.

“What!” she said, “It’s nothin’ I havenae seen before.”

“Still,” Celestia whispered harshly. “What if the maid sees?”

Auralia rolled her eyes. “Dara’s seen ye naked too, Cellie. Quit bein’ odd.”

Celestia relaxed a bit, keeping her arms wrapped around her chest. “Are ye happy with yer dress?”

Auralia moved the linens on the stool and sat. “Oh, how could I nae be? It’s the most beautiful thing I’ll ever wear.”

“Until ye get married,” Celestia countered.

Auralia blushed, busying herself with refolding the linen that lay on the top of the pile. “Maybe.”

A sly smile erupted on Celestia’s face. “Maybe. . .one of the two gentlemen ye danced with at the festival?”

“What?” Auralia asked, quickly looking up at Celestia. “They were just friends from the village. Just lads I ken from goin’ to market.”

Celestia held her hand out for one of the linens. “Whatever ye say, Aurie. But I’m sure ye’ll make the smartest match out of all of us.”

Auralia huffed, looking as if Celestia had said the most absurd thing. She handed her a linen all the same. “Ye’re mad if ye think I can beat out marryin’ a chief.”

She took the linen from her sister and stood, wrapping herself in the thick fabric. “Ye never ken—”

“Mistress!” Dara yelled from the bedroom. “Make haste!”

Celestia exaggerated her eye roll for Auralia’s benefit, who only laughed a quiet little laugh. “She’ll be the death of me.”

“Stop it, she is nae so bad. I like her enthusiasm.”

“That isnae the word for it,” Celestia said, stepping out of the small tub.

“Lady Gordon has come, Mistress!” Dara yelled again, closer to the bathroom door.

“Please, Dara,” Eleanor said. “Ye daenae need to shout so early in the mornin.”

“Apologies, m’lady.”

There was a mumbling of sorts that Celestia could not make out, but when she and Auralia came into the bedroom there was only Eleanor.

“I sent Dara to bring us breakfast, and some tea and wine.”

“Lovely,” Auralia said, still wrapped in her dressing gown. “I hope they bring that delicious blaeberry tea.”