Chapter Sixteen #2
Now sitting in a steaming tub of lavender and rose scented water, he thought of the details that would need to be secured in order for them to marry.
His family would not be in attendance, but they would rectify that as soon as they returned to Inverary.
He would need to see a tailor in the morning to see to some new clothes which he hoped they could expedite.
Considering the end of the summer, he supposed the local tailors would be happy for the business.
Aye, hopefully the father could keep it from the mother as he did not want her to spoil it for Marion, and he wanted his future bride to find out from him and no one else. He leaned back in the tub and smiled at the thought of asking her to marry him now in but a few days’ time.
Each time a sparkle of doubt entered his mind, he swiftly pushed it away. This was right; he knew it in every fiber of his being. She was his, and she would soon be his countess. The title would fit her. His family would fit her.
The hours would not pass fast enough until he was with her again and she was agreeing to be his bride.
Alexander exited the tub and brushed the water from his body before crawling into bed to find some slumber, but his thoughts were on nothing but her and she would not let him rest. Visions of her beautiful face danced across his mind, leaving his heart racing and his body tight with need.
The next morning, he dressed early and stopped by the tailor to deal with that business while he waited for the king’s arrival.
The tailor promised his final garments the day after tomorrow, so that would be the date he would want the wedding.
He could barely contain himself as he returned to the palace and was grinning ear to ear when the king rode into the courtyard on his horse.
“You are much more chipper than the last time I saw you, Argyll,” he said as he dismounted and stepped over to greet him.
“Aye, Your Majesty, and once again I am grateful for your understanding and support.”
“I do support you, Argyll. You have become a friend to me as Lady Marion has become a friend to my wife. She treasures her above all others, and I want only what is best for you both.”
“And you harbor no ill will at the manner in which I left? I have lamented on it.”
“I do not. As much as I enjoyed our short time at Inverary, I am much more suited to the entertainment in my own court.”
Alexander wondered as much and was grateful for the king’s candor.
“Now that is sorted, I have a favor to ask,” Alexander said.
The king shook his head. “You do not need favors from me. Whatever it is you want, you shall have.”
“I wish to marry Lady Marion the day after tomorrow in the abbey.”
The king grinned. “Two days, hey. Someone is anxious.”
“Aye, that I am. There is no need to wait any longer. I am certain of my feelings for her.”
“And are you certain of her feelings for you? I do not wish to cast doubt, but the last I heard, she wanted to be as far away from you as possible.”
He was not certain, but he would be. And he trusted his heart which told him she would agree, and if she did not yet love him, she would in time. Of that he was certain.
“Aye, I am certain.”
The king peered up at the palace and then around the space in the courtyard. “Two days, you say,” he said and looked back to Alexander. “I can work with that.”
At that moment, the queen’s carriage arrived and the king moved to open her door. When she emerged and spied Alexander, she smiled genuinely.
“It is very good to see you, my lord. I trust my friend is well?”
“Aye, Your Majesty. She is well.”
“And she is about to become much better when our man here asks for her hand in marriage. Dear wife, it appears we have two days to plan a wedding. Are you up for the task?”
The queen clasped her hands together and laughed.
“I am indeed, as this is the most glorious news I could have heard upon our return. You must tell me everything. How will you propose? What are her favorite flowers? Does she prefer fish or meat? You must bring her to my apartment this afternoon so we may fit her for a gown.”
“Now, now, wife. We shall ensure we have plenty of everything Lady Marion enjoys. We must release our friend so that he may go and ask the lady first.”
“Oh,” she said. “Right you are. We will need to check our mead stores, and I will have a peacock styled cake for her; she loves the white one…”
The queen moved away from them as she spoke to no one in particular but walked in the direction of the hall. Once the servants saw her, they rushed to her, and she sent them off to find various things.
“She will enjoy this task,” the king said. “Thank you for including us.”
“Your Majesty does not need to thank me. We are blessed to have your patronage.”
“And that you have. Now off you go to your bride. Godspeed.”
Alexander was as nervous as a schoolboy upon arrival at their manor house. He dismounted and tossed the reins to their servant and straightened his attire before knocking on the door.
A young maid opened the door and waited for him to announce himself.
“Please tell the lord of the house Alexander Campbell is here to see him.”
She nodded and permitted him entry. “Wait here, m’lord,” she said in a quiet, youthful voice that almost sounded like she was singing.
Marion’s father exited his study, and as soon as he saw Alexander, ushered him inside, all the while looking about. He was giggling like wee Archie when he closed the door.
“They don’t know,” he said and clapped his hands.
Alexander was moved by the man’s enthusiasm. He was clearly pleased with himself at having kept the secret.
“The ladies have all gone to the morning market, but are due back at any moment. I have been worried you would have encountered them.”
“Nay, I have been to the tailor and to the king. He has agreed for the marriage to take place at the abbey, and I cannot comment on the preparations for a feast since they both jumped to that conclusion quickly and appeared to be excited at the prospect of throwing a wedding feast.”
The king in particular was more enthusiastic than Alexander had presumed. “That is very generous of their majesties. Now we only have one piece of business to discuss, my lord, and that is of Marion’s dowry.”
Alexander had forgotten all about it and in truth would take her for no dowry, but that would be insulting to the family.
“I have ten thousand marks set aside for Marion. I do hope that number is suitable to you.”
“Aye, my lord, that is more than agreeable to me.”
Alexander did not want to belabor the point as it made him a little uneasy taking money to marry a woman he loved.
“Very well then, it is settled.”
They shook hands just as the front door opened and closed, and Alexander could hear a young woman and Marion’s mother arguing over some sort of hat. A soft knock sounded at the door and a moment later, Marion entered but then stopped with her jaw slack when she locked gazes with him.