Chapter Twelve
Rummaging through her chest of gowns, she rooted until she found the exact one she sought.
She might not know the correct number of guards to place on the wall, but she knew every stone in this castle and every hill surrounding it.
She was proud of her family and her clan.
She would prove to William they were trustworthy and good people.
His words had cut her to her core. How could he think she was not safe in her own home? How could he think her father and their clan were not capable of seeing to her safety?
Agnes smoothed her gown out on the bed. Her mother had it stitched especially for her for the celebration of her eighteenth year.
It was finely woven wool of the softest she’d ever worn in a dark green to represent the primary color in their clan flag.
With a square neckline and floor-length sleeves, she loved the way it hugged her body.
The gown was trimmed with gold embroidery in the shape of rolling waves and even now she wondered how the needlepoint could be so flawless.
She put herself into her gown and waited for one of the maids to come help her with her hair.
She would wear none of those hoods like the ladies of court.
Nay, she would have hers pinned up with large loose curls, as was expected of a married lady with a head roll matching her gown.
She would hold her head high and show him what it is to be a Sinclair, even if she was now a Graham. She would never compromise who she was.
Once she was fully ready, she waited for William to return to escort her to the hall.
As the minutes droned on, her belly tightened.
Was she overreacting? She didn’t think so.
He’d all but insulted her father and their clan, insinuating they were not competent.
Agnes paced until a knock finally sounded at the door.
William entered and her breath caught. He was dressed head to toe in black leather. He’d said he wanted to give her time to ready herself and that he would dress in one of the other chambers as he had something he wanted to prepare for the evening’s fest.
All the black on his body made his honey eyes all the brighter. His gaze took in the length of her and for long moments they merely stared at one another.
“You are radiant, wife,” he said coming toward her.
The sound of his voice drew her back to the present. She lifted her chin, “Aye, husband. I am feeling rather proud at the moment.”
He gave her a sideways smile. “You did not like the truths I shared with you earlier.”
“I did not. To suggest my father and our clan are incapable of keeping me safe is insulting.”
He stopped his advance then and his smile faded. “It was not my intention to offend you, Agnes. I have developed a great deal of respect for your father, your family, and you.”
“Yet you feel they are incompetent.”
“Nay, I do not. But up here you are cornered with nowhere to go. I do not know your neighbors, but I know of them. I know of the feuds that had claimed many lives. I know of abductions of ladies, and I know of vile plots to slay innocents. But in all of those tales I do not hear the Sinclair name. Why is that?”
“Because we are peaceful,” she said. What was he implying?
“Aye, you are peaceful, yet you still hold your own lands. I was pondering on all of this earlier when you asked me to trust you. I have done so and shared my deepest worry with you, and for that you are vexed with me.”
“Are you saying my father has an agreement of some sort with both the MacKay and Sutherland?”
“I am saying your circumstance is peculiar. And I am saying I do not feel this is the safest place for you right now considering the very real threat of your uncle’s ilk. Agnes,” he said and cupped her face, “if anything were to happen to you…” He brushed his lips across hers.
Agnes tried to take in his words. He was worried, anyone could see that. And aye, she’d heard of the extent of the feuds. Some of the stories were downright terrifying.
“Have you spoken of any of this to my father?”
“I have not.”
“Then do not. I will show you that you can trust me with your worries. And I will show you that my father is an honorable man.”
“I do not doubt that for a moment, Agnes. I truly believe your father to be one of the most honorable men I’ve ever met. I would not have you believe otherwise. It is my intention to speak to the king on his behalf to secure more permanent protection for him.”
“To what end?” she asked. “The castle is secure.”
“Aye, a true stronghold. But the townships are exposed and could easily harbor foes.”
Agnes had not thought about it like that. She knew most of the villagers, but not all. And it was true, they did not keep a full regiment of guards.
“Will you continue to trust me?” he asked.
“Aye, if you will do the same,” she said.
“Excellent,” he said. “Now come, we have a wonderful evening to spend together free from worry and clan feuds and plots against the king.”
She would do her best to put her concerns aside and enjoy the evening with her clan.
She was left in no doubt they would leave here soon.
He didn’t need to speak the words. It was evident in all the other words he’d said.
Was there truth in them? Was she that naive and blind to the ways of the world?
She would be more observant, that much she promised herself.
When they entered the hall, it had been transformed again. This time the main table had been pushed to the side. Guests filled small trenchers with food and either stood to mingle with their food or sat at the long table long enough to eat their meal. She liked the informality of the set up.
In front of the hearth were many chairs organized in rows for some future entertainment of which she was not aware. William had promised her a surprise this evening. Was this part of it?
Agnes embraced her mother and walked with her to the food tables. She was surprisingly ravenous considering she’d accomplished little all day. Well, save for the passion she’d shared with her husband. She supposed that was one thing she could trust in.
Once everyone had eaten, her father stood by the hearth, raised his hands, and said, “Welcome all once again to celebrate my sweet wee lassie and her new husband, a man I have lately come to know and for whom I’ve grown a deep respect.
I know my daughter will be in safe hands with him in every way. ”
Her father’s endorsement meant everything to her. If he trusted William’s judgment, she would too.
“Come find yourselves a seat and we will begin the evening’s entertainment. We invite any and all to take the floor, share a story, sing a tune, or play your pipes. All except Ewen who cannae hold a note to save his life.”
Her father tilted his head back and a roar of laughter erupted from him. Poor Ewen loved to sing, but it was more pleasant to listen to the gulls fight each other over the fish guts tossed off the wharf near the town.
One by one, folks presented their talents.
Pipes bleated out initial notes until rhythm and melody took over, wee lads tried their hands at singing old tunes, and an elderly lady from Wick told stories of faeries that would steal ye away in the night if ye put yer washing out on the wrong day of the week.
She watched William take it all in and could not help but feel so proud at that moment. These were her people. Her clansmen and women and they were all honorable and good. She would not believe for a minute there was a malicious bone in any of their bodies.
William turned to her and kissed her forehead. “Now it’s my turn,” he said. “Surprise.”
Her jaw opened a little as he stood and made his way to the front of the group.
He smiled and winked at her and then raised his hands in the air.
Was he about to tell another falsehood? Did he actually have story to tell this time, or was he about to sing?
Her full focus and attention was on him as she waited to see what he would do.
*
William took note there were no small children left in the hall, and he was grateful for he didn’t want to censor himself.
“My lord Sinclair. I thank you for the honor of this feast and for your hospitality. I have come to house a deep respect for you and your family as well. And especially for my enchanting and spirited new wife, my countess.” He placed his hand on his heart and bowed to her.
“This evening, I have planned a special treat for you as I have not done this since I was a young lad. I will tell a story that is so harrowing, and so ghastly, you will not sleep this night, I promise you.”
Around the hall, he heard some soft gasps. It was quite a statement to make considering he was aware of the pleasure these people placed on their stories. He’d learned that from Agnes and it was easy to see why.
“This eve I will tell you about Cailleach and how she tried to kill the first kings of Scotland. She is said to be an old woman appearing frail and feeble until you speak to her and then her true nature comes forth.”
William walked slowly about the hall rather than staying put in one place. He looked directly at people for emphasis as he began his tale.
“An elder in the village near my castle saw her one night. ’Twas late in the harvest and the nights had gotten close to frost. He’d just shut the horse in the barn for the night and was making his way back to his house when he spied a person up the laneway leaning heavily on a cane.
“‘Och, do ye need any help?’ he called to her.