58. Chapter 58 - Kaitlyn
CHAPTER 58 - KAITLYN
THE FAMILY CHAPEL - BALLOCH CASTLE - JUNE 1, 1710
A few moments later we were in the family chapel, watching Lady Mairead fill out the line in the family book to say:
Lady Mairead has married on this day of our Lord, June 1, 1710, to Wilfred Weaver
Underneath it was signed by her three children:
Laird Sean Campbell
Lady Lizbeth Campbell
and then Magnus signed his, ornately taking up half the page:
Magnus I
He said, “That ought tae infuriate the Earl.”
The very elderly minister slowly approached the altar. Then standing in front of the Earl’s beautiful stained glass window, we bore witness as he performed the ceremony binding Lady Mairead to her new gorgeous young husband, Wilfrey. She looked at him adoringly, he looked on her devotedly.
It was all as it ought to be. Any worries we might have had about his marrying her for money were gone. We knew it was true, why worry? Everyone was clear-eyed that she had everything and he had next to nothing, but what was wonderful was that it also looked very much like he was marrying her because she was beautiful and commanding and he liked her a great deal.
I got misty-eyed and glanced at Magnus, he winked at me.
Later we drank some wine and made some toasts, then Lady Mairead and Wilfrey excused themselves to go to her chamber.
Sean said, “I daena even want tae think why they hae left.”
Magnus said, with a laugh, “I am tellin’ m’self that after a certain age she needs a nap.”
Fraoch said, “Ye can all thank me. I got the auld broad married off. Twill soften her mood I think, ye’re welcome.”
Sean said, “He daena look as frightened as he ought, I wonder if he has enough wit tae handle her?”
Magnus said, “He has just persuaded Lady Mairead, one of the wealthiest most powerful women in all of time, tae marry, something that nae man has been able tae do. He has plenty of wit. He softened her tae his cause by doin’ some readin’ on Picasso?—”
Lizbeth said, “Tis true?”
“Aye, how he can be interested in that man-child pretendin’ tae be an important artist, I daena ken. It must be wiles. I canna believe Wilfrey is actually interested in the man-child’s art.”
I said, “And he is content to look good upon her arm, maybe he is her perfect match.”
Fraoch said, “And by makin’ it happen, we winna get so much grief tae go tae Riaghalbane and keep her company.”
Magnus said, “Tis yer wit we should be toasting?—”
Fraoch jokingly exhaled, “Och nae, ye are going tae toast again?—”
Magnus interrupted, raising his wine glass, “Tae Fraoch, a fine gentleman, an auld softie, who wanted tae see a wedding today and?—”
Fraoch groaned. “Nae, allow the long toast ye already made tae stand, Og Maggy, please! Ye are turnin’ m’mood from the beautiful wedding we just witnessed.”
I glanced at Lochie. He was quiet, holding the paper in his hand, looking down on it. The pages were still folded, he was not reading but staring at it.
I said, “We are going to leave tomorrow?”
Magnus followed my eyes to Lochie. “Aye, enjoy the night. We must return tae Florida on the morrow, Lochinvar has a maiden tae speak tae.”