Chapter Twenty-Four
Last scene
As the people of Clan Grant heard of Nile’s taunts about Maddie’s reputation, they turned on her, but they eventually learned what a wonderful soul she truly is. They show her just how much she means to them here.
Eventually, Alex returned to carry Madeline downstairs to the great hall.
He sat her at the main dais, but he moved her chair away from the table, turning it to face the door.
Robbie, Brodie, Brenna, Alice, and Mac were all present, and it felt as if they were waiting for something.
They were acting in a peculiar manner, but she could not fathom their intent.
Jennie positioned herself at Maddie’s side, a big smile lighting up her face.
“What is this about?” Madeline asked as she searched everyone’s faces.
Alex motioned for Brodie to go to the door, then turned to Maddie and said, “There are some members of my clan who have been asking to speak to you.”
The door opened and Moira rushed in with Emma in her arms. She marched up to the dais and curtsied to Maddie. “My lady, I came to thank you for saving my wee Emma.” She set the bairn down and tucked a package into her tiny hands. Emma waddled over and offered the package to Maddie with a big smile.
As Emma walked back to her mama, Moira continued, “I also wish to apologize for the way I treated you. I was wrong, and I hope you will find it in your heart to forgive me. You are truly a fine lady.”
Tears welled in Maddie’s eyes as she opened the package. Inside, she found a bar of lavender-scented soap.
“I made it with me own hands, my lady. I hope you like it.”
Madeline held the soap up to her face to take in the sweet scent.
“It is lovely, Moira. Thank you, I will treasure it.”
She lifted herself up and walked over to give the other woman a one-armed hug.
“Of course I forgive you.” Emma reached up to kiss Maddie’s cheek and then Moira curtsied and left the hall.
Maddie turned to Alex, only managing to say, “Oh, Alex!”
The door opened again, and this time wee Tommy scrambled up the steps to Maddie, followed by his mother. He bowed to Maddie and handed her a glorious bouquet of dried flowers. “Me Ma and I picked them and dried them ourselves a while ago, but we want you to have them, my lady.”
Tommy’s mother curtsied and said, “Forgive me, my lady, for the wrongs I have done you. The laird could not find a better lady to take as his wife.” She turned and curtsied to Alex. “We will be proud to have her as our lady, my laird.” Alex nodded before they turned and left.
Maddie stared at the two gifts in her lap.
How long had it been since anyone had given her a gift?
Brushing the moistness from her lashes, she jerked as the door opened again.
The blacksmith and his family crossed the room to Alex and bowed.
“Forgive me, Laird, for my behavior. I should no’ have shunned your betrothed for something that was no’ her fault. She is a brave lady who will make you a fine wife.”
He stepped forward, bowed to Madeline, and placed a long, thick rabbit pelt on her lap.
“To keep your hands warm on the cold winter nights.”
He bowed again as he and his family turned to leave.
Maddie forced a weak, “Thank you, sir,” as she fought back tears.
Jennie clapped as she looked at the gifts. “You see, Maddie, I knew they would like you once they got to know you better!”
And the line continued…
Another pelt from the tanner.
A sleek jeweled dagger from the man in the armory.
Maddie’s tears were flowing freely at that point. But she always managed a smile and a polite “thank you” for each of her visitors. There were so many, she lost track. Some were there just to thank her for saving the wee ones. Others apologized for misjudging her. Her gifts filled the table.
A bouquet of fresh flowers.
Embroidered cloths for the tables.
Scented candles.
A jar of honey.
Pastries.
Apple tarts.
Apple bread.
A beautiful shawl.
A pair of beaded slippers.
Embroidered chair cushions.
Embroidered linen squares.
But the last gift was for wee Jennie.
“A new puppy?”
It was from Emma’s father. “For always watching over the wee ones, Jennie.”
Jennie jumped up and down as she cuddled her new puppy in her arms.
“I had no idea. All these gifts are beautiful!” Maddie exclaimed.
“My clan is full of good people. They do get confused at times, but they are honest, hard-working people.” Alex’s eyes shone with pride as he gazed at her.
“Alex, did you tell them they had to apologize to me?”
“No.” He kissed her cheek. “Had I thought of it, I would have. But I was too busy worrying about you and Jennie.”