Chapter 70

Ailene spit out a bit of her food before covering her mouth. Thorburn and Stuart appeared to be choking on theirs. Frang was laughing hysterically, getting louder when Isobel said, "I wondered what woke me this morning. I guess we know now who and what it was."

"I'd be embarrassed," Teárlag said, "if I made so much noise all the time, but Thorburn's the first to make me squeal like that. It was uncommonly wonderful. I still need a cushion though."

Ailene asked a maid to bring a cushion. Stuart had stopped coughing and pounded on Thorburn's back. Frang still laughed hysterically and Teárlag had the smile of a cat who'd gotten the cream. Isobel smiled, though inwardly, she was sad. Would it ever be her laughing about screaming in pleasure the night before.

"I'd wondered if it was Ailene caterwauling this morning," Frang said, "though I suspected otherwise."

"It could have been me," Ailene said. "I've learned to bite my covers when I want to scream like that."

"Well, it's good to know my two brothers know how to properly please a woman," Frang said. "It may give Isobel comfort to know I'm from the same stock."

"I've no doubt you're as capable as them, Frang," Isobel replied. "I shall bite my covers as well so I don't embarrass myself."

"I suppose I should be ashamed," Teárlag said, "but when you feel that good, don't you think the world should know?"

"I shall ask the Lord Mayor when he rises." Ailene replied.

"My goodness. I see the man nearly every day. How ever shall I face him? I thought I'd be facing only you lot."

The maid returned with the cushion and Teárlag gratefully placed it beneath her bum.

"We placed him in your old room once you vacated it," Ailene said. "He retired before you did, so he may think it was one of us. I won't disabuse him of the notion should he inquire. At least I'm married."

"I wouldn't mind the old man thinking I could make you scream like that," Stuart said. "It would greatly improve my reputation amongst the men in town."

"I'll remember the next time I need to bite my covers, Stuart. Mayhap, I'll scream loud as Teárlag so your manly reputation will be enhanced further," Ailene smiled at him. "Perhaps tonight?"

"If I've recovered sufficiently," Stuart replied. "Your sudden desire to have a child near wore me out last night."

Isobel asked, "You wish to bear a child as well?"

"It's time," Ailene replied. "The night felt so magical, I was sure any child born of a union last night would be special. I'm afraid I was most demanding last night. Think of it. If we both have children now, they will have each other to play with."

"You weren't the only one," Thorburn said, "Teárlag apparently thought magic was in the air as well."

"The magic was in the bed beside me, not the air, sir," she answered archly. "Twas you I could not get enough of." She patted him on the cheek.

"Forgive me for changing the subject," Isobel said, "but Ailene, could you serve as my Maid of Honor?"

"I would be delighted to, sister."

"I suppose I should be making similar decisions," Frang said. "Thorburn, could you be my Best Man?"

"While I'd be honored to do so, I've already promised to give the bride away. It's what we spoke of this morning."

"It's what I get for being so tardy in my decisions. Stuart, can you be my Best Man?"

"Aye, brother. I'll stand beside you."

"One last thing, Ailene," Isobel asked. "Might I borrow the use of a maid to help me today."

"Of course."

"I'm not a maid, but if it would please you, Lady Isobel, I would like to assist today," Teárlag said. "I know Ailene has a thousand other things to do today, as do you all. I would merely be in the way unless I can help in some way."

"Thank you, Teárlag. I'm honored to accept your assistance. I suppose we should get started. I'm going to check on the progress of the dress. Will you be coming?"

"Aye, that I will. It seems best to stand anyway." They all laughed.

Everyone went about the business of the day.

Stuart called Frang aside and asked him to follow to his room. They went up the stairs and into Stuart's room.

"What is it, Stuart?"

"Have you a ring to give Isobel?"

"Nay, I didn't know I was getting married until yesterday."

Stuart dug around in a drawer in the clothes cabinet, finally pulling out a ring.

"Do you recognize it?"

"Nay, it's a lovely ring though. Who's was it?"

"Father said it was your mother's ring. Why don't you give it to Isobel?"

"Is that an Emerald?"

"Father was not that wealthy. It's a green garnet, but I think it would go well with Isobel's coloring. By all rights, it's yours. I merely took possession after Father died."

"You think Isobel will like it?"

"I think she'll love it, more so because she doesn't expect it. She knows you've not had time to get one."

"Hold onto it for me. Give it to me during the ceremony. It's beautiful. Thank you, brother."

"No need to thank me, Frang. As I said, it's rightfully yours. I also have Brynhildr's ring if Thorburn should get married. It's got a red stone."

"Do you think Thorburn will wed the widow Mackintosh?" Frang asked.

"I don't know. I thought Thorburn would marry much later, and maybe a younger lass. But he's clearly fascinated by Teárlag. She's an unusual woman, unlike any I've known. She's extremely forthright."

"She's certainly not a woman of convention. Some things she said this morning; most unorthodox."

"I like her," Stuart said. "She's funny."