Chapter 73

Thorburn grinned and put his hands in his lap, obeying her. She finished with his beard and asked if he would like his hair trimmed as well. He agreed and she quickly worked to even his hair. She used a cloth to brush the loose hairs from his face and shoulders.

"I will need help with my dress. Can you assist me or shall I call for my maid?"

"I get to see you naked again?"

"If you can manage to restrain yourself, yes. I don't want to be squirming in my seat trying to seek relief from any fires you choose to light. I've already embarrassed myself enough before your guests."

"I'll be good," he promised.

"See that you do. Help with the buttons on this thing."

Thorburn undid her buttons and Teárlag stepped out of the dress, then her shift. She was naked and Thorburn reached for her.

"Remember your promise," she scolded. "Tonight, Lord."

She went into her luggage and looked for a dress for the ceremony. Thorburn was surprised to see how many there were.

"How many gowns did you bring?" He asked.

"A dozen," she replied.

"Were you planning on staying that long?"

"No, I need to leave tomorrow, but a woman has to be prepared for any eventuality. After all, when I came, I didn't know that I'd be attending a wedding. But I do have one that is perfectly acceptable for such an occasion. Ah, here it is." She pulled out a simple but expensive looking lilac dress.

"I don't want to overshadow the bride," she said. "It's not proper, but it must be nice to reflect the solemnity of the ceremony."

"No wonder you had so much luggage. I could not believe how much I had to carry in here."

She found a shift to wear with the dress and slipped it on. She stepped into the gown and adjusted it around her slim form.

"Help with the laces, please." She turned her back towards him and Thorburn tugged at the trailing laces, pulling it tight until Teárlag told him to stop.

"Tight enough. You may tie it off."

He made a large bow. She turned and kissed him.

"I need to do something with my hair. You can get dressed now."

While he dressed, he watched her brush her hair. She brushed it back, formed a loose knot with strands from either side and tucking the rest through so it lay on her back. She added color to her lips and cheeks, muted from what she'd done for Isobel.

"I can make my own way to the great hall. Give it about ten minutes and escort Isobel down. I shall make sure that Stuart has the guests seat themselves before you come down."

Thorburn nodded and Teárlag left. He went down to Isobel's room and knocked on the door.

"You may enter," she said.

Thorburn came in and she stood up.

"You're a vision of loveliness, Lady Isobel. Are you ready? We're to go down in ten minutes."

"Aye, I'm ready. Thank you for giving me away."

"Giving you away and accepting you into the family at the same time. I'm a lucky man. Frang should consider himself lucky for winning such a gem."

"Tis the first time I've ever felt like a gem, Thorburn. It's the Cameron's made me feel this way. I bless every day you've given me apart from McTavish. I hope I can be the best wife possible to Frang. I love you all very much."

"As we love you, Isobel. You're a lovely, kind, compassionate lass with a big heart. Frang is blessed to take you as wife. I hope he treats you as well as you deserve. You come see me if he doesn't and I'll set him right."

"Thank you. I'll always remember your many kindnesses in taking me in and making me a part of your family."

He leaned down and kissed her forehead.

"I think we can go now." He gave her his arm.

******

Teárlag hurried to the great hall and informed Stuart that Thorburn would be bringing Isobel down shortly. Stuart got everyone's attention and directed them to take a seat. The guests found places to sit. Frang and Ailene stood with the priest and Stuart joined them as soon as the people were seated. It wasn't long before Thorburn and Isobel appeared at the entry to the hall. Frang caught his breath as she appeared and Ailene smiled.

"Breathe, brother" Stuart cautioned as she glided down the aisle on Thorburn's arm. "The ceremony will end quickly and ignominiously if you should faint before it's over."

Frang took a breath. "She's so beautiful," he whispered.

Stuart patted his arm.

They reached the priest and he nodded to them both. "Are you both ready?" He asked.

After receiving nods in the affirmative from both, he began the ceremony.

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here in the sight of God and in the presence of these people, to witness the joining together of this man and this woman in Holy Matrimony; which is an honorable estate, instituted of God himself, signifying unto us the mystical union that is betwixt Christ and his Church; which holy estate Christ adorned and beautified with his presence, and the first miracle that he wrought, in Cana of Galilee, and is commended in Holy Writ to be honorable among all men; and therefore is not by any to be enterprised, nor taken in hand, unadvisedly, lightly, or wantonly; but reverently, discreetly, soberly, and in the fear of God, duly considering the causes for which Matrimony was ordained.

First, it was ordained for the increase of mankind according to the will of God, and that children might be brought up in the fear and nurture of the Lord, and to the praise of his holy Name.

Secondly, it was ordained in order that the natural instincts and affections, implanted by God, should be hallowed and directed aright; that those who are called of God to this holy estate, should continue therein in pureness of living.

Thirdly, it was ordained for the mutual society, help, and comfort, that the one ought to have of the other, both in prosperity and adversity.

Into which holy estate these two persons present come now to be joined.

Therefore if any one can show any just cause, why they may not lawfully be joined together, let him now speak, or else hereafter forever hold his peace."

No one spoke and the priest was about to continue when Isobel asked, "I know it is not custom, but I ask leave to speak briefly to the guests.

"You do not wish to halt the wedding?" He asked. Frang's heart leapt, afraid of what she would say next.

"Nay, on God's truth, only to speak a moment."

"Very well. As you say, it's not customary, but I'll allow it."

Isobel turned to face the congregation. She said, "I wish you all to know what a great honor it is to become part of the Cameron family. It is no mystery why Lord Thorburn gives me away, or Lady Ailene serves as my Maid of Honor, nor why I choose to marry the good man beside me. They have welcomed me from the very day we met, treating me with such kindness and compassion as our Lord, Jesus Christ, has shown. More than I have ever known before in my life, not even my own family. They are the very best people I know and I cannot be more honored than to become a member of this clan. You are blessed to know them. I only wish I'd known them for far longer than I have. Thank you for sharing this blessed day with me. Thank you." She turned and nodded to the priest signifying her finish.

The priest nodded back and continued, "I require and charge you both, as you will answer at the dreadful day of judgment when the secrets of all hearts shall be disclosed, that if either of you know of any impediment, why you may not be lawfully joined together in Matrimony, do you now confess it. For be you well assured, that so many as are coupled together otherwise than God's Holy Church doth allow are not joined together by God; neither is their Matrimony lawful in the sight of God."

"There be none," Frang answered.

"I am free of such impediments," Isobel answered.

"Please kneel." He raised his hands over them and performing the motions of the cross, said, "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all."

"And with thy spirit," they all said.