Bound by Wish and Mistletoe (Highland Legends #1.5)(37)
Robert gave a quick squeeze to her hands, and replied for her. “She’s come to us sent from God, Father. Surely that is good enough.”
The priest’s eyes widened and he smiled. He cleared his throat as the crowd’s laughter from his first words died down.
“God has sent us the bonnie Susanna to be wed to Robert of the clan Brodie. It is in love that two strengthen, united as one. We are here to witness their profession before the clan and in the eyes of God.
“Do you, Susanna, take Robert to be your husband, honoring and loving him for all the days of your life?”
Susanna smiled, gazing up into her warrior’s eyes. “I do.”
“Robert, do you take Susanna to be your wife, cherishing and protecting her?”
“Aye. And honorin’...and lovin’...”
Robert’s eyes smoldered at his profession, and Susanna felt a flush heat her skin from the neck up. She took a deep breath, remembering exactly how he loved...
“Then by the power of God I pronounce the two of you officially husband and wife.”
Robert’s hands flew to her back, and he lifted her up in his arms, his lips crushing against her mouth. She flung her arms around his neck and surrendered to the passionate kiss, a tiny moan escaping her throat. He broke their kiss before they got carried away, but groaned as if he couldn’t bear their separation. She laughed, feeling a bit more at ease with the entire situation.
As if on cue, servants burst out of the kitchen, one after another, lining up platters of food onto the tables before circling back and bringing more.
Iain and Isobel approached, bringing silver goblets of ale, one in each of their hands.
“Congratulations, Robert.” Iain handed Robert a drink and then gave her a broad grin. “Welcome to our family, Susanna.”
Isobel handed her the fourth goblet. They raised them high, and Susanna did the same, holding the narrow base between her fingers.
“May your life be blessed with abundant love and your house with many bairns,” Iain said, pulling Isobel into his side.
Susanna lifted her glass, and then put her lips to the rim, sipping on the mellow honeyed ale. Her mind spun with all the events, and most recently, Iain’s words. Love. Babies. Two days ago she hadn’t given a single thought to her life having either.
The notion that the veering of her horse in one particular direction over any other had led her to this point amazed her. Perhaps God had delivered her here, and her holding the reins had all been for show.
“Robert,” she whispered, “where exactly is our house?”
“I...we have a cottage within the curtain wall. ’Tis the one closest to the stables and smithy, but also nearest to the stream and garden. While not as luxurious as your bedchamber here, ’tis verra comfortable.”
She briefly thought of the cramped quarters she’d grown up in. Whatever Robert felt comfortable in, she had no doubt she would too. “’Twill be perfect, Robert.”
He smiled and nuzzled his lips into her temple. “You’re perfect, Susanna.”
Chills raced down her side from his touch, yet warmth from deep within her chest spread everywhere from his words. She leaned into him as the dizzying combination made her footing feel unstable.
In front of them, Iain took Isobel’s hand, looping it into his arm as he guided her toward the head of the table. Robert placed a firm hand in the small of her back, urging her forward to follow them. But the bevy of jealous women stood directly in their way.
Susanna squared her shoulders and notched her head higher. She felt Robert’s hand rub up and down once on her back, the support bolstering her courage.
The aggressive women parted for them without a word, but another woman, not from the threesome, approached her right before they sat down. She had pale blond hair and kind blue eyes.
“Forgive me for staring before,” she said. “I was only surprised that Robert had chosen a woman...an English woman...to be his wife. I’m Donalda.” She nodded in respect.
“’Tis verra nice to meet you, Donalda. You’re mistaken, though. Mama may have been English, but since my entire life has happened in Scotland, I suppose I’m no more English than any of you.”
The woman stepped closer to her, whispering in her ear, “Those three are burrs in everyone’s side. They’ve focused on Robert so long, ’tis caused them to lose sight of the other worthy men in our clan. Given time, they’ll find other pastimes to occupy their attention. They do have a mighty sting when angered though. You’d do well to give them room.”
“Thank you for the warnin’, Donalda. I hope they each find what they’re lookin’ for.”
“Aye. We all do. I’m not sure the clan can survive another year of their schemes and gossip.” Donalda snorted. She turned to leave, but gently grasped Susanna’s forearm. “Doona worry overly much. Iain won’t stand for people bein’ intolerant. We’re a clan, bound to protect and love one another, and he reminds us when warranted.” She bowed her head then rushed off to take a seat at the far table.
Robert leaned down. “She’s right, love. Iain will put a quick end to unhealthy behavior in the clan. That’s if I doona have the chance to first.”
Regardless of Donalda and Robert’s assurances, the men had greater battles to fight than hers. But she didn’t understand their aggression toward her, when Robert clearly had rejected the lot. She wondered if it was something more. Perhaps she spoke more like her mother than she’d thought. “Do I seem that English?”