Page 26 of Bride of the Sinful Laird
Although the banquet was delicious, with great platters of roast goose, venison and wild boar, Annora’s stomach was roiling with nerves and after only a few mouthfuls she found she could not partake of another morsel.
Lamend’s wife, Celia, who was seated beside Annora, turned to her. “I’m being nosy, I ken, but how did ye meet yer husband?”
Annora was grateful for the conversation she’d had earlier with Edmund, and she sallied forth with the faery-tale of their meeting and courtship.
Celia sighed. “Oh, that is such a delightful tale, me dear. I thought it must have been a story of love at first sight fer nay one kent Edmund had married.” She leaned in again with a chuckle. “’Tis clear ye two are a love match. Ye look far too happy fer yers tae be but a marriage of convenience.”
Annora laughed. “Ye are quite correct. Ours is nae a marriage merely fer the sake of allegiance between our clans.”
After the meal was finished and the servants had removed the empty platters and refilled tankards with ale and goblets with wine, they were entertained by a troubadour, who sang of lost and unrequited love, accompanied by his lute. He had a fine voice that almost lulled Annora to sleep.
After the troubadour had taken his leave, having filled his purse with coin from his enthusiastic audience, a troupe of mummers entered the hall. They performed agaloshinthat seemed to Annora to be a rowdy sort of affair, with much dashing and tumbling, a young maid in love with the handsome hero. There was a sword fight with a great deal of hearty cheering and encouraging by the audience. The hero was defeated, dying with an accompaniment of loud sighs and moans from his lady-love.Then came the priest and the doctor to bring the hero back to life.
Annora sat up straight at the end of the play when the hero was revived by promising never to tell a lie. “Those who lie will never join us in the Kingdom of Heaven,” thundered the priest.
Annora glanced at Edmund, but he seemed to be absorbed in the play. She shivered. The lie foisted on her, that she was Edmund’s lawful wife, had been amplified tenfold in her conversation with Celia.
The audience clapped and cheered as the now fully resurrected hero took his love in his arms.
Edmund turned to her with a grin. He’d so obviously enjoyed the play, yet their lies sat heavily on her heart.
Later, when they had at last retired to their bedchamber, she did her best to share his enthusiasm for the evening.
“Aye. It was a fine affair.” Now was not the time to burden him with her misgivings but she couldn’t help feeling guilty about them lying to everyone, whilst they were all being so welcoming.
Seeing her distress, he took her hand. “Dinnae fret on it, Annora. We’ll nae be here long enough fer them tae realize we have had tae tell white lies. ‘Tis a harmless thing of nay consequence.”
Somehow his words did not reach her heart, yet she was warmed by his gentle touch on her hand. For a brief moment she wished he would wrap his arms about her and reassure her that all would be well.
Instead, he folded back the covers, placed the bolster at the center of the bed, and turned his back while she disrobed and crept into the bed.
She was curled miserably on her side when she felt his touch on her cheek and her hair being tucked gently behind her ear.
Her spirits lifted ever so slightly.
CHAPTER TEN
Tormod was already seated at the refectory table with the other three elders by the time Edmund and Annora had readied themselves and made their way to the hall to break their fast.
“Ah, good morrow milaird and milady. I trust ye slept well after the feast?” Tormod gestured to Gaufried, Lamend, and Gilleasbuig, who rose to greet them.
“The ladies are busy and nae wishing tae idle their time are all in their own homes now, keeping order there.” Lamend resumed his seat.
No sooner had Edmund and Annora taken their seats, they were joined by Tyra.
She nodded a terse greeting to Annora and, again, chose to ignore Edmund.
Observing Edmund’s half-sister’s ill-mannered behavior, Annora breathed in, making an effort to cast Tyra a friendly smile. She had no wish to encourage the lass’s frostiness, understanding only too well how small slights, if met with aggression rather than ignored, could grow into something far more dangerous. “’Tis a beautiful sunny morning, Lady Tyra.”
Tyra shrugged disdainfully, just as Harris MacDonald appeared beside her and took his seat. From his scowling visage, Annora deduced that whatever ire last night’s snub of him by the Elders had aroused, it was still with him. Mayhap he felt it even more keenly, having had time to brood.
Bowls of porridge, honey and cream, boiled eggs, slices of roast chicken, an assortment of cheeses, and loaves of oatbread were laid out along the length of the table. Annora took two bowls, filling them with porridge and passed one to Edmund.
He grinned at her, his eyes twinkling. Mayhap he found this wifely gesture of hers to his liking.
“May I pass ye anything, Tyra? Harris?”
Tyra managed a smile. “Thank ye, Annora. I dae fancy a slice of bread, butter and marmalade.” Annora passed those along to Tyra.
