Page 24 of Bound By Honor
As the crowd reached the large stone chapel in the forest, the piper stopped playing. Alex and Juliana paused in front of the wooden door. There, to Angus’ surprise, stood the old Bishop of Argyll, ready to perform the marriage.
“Lismore is, after all, the bishop’s residence and an hour’s row across the firth,” said Duncan.
Angus considered his cousin’s words. It was reasonable for the bishop to be the one to perform the ceremony since he was a MacDougall and the MacDougalls had, before the dowry, possessed the isle. But what did the bishop think of the isle being part of a marriage bargain with the Macdonalds? That could not have gone down well.
The crowd of well-wishers closed in behind the happy couple, Juliana’s father and family standing to one side. When the vows were said and the rings exchanged, the bishop led the now-married couple inside for another ceremony and Mass.
The guests waited eagerly for them to reappear and, when they did, erupted in loud cheers.
“Now for the hard part,” said Angus to his cousin. “Staying sober during what is sure to be hours of drunken revelry.”
“Aye, I remember your admonition,” said Duncan with a grin. “We eat, but drink little.”
Angus moved through the crowd to congratulate his brother and wish him and his bride a happy life and many sons. Juliana’s face glowed with happiness.
As he turned to leave, Angus whispered into Alex’s ear, “I have asked your captain to secure your bride’s things aboard your ship should you need to leave in haste.”
His brother gave him an incredulous look.
“It pays to be prepared, elder brother. You are not among friends except those you brought with you.”
Alex and Juliana were swept away with the crowd that boisterously escorted them back to the castle. Angus and Duncan followed, mindful of the MacDougalls around them.
The day was sunny and warm so Angus was not surprised when they emerged from the woods to see tables covered in white cloths standing on the grass in front of the castle’s curtain wall. Servants were setting out platters of food and jugs of ale and wine.
At the head table, set at a right angle to the others, the bride and groom were soon seated. Angus and Duncan took their places next to Alex, with Alex’s captains next to them. On Juliana’s other side sat her father, mother and siblings.
Angus rose and introduced himself to Alexander MacDougall, Lord of Lorne and his wife, Marion Comyn, the Lady of Lorne. Angus was dismayed to be reminded that not only had Alex married into the MacDougalls, but now he was also tied to the Comyns who controlled much of northeast Scotland.
The MacDougall daughters spoke their names as Angus greeted them. He inclined his head to Juliana’s brothers, all of whom were older than him.
He resumed his seat and Duncan leaned in to say, “Juliana’s sisters are comely, and their eyes followed you as you walked away.”
“MacDougalls, every one, Duncan. I’d not make my brother’s mistake. Besides, Juliana has three brothers, all in their prime fighting years, or did you not notice?”
“Aye, I noticed, but my eyes were on the lasses.”
Angus shook his head, unsurprised, and turned his attention to the trencher he and Duncan shared. The food was plentiful, roast pork and duck, dressed in herbs and spices, and fish from the loch as well as summer vegetables. Honey cakes followed.
Angus sipped his ale sparingly while he scanned the tables where the wedding guests celebrated. Save for a few exceptions, the Macdonald men sat together, apart from the MacDougalls. He only hoped it would stay that way.
When the meal was finished, the dancing began, the first being a sword dance by Juliana’s brothers to the piper’s lively tune accompanied by the quick beat of the drum. Angus knew well the dance calledDuncanlie Callum, first devised by Malcolm Canmore more than two hundred years ago after slaying one of his enemies.
The dancer crossed his own sword over his victim’s on the ground, making the sign of the cross, and then high-stepped over, but never touching, the blades. Angus was half-expecting the MacDougalls to ask for Macdonald swords for the dance. The insult would not have been tolerated so it was well they did not. However, he had also heard the dance was often performed before a battle with auspicious omens if the dance was completed without touching the swords, which the MacDougall men only just managed to do.
Mayhap, thought Angus, I am being too suspicious. It was a day of joy and merriment after all. Still, remembering the stories of the MacDougalls’ past treachery, he determined to remain guarded.
CHAPTER 5
HOURS LATER, following numerous toasts to the newly wedded couple and songs sung in their honor, the guests began dancing on the grass in front of the castle to the lively music of pipes and drums.
The spirited revelry continued until everyone was thirsty and resorted to the tables where jugs of ale and wine stood waiting.
Joining Duncan, Angus crossed his arms over his chest and leaned against a food table while watching the wedding guests reach for refreshment. “Now the serious drinking begins.”
“Aye, and since the night will be warm, they will care not where they end up when sleep overtakes them.”
“Under the tables most like,” said Angus. He was pleased to see his brother’s men as well as his own were showing restraint when it came to the ale and did not touch the wine. Water was available though few of the guests would indulge in what they considered too paltry a drink for a wedding.
