Page 95 of Bound By Honor
Angus lingered for a few somber moments, praying. Then he and his companions crossed themselves and left, passing St. Oran’s cross as they followed the ancient rock path to the nunnery.
Dermot was the first to speak. “A moving tribute,” he said, speaking over the wind.
“’Tis only the beginning of the burial,” said Duncan. “A sennight remains for all the chiefs to arrive and for the preparations to be made by the monks.”
John walked ahead describing the burial ceremony to Dermot.
Duncan fell back in step with Angus. “Imagine what the chiefs—and particularly their sons—will think when they meet Lady Áine. Hearing nothing of your pending marriage, they will think she is available.”
“Aye, I am aware. I have taken from Ireland a great jewel and no man will fail to observe it. But they will soon know she is mine.”
“That brings to mind an old saying,” said Duncan. “A man who weds a beautiful woman is like one who builds his castle on the edge of a wilderness. It must be constantly defended.”
Angus gave his cousin an incredulous look and shook his head. “Advice I did not need, Cousin.”
“ARE YOU CERTAIN you would wear the violet tonight?” asked Nessa, frowning, as she helped Áine to don the velvet gown she had selected to meet the chiefs. “You have other, more alluring gowns.”
“I wish Angus to be proud of his betrothed, Nessa, so I must dress to be worthy of him. But I walk a narrow path as I do not wish to draw undue attention. The violet is dark and the bodice modest enough none will think me other than a lord’s daughter.” Áine had chosen the gown knowing this evening was critical to her acceptance. She was meeting the lordship’s chiefs at a time of deep mourning. “I must show my respect for their grief.”
“I suppose that is wise, but for your wedding, I have saved the golden silk gown that sparkles like a jewel. You will wear it?”
Áine returned her loyal handmaiden a look of fond acceptance. “I will.”
Nessa slipped Áine’s fur-lined cloak about her shoulders as a nun came to tell her the Lord of Kintyre and his companions were calling for her and Juliana.
Walking the corridor of the nunnery with Alexander’s widow, Áine said, “You slept, yes?”
At Juliana’s nod, Áine said, “You are better for it; your eyes are clear and your skin again has a lovely color. Hold your head high, Juliana. After all, you were Alexander’s choice over all the maidens in Scotland.”
Juliana smiled at Áine as they reached the door. “You are good for me, Áine, and I suspect you are good for Angus as well.”
The nun who had gone before them held the lantern high as they reached the entry where Angus, his cousin, brother and Dermot waited, all in finest attire with elegant woolen cloaks. Angus had donned his hat he wore infrequently. Behind them, the sun had set and the sky had turned lavender and deep rose beneath the high gray clouds. A few stars were already making an appearance, hinting of the night to come.
Duncan offered his arm to Juliana and, with John on Juliana’s other side, the three of them walked ahead to the abbey.
Angus watched them go and then turned to Áine and Dermot. To her, he said, “You look lovely. So that you are aware, I have introduced your brother to the chiefs, their wives and their sons.” With a nod to Dermot, he added, “He was graciously accepted. Tonight, we will dine together with the same group. As is our custom, we will remember Alexander and his great deeds. The chiefs will praise him, recalling stories of his exploits, some oddly humorous. ’Tis our way. But first, I will introduce you to all.”
Áine took her bottom lip between her teeth and lifted her hood over her head. Then, taking her own advice, she drew a steadying breath and raised her head. She had played hostess to her father’s many chiefs and though these of the lordship were new to her, she hoped they would soon become her friends. Still, the walk to the abbey was not long enough to still her anxious heart.
From the darkness around them and no moon to be seen, they emerged into the brightly lit warmth of the abbey with its blazing fire, candles and torches and the sound of many conversations.
She was pleased to see Juliana was being comforted by the other women expressing their sympathy.
Angus took Áine’s cloak from her and handed it to a servant. Her long hair tumbled below her shoulders. Suddenly, Áine felt the eyes of all upon her. Angus gave her shoulder a comforting squeeze. “Worry not, they will love you.”
She smiled at him. “You will not leave me?”
“Not for a minute.” With an amused look, he added, “There are wolves about.”
Her betrothed did not wait for the introductions. Instead, he said in a loud voice, “I come to honor my brother, fallen with his companions at the hand of our enemy, and I bring with me two whose presence is a great comfort both to me and to Lady Juliana. Meet Lady Áine O’Cahan, daughter of the Chief of the Name of O’Cahan, Lord of Ciannacht in Ulster and friend to Earl Richard de Burgh. Her brother, Dermot O’Cahan, you have already met. Please welcome them for they come to pay their respects to Alexander.”
Despite the somber occasion and the subdued emotions of the gathered assembly, there were smiles on every face. Áine let out a breath and returned their smiles.
Angus introduced Tormod Macleod to her, the aging chief from Skye. He bowed before her. “My lady.” By his side was his son Malcolm, also fair-haired, who she judged to be in his third decade. He stared at her, open-mouthed.
After that, Áine was surrounded with well-wishers, including Abbot Fionnlagh and Mark, the Bishop of the Isles, the latter having come for the burial. They spoke of her father’s endowing the abbey at Dungiven. “Your father’s generosity to the Church is not unknown to me,” said the aged bishop. “I am from Galloway, a short voyage to Ulster.”
ANGUS LEFT Áine with one of the chief’s wives as Duncan drew him aside and whispered in his ear. “Did you notice the gaping mouths of the chiefs’ sons when you removed Lady Áine’s cloak? Like an amethyst jewel, she emerged sparkling, leaving them speechless. It was worth every fish in Kiloran Bay to see it.”
