Page 84 of When the Laird Conquers

The ceremony itself had been perfect in its simplicity too, taking no time at all. And, most importantly, she had said her vows without fumbling them, though she had been a little nervous.

If there was just one thing she could have changed, it would have been her husband’s quietness. Not to mention the fact that he kept leaving the hall every half an hour or so and came back looking increasingly stressed.

But she was happy. Happier than she had expected to be. And her hopes were high after last night, even if it was foolish to raise them.

All too soon, with yawns and excuses, the simple wedding came to an end just as sunset had begun to bronze the sky.

“I’ll take the wee lassie and put her to bed,” Iona offered, Lizzy already fast asleep in her arms. “I’m sure ye and the Laird will want to be alone, but daenae worry, I’ll watch over her.”

Agnes smiled at the older woman. “Thank you, Iona.”

“Daenae mention it.” The housekeeper flashed her a wink. “Ye’re a beautiful bride, me Lady. I ken that our clan will only get better now that ye’re here, one of us at last.”

The village women leaped into the conversation, agreeing with Iona with great enthusiasm.

“I cannae wait for more gatherings,” one said gleefully.

“No one will stay away now that ye’re here, me Lady,” another declared. “All this castle needed was a lass’s touch.”

“It’s a new beginnin’ for us all,” a third interjected.

“There’ll be good times again; I can feel it.”

“Aye, it’s about time everyone moved on from the past. This is how ye do it—with a weddin’, with a celebration, and with the promise of heirs to secure the future of our clan.”

Agnes flushed at that, not daring to glance in Gordon’s direction in case he had heard.

Of course, she knew that her husband’s mind would not be changed overnight, but… perhaps it might in weeks, or even months. After all, who could endure night after night of frustration and not eventually give in?

It would be no dishonor to your son or your son’s mother, Gordon. I know they would want you to be happy.

She kept that to herself as she listened to the women chatter for a while, before the baker ushered them all out, promising that they would see her again at the cèilidh tomorrow.

“Goodnight, dear girl,” her father said, rising from his chair, a little unsteady on his feet after too many glasses of good wine and several measures of potent whiskey.

Agnes rose to embrace him. “Goodnight, Father. Thank you for being here.”

“I would not have missed it, my darling,” he said, his tone bittersweet. “I am so proud of you, Agnes. I know that your mother and your sister are smiling down on you, glad that you and Lizzy are safe and content at last.”

Agnes’s eyes pricked with tears. “As I am sure they are glad that you are here and that you are in the land of the living again, enjoying yourself.”

“Rather too much, I fear,” her father mumbled as he pulled back, hiccupping.

With a smile and a drunken wave, he shambled off across the hall and out the door, with Marcus following close behind him. And just like that, the newlyweds were left alone in the quiet hall.

“Come on,” Gordon said, offering his hand. “Let’s get ye to bed.”

Agnes shyly took his hand, her hopes rising once again. He could not have been ignorant of the still early hour, so she rather thought it meant something: that he wanted to take her to bed.

With a giddy flutter of her stomach, she allowed him to lead her through the quiet hallways of the castle—hallways that would be filled with guests tomorrow—and felt her heart beat faster as they made their way up to the bedchamber where she had spent her first night. His room, not hers.

Is this to be my wedding gift, to hear that he has changed his mind?

It would make a perfect day even more perfect.

Gordon pushed open the bedroom door and guided her inside, his hand on the small of her back. Another promising sign… or so she thought.

He looked down at her with a smile and leaned in. Her eyes closed as she anticipated the searing, passionate graze of his lips. As such, the soft, tender peck to her cheek was a confusing disappointment.