"'Tis better than no bath at all." He winked.
She rolled her eyes but grinned. "Okay."
"I'll get Crocker and Hewie started on heating and carrying the water. As for the gown, I'll help you when I return."
"Isn't that bad luck?"
"Nay. 'Twould be bad luck if Crocker laces you up."
"Ha. Not happening."
He laughed, then kissed her forehead. "I'll be back straightaway."
Feeling more enthusiastic than he had in a year, he left the room, then proceeded to his father's chamber to tell him the good news. Da slept peacefully, and Gavin didn't wish to disturb him. He would tell him later, mayhap after he and Dani were already married.
Gavin was pleased to see Father John felt even better tonight and was eager to get on with the ceremony. Gavin then descended the narrow spiral steps to the kitchen.
Crocker turned from the hearth and bowed. "M'laird."
"Heat enough water for my bathtub, and have Hewie convey it to my chamber."
"The water is already heating, m'laird." He motioned to the cauldron over the fire.
"It is?"
Crocker grinned. "Aye, I kenned you would be marrying the lass this night… or at least I hoped."
"I am." Gavin smiled. "I appreciate your help." He would give Crocker a bonus once he put everything to rights.
Deciding to change into his newest belted plaid, Gavin proceeded up the steps and into his bedchamber. He opened the chest. Crocker had packed away his clean clothes with dried lavender to keep out the moths and other vermin. The newer black doublet looked dapper with his red, blue, and black plaid and his clean ivory shirt. He tightened the belt into place and arranged the upper portion of his plaid into a sash over his shoulder. He secured it with his favorite penannular brooch featuring a hawk's head.
Once the curse was naught but a memory, his own hawk days would be behind him. Would he miss flying out over the heather-covered moors? Nay. Not in the least. Instead, he would ride across them on his mount with his bride's arms around his waist. He smiled at the image and exited the chamber. Next door, he knocked.
"Come in," Dani called.
Entering, he noted she had already donned the chemise, skirts, and bodice, but it hung like a sack over her slim frame. The farthingale and stays lay on a chair.
Smiling, he raised a brow. "You forgot part of your clothing."
"Crocker brought those to me. But I'm not wearing a corset nor that contraption." She pointed at the farthingale.
Gavin chuckled. "Suits me fine. I hate them too."
Sending him a mock glare, she smirked. "Typical male." She turned. "If you could tighten up the lacings on this vest."
He could not smother his wide grin. "'Tis a bodice."
"Yeah, bodice." She pulled her straight dark hair over one shoulder, exposing her nape and the side of her neck. A fearsome desire struck him, burning away all humor. He stroked a finger along her satiny skin. She shivered and glanced at him from the corner of her eye. "What are you doing?" she whispered.
"What do you think?" He leaned forward and brushed his lips against the warm skin of her nape. "Giving in to temptation."
She shivered again but did not draw away.
Forcing himself to pull back and focus on the task at hand, he tugged at the lacings on the back of her bodice and straightened them, top to bottom. His fingers were none too steady, for he would much rather be unlacing her instead. "Is that too tight?"
"No. That's good." Her husky voice teased him, making him wonder if she would sound like this while in the depths of passion. Arousal punched at him. Saints! What was wrong with him? He was no green lad. But indeed, it had been many months since his last round of bedsport. 'Haps he should warn Dani he might be insatiable.
Nay, let her find out later tonight. He did not wish to frighten her. He must patiently seduce his new bride.
