Chapter 24
After giving Cat severalscorching goodnight kisses, Torr promised to behave himself because they would be married by the following night.
Despite going to bed late, Cat could hardly sleep due to her profound excitement and worry. Would the contracts be completed in time? Would Brodie return the following morn to sign them? She slipped out of her chamber to see if she could find out anything. Through the crack in the solar door, she spied on Drury. He worked long into the night, with several candles on the desk, drafting the new contracts.
She returned to her chamber, only to lie awake another hour or two.
It seemed she had barely fallen asleep when Aggie burst through the door at dawn, sounding more sprightly than a robin in spring. "Rise and shine, m'lady. 'Tis time to break your fast." She set a loaded tray on the bedside table.
"What changed your tune?" Cat muttered. She sat up and squinted at the candle Aggie lit.
"Your mother and the chief both approve of your forthcoming marriage."
"I see. And what about you?"
"It matters not what I think, m'lady. I'm only a maid."
Cat snorted, for she knew Aggie didn't truly feel that way. "Indeed?"
"Well, if my opinion is of any consequence, then aye, I do indeed approve of Sir Torr."
"I'm glad. I thank you for that." Cat couldn't wait to see Torr this morn, and marry him, of course. But her brother had to sign the contract first. "Is Brodie here yet?"
"Nay, but he is expected soon. Your mother sent out a crew of maids to collect flowers in the garden and meadow. We will make you a bouquet and decorate the great hall."
"Oh, 'twill be beautiful." Imagining all the lovely wedding flowers surrounding her and Torr as they said their vows, Cat smiled and slid to the edge of the bed. "I cannot wait."
The door swung open, and a chambermaid held it wide for her mother to enter, and behind her, another maid strode in carrying a pale blue gown.
"Darling, you're up!" Ma smiled. "The wedding gown has been washed and pressed. As you know, 'tis the one I wore when I married your father."
Cat also knew the dress had been prepared weeks ago, just after MacPeter's arrival. But she would not allow that to dampen her spirits. Her mother seemed genuinely happy that Cat and Torr would marry.
"Torr and Gavin performed a miracle yesterday." Her mother beamed. "They convinced Brodie to return, even if temporarily. And he should be back this day."
"Indeed." Cat held out hope that Brodie would permanently reside in the keep once his future bride arrived. Cat would not think about how difficult 'twould be to actually find him a bride. Instead, she would focus on her own happiness and her marriage to Torr.
"Father Helms says the banns can be dispensed with after hearing of the secret betrothal contract your brother mentioned," Ma said.
"Oh. 'Tis grand news." Cat could not wait to see Drury's creation.
"I would like to talk to my daughter alone for a few moments," Ma said to the maids. All of them, including Aggie, promptly filed out.
Goodness, what could this private talk be about? Cat hoped it was nothing embarrassing.
"I just wanted to tell you, my darling, that I'm sorry for trying to force you to marry a man you dislike."
Dislikewas far too mild a term for the profound disgust she felt toward MacPeter.
"I thought 'twas the only way to garner protection for the whole clan," Ma said. "But 'twas shortsighted of me. I've always wished for you to have a happy marriage and a blessed life. Now, I believe you will."
Tears burned Cat's eyes. "I'm so glad you accepted Torr. We will indeed be happy together. He's the most amazing man."
Her mother nodded. "I've known him since he was a lad. He has always been honorable and well-liked by everyone."
"'Tis true."
"Do you forgive me?" Ma asked.
