Chapter 11
For the first time ever,Fen wasn’t uncomfortable being the center of attention, and ‘twas all because of the man whose arm was around her as they stood near the hearth listening to the toasts.
Frankly, ‘twas amazing how quickly the wedding had been organized, but considering Fen herself was the one in charge of the menu, and considering the Oliphants’ favorite part of any celebration was the food, she had basically been put in charge.
It had taken her and Brodie all of ten minutes to choose the menu, based on the food they had in the larder already—no eggplant—which is why the wedding had taken place so quickly.
They really did work well together, didn’t they?
Och, he’d teased her mercilessly of course, until she’d allowed him to be in charge of preparing the mutton. She had to admit, it had been delicious, but she wasn’t certain she’d be telling him that just yet.
Her clanmembers whirled and mingled through the great hall, eating and drinking as they stood in groups. But here, near the hearth, ‘twas just family. Leanna looked breathless, a red mark on her neck likely explaining that. Now that Fen had experienced Brodie’s tongue for the last few nights, she had a good idea what the cause of that love-mark actually was. Leanna smiled up at Kenneth as he lifted his mug of ale high in the air and continued his toast.
“And no’ to forget Brodie, who is as ugly as his new wife is beautiful.”
Brodie lifted his own mug good-naturedly. “Dinnae make me pound ye.”
Kenneth snorted. “The only pounding ye should be thinking about tonight, Sir Brodie, is—”
Laughter rose around them—including a few chuckles from Brodie—as Leanna elbowed her husband in the gut. Cousin Craig had a mug in each hand and lifted both with loud guffaws.
Da lifted his mug next and offered a toast which was as rambling and incoherent as he was. It included several references to, “My dear Fiona,” and a pointless analogy about a cat with two penises, after which he paused, as if waiting for laughter.
Brodie, bless him, lifted his mug again. “Hear, hear!” he called, and others joined in. Poor Craig just looked confused, although Fen’s sisters merely laughed.
From behind Da, someone called, “Music! Music!” and it seemed to be the sign Mother had been waiting for. “’Tis enough, Olaf. We must let Robena play for the dancing!”
Beside Fen, her sister let out a relieved sigh. “Thank goodness. My lute’s already tuned.”
Fen’s brow twitched, remembering their conversation in the village about what made a man handsome. “No’ the lute Wynda once made ye use to—”
“I’ll never forgive her,” Robena declared good-naturedly, “but mayhap my lute will.”
“Where is she anyway?” Fen remembered Wynda being at the wedding ceremony, but she hadn’t seen her since the celebration began.
But Robena, who shared a chamber with their scholarly sister, shrugged, her attention already on the musicians gathering across the room. “Ye ken her. She’s abovestairs. Arguing.”
Fen nodded as her sister rushed off.
Brodie propped his chin on her shoulder, having to bend to do so, so he could murmur in her ear, “Wynda’s in her chambers alone? The rest of yer family is here.”
Fen hummed an affirmative.
“Then who’s she arguing with?”
Ah. Well, perhaps that was another Oliphant secret Brodie wasn’t quite ready to learn yet.
Before she could think of a good way to answer, Kenneth clapped Brodie on his shoulder, causing him to lurch to the side. Fen didn’t think anyone besides her noticed, as Brodie’s arm around her tightened in order to keep himself upright.
Over the last sennight, he’d become more confident without his crutch. He claimed his knee ached more without it, but she knew he appreciated the freedom. And, too, he’d become more confident in her. He’d become willing to lean on her, to accept her strength, when necessary.
“Well, Brodie, I’ll miss yer scarred face, but ken ye’ll be happy here!” Kenneth declared, sounding jovial. “And without ye on the return journey, I suppose I’ll have to find someone else to snuggle with in order to keep warm.”
“Ye’ll manage,” Brodie deadpanned.
Leanna, who was holding her husband’s hand, giggled happily. “I’ll take over yer snuggling duties, Brodie!”
Brodie’s lips curled downward. “There were never snuggling duties.” He glanced at Fen. “Nae snuggling.”