Fascination

[macmillian]

It had been a very busy week and the time just flew by. Lord Arran had so much to help I was amazed. Hw now walked the castle with a spring in his step and the staff was always glad to se him now. The entire atmosphere within the castle had changed for the better.

The chapel was set up with fresh flowers that the women of the village had put together as their gift to us from them. The dinner was set for the main hall and a small group was extended and invitation to toast the new bride.

Lord Arran suggested that we both wear our best Clan Tartan for the wedding. I was a member of the Clan, but it made me feel very proud that he lord had suggested it. "It would make it all the easier when I would present myself and my wife to him as part of his real family."

We left the appartment and headed down to the main floor and the chapel, I was surprised to see and honor guard waiting outside of Her Ladyships apartment. His Lord only smiled.

 

[slippedhalo]

The only relative of Marie's still alive and within some (irregular) contact with Marie (occasional letters and cards) had arrived, her cousin, Helena who came with her husband, Rev. Peter Killian on her arm. Helena, who had also once been a house servant but had been lucky in marriage to a Reverend with his own ministry but two townships away, looked at the large castle abode with awe as they steped from the carriage and were led inside. She, of course realized that her cousin Marie wasn't the lady of this castle, yet still she was inspired and happy that such a beautiful place as this was Marie's place of work and living.

She'd always liked her cousin and felt so sad to know things had not always been easy for the girl after the death of her father. Helena's own parents oft' lamented over not having enough money to feed another mouth many a time in Helena's childhood whenever the subject of dear cousin Marie would come up. Helena hoped this new home to work in and a marriage were two good signs that perhaps Marie's life was finally turning around for the better.

The couple were led to the chapel and Helena spotted the Lord of the manor, and bowed politely to him, her husband Peter nodding his head respectfully as well as they found their seats. He'd sent the invitation personally with his clan's seal upon the envelope, a high sign of respect for the humble Reverend and wife and though the letter of invitation was unmistakably in Lady Grace's own hand, he'd signed just below her and the pair felt honored that he'd tken the time and effort to invite them in such a personal manner.

 

[macmillian]

I saw Marie's cousin arive as she was escorted to her place. The small chapel was almost full, with local officals (witnesses) and members of our clan that lived in the area. Lord Arran's uncle had declined to come.

It was a great day, the sun was out and the sky was clear. I was glad that the day was going to be so good for Marie. I hoped it would be a day that she would remember for the rest of her life. I being the bastard that I was, my family was my clan and I was happy also, to view so many tartan's present.

An so the hour approaches and in a short time, Marie and I will be as one.

 

[slippedhalo]

Marie was hurried to the chapel and waited outside the doors as Grace and Sarah finished straightening out her train behind her and adjusting her veil so that all was perfect for that first moment when the doors would open for her. As the organ began to play the wedding march Marie's nervousness spiked again. She looked nervously to Grace who smiled calmly. "It's alright, Marie." she whispered before walking ahead.

Soon, it was just Marie standing at the doors and as her swell of music came and she walked through the doors the guests all rose and a combination of awed gasps and soft sighs filled the room as she took her first steps toward the alter. She looked ahead and saw James standing at the alter, handsome as she'd ever seen him look and smiling with pride as he watched her approach. The smile was contagious and brought one to her as well as their eyes met. Suddenly, looking upon the love of her life, Marie's nervousness melted away completely and soon she was standing before her fiancee hand-in-hand and the minister began the ceremony. A blissful calm overcame her as she realized this was her moment.

 

[macmillian]

The music played and Lady Grace entered the chapel and she was beautiful and I could sense Lord Arran straighten with pride as he looked upon his wife. Then it was time for my Marie to enter and at the sight of her she even took my breath away. You are so beautiful that I am smiling and bursting with prde and I feel Arran's hand pat me on the shoulder.

We held hands and listened as the minster started the ceremony that would bind us together forever. This was her time. The time would be Marie's forever and ever. We said our vows and I put the ring on her finger, sealing our union.

 

[slippedhalo]

She was in her own world as the minister finally ended the ceremony with those fateful words, "You may kiss the bride." and James reached to lift her veil...

 

[macmillian]

I lifted the veil and leaned in and kissed her solfly on her moist red lips. It had to be the best kiss I have ever had. Everything was wrapped up in that one kiss. We were now married and she was my wife.

 

[slippedhalo]

They kissed and people applauded and music swelled and she simply looked up at her new husband, james. James was actually her husband! They were in their own moment together and everything around seemed far away as they locked eyes and shared a smile that said, 'Welcome to the rest of our lives, never again having to worry about spending it alone.'.

 

[macmillian]

You take my arm and we walk down the isle and out of the chapel. We stood in the hall and greeted our guests along with Lady Grace and Lord Arran. After greeting our guests we went into the main banquet room of the castle.

The dinner went off without any problems. After all the toasts and well wishes were given, I stood and raised my glass.

"Lady Grace, Lord Arran, guests. You are all aware of my relationship with Lord Arran and here today, My wife Marie and I pledge our fidelity to Lady Grace and Lord Arran and to our Clan. To our Lord and his Lady."

 

[slippedhalo]

Marie happily raises her glass in the toast and shares a smile across the room with her cousin Helena whom until greeting the guests she'd had no idea had even been found or contacted to come. It was a pleasant surprise. Marie was truly touched that Lady Grace had gone to the trouble to look for family to invite for her wedding and even more so that Helena still thought enough of her to come.

 

[macmillian]

The dinner over and good byes said to departing guests, You and I have a chance to sit down with your cousin and her husband. They are staying the night and are leaving in the morning. I was proud to meet your cousin Helena and her husband.

I had to see Lord Arran before he went upstairs, so I left you to talk with your cousin. Lord Arran said all would be fine and that he hoped Marie and I had a nice time at the hunting lodge. A carrige and escort would be ready first thing in the morning. I thanked him again and we said good night.

 

[slippedhalo]

Marie and Helena had a great time visiting and promised to keep in better touch, having exchanged cards with their new married names and addresses on them.

"I was hoping you could perhaps be our child's godmother when it's born. We recently found out I'm with child. About three months along now." announced Helena proudly as they were saying their good night's to one another.

"Oh, Helena, you're pregnant? How wonderful, I would be honored to be a godmother!" exclaimed Marie giving her cousin a sincere hug. "Of course,I will... See? Now, we have to keep in touch for sure. I want to know everything you experience, month by month."

"I will write it all down for you, dear cousin. I promise." said Helena. "Well then, have a good night. We'll retire for the evening."

"Ok, have sweet dreams." she said, kissing her cousin on both cheeks before telling her and her husband goodnight. That was the last guest to say goodbye or goodnight to now Marie looked around for James.

Sarah approached looking a little more than exhausted and asked, "Marie, do you need help getting out of your gown and into your night clothes?"

"Oh, Sarah, you have done so much for me today. You should go to bed and not worry about me." said Marie.

"Nonsense, it's my job as your bride'smaid. Let me help you and then I'll go to bed." insisted Sarah. "We'll leave a note for Mr. James to let him know where you are and that you await his arrival." she declared cleverly.

Marie smiled and took Sarah by the arm, "Alright then, clever, please help me as your last bridesmaid duty." and she let Sarah prepare her for bed in the same way she'd spent years preparing Grace for her bedtime only that tonight Marie's nightclothes were of no routine linnens but a sweet looking, cream and rose colored somewhat revealing satin and lace nightgown that Lady Grace had purchased for her specifically for her wedding night tonight.

Sarah blushed as she helped Marie get the gown on and brushed out Marie's auburn waves to a sheen. "You look...ready for a wedding night, I suppose." she said softly. "Goodnight, Marie." she said before quietly seeing herself out. Marie waited for her husband...if felt so good to call James that...she waited for her husband James to join her in his rooms.

 

[macmillian]

I have finished talking with Lord arran and we find that we are the only ones left. We climb the stairs to the fourth floor and we bid each other good night. I arrive at my apartment just as Sarah is leaving.

"Good night , Sarah. Thank you for such a wounderfull job you did today." and I bend and give her a light kiss on her cheek and she leaves going to her room.

I enter my apartment and the main room is dark, with only on candle burning. I pick up the candle and walk into the bed chamber and find the room lit by a few candles and the red coals in the fire place. In the middle of my bed sits my bride, my wife , my love. MY Wife, what a wounderful sound to this man.

"Hello my dear Wife. Waiting for me I see." and it only takes a few moments to shed my clothes and join you on my, now our, bed. "Will My Lady allow me now into her bed .... (Marie had slept alone after the night we spent together after we had obtained permission to marry. ) .... I have missed your gentleness." I took Marie into my arms and kissed her oh so passionatly.

"Marie .........ummmmmmmmm" as we kissed again.

 

[slippedhalo]

Marie smiled welcomingly as James entered the room and she longed to be touched by him again, the fires of her passion for him stoked by his kiss.

 

[macmillian]

After we kissed, I stroked your hair. "I hope today was all you imagined it would be. Everything was wounderfull and I saw two of Scotlands most beautifull Ladies. I married one, now My wife and Lady Grace. We streched out beside each other and I held you in my arms. I was very much in love with Marie and I hoped it would last forever.

 

[slippedhalo]

ooc: When should we skip ahead and how far ahead should we skip when we do?

 

[macmillian]

OOC; Why don't we move ahead three months, The condition of the ladies will be revealed and I can have the most important meeting with Lord Arran.
Unless that you want to do the honeymoon at the hunting lodge? But moving the story ahead might be the way.

Mac.

 

[slippedhalo]

OOC: Agreed.

Marie had been pouring milk into Lady Grace's glass when it hit her again, the sudden wave of nausea. The same as just as two mornings previously when she had ended up having to take the morning off from her duties because she was constantly running to the pot to be sick, a stomach flu... She had felt better yesterday and was hoping it had passed, resuming her duties with vigour but now, the wave of nausea was so strong she handed the milk jug to the nearest servant and ran from the diningroom to find the nearest and least scandalous place to throw up. Apparently, the flu was not out of her system yet as she had hoped.

 

[macmillian]

It was now the start of spring and the young men of the area came to the castle to do their work or fullful their pledges. So to work on repairing and cleaning the castle, others to work their trade and the last, to sign up and join the Guard Force. I was with Lord arran in the main hall as he received the people of his lads.

The Past months had passed quickly and we had not heard anything from or about his Uncle. I didn't trust that man and so it was a little disturbing to say the least. The two marriges had sparked new life into the castle as the servants moved easier now that his Lordship had taken direct control of the castle and his Lady made sure that the staff benifited as well. It really had become a place where the people were glad to come and work. And so it was this spring.

I still could not beleive that Marie had married me. She was what I wanted in a wife, but much more. There was always something there that said she was the one and so I lived in a very happy world. If Marie was happy and so to was I.

 

[slippedhalo]

Lady Grace had been worried about Marie and sent Sarah to her room to check on her. It seemed the flu was not yet out of her maid's system and a pity too as Grace herself had not recently been feeling well and she wondered if she had infected Marie with her tummy bug.

 

[macmillian]

I answered the door when Sarah knocked.

"Morning Sarah, may I help you?"

"Yes Master James, Lady Grace sent me to make sure Marie was alright"

"Well come, Marie is sitting by the fire with her feet up." Sarah enters and we walk to the sitting area and she smiles when she see's Marie sitting there.
"Marie, You have a caller, Sarah," as I announce her presence.

 

[slippedhalo]

Marie smiled, "Oh, dear Sarah, it was nice of you to come...oh not too close, love, really, you shouldn't have come. I don't want to infect you as well. This castle will come to a standstill if we ALL get sick."

 

[macmillian]

Sarah .... "I'll Lady Grace that you are resting and you are taking the rest of the day off. Hope you feel better Ms. Marie." She turns and says she will see herself out and leaves.

James .... "Marie, you look alright to me! There is color in your cheeks. Shall I summon the physician from town to tend you. You know, I can't help feeling like I am responsible. Silly I know. How about a nice cup of tea with honey? I can go make some right now and have someone go to the village and fetch the Physician."

 

[slippedhalo]

Marie nodded sheepishly, "Perhaps it's best. I can't keep leading them all on by making them think I'm well and then getting sick again. It's just...my stomach has not felt right for days. Normally when I am nauseous I don't want to eat a thing but despite my nausea I am constantly hungry for things like apples and carrots and a good cut of meat...isn't that odd?" she asked.

 

[macmillian]

"Honey, the way that I feel about you I am unable to describe. If you are Ill and need the physician, we get him to come. Thanks I'll get the tea and have word sent out to the physician. Be right back" I turn and leave the apartment to find a squire to take the message. I tell him to see the Captain of the guard for a horse and an escort and to return with the physician.

I return to the apartment with a tray to find Marie asleep in the chair. I cover her with a throw and place the tray and tea on the table. I go and sit looking out across the now turning green meadows and freshly plowed fields.

" As soon as Marie feels better, I will have to sit down with Lord Arran and advise him of my half brother status. Everything is set and ready and the Lord has taken an ever more imposing role in the affairs of the castle and estate. I have to thank Calum for his Choice of Lady Grace, who seems to have changed my Lord so much for the better. My thoughts are mine for now, only my Marie knows much of the story and plan. But that is how it should be.