much fanfare as possible, under the circumstances. Her friend Alana, plump with pregnancy, did her best to keep the mood light. Ailsa’s continuous chatter also distracted Gillian.
These women who loved her were there to pamper her. They brought sweet herbs for her bath water and helped wash and dry her hair. They pulled out practically every garment she owned and argued over what she should wear. They created a controlled chaos that prevented Gillian from dwelling overmuch on what was to come.
By mid-morning, still only wearing a shift, Gillian sat with a blanket around her shoulders while her sister worked an intricate braid in her hair. The women had decided she should wear her dark blue léine. It was made of soft lamb’s wool but had no adornment and apparently that simply would not do . Three women sat furiously embroidering scrollwork in yellow thread on the neck and sleeves. Peggy, who diligently worked on one sleeve moaned, “It is a shame we don’t have any gold thread. I know Rhiannon has some but we just don’t have time to go get it.”
At the mention of Rhiannon’s name, a look of horror crossed her mother’s face. “Oh my, how could we have forgotten? Someone must go tell Rhiannon about the wedding.”
Gillian shot her mother a quizzical look. “Why? She rarely leaves her cottage and she never comes to the keep anymore.”
Lana wasn’t the only one who frowned at Gillian. “Aye, she prefers to stay at home but she would be very hurt if we didn’t let her know this was happening. She cares very deeply about this clan, Gillian.”
Gillian didn’t argue. Rhiannon was an old woman who lived in a cottage just beyond the village, at the edge of the forest. Many of the MacLennan women seemed to revere her. They gushed about how lovely and kind she was. Frankly, Rhiannon was rumored to have the gift of “sight” and Gillian suspected that was the reason people courted her favor. Everyone had heard stories about Rhiannon’s wonderful predictions that had come true. Gillian wasn’t sure she believed that Rhiannon was truly a seer but Lana had always considered her a good friend. “I suppose ye are right mother. Would ye mind going? Let her know about the wedding and tell her I would be honored if she would attend.”
“I’m sure she won’t approve, but aye, I will take the news to her.”
“Thank ye, mother.”
Lana turned to leave. “Come, Fallon.”
Fallon continued to braid Gillian’s hair. “Mama, I can’t. Gillie needs me.” Gillian noticed Ailsa had become quiet and sidled out of her mother’s line of vision. Gillian smiled. Obviously her littlest sister didn’t want to go either.
“Nonsense,” said her mother. “Alana or one of the other women can do that.”
Alana stepped in, taking the strands of Gillian’s hair from Fallon, whispering, “Go, Fallon. Let’s not push things today.”
Fallon sighed, but followed her mother. Once they had left and it was clear she wouldn’t be dragged along too, Ailsa flopped happily on the bed and resumed her chatter.
~ * ~
It was well after noon and time for the wedding before her mother and Fallon returned. Gillian was already dressed in the newly adorned léine . It was cinched at the waist with a braided leather belt and she had to admit that the yellow embroidery at the neck and sleeves added a beautiful touch. Around her shoulders she wore a red plaid with green and gold stripes. Alana had woven a wreath of ivy for her which held a fine woolen veil on her head.
The clan’s healer, Agnes, brought her a small bouquet of herbs. “Gillian, lass, I only have dried herbs at this time of year, but this contains b urnet for a merry heart. My lady, I know this is hard, but try to keep yer heart light. The clan loves ye and will always support ye. I have also put in lavender for devotion and luck, sage for long life, marjoram for joy, and yarrow for everlasting love.” Gillian tried not to roll her eyes at this. She didn’t
Ellen Hopkins
Rick Bennet
Sarwat Chadda
Adele Downs
Simone Elkeles
Gwen Hayes
Elle Jasper
Miranda James
Mike Gayle
Mike Fosen, Hollis Weller