Rorie also stood, bearing with her the candle. “You look beautiful, Eveline. Truly. I think Graeme will be more than pleased.”
Rorie put the candle down and turned to leave the room, but Eveline put her hand out to catch Rorie’s. Rorie turned back to Eveline, question in her eyes.
“Thank you,” Eveline said.
Rorie cocked her head to the side. “For what?”
“For befriending me even when it was thought I was daft and when no one else in your clan was kind.”
Rorie smiled, and then to Eveline’s surprise leaned forward to catch Eveline in a fierce hug. Eveline returned the embrace, her heart gladdening at the acceptance of the younger girl.
When Rorie pulled away, she was still smiling. She kept hold of Eveline’s hand and said, “Come now. Let’s go down so that my clan can behold their new mistress in all her glory.”
Graeme impatiently awaited Eveline’s arrival. He’d sent Rorie up for her several minutes ago, and they’d yet to make an appearance.
His brothers were already seated and the other clansmen were filtering in and settling at the other tables. Any moment now the serving women would be in with the food, or at least he hoped Nora had found adequate replacements for the women he’d dismissed earlier in the day.
He was ready to go up to see if there was an issue when Eveline appeared at the end of the hall.
Graeme caught his breath. Indeed, the entire hall quieted. There wasn’t a single murmur as all attention was directed at Eveline.
She was beautiful. Poised. Confident looking. Until his gaze reached her eyes and it was then he could see the fear and nervousness reflected in them.
He stood, without even processing his intention to do so. He stepped down from the dais and walked down the center between the tables lining the walls. When he reached her, he saw that Rorie was just behind her, watching, almost as if she was gauging whether she needed to intervene on Eveline’s behalf.
He smiled at his sister, proud that Eveline had such a champion. Rorie smiled back.
Then he put his arm out to Eveline and turned his smile down to her. “You look beautiful, my lady.”
The fear and nervousness fled her eyes as a smile took over her face. It was so brilliant that Graeme felt like someone had knocked the breath from him.
She slid her hand over his arm, her fingers just peeking from the sleeve of her overtunic. The cuffs were embroidered with dainty silver threads in a swirling feminine pattern that suited Eveline.
Turning, he paused a moment as they faced the hall. All eyes were on them as he began to lead her back down the center toward the head table where his brothers waited.
He noticed that his clansmen weren’t attempting to say anything, even quietly at their tables. He had to hold back his smile. Since learning of Eveline’s ability to see what one said without having to be in hearing distance, they’d likely all be more circumspect about saying anything around her.
When he helped Eveline up the step, his brothers rose and stood while he seated Eveline beside him. Rorie followed behind and slid into her place next to Bowen.
Eveline smiled warmly at Bowen and Teague and then settled gracefully onto the bench. Graeme sat at the head of the table and then offered his goblet to Eveline.
She took it with a murmured thank-you, too low for anyone to have heard. He barely caught it himself, but he wouldn’t draw attention to her by telling her it was barely discernible. He didn’t want to make her any more nervous than she already was.
Across the table, Teague motioned for Eveline’s attention and when she turned her gaze his way, he said, “You look beautiful, Eveline.”
She blushed to the roots of her hair, her cheeks a delightful shade of pink. This time when she said thank you, she said it loudly enough for those closest to her to hear.
Graeme reached underneath the table and squeezed her hand.
Just then, Nora came bustling into the hall followed by a procession of women whom Graeme noted had previously either worked in the fields or were assigned to washing of the clothes. A few looked nervous, having not served the laird directly, but the others dove into their new duty with confidence and began serving food and drink.
Graeme’s table was served first and he made sure Eveline was given priority. By now, it was clear that he would tolerate no disrespect, so the women went out of their way to attend Eveline.
Satisfied that at least for this night there would be no upset for Eveline, Graeme settled back to eat his meal.
“Have you sent for Father Drummond?” Rorie asked.
Graeme sighed. “No, imp, I haven’t.”
She frowned at him, allowing him to see her displeasure over his response.
“You promised.”
Eveline was glancing rapidly back and forth to follow the conversation so Graeme purposely slowed so she would be able to participate.
“Aye, I did at that. I’ve not had the time and to be honest, it hasn’t been a priority with all else we have happening of late.”
“But you promised, Graeme! You said if I was nice to Eveline, you’d send for the priest so I could learn to read and write.”
As soon as the words were out of Rorie’s mouth, she clamped her hand over her lips, an expression of horror etched on her face.
Eveline dropped her gaze, staring down at her food. But not before he saw the devastation in her eyes. It was instinctive for him to want to protect her. It made him furious that Rorie had been so careless.
“Damn it, Rorie,” Graeme growled. “You go too far this time.”
“I’m sorry!” Rorie cried. “Oh Graeme, it wasn’t what I meant at all. You know it’s not. I like Eveline.”