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Post by ladyfiaran22 on May 18, 2020 18:03:25 GMT -5
Chapter 20
They arrived at the McKenna's house several minutes later. Jeanie was there, her hands nervously clutching her apron. James smiled reassuringly at her, before facing Violet and Axel.
"Jeanie, Liam, James, wait there while we examine the patient", she said, as her and Axel entered the room.
The room was very dark, oppresively so. The drapes completely covered the windows, plunging the room into almost total darkness. They could barely make out the prone figure of the woman on the bed, her graying blond hair the only color in the room.
Axel felt a tingling sensation in the back of his neck. Why is this room so dark? And why are the windows shut? A person could get sick just being in here, he shuddered.
"Mistress McKenna, it is me, Violet, the healer's daughter. I need to see you", she whispered.
She slowly opened her eyes, the pale blue orbs glittering brilliantly in the dark room. "I am fine. Liam is just worried, that is all", she croaked.
I don't like the look of her. This is not a cold, this may be a lot worse, he frowned.
"Mistress McKenna, Liam tells me ye have been coughing plenty, and even spitting up blood. That and yer weakness and pallor means ye have the consumption", said Violet gently.
"No, no, it cannot be. What about Jeanie and Morag and Liam? Who shall take care of them? And where shall they live? I cannot die", she wailed, starting to sob.
Axel watched the scene unfold. Damn, we gotta do something. Who's gonna watch the kids?, he wondered. Suddenly, he felt guilty for all the times he'd spoken back to his parents, for every time he complained about touring or yelled at his bandmates.
"Mistress McKenna, we shall come up with something. Rest now, and I shall make you a honeysuckle tea", whispered Violet. She nodded weakly, her eyelids drooping closed.
"What happened with Mam?", asked Liam, hope in his voice.
Violet sighed. "Everyone, sit down. Liam, Jeanie, your Mam has the consumption. I am afraid she will not live long, I am very sorry", she murmurred.
Liam's eyes filled with tears, while Jeanie looked on numbly. It cannot be. Two months ago, she was fine, and now she is dying. Where do we go? Liam is not old enough to be the man of the house, she thought.
James observed them, a bland look on his face. However, he could feel their pain, he'd been there before. Damn, that's terrible. And we can't do anything about it, he thought, a solitary tear falling down his cheek.
The sound of coughing prompted Violet to check on her again. Mrs. McKenna was awake, an odd look in her eyes.
"Mistress McKenna, ye should be resting", she chided gently.
"Bring Master Hamilton and Jeanie into the room", she croaked. Violet looked puzzled, but left the room.
James and Jeanie entered the room. He felt a shiver go down his spine, the room reminded him of his mother's room. What does she want? he wondered, gripping Jeanie's hand.
"Jeanie, Master Hamilton. I have one wish before I go. Jeanie, I want to see ye and Liam and Morag safe. Master Hamilton, I want ye to wed Jeanie, so her and Liam and Morag will be protected. Ye are a good man, and will be able to provide for them. But do not wait too long, I do not have much time", she whispered.
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Post by Tim on May 18, 2020 18:23:13 GMT -5
Spitting up blood. Sounds like TB, and in those days, that was a death sentence.
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Post by ladyfiaran22 on May 19, 2020 5:22:28 GMT -5
Chapter 21
"James, I still can't believe it. Mr. James Hamilton, ladies' man extraordinaire, is getting married", teased Axel.
"I know. I can't believe it myself. But I like Jeanie, and it was her Mom's wish. I'm sure we'll get along in time. This just feels so weird", he sighed, buttoning up his shirt.
"Yeah, I mean, look on the bright side. Jeanie's hot, at least it wasn't an ugly chick", he cracked.
"Karlsson, you got a sick sense of humor, dude. Jeanie's cool, and James likes her. Go hang with your girlfriend and stop bothering the groom", said Kurt.
"All right. It's just that it seems so unreal. I never thought James is the marrying type, but hell, what do I know?", he shrugged.
"Jeanie, you look so beautiful. James will be thrilled to see you", said Violet.
Jeanie gave her a small smile, gazing at her reflection in the mirror. I cannot believe we are getting married. I hope James is not upset, it is so sudden,, she thought, frowning.
"Do not be upset, Jeanie. James is a good lad, even though he is an Outlander. He shall take care of ye and Liam, and Cliff is courting Morag, so he can take care of her", said her mother.
"Mama, I am so nervous. What if James doesna show up? What if he is angry? It is so sudden", she cried.
"Jeanie, have ye seen how he looks at ye? He fancies ye. And he will be a good provider, him being one of the hunters. And he shall be a father to Liam. I want to see ye safe, the healer says I dinna have much time", she croaked, coughing loudly.
Liam watched the scene with mixed emotions. On the one hand, he was exited to have James as a father. On the other hand, he hoped he wouldn't be mad about the hasty wedding. I have got to speak with him, he thought, leaving the room.
"Hey Liam, how you doing, little dude?", joked James.
"Master Hamilton, Jeanie is worried about the marriage. She thinks ye shall get mad at her, for this is a hasty wedding. Ye must promise me, ye will not hurt her ever", he said, blue eyes glowing with determination.
James was taken aback by his declaration. "Liam, I like your sister. In fact, I think she's beautiful, and a sweet girl. I am not gonna hurt her. My own father was an asshole, and the last thing I want to hurt her. You have my word", he replied, extending his hand.
Liam took his hand, shaking it vigorously. "I am holding ye to yer promise, James. She is me sister, and if ye hurt her in any way, I shall kill ye", he said fiercely.
"Wow, I understand, Liam", he replied.
"Liam, don't worry. I'll get on his ass, I won't hurt Morag either, she's been hurt enough", said Cliff.
"Aye, I ken, Cliff. Morag is still me kin, and I protect all me kin", he said.
"Are ye ready yet? Us women are already finished", admonished Morag.
Cliff put an arm around her, kissing her cheek. "Almost done, baby. Is your aunt gonna be okay?", he asked, concerned.
"Aye, she says she will rest after the ceremony", she replied.
"Okay, we're done, let's go", said James
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Post by Tim on May 19, 2020 11:17:58 GMT -5
I guess these guys are not planning on returning to the 21st Century. You don't talk about weddings and such unless you're planning to stay.
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Post by ladyfiaran22 on May 20, 2020 6:09:08 GMT -5
Chapter 22
James stood before the altar in the church, conscious of all the eyes on him. It seemed as though the entire village were there to witness the wedding, he mused.
The priest stood before him, adorned in his best robes. "I ken ye are nervous, laddie. Do not worry, yer bride will show", he said reassuringly.
Out of the corner of his eye, he saw his bandmates and their women seated in the front row, along with Liam and Mrs. McKenna. Liam smiled at him, giving him the thumbs up.
Just then, the piper played a soft, lilting melody. James stood still, but he could feel Jeanie walking down the aisle, escorted by Conor.
His breath caught in his throat, surprised at her loveliness. She wore a delicate lacy gown in pale lavender, her gleaming chestnut hair falling to her waist. On top of her head was a garland of white lillies, their heady fragrance filling the air. She smiled shyly at him, a flush on her cheeks.
"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here to join in Holy Matrimony James Hamilton and Jeanie McKenna. If anybody here has an objection to this marriage, please speak now or forever hold your peace", intoned the priest.
When no one spoke up, he continued. "Do you, James Hamilton, take Jeanie McKenna to be your lawfully wedded wife, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, till death do ye part?", he asked.
"I do", he replied.
"Jeanie McKenna, do ye take James Hamilton to be your lawfully wedded husband, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, till death do ye part?", he repeated.
Jeanie took a deep breath, her heart racing. "I do", she said simply.
"By the power vested in me by the Holy Mother Church, I shall now pronounce you man and wife. Ye shall now kiss the bride", said the priest.
James took her into his arms, blue eyes twinkling with mischief. He leaned down and kissed her lips, as she moaned softly. He broke the kiss, winking at her. "Later, darlin'", he chuckled.
The church emptied as the people descended on the keep. "Since you are my retainer and are married to a Mackenzie woman, ye shall have the reception at the castle", Conor had explained.
Mrs. McKenna embraced her daughter. "Aye, ye are such a beautiful bride, Jeanie. James, I expect ye to take care of me daughter", she admonished.
"I will, ma'am", he replied solemnly.
The main hall of the castle was set up with enormous tables and benches, with a large open space for dancing. The tables were set with plates and cups, the musicians setting up on a dais at the far end.
Kurt went with the musicians. "You got the song down? I know they're gonna love it", he said, dark eyes twinkling.
"I know, Kurt. It is an odd tradition, but a pleasant one. What did you say the name of the troupe was?", asked Mary.
"The band's name is Led Zeppelin. They were really popular when I was a kid", he replied. And the song is for us as well, he thought, smiling at the idea.
Kurt was still smiling when he stood in the center of the dais. He cleared his throat, as everyone turned to face him.
"I'd like to congratulate James and Jeanie on their wedding. May you guys have a long, happy, prosperous life together. Anyway, you guys, it's time for your first dance, so don't be shy", he said, as the musicians played Thank You by Led Zeppelin.
James's eyes widened in surprise, a grin forming on his face. Cheeky bastard, he got them to play a Zeppelin tune. I wonder how'd they feel if they knew who wrote it, he chuckled, leading Jeanie onto the dance floor.
He took her into his arms, as they slow-danced to the song. Jeanie was a bit shy at first, but then she relaxed against him, feeling safe in his hars. She looked up, as he smiled at her.
"Just relax, darlin'", he whispered, a hint of desire in his voice.
The song ended, as the band played a lively jig. The rest of the guests got to their feet and began to dance. Axel found Violet talking to her father, and walked over to her.
"Do you want to dance, Axel?", she asked.
He grinned at her. "Of course", he replied, green eyes twinkling with mirth.
Kilwich smiled at them, as he walked over to Mrs. McKenna. "Are ye all right, Mistress? Do ye need to rest?", he asked, concerned.
She smiled wanly at him. "I am tired. I need someone to escort me back to me cottage", she sighed.
He started to go after Violet, but she stopped him. "No, let her enjoy herself with her young man. Let somone else go", she whispered.
"Excuse me, please escort Mistress McKenna back to her house", he told one of the servant girls.
"Aye, I shall", she replied, leading her out the door.
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Post by Tim on May 20, 2020 11:47:13 GMT -5
A song that will not be written for two centuries.
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Post by ladyfiaran22 on May 20, 2020 22:08:23 GMT -5
Chapter 23br] Several Weeks Later
"Morag, ye look poorly. Are you all right?", asked Jeanie, concerned.
"Aye, I feel a might peaked, that is all, Jeanie. I hope it is what I think it is", she said, her eyes gleaming.
"Morag, then you must wed Cliff. Or else the child will be born a bastard", admonished Jeanie.
"What if the bairn dies and we are wedded? He shall desert me for a fertile woman. No, I shall wed him after the bairn is born", said Morag.
"Morag, you okay? You look like crap", said Cliff, embracing her.
"Cliff, I think I am having your bairn", she said excitedly.
His eyes widened in shock, a delighted grin on his face. "That's great. I can't believe it. I'm gonna be a dad!", he shouted, jumping up and down.
"Aye, and I am going to be carrying the wee bugger in me belly. All ye did was lie with me, Cliff", said Morag, rolling her eyes.
"Wow, I never thought I'd be a dad. I mean, where I'm from people have kids when they're older. But it's cool anyway, I wanna teach 'em to hunt and fish and play music and everything", he said eagerly.
"But what if it is a girl?", she asked cheekily.
"Same thing. I don't want a little prissy daughter, I want a daughter who kicks ass", he replied.
"Cliff, then she will not find a husband. Ye want her to be an old maid?", she retorted.
"Hell no, but I don't want any guys sniffing around her either", he grumbled.
Jeanie smiled at the couple, then left the house, walking to the graveyard. She walked amongst the graves until she found the newest one.
She bent down, gently tracing the inscription:
Meg McKenna 1701-1742 Beloved wife, mother, aunt Rest with the angels
A tear fell from her eye, a sad smile on her face. "Man, James is a very good man, you were right. Liam loves him like a father, and Morag is carrying Cliff's bairn. And I think I am carrying James' bairn as well", she whispered, getting up.
"Hello, Mistress Hamilton. James is hunting with the boys, they are preparing for the stag hunt. Do ye need to speak with him?", asked Alasdair.
"Yes, I have very good news. It is urgent", she said, stiffling a giggle.
Alasdair looked at her, his eyes quickly taking in her slightly rounded belly. "Aye, ye are carrying his bairn. James shall be pleased to hear this", he chuckled.
Just then, James led the young boys back to the keep. Jeanie's heart quickened at the sight of her husband. James wore a leather shirt, his dark green kilt revealing his muscular legs. His hair had lightened from exposure to the sun, blue eyes peering out from his tanned face.
He smiled when he saw his wife. "Jeanie, great to see you", he said, embracing her.
"James, I have got great news. I think I am carrying your child", she said, blue eyes glowing with happiness.
James was speechless. What, she's pregnant? Damn. I hope I don't fuck this up, he thought.
"That's great, Jeanie. But there's stuff I gotta tell you about my family. But I will be the best damn father I can be to this kid, I'm not going to fuck this up", he vowed.
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Post by Tim on May 20, 2020 23:21:44 GMT -5
Wouldn't Meg's full name (most likely Margaret) be on that tombstone. She didn't make it and was only 41. Common back then.
So Morag is pregnant again. Hope she has a healthy baby this time.
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Post by ladyfiaran22 on May 21, 2020 7:44:15 GMT -5
Chapter 24
Kurt sighed, draining his glass of whiskey. He'd just heard that Cliff and James were going to be fathers, and this depressed him. Of course, he was happy for his friends, but it made him realize what he was missing.
Even Axel has got Violet, they're so happy together. Me and Mary meet in secret, and I don't even have the guts to ask the laird permission to court her, I'm such a wuss, he scowled.
"Kurt, are ye all right?", asked Rory, concerned for his friend.
He sighed. "James and Cliff are going to be fathers, and here I am, sneaking around to see Mary like some teenager. Even Axel has got himself a girlfriend", he sighed.
"Why do you not ask the laird permission to court her? He is not a tyrant, and he may consent", replied Rory.
"Yeah, but I'm just a musician and she's his ward. I'm not rich or a laird, just some guy works in the castle", he replied sadly.
"Kurt, ye are a wonderful guitar player and composer. And Mary is sweet on yer. The laird is not a bad man, nor is he a cruel man. I shall vouch for you. But if he does give permission, ye will have to court her properly and ye cannot take her virtue. You must wait until the wedding night", he warned.
"I know that. We haven't been doing anything like that. Mostly we just talk, and I show her how to play songs on the guitar. She's really good at playing the guitar. Right now, I'm teaching her to play Stairway to Heaven", he said.
"Good to know that. Tomorrow, we got before the laird and make our case. But be careful, do not compromise her", said Rory.
That night, Kurt lay in bed, waiting for the signal. In the dim light, he could see Cliff's empty bed, neatly made. He's with Morag. I can't believe he's fucking a pregnant chick, he chuckled.
When he heard the signal, he quickly left the room, careful not to make a sound. He reached Mary's chamber, entering the room and closing the door behind him.
Mary stood in the center of the room, the candlelight glowing on her. She wore a sheer white shift, her long blond hair loose and flowing. She smiled at him, blue eyes twinkling with delight.
Kurt walked over to her, kissing her lips. She returned the kiss, leading her over to the bed. Their kiss deepened, moans echoing in the room.
They finally broke apart, as Kurt took her hand in his. "Mary, I was talking with Rory, and he had a great idea. He says I should speak to the laird, to ask permission to court you. What do you think?", he asked eagerly.
Her eyes widened in surprise. "Kurt, are you sure? What if he does not give permission?", she asked worriedly.
"That'll suck. But if he says yes, we can be a real couple like James and Jeanie and Cliff and Morag and Axel and Violet. That'll be wonderful!", he enthused.
"All right, but you must be careful. Be respectful, and look your best. Maybe I can be with you", she suggested.
"Great idea, Mary", he said, kissing her again
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Post by Tim on May 21, 2020 11:20:24 GMT -5
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Post by ladyfiaran22 on May 21, 2020 11:34:02 GMT -5
Yeah, just wait and read the rest.
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Post by Tim on May 21, 2020 16:34:25 GMT -5
I'm not being critical here, just making observations.
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Post by ladyfiaran22 on May 21, 2020 19:37:53 GMT -5
Chapter 25
Kurt stood in front of the mirror, gazing at his reflection critically. I have to look right, I don't want the laird to think I'm a slob, he thought.
He was dressed somberly in a dark green and black kilt, with a white buttoned-down shirt and black jacket. His hair was freshly combed, the black ringlets grazing his collar.
"Are ye ready, Kurt?", asked Rory.
Kurt sighed, smiling weakly at him. "Yeah, ready as I'll ever be", he replied.
"Good, follow me", he said, as they left the room.
The laird looked upon the two men as they bowed deeply before him. "What do you need to see me for?", he asked, curiousity in his eyes.
Kurt took a deep breath, as Rory put a hand on his shoulder. "Your Lordship, I ask a favor from you. I would like permission to court your ward, Mary Drummond", he said solemnly.
The laird raised an eyebrow, a thoughtful look on his face. "Master Holmes, you are aware of the position you occupy in my household. You are a court musician, and she is my ward. She is not for the likes of you. If you would like, I can arrange for you to court another Mackenzie woman. I am sorry, Master Holmes, but she is far above your station", he said kindly.
Kurt sighed, feeling depressed. "Thank you for your generosity, your Lordship", he whispered.
The laird smiled at him. "Master Holmes, I too once desired a woman above my station. She was the daughter of the Lord of the Isles, the MacDonald of MacDonald, the most powerful clan in the Highlands. Her father refused, saying that I was too lowly. I was upset, but I eventually married Margaret, the daughter of the Laird Ross. She made me happy, and bore me Conor. You shall find happiness with a woman of your own station", he said kindly.
Mary and her maid Elsbeth were gathering flowers in the meadow. It was a beautiful autumn day, a slight chill in the air. The grasses were turning brown, the purple heather startling amongst the dun color.
"Aye, it so lovely, Elsbeth. I hope Kurt’s meeting with the laird went well", said Mary worriedly.
"I hope so too, mistress. But do not get yer hopes up. He is a retainer, and ye are a ward", she warned.
They were so busy gathering heather, that they barely heared the thunder of horses hooves. Elsbeth looked up, her brown eyes wide in horror. Two horsemen in black hooded cloaks approached them, riding on dull brown horses. Their cloaks obscured their faces, their kilts bearing the design of the Black Watch.
"Run mistress!", she yelled. Mary dropped her basket, but before she could run, one of them struck her on the head with a club, as she crumpled to the ground. Elsbeth screamed, but the other horseman hit her, as she fell unconscious.
"The girl is the blond one?", asked one of the horsemen.
"Yes, we were told to get the blond one", said his companion.
"What about the other one?", he asked.
"Take her and dump her far from here, so she cannot find her way back. The blond one goes to the laird, we shall get a great bounty for this", he chuckled maliciously.
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Post by Tim on May 21, 2020 23:18:50 GMT -5
Well, they spared Elspeth (they could have easily killed her). Hope they at least leave some food and water for her.
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Post by ladyfiaran22 on May 22, 2020 8:56:37 GMT -5
Chapter 26
Night fell, and the laird was agitated. "Where are Mary and her woman? They have not returned", he asked the steward.
"I do not know, your Lordship. I hope nothing has happened to her", he replied, trying not to sound frightened.
Kurt was writing tablature and he couldn't help but overhear the conversation. Mary's missing? But how? Aren't soldiers supposed to be guarding them?, he wondered.
"Master Holmes, I could not help but think you heard us. I am worried about her as well, laddie. There are always feuds amongst clans in the Highlands, and one must be vigilant", he said.
"Would they kill her?", he asked, feeling sick to his stomach.
"Aye, the MacDonnel's are capable. They once burned down a church when it was full of Mackenzies. Their men burned the church, barring the doors, while their piper played a happy tune. We will not forgive or forget them", he vowed.
Kurt felt his heart sink. Fuck, that's evil He had a vision of Mary alone and helpless, at the mercy of such people.
If they don't hesitate to burn down a church full of people, they won't hesitate to kill two helpless women. This is plain evil, he shuddered in disgust.
"Aye, I know in the colonies, ye do not have such feuds. But that is the way of the Highlands, laddie", he said.
The laird suddenly came up with an idea. "Master Holmes, if ye bring back Mary, not only shall ye have my permission to court her, ye have me permission to wed her as well. If ye cannot find her, ye shall be dismissed from my staff, and to leave Mackenzie lands. However, I shall give you safe passage to anywhere ye'd like, including England. Do we have a deal?", he asked, extending his hand.
He shook his hand. "Deal", he replied.
Mary slowly regained consciousness, the rocking of the horse waking her. Her eyes fluttered open as she winced in pain. Her head felt as though someone had dropped a brick on it, every motion of the horse making her ill.
"Ye are finally awake? We shall rest for a wee bit, the laird doesna want ye ill", said an unfamiliar voice, speaking with an Irish accent.
She frowned, puzzled. I do not know any Irish people. Where am I, and where is Elsbeth?, she wondered.
Her eyes flew open, when she remembered. "Who are you, and where is Elsbeth?", she asked, her voice high with fright.
His companion smiled at her. "Your serving woman? We dumped her in a heath. I did not hit her that hard, she willl be fine", he shrugged, speaking with an odd accent.
"Who are you?", she repeated.
"We are clanless men, we work for whomever gives us gold. We have been promised plenty of gold for you", said the Irish man, his green eyes gleaming with excitement.
"Who offered you gold? Perhaps the laird can match it?", she replied hopefully.
"Hah, the laird promised much gold, your laird is poor compared to him", he laughed.
"Who is this laird?", she asked.
"He is the laird of Glengarry", his companion said.
Mary felt ill. The MacDonnel's were the lords of Glengarry; these men worked for their enemy. No, not them. Oh Kirk, she thought, a tear falling down her cheek.
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