Rhapsody and Rebellion by Aubrey Wynne

Author:Aubrey Wynne
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978-1-946560-10-0
Publisher: Aubrey Wynne

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During the next two days, Gideon met with Colin and learned more of the “dull” aspects of the MacNaughton Textiles, as he put it. He also took her and Maeve to the Botanic Gardens as promised. The last day, Colin arrived and the foursome went to Glasgow Green. It was a beautiful park, renovated after the war to provide hundreds of jobs for the unemployed. Traveling actors had set up a geggy, and small boys crisscrossed through the crowd announcing the showtime. The large wood frame covered with canvas would hold a large crowd.

“Are you interested in watching the performance?” asked Gideon. “I realize this may come as a surprise, but I enjoy comedies.”

Alisabeth giggled. “Then ye’ll be disappointed. These troupes act out Scotland’s great stories and portray our most tragic historical figures.” She took his arm, following Colin and Maeve into the tent. “So ye’ll enjoy it even more, I’m certain.”

However, the opening act had everyone laughing as a man in a short kilt attempted to play the bagpipes and dance a jig at the same time. He slipped, fell onto his side, his legs still pumping to the beat and never missing a note. He followed the act with a melancholy ballad describing the rise and fall of William Wallace. A pretty young girl of around twelve joined him to sing the lyrics and left half the crowd wiping away a tear.

That evening, Maeve kissed her son’s cheek and retired, leaving them alone in the library. Gideon sipped brandy and they both sat in comfortable silence, gazes and thoughts lost in the crackling fire.

His voice startled her after the long quiet spell. “Are you enjoying yourself so far?”

“Aye, verra much. I enjoy seeing the world outside my childhood home.” She smiled. “As a girl, I dreamt of becoming a pirate and sailing around the world. Silly, I know.”

“My father would agree with you. And at one time, I may have also. But my views seem to be shifting in my old age.” He gave her a wicked smile. “I believe you may be the culprit behind my change of heart.”

“So I should become a pirate and raid ships and collect booty?”

“I believe you are an intelligent and clever woman, who is capable of anything she sets her mind to. And I hope I’m around to see you accomplish whatever that may be, sweet Lissie.” His blue eyes sparkled with warmth and affection but when he spoke her name, they darkened to midnight blue.

As she closed her eyes that night, his voice whispered to her. Sweet Lissie. It caressed her skin, enveloped her until she felt safe and protected and drifted into a dreamless sleep. Sweet Lissie.

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