Winter Wishes by unknow

Author:unknow
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

“TRY JUST A BITE.”

Mary looked at the ladle and screwed up her face. Hugh tried not to laugh. It had taken more than a little coaxing to get her to consider attempting a mouthful of haggis. But now that it sat before her on the spoon, she hesitated.

“Couldn’t I have another piece of the blackbun instead?” she said.

“No. The rest of the blackbun is for Hogmanay. We only got to try some today because cook had made an extra batch. Come on, you have to try a spot of haggis; it is the law.” He waved the ladle under her nose, laughing when she finally opened her mouth and let him feed her. She didn’t chew for a moment, a look of distaste evident on her face. Offal was not to everyone’s liking.

Then, to his delight, her face changed.

As she chewed, her eyes grew wide. She swallowed. “That was not at all what I expected. It was nutty and peppery.”

“Cook adds a lot of spices to it. Once you get over the idea that it is the heart, liver, and lungs of the sheep, it’s quite a good meat,” he replied.

He offered her a second spoonful and grinned when she accepted it without hesitation. For someone who had lived a sheltered life at the university, he was pleased to see that Mary was open to embracing new experiences.

The family were gathered in the great hall for supper. The great space had been cleaned from top to bottom. A roaring fire burned in the giant stone fireplace.

The room was a sea of Strathmore family tartan. One-year-old David was decked out in a kilt which had once been his father’s, while baby Will was wrapped up warmly in a tartan shawl. Everyone wore the family plaid. Everyone except Mary.

Hugh had broached the subject of giving Mary a Strathmore tartan stole to wear, but Ewan had refused. Only family could wear it. Hugh understood his brother’s message loud and clear. If he wanted Mary to wear the tartan, he had to make her one of the family.

Lady Caroline finally made an appearance in the great hall just before supper. She looked brighter than she had been earlier in the day but was still pale. As she came to her husband’s side, Ewan drew her in close and spoke to her. She smiled and nodded.

“Could I please have your attention for a moment,” announced Ewan.

He bent down and lifted David into his arms. Lady Caroline stood close.

“This time last year, I was fortunate to make Caroline my wife. In doing so, David gained a mother, and the castle its new duchess. Today, I am happy to announce that Caroline and I are to have our first child together in the new year.”

Ewan’s words had the immediate effect of Adelaide squealing with delight, Lady Alison giving a knowing nod of the head, and Aunt Maude searching her pockets for a handkerchief. Mary stood with her hands clasped together, held to her lips.

Before anyone had the

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