Debra Kay Leland by From Whence Came A Stranger... Page B

or not, the man held the qualities that he, himself admired.  And he also knew that a marriage between his family and the Englishman would safeguard them all from English attack, and keep peace between the Glenton Moor and Chadwick too for many years to come...  He could only hope that there was still a chance that the man would take notice of his daughter and prayed it would be soon…
     
     
    W illiam glanced up, then set down the bucket in his hand, a slow smile creased his handsome face as he lifted his hand in a greeting.  He met the old man half way along the narrow trail that lead to his house and offered him his hand.  “Alden Blair, what brings thee to Glenton Moor this cold day?”
    The old man smiled softly and crossed his arms over his broad chest.  “Haven’t seen hide nor hair of ye, English.  Have ye forgotten the way to my farm?”
    The younger man just laughed, not willing to share his thoughts just then; for Alden had always welcomed him warmly into his home regardless of what his wife or children had thought of it.  “Nay, ‘tis but the cold that keeps me away.”
    The old man smiled.  “Well, I’ve come to invite ye to a wedding.  One of Miranda’s friends is mar rying Egan’s younger brother.”
    The mention of the two names made him frown as he shifted on long legs.   “Ye know well I’m not from Chadwick, nor do I even know the couple…  I fear my presence would be taken as improper.”
    The old man nodded and rubbed his bristly chin.  “Aye, but I have talked with the other villagers and all have agreed it would be more than fitting to invite ye for the good ye have done for us.”
    William drew a tense breath and his lips drew taunt at the corners.  He knew he had no business going back to Chadwick; and if he did, it would only mean seeing Miranda again and exposing hi mself to her rejection, though he would have never said so to her father.  It may have been true that the lass felt no affection for him, but to see her with Egan would only drive him to the edge of reason!  “…I thank ye, Alden, but—I must refuse.”
    The old man eyed him carefully knowing it wasn’t the answer he had hoped for.  “Yur men deserve a feast for all that they have done, William.  Come now, English, say ye shall not offend us and refuse to be our guest!”
    William shifted again, not wanting to be ungracious.  “…Aye…  Then we shall join thee, if ye are sure that n one shall take offense to it.”
    “ Ock , give it no mind, English!  I shall see thee then in two days time, the couple shall say their vows come mid morning, and we shall feast all day long!”
    Despite the friendly words, William’s heart didn’t set easy with the invitation.  And it was more than just the fact that he would see the man’s daughter again, for there was still some tension between him and a few of the villagers and the drunken revelry could lead to disaster, but yet he did not say no.
    William managed a polite smile as the old man turned to leave.  He watched him for a moment, and then turned away wondering as he went if it truly was a good idea for them to even go at all. He walked into the small barn with a frown.  “We’ve been invit ed to Chadwick for a wedding.”
    His two friends looked up at his words.  “To Chadwick?”   They glanced at one another with a worried look; for truth be told they had been more than glad that William had been staying away from the village, and now this…!
    “Aye, Alden just left.”
    “He has not given the lass to Egan has he?!”  Phillip said with a frown.
    “Nay, God forbid!  ‘Tis not his daughter who shall be wed, but her friend and Egan’s brother.”
    The three men looked at one another seeming to all have the same thoughts.  “I suppose Egan shall press for the girl’s hand now more than ever.”
    “I suppose so...”
    Thomas shook his head in disgust.  “’Twould be a pity, the lass deserves better than the likes of him!