“Och, did ye now, ye crafty Highlander?”

“I did, and after, I sent a messenger to my sister, Janet. Told her I needed her help straightaway.”

“But why?”

“’Cause if anyone can influence my father, ’tis her.”

“So, will there be a sealing of the vows or nay?”

“Where Janet is involved, there won’t just be a church wedding, there will be a celebration of all the clans in the Highlands.”

Divana rested her head on Kennan’s chest. “But we’re already married in the eyes of God. I’m happy with that.”

“I am as well, but we’ll make it proper for clan and kin, and then no one in all the world will question our bond.”

“Not even Lochiel?”

“Especially not him.”

* * *

And Kennan was right. Janet Cameron arrived three days later with her husband, Laird Robert Grant. Kennan’s beautiful sister was well-bred and proper, and Divana adored her after the first day. Janet knew the vicar and the dressmaker and ordered everyone about as if she’d been born the princess of Achnacarry, which she had been.

Her husband, Robert, was nearly as handsome as Kennan, and the two of them hunted and sparred while the women made arrangements. But the most special person of all was Emma Grant, Robert’s sister. She had been afflicted with blindness since birth, but she didn’t let her disadvantage hinder her in the least. She chatted endlessly about the most amusing things while her hands stayed busy with knitting. Every once in a while, Janet would inspect her work, but the lass rarely ever dropped a stitch.

Emma played the harp as well and serenaded the family after the evening meals, except Divana didn’t attend. She had decided not to partake in family meals or anything that included her father-in-law until he accepted her as Kennan’s wife. Sadly, when the day of their wedding arrived, the great laird of Clan Cameron was still keeping his distance.

Divana stood in front of the looking glass and pressed her fingers to her stomach. “He told Her Ladyship he wouldn’t attend.”

Janet stepped behind and placed her hands on Divana’s shoulders. “If he doesn’t, he’s nothing but an old fool.”

“But it would mean ever so much if he did.”

“Do not let my stubborn father ruin your happiness. You are the woman with whom my brother has chosen to spend the rest of his days, and that is all that matters.”

“Not to worry, m’lady,” said Emma from the chair by the hearth. “If Lochiel becomes unbearable, you are more than welcome to visit us in Glenmoriston as long as you wish.”

“Thank you. I truly hope it will not come to that.”

“If it should, the pair of you are welcome always.” Janet kissed her cheek. “But enough talk. You are radiant, my dear, and ’tis nearly time to walk down the aisle.”

Emma set aside her knitting and moved toward the mirror. “I want to see the gown.” She held out her hands. “May I?”