“Iain's gaze went back and forth between Gillian and Brodick. "Father Laggan's back," he remarked."And there's another, younger priest named Stevens with him.""Why are you telling me this?" Brodick asked."I just wanted you to know there are two priests available," Iain explained with a meaningful glance atGillian.”

“I didn't sleep with Brodick," she blurted out. "I have no need for a priest.""Yes, you did too.""Alec, it isn't polite to contradict your elders.""But, Mama...""Hush, sweetheart."Gillian glared at Brodick. He could easily correct this horrid misunderstanding if he would only offer a quick explanation. He wasn't inclined. He winked at her. "I didn't know a face could get that red," he remarked."Do explain," she demanded."Explain what?" he asked, feigning innocence.She turned to Judith. "We were camping...and it isn't what it sounds like...I did sleep, and when I awakened...they were all there...""They?" Iain asked."His soldiers.""You slept with his soldiers too?”

“Can we get on with this?" Father Laggan cried out. "In the name of the Father…""I'm inviting my aunt Millicent and uncle Herbert to come for a visit, Iain, and I'm not going through the council to get permission first.""… and of the Son," the priest continued in a much louder voice."She'll be wanting King John next," Duncan predicted."We can't allow that, lass," Owen muttered."Please join hands now and concentrate on this ceremony," Father Laggan shouted, trying to gain everyone's attention."I don't want King John to come here," Judith argued. She turned to frown at Owen for making such a shameful suggestion. "I want my aunt and uncle. I'm getting them, too." She turned and had to peek around Graham in order to look up at Iain. "Yes or no, Iain.""We'll see. Graham, I'm marrying Judith, not you. Let go of her hand. Judith, move over here."Father Laggan gave up trying to maintain order. He continued on with the ceremony. Iain was paying some attention. He immediately agreed to take Judith for his wife.She wasn't as cooperative. He felt a little sorry for the sweet woman. She looked thoroughlyconfused."Judith, do you take Iain for your husband?"She looked up at Iain before giving her answer. "We'll see.""That won't do, lass. You've got to say I do," he advised."Do I?"Iain smiled. "Your aunt and uncle will be welcomed here."She smiled back.....Judith tried not to laugh. She turned her attention back to Father Laggan. "I will say I do,"she told him. "Shouldn't we begin now?""The lass has trouble following along," Vincent remarked.Father Laggan gave the final blessing while Judith argued with the elder about his rude comment. Her concentration was just fine, she told him quite vehemently.She nagged an apology out of Vincent before giving the priest her attention again. "Patrick, would you go and get Frances Catherine? I would like her to stand by my side during the ceremony.""You may kiss the bride," Father Laggan announced.”

“Only after the words were spoken did she realize what she had said. "My sins are all your fault, Brodick, and if I have to go to purgatory, then by God, you're going with me. Ramsey, if you do not stop laughing,I swear I shall toss you over this cliff.""Do you love him, lass?" Father asked."I do not," she answered emphatically."It isn't a requirement," Laggan pointed out."I should hope not," she cried."But it would make your life easier," he countered."Gillian, you will tell the truth," Brodick demanded.He grabbed hold of her hand. She tried to pull back, but he wouldn't let go."I have told the truth. I don't love Ramsey, and if he doesn't stop laughing at me, the Sinclairs will soon be looking for a new laird.""Not Ramsey," Laggan shouted so he could be heard over Ramsey's laughter. "I'm asking you if you love Brodick.""Did you tell Father I love you? Who else did you tell?”

“The little boy leaned against his father's chest and slowly nodded. "Yes," he said. "I heard all of thenames, but I don't remember the other two… just the man who hurt Gillian.""That's the name I most want," Brodick said softly. "Who is he, Alec?""Alec, please," Gillian began."Tell me, Alec. Who is he?""Baron," Alec whispered. "His name is Baron.”

“As soon as the boy left the hall, Ramsey suggested that Brodick fill Gideon in on all that had transpired."Our commanders are going to have to coordinate their efforts for the attack," he said. "Iain wants Winslow and Dylan and you to handpick the soldiers who'll ride with us into England.""We're attacking England?" Gideon asked, astonished."No," Brodick answered. "Though the thought of it warms my heart.”