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She had drea love, of wild passion, of tears and joy, with all the highs and lows such a love would bring her Loving so fiercely ht make her cry, sometimes, but at least she would feel alive She would be alive

Instead, the e was to be convenience and necessity

The priest arrived in the late afternoon Meg happened to be passing the s that looked out upon the yew tree avenue She watched as the old man on his ancient horse, surrounded by the men of Glen Dhui, made his way toward the castle Except there was an unexpected visitor aht-backedwith thenize Major Litchfield

During his stay at the military post, the major had come often to Glen Dhui to visit her father At least, she had always believed it was her father he had co thewhy the major was here now But there was too much else to occupy her The food was almost ready, the Great Hall had been made up into a bower of leaves and branches and flowers Her father had donned his best clothes and had found a wig to wear that he had bought once in London, and she had chosen, with Alison’s help, her wedding gown

Now that the priest had arrived, all was ready

The e

“Ye look beautiful,” Alison assured Meg, surveying her with a satisfied smile

With her long auburn hair loose down her back, and sireen ribbons, and her favorite green silk gown rustling about her as she walked, Meg did look beautiful Though she didn’t feel it She felt…well, she felt like herself Plain Meg Mackintosh—the same as always Alison had dusted powder over her face, but the freckles were still there It seen, a reminder that no matter how she tried to deck herself up in her finery, she was the sa—and she alould be

Downstairs the noise was deafening People froer to participate The general had sent athe news and inviting all to come to the laird’s house for the celebration Even at such short notice, they had dropped everything and co their best clothes, and with a determination to enjoy themselves

In the Great Hall, children squealed, wo out into the baleneral had had his chair placed in the very center of the hall, so that he could greet the guests as they arrived and converse with the rest So that he would not le moment

Meg knew she should go do, and see that all ell There were probably some last minute problems, and she was the one that everyone looked to to do the solving And besides, she should show the people her face; they would be expecting a s bride The fairy tale could not be complete without a happy bride

Meg took a deep, steadying breath

She was about to wed Gregor Grant The priest aiting her, her father aiting her, the guests were awaiting her

And Gregor, her bridegroo, too

“Are ye ready now, htly anxious