The Dark Days

Chapter Fourteen

 Unsurprisingly, when we arrived at Lord Barrow's barn, the stares from the villagers couldn't be ignored. Not with Druig on my arm, not with our clean and beautiful dresses, and not with Isaac strutting around in his new tunic like a little prince in his own right.

We hadn't been invited to the church, only close family and friends from either side would be allowed to attend but the feast after was for all of us. The barn had been decorated in white and gold, no doubt to match the wedding procession. All things considered, the decorations were beautiful.

Nana and Mama walked in front, then Isaac and then us. I could lie and say I didn't lift my chin a little higher than usual, I could say that Isaac didn't puff out his chest a little, I could even say that Nana and Mama didn't glide into that barn with more grace than I thought than capable. But we did. Because for once in our lives, we were not shrinking ourselves. Be it the clothes, or the presence of a man with us, the confidence in our gait was unmistakable. Mama pointed out and guided us to a mostly empty table near the aisle where the bride and groom would walk to their own table on the stage.

Our table was near the centre of the hall. This put us in view of everyone who entered the hall. Let the whole world know that we had arrived.

"Are all the weddings like this?" Druig asked, pouring a glass of water for me and then one for himself. He referred to the staring, to the elaborate decorations, to the aroma of succulent food thick in the air.

I smiled my thanks for the water, and as I took the glass I said, "Yes. Though we're not always the object of the staring. Until the bride and groom get here, depending on how they present themselves, the villagers will talk about anyone who seems to be outshining everyone else. Or under shining, if that's the case."

"Your mama usually steals the eyes, I take it? I'd suggest it be you but who would notice you beside your mama?" It was a tease. Mama shot him an amused look and Nana looked like she was waiting for him to pay her a compliment as well. But the moment had passed, the tease was over and I watched the expectant look on Nana's face grow sour.

I laughed, almost choking on the water I'd sipped, "Of course. The rest of us are dressed in our finest drab to emphasise Mama's elegance." I played along, ignoring the pointed look Nana gave me, "For this wedding, though, I thought we'd try something new. Give this wedding a different narrative."

"What narrative would that be?" He asked as Lord Barrow and his family entered the hall. They usually arrived right before the wedding procession which meant the bride and groom would be arriving soon.

I grinned at him, "That my family will not be buried. I will not allow it."

Druig lowered his head and I could see his shoulders shaking as he laughed to himself. I knew the villagers already seated around us, including the two at our table, had heard me. I'd say it louder if I could have. They would overlook us no more. I would make sure of it.

I didn't know if it was Druig's presence or my newfound confidence, but when Lord Barrow passed our table, I sat up straighter. His eyes immediately went to Druig who didn't balk under his gaze. Again, I didn't think there were many things or people, if any, that could unnerve Druig.

Lord Barrow passed us and Nana sighed, she leaned over Isaac's head and whispered to Mama, "Beth, keep your daughter in line."

Mama, much to my surprise, squeezed my hand and then said to Nana, "No, I don't think I will." Tonight would be full of revelations it seemed.

I saw Eliza slide into a seat at a table a little away from ours, Henry at her side and her toddler on her hip. The babe must be with Eliza's Mama then. Our eyes met and she gave me a small tight-lipped smile. I knew she would shrink herself because of Henry. But I was happy to see her recovery. She was healthy, alive, and glowing, as always. She was effortlessly resplendent, with her bright blue eyes, pink cheeks, and pale blonde hair.