Scottish Beauty

Chapter Thirteen - Scottish Beauty

Chapter Thirteen

Emma retrieved her bolt of violet cloth from one of her guards and showed it to Jenny so that they may find some ribbons to match for Emma’s hair.    They searched and searched and could not find a ribbon to match.  Even Ian was helping them search and Emma had to chuckle to herself, Ian was helping only because it was a way for him to get closer to Jenny.    He still could not take his eyes off of her and Jenny as well, Emma had caught her many a times sneaking another quick peek at Ian.

“Lady Emma,” Jenny murmured. “Perhaps instead of ribbon, ye may like to place a few strands of pearls in your hair?”   Jenny started going through another box and found some beautiful pearls, ivory in colour and she held them up for Emma to see.  “They will match your ivory lace that ye purchased.    Your hair is lovely shade of red, the pearls will look beautiful.”

“Ye think so Jenny?” Emma asked her as she fingered the beautiful strand of pearls in her hands.   They were glorious.  Emma took a closer look at them and she noticed a very light shade of lavender in them when she moved them in the light.   They would also go well with her cloth.

“Aye, I do Lady Emma,” Jenny replied smiling.   “Ye have such glorious hair, I envy ye.   I dinna care much for my pale hair.   I canna wear pearls, they willna show up.” Jenny told her with a sad look on her face.

“Och...lass...dinna say that about your hair.    ‘Tis beautiful,” Ian told her trying to hide his blush. 
“When ye stand in the sunlight, just as ye are, your hair has a golden glow.  Aye, it is very beautiful.”

Emma noticed that Jenny just stood there in awe of Ian’s compliment.   She was wondering if the lass was going to reply, but still, she just stood there with her gaze locked onto Ian’s.    She grasped a ringlet and started twirling it within her fingers.    She looked down at her hair in her fingers, looked up at Ian and then gave him a brilliant smile.

“Well then Jenny I will take the pearls.   I thank you for your help,” Emma told her, she was so grateful for having met Jenny, to have taken her advice on the pearls instead of ribbon.

Jenny wrapped up the pearls and handed them over to Emma.    “Ye will make a very bonny bride Lady Emma,’ twas a pleasure serving ye.” Jenny told her sincerely.  Emma nodded to Jenny, took her package and walked off.  She wanted to give Jenny and Ian a moment of privacy, so she went to stand with one of the guards.

Ian turned his head and followed Emma’s retreating backside.   She left him there with her.   Feeling even shyer now, Ian turned towards Jenny who was smiling at him.   The lass has a beautiful smile, a smile that he could get use to.

Clearing his throat to gain some composure, “Jenny, thank ye for helping Lady Emma, ye are very kind.” Ian said to her.    He wanted to ask to court her or ask if he needed to ask her Da for permission to court her, but thought perhaps it would be too soon to ask.     “Will I see ye at the wedding?” Ian fidgeted with his plaid, “All the villagers are invited.  ‘Twill be a very large feast.”