Sisters of The Bruce 1292-1314 (Abridged Version )

Sisters of The Bruce: Part 2; Chapter 2.7 (cont)

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It was late autumn and winter was nigh. Advent would begin soon and fasting would be the order of the day, at least whilst Bishop David was in the vicinity. This meant the wedding and its feast had to be concluded within a few days of their arrival. Mathilda was exhausted by all the introductions to family members, visitors and the household. Despite this, she had a sense of expectation, of waiting for something momentous to happen. And indeed it did! Whilst the household gathered in the Great Hall to await dinner, a commotion occurred outside. Guards shouted. A contingent of men rode across the drawbridge and into the bailey. Horns sounded as the stallions were brought to an abrupt standstill. The courtyard crowded with onlookers who watched as the earl and his countess welcomed Robert, King of Scots, and his armed guard. There was a certain masculine glamour to the group of dishevelled, hard-bitten soldiers, as they trooped into the Great Hall. It was to Mathilda that Robert strode. Casting all protocol aside, he lifted her up and swirled her around, much to the amazement of the household. Edward was right behind him grinning from ear to ear. It had been two long, unhappy years since they had last seen each other in Orkney, during which time tragic events had overtaken many of their loved ones.

After a hasty meal where pleasantries were exchanged at the high table, Robert excused himself for negotiations were necessary with the earl and his heir. Flushed with success, he was keen to discuss his recent victory over the Macdougalls at the Pass of Brander. Mathilda's dowry also required further examination. In addition to the lands the earl had been given and which later would fall to Hugh when he became earl, Robert granted the lucrative burgh of Nairn. Dingwall Castle was in his care, and he outlined his wishes for Hugh and Mathilda to live there. His sister was to be the chatelaine of her own castle rather than live within the domain of her mother-in-law, subordinate to her will. He would formalise the transfer of ownership to Hugh as soon as the treaty between the families was consolidated.

Mathilda relaxed by the hearth in her chamber, enjoying the peace after the newness of the day. A firm knock sounded upon the heavy door. Somehow, she knew it would be Robert. With all formalities forgotten, the siblings greeted each other with affection. Upon the trestle stood a jug of wine from which Mathilda poured two goblets, one of which she handed to her brother. In the soft firelight, she examined his face. It was lean, worn even, with care and past illness, but his eyes held a familiar warmth and intensity. He began to talk, whilst Mathilda breathed deeply of peat and the nearby sea. From up on the tower roof, an owl hooted and the nearby sounds of the castle faded into the distance. She saw the battles and troubles as Rob described them. Tears flowed down her pale cheeks when he touched upon the deaths of their brothers and many dear friends. He reached across and, with his strong fingers gentle in the moment, wiped the tears away.

It was almost too painful to go on, but go on he must, for he needed her forgiveness. He choked upon his words, unable to describe the shame that his actions wrought such infamy upon their kinfolk; bodies and spirits now crushed beneath the heel of their enemy. To then betroth Mathilda to the son of the man who had brought about this devastation – he could only imagine her hurt and confusion. Mathilda nodded for the pain was still something with which she was trying to come to terms. He might be a king, but he was her big brother and these wounds lay deep.

For a time, they watched the flames as each block of peat smouldered and caught, but it was clear from Mathilda's expression she had moved through her anger and confusion. Marriage to Hugh Ross was now something she relished – given her betrothed was a fine man in all respects, except of course his family name. Once more, Robert cursed the war which had driven so many families apart. He thanked his sister for her compassion and understanding. It was more than he could hope for, he said. Mathilda disagreed vehemently on this point. He would make a great king and deserved nothing less than his family's full support.

The joining of the Ross and Bruce families heralded a time of profound healing. All in Scotland needed to see the Bruce was genuine in his desire to bring the Scots together. Old scores were to be set aside so they could move forward as one nation.

The following morn, Mathilda and Hugh exchanged their marriage vows before Bishop David. At the family chapel at Fearn, some miles to the north of Delny Castle, a cold wind blew gusty and strong off the Firth and the bride was well-pleased with her fur-lined cloak. At the conclusion of the ceremony, the couple turned to face the expectant crowd. Hugh grasped Mathilda's chilled hand in his. Happily, they raised their arms to salute family and friends. The retinues of Earl William and Robert Bruce, King of Scots, cheered and applauded. Many understood and appreciated the deep symbolism behind this action.