A McKenna Family Christmas

Chapter Five

Chapter Five

            Dusk was to settle soon but there was enough daylight still left outside to guide his way.  A way he knew by heart, a way that he usually took once a month.  It was lightly snowing, big fluffy flakes falling gingerly from the sky.  Out through the doors to the castle, through the courtyard, up passed the stables, and then slightly to the right was his destination.

The gate creaked as he opened it, the only sound that vibrated in the still of the late afternoon.  Not even the distance sounds of birds could be heard in this weather.  Every animal was hiding, only venturing out when necessary to collect some food.

He came to a stop at a familiar place and noticed that he wasn’t the only one who had visited.  He gently laid the pine bough that he discreetly removed off one of the tables and placed it by the others that were already there.  He leaned over and wiped the snow from the top of the headstone, he knew the words by heart, he had instructed the mason what he wanted read.

Beloved wife and mother

Lady Roslyn McKenna

1363 – 1389

 

Angus kneeled in the snow and took a deep breath.  She has been gone for so long, more than thirty years, but the ache in his chest never truly went away.  It lessened as the years went by, lessened even more after he married Catriona, but Angus would never forget his first love, the mother of his children.

“They are all home, my love,” he whispered into the dark.  “Aye, tis verra fine indeed to have them all here.   Ye’d be proud of the lads, fine men they all have become.  Fine lasses they all have married, love matches as I know ye wished for.  Ye told me that ye would watch over them all, I suppose then ye have been.  I wish to thank ye for that.”

He sighed before he continued on, “Our grandchildren, all blessed in their own way.  We are blessed, my love, for god has gifted us with a fine lot of them.  Lasses with such beauty that our sons will have their hands full of suitors coming for them.  Grant will enjoy the torment his older brothers will endure with the task of finding them all husbands.”

“Our grandson’s, fine men they will all make.  Grant’s third son Aric, much like our Ian he is.  I recall when Ian was a wee lad, how he never left your side.”  Angus chuckled then, memories flooding back as he trailed his finger through the snow.  “I recall when Ian wasn’t so happy when Robert came along, jealous he was of his brother.”

“Alex will be a fine Laird after Andrew.   He already shows signs of promise to be a good leader; his arrogance matches his Da’s. This pleases me greatly.  With Donald as his second, I will never have to worry for welfare of the McKenna’s.   The Clan is in strong hands to protect the next generation and the generations to come.”

“Our Roslyn is most like ye.  Not in appearance, for she has the Campbell eyes and the darker colouring of the McKenna’s, but tis her spirit that reminds me most of ye.  She has a fire in her eyes, determination to do as she will.   Andrew has his hands full with her, she will need a fine husband with a strong hand to control her reckless ways.   Full of adventure she is, just as ye were.”

“Not long ago twas verra ill, I was.   I was fevered for several days and I saw ye, my love. Ye held your hand out to me, forgive me for not taking it,” Angus whispered as his chest constricted.  “I wish to remain a wee while longer.  Long enough to see at least my first grandchild married off.” 

Angus stood up and brushed the snow from his knees and shook out his cloak.  He looked over his shoulder towards the castle, then back to look at the headstone. “I best return to the castle.   Supper will be served soon and if Emma knows that I have been out in the cold, she will scold me the rest of the evening.   Aye...verra protected she is of me, ye would have loved her.”

Touching the headstone one more time, he trailed his fingers across the top and came to a rest at the end.  “Good-bye, my love,” he whispered and headed back to his family.

Angus slid back into the great hall quietly, for the hall was crowded, almost to overflowing.   Emma made sure to invite all who wish to share in the feast that she asked cook to prepare.  He also knew of the lively entertainment that she has prepared for after into the evening. 

As he walked up to the dais, Catriona slid in beside him, put her arm around his waist and gave him a smile.   “Ye are well, husband,” she asked him.

Bending low, kissing her on her brow, “Aye my sweet, all is well.”  Putting his arm around her delicate shoulders, Angus took his wife over to their seats at the high table.  They had no secrets from each other, she knew of where he had just come from.  He even brought her with him at times, but today, he wished to go alone.

They feasted for hours, only several dishes coming out at one time.  The children remained restless, all knowing that they would each receive a gift after supper had finished.  Normally the Laird would hand out the gifts to all the children, but for the McKenna grandchildren, Emma had asked Catriona and Angus to hand them out.  Andrew will deliver the remaining gifts to the children of the clansmen and servants who work the castle.

When the dancing commenced, Angus was the first to rise and take his wife onto the dance floor.   Tables were all cleared and pushed off to the side so that everyone may enjoy themselves.   One by one, Angus danced with his daughter-in-laws, his granddaughters and then once again, back with his wife.

He was enjoying himself immensely, he was going to enjoy every moment of his entire family being underneath one roof.

When the new day was about to dawn, more tables of food and sweetmeats were brought out for all to share.  After the feast they ate not long ago, one would think that no one would be hungry, but that was not the case. 

Most of the younger children were all tucked into their beds, nursemaids not far so that their parents could continue to enjoy the festivities in the great hall.   The older children were still up, still dancing, amusing themselves with their cousins and friends.

After a small repast, Angus stood up, calling for all to quiet, for he wish to make a toast.

“Tis just a few words that I wish to say,” Angus’ voice boomed across the hall for all to hear.  “Yuletide tis the season to give thanks for all that we have, to spend with family and friends.  To all who prepared the fine meal we all so verra much enjoyed, I give my thanks to.”

A round of cheer, goblets raised high above heads in agreement with Angus. 

“My thanks to  Lady McKenna, my other daughter-in-laws...Lady Jenny, Lady Elise, Lady Kathryn for the help and preparations for the fine day we all enjoyed together.   To my wife Lady Catriona, I thank the heavens for sending you to me.  You bring me much joy and comfort to this lonely old man.”

“My son’s and fellow clansmen, I give thanks for the protection they provide this clan, the food they provide so that we all may eat, and the company they give in keeping this old man alive.”

“My grandchildren, the greatest joys in my life.  They are the reason why I wish to rise from my bedchamber every day.  Without them, this castle would be dull and lifeless.   Now it is alive and always full of chatter.   I give my thanks to them, for they are my reason to continue to live on.”

“Raise your goblets high,” Angus shouted.  “To the McKenna’s!”