Midnight for Morgana by Shirley Martin Read Free Book Online Page A

the room. Kelwyn Muir clapped his hands for attention. “You are all invited to feast in the dining
     
     room, where we can toast the bride and groom.”
     
    Morgana suppressed a smile as the prince escorted her to the dining room. Her father had borrowed the table and chairs from one of the kind neighbors, and she had prepared the feast herself.  Her sisters had done nothing but primp before the wedding, trying on one gown after another, leaving the discarded dresses on the floor. Who was going to pick up after them now? Morgana knew the sisters both hoped to meet eligible men among the local population, and she wished them well in their endeavors, if only for her father’s sake, so that he would have them off his hands.
     
    A lace tablecloth topped the oaken table that seated twenty, a table decorated with burning candles in iron holders and more silk bows. Dressed in their finest silks and velvets, their jewels glittering, the guests filed into the dining room, chatting and laughing, enjoying this special day, for weddings among the titled population were rare occurrences in Dornach.
     
    The prince–she must remember to think of him as Keir–held a chair for her, then sat down at the place next to hers, while her father seated himself at the head of the table. After toasts were said, local girls brought in plates from the kitchen, the dishes piled high with ham and baked trout, candied sweet potatoes and steamed broccoli. Other girls poured wine for the guests into sparkling crystal glasses, and Morgana experienced a wave of gratefulness that Papa had kept Mama’s fine dishes and glassware, for so much else had been sold.
     
    Morgana tried to eat but picked at her food; too many anxieties taunted her. What would happen tonight? Would Keir be kind and patient with her, or would he have his way with her, whatever that meant, for she had only a vague idea of what happened in the marriage bed. What kind of husband would he be, and what would his parents–the king and queen!–think of her? They would not approve of her, of that she felt sure, she who came from a poor family, doing all the cooking and housework. At least her hands didn’t betray the rough work she’d always performed, for she applied perfumed sheep’s grease to them every night.
     
    Smiling, Keir turned her way and nodded toward her dress. “That color becomes you, Morgana. You look lovely.”
     
    Her face warmed at his compliment. “Why, thank you, Keir. You look quite handsome yourself.” Such mundane conversation, she mused, yet it occurred to her that today was the first time they had addressed each other by name, a good beginning, at least. She strove to show enjoyment in the feast and this special day, her wedding day. But uncertainties bombarded her, doubts of what the king and queen would think of her, of how she would adjust to life at the castle, but more than anything, the prospect of spending this night with her husband. That thought alone pushed everything to the back of her mind. With only her imagination to guide her, she assured herself that Keir would be gentle and considerate, and would not purposely hurt her. Sneaking a glance at him, she saw he was deep in conversation with her sister Nola. Jealousy stabbed her, a painful shaft from her heart to her stomach, but she quickly berated herself for her possessiveness. He was merely showing courtesy to a family member, and it would appear odd if he ignored her sister.
     
    She caught her father’s gaze on her and gave him an encouraging smile, guiltily aware she’d thought only of herself since the prince–Keir–had proposed. Poor Papa, now he was stuck with her self-centered sisters, who had never dusted, swept, or cooked. If she’d had the time, she would have prepared them for their duties, show them how to wash dishes and cook the meals. But everything had happened so fast after the prince’s proposal, leaving her with only time to give the house a good cleaning