and the many attractions within Edinburgh itself over the weekend; time flew by and they were soon on their way back to Aviemore laden with dresses and other shopping.
Robert had chosen to go to Amsterdam for his Stag night; thanks mainly to the pressure being brought to bear by his peers! Sally heard later that the party of 15 burly Scots had caused something of a ‘stramash,’ and subsequently had ended up in the custody of the local police for the evening. No major damage was done though; and they were allowed out of the jails to catch their flights home after a stern warning.
“Honestly Sally, it was not us that started the fight!” Robert had protested when Sally cornered him about it.
“Oh yes, of course…..It was these bad local lads – nothing to do with you at all eh!” She laughed, as she slapped him about the head.
Finally the day of the wedding came; Sally arriving at the church with Sir Malcolm in a horse-drawn carriage pulled by Romeo. The carriage had been especially adapted for him by the Estate workers, and his massive bulk pulled it easily along the quiet road to the little white church at Coylumbridge. He was decked in gleaming harness, intertwined with flowers; his mane and tail especially pleated and finished in the blooms that matched the bridesmaids own ; which were a mixture of lilac freesia and white Calla lilies . Sally was delighted that Romeo had been able to play such an important part in her big day, and Romeo seemed to be enjoying the event almost as much as she; with his head held high and a definite haughtiness to his step.
It was a small informal church, with an atmosphere that was friendly and comforting to all who came under its roof. Sally marched down the aisle not to the traditional ‘Here comes the Bride,’ but to ‘The first time ever I saw your face ’ sung by Roberta Flack . It was a beautiful song and always made her cry.
Sir Malcolm , resplendent in full Highland outfit, proudly led her on his arm down to the front of the church - Best Maids following regally behind - where Robert and his best man Tom waited. They both wore kilts of the Lindsey tartan, for traditionally the son would always wear the tartan from his mother’s clan .
As she reached Roberts side, and Malcolm released her to take his place; Robert turned and gazed upon the woman that he would spend the rest of his life with. Love and pride welled up in his chest, threatening to destroy in a blink his calm exterior; as he gazed upon the vision of beauty that stood alongside him.
The couple managed to keep their composure throughout the ceremony, as vows were given and rings exchanged. While the marriage certificates were signed, a good friend of Roberts stood with his acoustic guitar and sung a love song composed for the occasion.
Finally the time came to exit the church, and the sound system played ‘If I had words to make a day for you.’ A classic song made even more famous by the film ‘Babe,’ and a song that epitomised the desires of a couple for whom the word ‘love,’ was just too small to encompass what they truly felt for one another.
Romeo stood waiting patiently, as confetti was thrown and photographs were taken outside the church; then to much cheering he trotted off with the new Mr & Mrs Lindsey, for the short journey to the Coylumbridge hotel where the reception – in the form of a mea l and a Ceilidh would take place.
The Highland Piper was awaiting their arrival at the Hotel, and with great ceremony ‘Piped them in.’ As is usual at such occasions, the photographs seemed to take an age. Sally however took it all in her stride and mingled happily with the crowd, relishing the moment.
While the pictures were being taken, guests enjoyed the facilities of the hotel, and soon the sit-down meal was ready for them.
Robert looked at his new bride, and saw that something seemed to be troubling her.
“Is there something wrong my love? You seem a little troubled – don’t
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