The next day, Carlisle's voice boomed through the phone as he called Nonnatus's House in a frenzy. He urgently requested to speak with Sister Julianne, his tone reeking of desperation and anxiety. "I need your help, Sister Julianne," he pleaded. "The purity ceremony must be performed at once."
Sister Julianne's heart sank at the distress in Lord Cullen's voice. She knew this was no ordinary request, and her mind raced with possibilities of what could have transpired. Without hesitation, she assured him that the sisters and midwives would do everything in their power to assist.
Carlisle let out a relieved chuckle on the other end of the line. "You and the sisters of Nonnatus House have raised me and my siblings," he said gratefully. "I trust you more than anyone else to handle this delicate matter."
Sister Julianne listened intently as Carlisle explained the situation and his need for unbiased witnesses. She suggested bringing a sister from Nonnatus House and another midwife who had no prior knowledge of his family to perform the ceremony, ensuring objectivity.
There was a fleeting moment of silence before Carlisle spoke again, his voice filled with understanding. "Your suggestions have always been wise, Sister," he said. "I will take them into consideration. I have also invited Princess Anne and Princess Catherine to be witnesses, but if they are unable to attend, we may need someone else to provide emotional support for the young lady Elsa."
Sister Julianne nodded in agreement, knowing that Mrs. Turner could easily fill that role if needed. She couldn't help but feel a sense of urgency in Carlisle's words, knowing that time was of the essence. For what reason, she wondered anxiously.
"Whatever happens," Carlisle's voice became stern, "we must not offend any member of the royal family. We will tread carefully with our decisions."
Sister Julianne assured him that they would handle the situation delicately and with utmost care. But deep down, she couldn't shake off the feeling that something was gravely wrong.
The ominous silence on the other end of the phone was deafening, as if Carlisle's very thoughts were being carefully monitored and judged. "Keep the crowns out of the wedding festivities," he finally spoke, his voice low and controlled, "just send them as common courtesies. We can't risk drawing attention to ourselves any more than necessary."
Agreement and understanding passed between them, both acutely aware of the game they were born into - a never-ending cycle of political maneuvering and treading water just to stay afloat. But it had to be done. They needed undeniable proof that this engagement was genuine, otherwise they would never be accepted as true royalty.
As Carlisle grumbled about having to play this game once again, Sister Julian let out a soft laugh. "If the rumors are true, you may not want mercy for this bride-to-be after all. She's been called a child killer and has been widowed five times under suspicious circumstances." A dark chuckle escaped Carlisle's lips as he contemplated divine justice and the possibility of two demons destroying each other in marriage.
But then a sobering thought crossed his mind - could evil truly be defeated so easily? The Queen seemed to think so, rearranging marriages and using people like pawns on a chessboard. But Carlisle couldn't help but remember how God himself had created Satan in the first place.
Their conversation drifted to mundane details of upcoming ceremonies and menus, but underlying it all was an unspoken tension and fear of what could go wrong. Dress comfortably, don't bring anything fancy - tell that to the midwives who would be camping out under the stars for days on end. And as for the guests...well, they should prepare for a rustic and casual affair. It was going to be a dangerous game indeed, one where even the slightest misstep could result in disaster.
(Engagement party.)
Carlisle Cullen and John Dutton were in a frenzy of activity, preparing for the highly anticipated engagement party. For weeks, they had meticulously planned every detail to ensure the event ran smoothly. The night before, on the 28th, the Cowboys were already busy moving cattle from one pasture to another, while simultaneously helping set up tents and decorations for the party. Gator, with his trusty cookout supplies, had set up camp near the farmhouse where they could easily access any necessary items.
As promised by Carlisle, professional cooks were brought in to assist Gator with the meal preparations. After much deliberation, they had decided on meat pies as the main course, beating out options like chili and steak and beans. The menu also included a variety of whiskey, beer, and wine - both American and Scotch - to represent both families' backgrounds.
With their dresses carefully chosen and all logistical details in place, the group was ready for the big day. All of the tents were up, including a special purifying tent for traditional rituals. As guests began to arrive, dignitaries from around the country joined Princess Anne, her husband, Princess Catherine, Prince William, and their children in celebration.
The atmosphere crackled with excitement and power as everyone awaited the start of the engagement party. It was clear that this would be an event to remember for years to come.
(Engagement party)
The pasture buzzed with excitement and anticipation. The air was filled with the sweet melodies of traditional Scottish music, blending seamlessly with the twang of country and bluegrass. Every inch of the ground, valley, and even the very trees seemed to be brimming with joy as they awaited the joyous occasion about to take place. Wildflowers blanketed the field in a colorful carpet, while a gentle stream added its soothing melody to the symphony of sounds. In the center of it all, Gator and his team cooked up a frenzy, their flames dancing wildly. Old covered wagons pulled up, delivering guests to the scene. Cowboys and cowgirls hustled around, helping each guest find their assigned tent before joining in on the festivities. As the music rose to a crescendo in the centrifuge, laughter and merriment filled the air like an electric current, electrifying everyone with joy and excitement.
Kayce and his family donned traditional cowboy attire, while the Cullens wore elaborate Scottish garb. The guests from Broken Rock reservation also sported their cultural outfits. Amidst the bustle of greeting and welcoming guests, Kayce noticed a large tent off to the side, elevated above everyone else. His curiosity piqued, but he was too preoccupied to ask about it.
Just as he started to relax, he was introduced to Princess Royal Ann, Prince William, and Princess of Wales Catherine. The thought of meeting actual royalty filled him with nerves, but his fiance remained calm and greeted them with ease.
As they chatted with the Royals, Elsa pointed out their unconventional choice of location for the engagement ceremony - out in the open country instead of a formal setting. The Royals chuckled at being put in their place by a simple girl who found joy in simplicity.
As they walked away, Kayce gently scolded Elsa for not giving him a heads-up about such esteemed guests. He also asked about the tent, pointedly positioned higher than everyone else. But before Elsa could answer, they were interrupted by the call for supper.
Amidst the delectable spread of traditional cowboy and Scottish foods, anticipation built for the engagement ceremony and purification test that would follow. Everyone knew this would be an event to remember.
As darkness enveloped the land, lanterns and bonfires were lit, casting eerie shadows across the faces of those gathered. The fireflies flitted about, their tiny lights adding to the otherworldly ambiance. Kayce's attention was caught by Elsa being summoned away by a group of princesses and sisters from Nonnatus's. His instinct was to follow and discover their destination, but he was quickly halted by his brothers and father. They jested and talked while steering Kayce towards a seat next to a special chair by the fire. He couldn't help but notice that one side of the table bore the Dutton Family symbol, while the other displayed the Cullens family emblem. Each member sat according to their birth order and hierarchy within the family; Kayce found himself seated next to his father, with Lee, Jamie, and Beth taking their designated places as well. But something felt off - in place of Elsa, there was an emptiness that gnawed at Kayce's gut. Across from them sat the Colonies, arranged in a similar manner: Carlisle as the head, Jon second in command, and where Elsa should have been placed lay bare for some unknown reason. Just as Kayce started to question this odd seating arrangement, Carlisle stood up abruptly after a loud drum and horn signaled his arrival. He began addressing the assembled crowd, but Kayce couldn't shake off the strange feeling brewing inside him.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I am Carlisle Cullen, head of the powerful and prestigious Cullen family. My brother Jon stands by my side as we welcome you to this extreme and sacred occasion. In just a few moments, our sister will emerge with the nuns and witnesses and make her way to the purity tent. Led by the midwife, she will undergo the test of purity, ensuring that she is a untouched virgin fit to be given as a bride. This part of the ceremony must be done in complete silence, as it is a sacred tradition that we hold dear."
As Carlisle takes his seat, he passes the floor over to John Dutton, who rises to speak. "On behalf of my family, the Duttons, I also welcome you all. To be honest, I had reservations about going through with this marriage. But the Cullens insisted on upholding their traditions and so we will proceed as planned. As our witnesses, allow me to introduce my daughter Elizabeth and one of our cowgirls Teeter."
With that, John sits down and Elizabeth and Teeter take their places by the tent, accompanied by Princess Anne and Princess Catherine. A sister from Nonnatus's house stands beside them, while Mother Superior herself acts as Elsa's mother for this important ritual. The sister recites a prayer for purity and strength in the face of temptation before they begin. It is a tense and somber moment as they wait for Elsa to emerge from the tent, ready to undergo this ancient test of virtue. All eyes are on her as she steps forward into the unknown.
The night was pierced by the sound of a bell and horn, signaling the start of the ritual. With a pure white cloak draped over her shoulders, Elsa Cullen emerged from her tent with an unearthly glow radiating through the moonlight. Mother Superior stood at her side, holding her hand as they made their way up the hill. Behind them, Nonnatus's house Sister led the way with candles in hand, followed closely by Elizabeth and Teeter carrying their own small flames.
As they approached the tent, the princesses fell back behind Elsa and Mother Superior. The air was thick with tension as they stopped just outside the entrance. Through the calm and quiet, Elsa's voice rang out in a strong yet soft and gentle tone as she began to recite a prayer.
"O Mary, my Mother," she knelt with a heavy heart, "the burden of my sins oppresses me, and the knowledge of my weakness discourages me." She spoke of fear and temptation, of being attached to worldly things and dreading death.
"But O Mother of Mercy," Elsa's voice grew louder with each word, "have pity on me in my distress. You are all-powerful with your Divine Son - he can refuse no request of your Immaculate Heart." She pleaded for her mother's intercession before God's throne, asking for true sorrow for her sins and the courage to follow Jesus.
The group inside the tent listened intently as Elsa spoke, lighting candles as she reached certain parts of the prayer. As it came to an end, Nonnatus's house Sister and midwife removed Elsa's cloak to reveal a thin white camisole underneath. They led her into the tent where she was surrounded by four others - two on each side - standing at attention for what was to come.
Kayce could barely contain himself as he watched from below with his father and brothers. He wanted to run up and stop this humiliating ritual, but he knew Elsa's worth and couldn't interfere. The whole process seemed to last for an eternity, with prayers and preparations taking nearly 30 minutes before the actual event began.
As they stood around the bed, Beth's impatience grew evident in her voice as she begged them to hurry up. "I don't want to embarrass my sister-in-law even more," she said anxiously.
The group inside chuckled at her comment, but their laughter was cut short by the sound of a struggle coming from the bed. Beth's anxiety turned to panic as she pleaded for them to finish quickly. And then, with one final push, it was over - the proof of Elsa's worth revealed for all to see.
As Princess Anne and the others stood in the tent, ready to witness the purity ceremony, Elsa felt a knot of fear tightening in her stomach. She had heard the rumors about Old Lord York's disturbing desires, and she knew he had been waiting for her to come of age. But this was tradition, and she forced herself to swallow her discomfort.
But as they walked out of the tent and the dark sheet was lowered, a sense of unease crept over Elsa. She could feel his eyes on her as she quickly grabbed her cloak from Beth and tried to find some privacy. But then the old man's voice rose above the crowd, crackling with malice.
"Check again," he said slyly, "I'm sure that girl is not pure."
Elsa's heart hammered in her chest as she realized his intentions. And when he continued to press the issue, questioning her chastity in front of everyone, Princess Anne's harsh tone cut through the tension.
"Do you doubt us as witnesses?" she asked sharply. "We will sign a formal proclamation now stating she is pure."
But even as Princess Anne and Catherine came forward to defend her, Elsa couldn't shake off the feeling of dread that settled in her bones. And when they finally moved on to signing the marriage contract and performing the engagement ceremony, Kayce's irritation only added fuel to her already burning anger.
"Honey," he said softly but firmly, "I'm not too happy that you had to perform that ridiculous ceremony."
Elsa clenched her jaw at his words. She wasn't happy about it either, but it was done now. She wished they had discussed it beforehand, but she knew he would have tried to stop it if he had known.
"That was why you were not told," she snapped back at him. "You would have done anything to stop it, even if it meant exposing me in front of everyone."
But as the festivities continued and everyone danced around them, Elsa couldn't shake off the feeling of being watched. And when Kayce mentioned the bedding ceremony, she felt a shiver run down her spine.
"The what ceremony?" he asked, his face darkening in anger. "You mean to tell me that someone will be watching us on our wedding night?"
Elsa's heart sank as she nodded, her throat tight with fear. She could only hope that they would find a way to avoid it, but deep down she knew that this was just the beginning of a marriage filled with secrets and traditions that she never wanted to be a part of.
Kayce's temper flared as a searing fire within him, fueled by the mere thought of anyone seeing him in such a vulnerable state. "I can't believe this," he growled through clenched teeth, his hot blood practically boiling over. But Elsa's voice cut through his rage, her words as soothing as a cool stream on a hot day. "There is a way to handle this ceremony," she said softly, as if talking down a wild animal. "In Scotland, they simply lead us to the room and help tuck us into bed. That's all."
But Kayce was still angry, lashing out at Elsa with sharp words like a wounded animal. "How am I supposed to trust that? Everything I've read about bedding ceremonies involves hard people in the room!" he spat.
Elsa remained calm and gentle, explaining the Scottish customs to him as if calming a child having a tantrum. "The Scottish custom is different," she explained patiently. "They have a big party outside, not too far from the room. And in the morning, your sister will come wake you up and help you get cleaned up while she hangs the sheets outside the window. The proof of our purity should be staining the sheets, proving that we have bedded."
Kayce's shock and frustration were evident in his tone as he tried to comprehend what Elsa was saying. "So there won't be anyone watching us?" he stammered, feeling embarrassed at even asking.
Elsa nodded reassuringly. "No one will be watching us. This is not an English ceremony; we have been working on both Scottish and English customs for this special occasion." Kayce's anger had subsided slightly, but he still felt uneasy about the whole situation.