The Halloween bonfire had died down enough to approach. Catriona stopped prattling on about engagement and marriage and turned to Will. She was holding two chestnuts in her hand.
“We place them on the fire and how they burn tells us what our marriage will be like.”
Will, again, thought about running away to Glasgow and signing onto a ship bound for anywhere. Catriona smiled and carefully placed the nuts in the fire. Then she stepped back and held Will’s arm in a grip like steel.
The nuts captured the flames and began to sizzle a little. Catriona gripped tighter and giggled.
Then both nuts exploded, sending mushy pulp flying. Catriona stopped giggling. She did not stop gripping.
***
Will placed his small bag on the dresser table and looked into the mirror. He held the candle up and smiled, remembering another Halloween tradition. Look into a candlelit mirror and you will see your future betrothed.
Catriona’s face appeared out of the darkness behind him. A knife pressed into his neck.
“How did you get in here?” he whispered.
Then his mother’s face appeared on the other side. Catriona leaned in, her face a picture of rage.
“Do you think your mother and I didn’t know about your plans to run away? Be clear, Will MacGregor, you will be marrying me, and you will be making me happy.”
Will thought of the exploding chestnuts and his heart sank, never to really rise again.
Bob Johnston lives in Scotland where he loves, and is inspired by, its landscapes. He can be found at bobjohnstonfiction.com which includes links, stories, and further information.
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