Krebrash

“Don’t mess this up,” Veronica repeated to herself as she carried a massive tray bearing meat pies, gravy, and crockery toward the table where the bride and groom were laughing together.

Everyone looked to be having a wonderful time – dancing, joking, laughing – and Veronica herself felt light. She was working hard today, yet she was happier than she’d been over the last two months, since the day she had lost both her job and home. She now had a bed over the kitchen, two clean uniforms, and a possible new friend.

Veronica paused to let a couple of giggling children run in front of her. Even the youngsters were infected with the joy of the occasion, where the families were getting along well and the bride and groom seemed to like each other, even though this was an arranged marriage. A house as powerful as the McGeoffs’ wouldn’t let their children choose their own spouses!

Just as she set the tray on the table, something rammed into the back of her knee, knocking Veronica to the floor. The tray flipped up and pelted the bride and groom with food and dishes.

A krebrash echoed around the hall.

All eyes turned to the glowering face and bulging veins of Laird McGeoff. Veronica closed her eyes. She was about to lose everything. Again.

“Owen!” he thundered. “D’ye see what you’ve done to your sister’s gown?!”

Veronica turned to see the shame-faced young master reaching to help her up.

“Sorry. My fault.”