From your post it seems that this may have been the first time she even SAW the Kilt - had this been the first exposure? If so, then yes, it probably did surprise her and I am sure that those 16 years of understanding were cashed in in spades.

Best of luck - read and heed the advice you will receive from the members that reply - many have been there themselves. To my great fortune, my wife is a fan of my Kilted obsession.