Page 128 of A Rogue in Firelight

“I could not be more pleased,” the lady said with a knowing look. “Truly.”

“This is wonderful!” Sorcha hugged her. “So you are Lady Darrach now!”

“I suppose so.” Ellison laughed a little.

“This morning? We had no idea—though I thought you two were just marvelous together,” the lady said.

“Aye, early this morning. An impromptu decision because Mr. Muir, Darrach’s friend, was there. He was a pastor in his younger days, and we had agreed to marry—and his family were all there. It seemed better to fix the marriage now, before we stepped into the madness in the city. Arranging a wedding in Edinburgh would take such a very long time these days with all the commotion. And we were very happy to have a simple ceremony.” She hoped the explanation made sense.

“It is such a Highland thing to do, simple and straightforward,” the viscountess said. “No fuss. I like it.”

“Oh, Ellison! You fell in love with a handsome Highlander and promised to be together always, and had a small Highland wedding.” Sorcha sighed. “It is so romantic!”

“I wonder,” the viscountess mused, “if you felt compromised last night when you were stranded in your carriage and had to be rescued in the middle of night. Darrach is a perfect gentleman and a wonderful man. He would not want you to endure any scandal.”

“There is something to that,” Ellison admitted.

“A man like Darrach has the integrity and strength of character to admit responsibility,” the viscountess continued with a nod.

“Compromise? Oh, Auntie!” Sorcha giggled.

“It seemed the right thing to do,” Ellison said.

“From the day you first saw him, I thought there was something there,” the lady said. “I think you have found someone who suits you well. He is strong and calm and intelligent and he clearly respects and cares about you. One would have to be blind to miss it. Yes, very romantic, despite all.”

“Despite all?” Sorcha asked.

“My lady means the uncertainty about the inheritance. That is all,” Ellison said.

“Yes, that,” the lady agreed.

“He is a true catch,” Sorcha agreed. “My mother said so last night. And I said, but Mama, that handsome man only has eyes for Ellison Graham.”

“I did not think anyone noticed.” Ellison blushed. “It all happened so quickly, the decision to go ahead and marry. I have the certificate to show Papa,” she said, patting her reticule.

“He may fuss about it, but it is done,” Lady Strathniven said. “I will speak to him if he proves difficult. You have made a good choice, my dear. I am convinced.”

“Thank you, my lady.” She sighed in deep relief, glad to have shared the news.

“You had a little wedding, my dear, but we will plan a proper wedding reception for you as soon as this royal visit is over and done. We shall hold it at Strathniven or in the city, as you like.”

“That would be lovely,” Ellison replied, grateful, yet still wary of what lay ahead.

“You will want to talk with your father as soon as you arrive,” the lady urged. “Though I fear Adam will be heartbroken. He is so fond of you, Ellison, and had hopes himself. But he will soon recover from it.”

“I do hope so,” Ellison murmured.

The mantel clockchimed ten times as Ellison stepped into her father’s house. Lewison, the butler, hid his surprise as he opened the door at such a late hour, and the housekeeper, delighted to see her, wanted to make sure Ellison was tucked up in bed with hot tea and scones to help revive her after the long journey. The room was ready with a hearth fire and a hip bath, and though she wanted to sink down and then sleep, she had to do something first. “Is Papa here?” she asked.

“Sir Hector is not at home presently,” Lewison said. “He is at dinner with Sir Walter Scott and the fellows of the Celtic Society. This is a busy time, as you know, Miss Ellison. But he will be pleased to know you are safely home. I shall tell him as soon as he returns. Mr. Corbie was here not long ago inquiring after him also.”

“Is he gone?” She set a hand to her chest. She desperately wanted to see her father before Corbie had the chance.

“Aye, Miss. He indicated he would return in the morning or else meet Sir Hector at Parliament House tomorrow. That is my understanding.”

“Thank you, Lewison. It is good to be home.” And a relief, she thought, to have a chance to rest and gather her thoughts before she saw either of them. Climbing the stairs to her room, she ate a little, bathed, and snuggled into bed, exhausted.

She wondered if Ronan was in the city yet, and where he might be. As hope winged upward—she was in love, she was married, she would talk to her father in the morning, and all would be well—she drifted to sleep.