Page 100 of A Rogue in Twilight

“May she be happy,” James said.

“Did you find anything of value while you were out there?” Patrick asked.

“No treasure chest,” James said. “But we did find some excellent crystals.” He reached into his pocket and brought some out. “A few lovely gems perfect for a ring.”

“A ring?” Fiona asked. “How can you think about jewelry now? You must be exhausted and in need of food and rest. Come inside.”

“How did you find your way back?” Patrick asked as they headed for the house.

“Subterranean caves and tunnels brought us this way,” Elspeth said.

“Labyrinthine, really,” James said. “I doubt we would ever try that again.” He glanced down at Elspeth, smiling. For a moment, she felt as if only they two existed.

“It looks to me,” Patrick said, “that you two found more than a few crystals.”

“I suppose we each found what we were looking for. But we are back.”

“Donal will be glad to know it,” Patrick said.

“We were fine,” Elspeth said. She looked up at James. “We—made a decision.”

“We were married,” James said. “Handfasted. Legal, you know.”

“Handfasted!” Fiona broke into a bright smile. “How romantic!”

Elspeth smiled, feeling her heart lift, wanting to laugh, suddenly.

“Married?” Patrick stared. “Without a vicar?”

“We will take care of that part of it,” James said.

Fiona shook her head, smiling still. “Aunt Rankin will have a conniption.”

“Let her,” James said.

“We could have a quiet little wedding here,” Elspeth said.

“So you found yourself a Highland bride after all,” Fiona told James.

“And one with fairy blood.” James hugged Elspeth close under his arm.

Fiona laughed. “Grandmother Struan would be so pleased!”

“More than you know. Now it is your turn.” James laughed. “You should read our grandmother’s book.”

“I would love to read her book of fairies,” Fiona said.

“Then you can each discover for yourselves what this fairy nonsense is all about. Though I warn you, it could be an adventure.” James twitched his lips in a smile.

“Come inside and freshen up, and have something to eat,” Fiona said. “You will both feel human again.”

“I feel quite human,” James laughed, and reached for Elspeth’s hand again.

“So do I,” Elspeth said, and he lifted her hand to his lips and kissed it.

Epilogue

December, 1822