Page 70 of His Scottish Duchess

A sigh escaped their lips simultaneously, and they stared at each other in surprise for a moment, then burst into a fit of laughter.

“We’ll be out shortly,” Sampson called back, stealing one more kiss from his wife’s lips, then another because of the adorable gasp she had let out.

Reluctantly, they broke apart, but the warmth of what had transpired between them lingered, tucked between Sampson’s ribs as they left the room hand in hand.

Downstairs, Catherine’s family awaited them, their expressions a mixture of affection and a touch of sadness at their departure, starkly contrasting their energetic display at breakfast. Her father stepped forward, his eyes flickering with emotions Sampson could fairly recognize as the Baron clasped his hand firmly.

“Thank ye for comin’, Yer Grace,” Fergus said, his voice carrying a genuine warmth. “We were glad to have ye in our home, even if it was but for a wee while. Ye’re welcome back anytime, mind.”

Mary, her eyes a little misty, fussed over Catherine, adjusting her shawl and offering last-minute advice. “Safe travels to ye both. Mind yerselves on the roads, and dinnae let the coachman drive like a madman, Yer Grace.”

Margaret and Graham offered their farewells with a surprising degree of warmth.

“Farewell, Catherine,” Margaret said, offering a rare, genuine smile that differed from the teasing smirk she wore more often than not. “Dinnae be a stranger now, ye hear?”

“Aye. Safe journey, Yer Grace,” Graham added, firmly shaking Sampson’s hand. “It was good havin’ ye here.”

Sampson felt a surprising rush of emotion at their words. This familial warmth, so freely offered, was a stark contrast to the often-strained interactions he had experienced with his brother.

He had not thought about Thomas in that way since they were both children. But with all of the new, surprising interactions between his wife’s family and him, he was left with no choice but to admit what he already knew.

His own family had been twisted, up until the day they inevitably fell apart. All of the times he had spent with Catherine’s parentsand siblings were novel experiences that made him feel a sense of belonging—something that his childhood had sorely lacked.

“I will continue to take good care of her—no, even better. I am sorry that we are unable to stay longer. But we will certainly be back, and perhaps then, we will remain for a longer period. If you will have us.”

“Certainly! My home is always open for ye, Yer Grace. Ye are my daughter’s husband, and as such, ye are a part of this family. Ye will always be welcome here,” Fergus said with a grin.

“Thank you,” Sampson returned, a little overwhelmed with gratitude and a twinge of alarm. “The same goes for you and your family. My door will always be open to you. Please, visit whenever you wish—for Catherine. And… call me Sampson. I insist.”

Fergus grinned, squeezing Sampson’s hand warmly. “Only if ye graciously extend the favor and call me by my name.”

Sampson swallowed and nodded. “Take care, Fergus.”

“And ye, Sampson.”

As he took Catherine’s hand and led her to the waiting carriage, he could feel her tense up with every step that took her further and further away from her family.

In the carriage, Sampson ensured she was comfortable, before ordering the coachman to take off.

Catherine was silent for a moment, then she moved closer to him, resting her head on his shoulder and exhaling deeply.

“It’s getting easier,” she said after a while.

“What is, my love?” Sampson asked, his lips curling into a smile when she blushed at the term of endearment again.

“Leaving. Being away from them. At first, I was worried I was never going to get used to living without everything I had ever known. I feared that it would only grow harder and harder to thrive, with them so far away. But it was not so difficult just now. I thought it would be, but as you held my hand, I felt strong enough not to let the despair consume me. I am grateful to have you.”

Her words added to the flames of the emotions he was barely managing to keep at bay, and his heart clenched with a feeling he could only describe as joy.

“I am glad that my presence made things much better for you, Catherine. I can only hope it gets even easier for you, dearest wife,” he sighed, pressing a kiss to the top of her head.

She burrowed closer in contentment, mumbling so quietly that he failed to hear the words she said, and assumed they were not meant for his ears.

“Perhaps it’s because I love you so… and as such, my heart feels safe with you. I can only hope you feel the same.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

“Ah, we have arrived. Finally.”

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