Page 78 of Claiming His Scottish Duchess
“There is no comparison. There is nothing like a dry English gin to soften the edges,” Lady Marchant quipped as she sipped the last of her glass, after Eliza had just finished a song.
“I implore you to at least try some of this fine Scotch whisky, Lady Marchant,” Lord Northley implored, as he was very much enjoying his own beverage. “When in Rome, you know?”
She wrinkled her nose playfully, the combination of good drink and even better company fostering a casual atmosphere.
“Both have their merits, surely. Although please, pace yourselves,” Lady Northley chastised lightly. “We have more guests arriving shortly, and a dinner to get through yet!”
A flurry of greetings erupted from the entrance of the hall as the heavy oak doors swung open loudly. Catriona excused herself politely from the room and bolted to the door to greet her guests.
“Och, Isobel!” Catriona cried as she embraced her cousin. “I am so glad to have ye here!”
“We are so happy to join ye here,” Isobel replied, a wide smile on her face. “What a joyous time for us,” she said as she placed a gentle hand on Catriona’s shoulder.
Her face was radiant in a way that only true happiness can provide. She was accompanied by her husband, Adrian, and nestled in his arms was a tiny bundle wrapped in soft wool. Theirinfant daughter, Penelope, offered a coo as Catriona looked at her sweet face, tracing a finger along her soft cheek.
Lord Carrington followed close in their wake, giving a small bow upon his entrance. A wide, genuine smile lit up his face as Richard came to meet them all.
“Your Graces, what a welcome sight!” Michael exclaimed as he clapped his hands. “So much good company in such a beautiful place. Who could ask for more?”
“Truly, I do not know,” Richard said as he shook Michael’s hand and then Adrian.
“Tell me, is Lady Eliza about?” Michael asked excitedly.
Perhaps this is what true happiness is,Richard thought to himself as he looked at the company around the dining table. In the months that had passed, even he could see that he was a changed man. When he looked in the mirror, the haunted shadows had finally receded from his eyes.
Richard’s heart was overflowing with joy. His love was in her childhood home, filled with the people she loved most. For too long, there had been uncertainty and heartache.
He sat beside Catriona at dinner, his hand never leaving her knee from underneath the table. He traced small circles, taking comfort in her touch and the warmth of Craigleith Hall.
“The trial concluded swiftly,” Adrian offered when a subtle silence had come in the conversation. “Justice will be served, and he will hang for his crimes.”
“At last, it is done,” Richard said. A collective sigh of relief swept around the table.
“Let’s nae speak of that horrid situation again,” Lady Craigleith ordered as lady of the manor. “We have so many happier things to talk about.”
As the dinner plates were removed, Michael cleared his throat. A mischievous glint flickered in his eyes as he gently tapped his fork to his glass. Silence fell amongst the group as they waited with bated breath.
Michael reached for Eliza’s hand, his expression suddenly earnest. He seemed even nervous, which was most unlike him.
What in the devil is he up to?Richard wondered as he gave Catriona a curious glance, to which she shrugged.
“My dear friends,” he announced, his voice filled with heartfelt joy. “Eliza has done me the immense honor of agreeing to be my wife.”
“What happy news,” Lady Marchant exclaimed as she nearly dropped her drink. “This is cause for celebration indeed!”
“We could not be happier,” Lord Northley offered as he smiled at his only daughter. “Lord Carrington will be an excellent son-in-law. We are so pleased for you both. A toast!”
A chorus of delighted exclamations filled the room as they raised their glasses to the news. Catriona reached across the table and squeezed Eliza’s hand, her heart swollen with happiness for her dear friend.
Richard rose to his feet, walking over and clapping Michael on the shoulder. “Welcome to the club, my friend! I never thought I’d see the day when you would be a married man. How did you convince Lady Eliza to put up with you until death?” he joked as they all laughed.
“Och, Michael, that is wonderful news!” Lady Craigleith exclaimed, her eyes shining. “I am so honored that you chose to share such blessed news with us, here in this special place.”
“Indeed!” Lady Northley added. “We shall have another wedding to plan!”
The dessert course concluded, and Lydia was whisked away by one of the maids, bidding goodnight to the group and giving hugs to Richard and Catriona. Hot teas were offered as they savored a sumptuous lemon cake.
“You know,” Lady Marchant trailed off, tapping her fingers thoughtfully on her teacup. “Ever since your rather unconventional courtship and marriage, Your Grace… Scottish lords and ladies have become quite the fashionable commodity in London. Suddenly, everyone is claiming to have a distant Highland relative!” She chuckled.
