Page 79 of Romancing the Scot
He read her thoughts and stopped when he reached her. “Starting on the next case?”
He stretched out his hand and she tried to show him the volume. But as he took it, his fingers held hers and a thrill raced up her arm. When he finally took the book, a torch had been lit inside her.
“What do you say, Branson? Shall we add Miss Grace permanently to our law office?”
“That would be the happiest day of my service, m’lord.”
Hugh smiled, glancing back at his man. “Then I say we make it official.”
She had no doubt that Branson had already been told of their secret. Grace sat as trays of supper were carried in for the travelers.
“Do tell me how the proceedings went in court today.”
“It couldn’t have gone better,” Branson replied, as the two men sat to eat.
“Mr. Kinniburgh was sworn in to communicate with Mrs. Campbell,” Hugh told her. “Her testimony that Branson recorded was entered into the records, and the warden of the Brideswell gave a statement attesting to the veracity of it and added his own favorable impressions.”
“His lordship ruled, just as we discussed, that the defendant wouldn’t be found ‘not guilty’ but rather ‘not proven’ if the case went to trial,” the clerk added, “and then dismissed the case.”
Grace was so relieved. “What happens to Mrs. Campbell now?”
“Kinniburgh told me he can teach her to communicate with a series of signs he uses with his students,” Hugh answered. “But it was clear she only wants to return to her children.”
“Her other two children have been living in Argyll with a cousin,” Branson explained. “She was going there immediately.”
Grace felt a knot forming in her chest as she imagined the reunion of mother and children after this long ordeal.
“The court took the liberty of securing the services of Mr. Kinniburgh to accompany Mrs. Campbell to Argyll,” Hugh continued. “They’ll fetch her family, and he’ll bring her back to the Borders.”
“To the Borders?” Grace asked, not believing she’d heard correctly.
“I know it will be a challenge for Mrs. Truscott and her helpers at the tower house, but Mr. Kinniburgh assured me that the woman is capable of learning all she needs to communicate. And I doubt either Jo or Violet will hesitate to take her in.”
She looked at Hugh, her heart swelling. When she’d thought she couldn’t love him more, he showed her another level of his compassion. He knew that life held even more difficulties for victims such as Mrs. Campbell once they were released from prison.
“Thank you,” she whispered, taking his hand in hers. “And I . . . I’ll try to assist Jo and Violet. I’m fairly adept with languages. I can learn the signs from Mr. Kinniburgh and work with her and others.”
His eyes glowed with affection as he focused on her face, and Grace realized what she’d done. For the first time, she’d spoken of her future at Baronsford.
* * *
The law clerk was heading off to Glasgow on important business tomorrow, and Hugh had a great deal to discuss with him tonight. Informing Branson that he’d return shortly, he escorted Grace to the stairway. The house was quiet now, and the light of the waning moon was shining down from the high windows.
“You are the finest man alive.” She moved into his arms, tucking her head beneath his chin. “I love you.”
Her words, her trusting embrace, knotted his throat. He held her. She’d said she would stay. “Whatever I am now, Grace, I promise to be an even better man in the future . . . because you will be here with me. I love you. You made me a happy man just now in accepting my proposal.”
She hid her face for a moment in the crook of his neck.
“And I need to hear it again. Say the words.”
She bit her lip, the prettiest of blushes warming her cheeks, before she whispered, “God help me, but there is nothing in the world that can make me happier than the honor of being married to you.”
“Then say yes.”
“Yes.” She smiled, raising herself on her toes and pressing her lips softly against his.
He didn’t know it before she came to Baronsford, but Hugh had been ailing for so long. And Grace was the cure. His blood pulsed. He wanted the wedding to take place tomorrow. He wanted her to be a part of him, beginning now.
