Mairiana's eyes burned as well.
"Would you two please stop with the tears? You didn't lose me. As you may have guessed, 'twas not my time to go. My life has only just begun." He again looked at Mairiana and winked.
Happiness filled her and she couldn't wait to start her new life with Darack.
His mother wiped her tears away and a smile broke over her face. "I always wanted a daughter. You chose well, Darack." She came forward and hugged Mairiana.
"In truth, you have Mairiana to thank for your brooch being returned," Darack said.
"What do you mean?" Nora sent a questioning look toward her.
"Alec Lindsay gave me the brooch as a wedding gift," Mairiana said. "I had it with me when we escaped. Once Darack told me the brooch had been yours, I gave it to him so he could return it to you, the rightful owner."
"Oh, lass," Nora whispered. "What a dear you are, but you don't have to return it to me."
"I want to. I have no need for any of Alec's gifts. I want naught that reminds me of him. From now on, my sole focus will be on your son." She squeezed Darack's hand, hoping and praying her brother would approve his request once he asked for her hand.
***
"Could I speak to you in private?" Darack asked Dugald over the loud music and dancing of thecèilidhin the great hall later that night.
"Aye. I need to talk to you, anyway."
While climbing the steps, Darack wondered what the man wished to speak to him about. He hoped it was naught which would conflict with the question Darack wished to ask him.
Dugald's coloring was much like Mairiana's in that they both had green eyes and dark hair, but everything else about them seemed opposite. Mairiana was slender, petite and feminine, whereas Dugald was a tall, muscular warrior. One thing Darack wondered about was that Dugald did not appear as short-tempered and ornery as he'd been in the past. That had to be a good sign, since he intended to ask for his sister's hand in marriage.
"We'll go into the solar." Once inside, he closed the door to block out some of the noise from below. "A dram of whisky?"
"Indeed." Dugald took a seat. "I must thank you again for rescuing my sister from that swine. I wish to offer you a reward for helping so much."
Now was his opportunity, Darack realized. It was such a momentous occasion his thoughts deserted him for a moment.
"If I can afford it." Dugald grinned, accepting the whisky Darack offered.
"Aye, there is something I would value above all things."
"I hope 'tis not my dagger," Dugald quipped.
"Nay. Your sister."
"Indeed?" Dugald's brows lifted, but thankfully he remained even-tempered. In truth, he did not seem surprised.
Darack drew in a deep breath. "I want to ask you for Lady Mairiana's hand in marriage. I would be greatly honored if you would consider my suit."
Dugald studied him, then sipped the whisky. "Why do you wish to marry her?"
"I love her." Though he did not feel comfortable telling Dugald of his feelings, 'twas important that he know how much Darack treasured Mairiana. "I know I am not a wealthy chief or laird, but I would protect and cherish Mairiana all the days of my life. Though I hold no land, I earn a good living. Ewan provides me all sorts of assignments and generous wages. Both Ewan and I hope this can form an alliance between your clan and the Grant clan, and of course the MacGregors, what few there are left of us."
Dugald nodded. "I see no reason not to approve of you as a husband for my sister. She has already told me of her feelings for you."
"She did?" Why hadn't she told him?
"Aye. She is becoming more and more headstrong, so you will have to keep a close eye on her, lest she rule the roost." Dugald grinned.
Darack laughed. "I'm thinking she already has me wrapped around her wee finger."
"Aye, well, I understand how that can be. My new wife has done the same thing to me." He appeared chagrinned, but happy.
