After talking a few more minutes, Darack and Dugald proceeded into the great hall where the loud music and dancing continued. Darack could not wait to tell Mairiana the good news.
He found her dancing a boisterous jig with one of his cousins, much to his annoyance. Now, why should he be jealous of a dance? 'Twas ridiculous.
When Mairiana saw Darack, she excused herself from her dance partner and joined him.
"You could've finished your dance," he said.
"With the way you're scowling, I think not."
Darack's face heated and she grinned.
"I have something important to tell you. Let's go into the garden," he said.
"Aye, let's do." She clasped a hand around his elbow, making him want to draw her into his arms and carry her upstairs instead. But he could not do that yet.
Once in the garden, he could no longer contain his excitement. He lifted her into the air and swung her around.
She laughed until he set her to her feet. "What are you about?" she whispered.
"Your brother has accepted my suit and given us permission to marry." Darack kissed her soundly. "You have made me the happiest man alive."
"Oh, Darack! I'm thrilled! I'll be so lucky to have you for a husband."
He kissed her until he near lost his mind. Saints, how he loved her lips… and every part of her. He wished he could marry her this night. "How soon do you think we can wed?" he asked.
"Darack!" a man called from the courtyard, startling him.
"Aye?" Darack moved from the garden toward him. Mairiana clasped his elbow and kept up. "What is it?" he asked when he saw it was one of his cousins.
"Alec Lindsay has requested to talk to you in the dungeon."
