"Though Lady Lily is lovely in every way, I find that I cannot marry her. I'm not going to be able to sign the betrothal contract."
"Oh." Kilverntay's brows shot up. "Well, no harm." He waved a hand, then sipped his drink.
Cyrus eyed him, wondering at his bewildering response. He had expected the man to be annoyed at the very least.
"You're not angry?"
"Nay. In fact, there's something I should tell you, too. I was unsure how to do it, but you've made it easy. My daughter told me before I left that she didn't wish to marry you."
Stunned speechless, Cyrus was about to ask why when Kilverntay went on.
"I pray you will not feel insulted. She has turned down dozens of men." Kilverntay shrugged. "When she told me she didn't wish to marry you, I told her she didn't have any choice in the matter. I didn't mean it. Just testing the waters, you ken. She said,Mother will be hearing of this! Then she stormed from the room." Kilverntay shook his head. "Wishing now I hadn't coddled the wee hellion so much."
Cyrus frowned. "Do you think she might run away?"
"Nay," Kilverntay scoffed. "The lass cannot even buckle her own boots. I figure she will be an old maid. I cannot for the life of me force her to marry anyone she doesn't want to."
"I'm sure she will find a man to her liking someday."
"One can only hope he is a baron or laird at the very least. Why was it you decided against the match?"
"I plan to ask Lady Grey to marry me." Cyrus's heart rate increased at the idea that, if she would have him, she would become Lady Stornmor. He could not believe how much he looked forward to it.
"Aha! So I didn't imagine that spark I thought I saw between you."
Cyrus shook his head. "We're well suited. When I thought she was in that burning house…" He closed his eyes against the horrid images. He didn't think he could've survived the loss.
"I understand. 'Twas how I felt about my first wife. Robert's mother. She was the finest jewel."
Cyrus was surprised at the emotion on the older man's face as he stared down into his whisky.
"I tried to find a woman to replace her, but there was no one. Of course, my current wife is a fine lady. She lives her life; I live mine. Our children are our main concern."
Cyrus nodded, fully realizing he would've been miserable with such an arrangement. He was thankful Elspeth saved him from a wretched existence. He now grasped what Isobel, Dirk, Rebbie, and the rest of them had tried to tell him. The feeling he had when he was next to Elspeth was addictive. The most seductive, alluring emotion he had ever experienced. She was all he could think about.
"Regardless, I hope we can continue this alliance of friendship," Kilverntay said.
"I'd be most honored. I couldn't ask for a better ally."
"You have accomplished a great deal for a man so young. I admire your ambition and your strength. 'Tis Lily's loss, I say."
Cyrus was humbled at such high praise. "I appreciate that."
"I wager Robert will have a good laugh over this." Kilverntay grinned. "He thinks everyone should have a love match, and he will be happy about yours."
"Well, I simply hope he isn't angry about it."
"Nay, he won't be, but you may be in for a fair bit of ribbing."
"I'm certain everyone will torment me over changing my mind, especially my brothers." But Cyrus didn't care. He would smile through it if Elspeth was by his side. He arose and poured two more drams of whisky.
"How about another toast?" Kilverntay raised his glass. "To your upcoming nuptials."
"If she accepts." Cyrus clinked his glass against Kilverntay's, then drank, all the while hoping Elspeth would not turn him down.
