He wondered if she was alone and awake. Gently, he opened the door and stuck his head in. He could see her in the firelight, lying in bed.
"Cyrus?" She sat up.
"Did I wake you?"
"Nay. Come in. Is everything all right?"
"Indeed." He entered and closed the door back. "I but wanted to see you again before I retire for the night."
She took his hand and drew him to sit beside her on the bed. "I missed you. How was supper?"
"Delicious. I wish you could've joined us." He kissed her temple, inhaling the clean lavender soap scent. The maids must have helped her wash her hair. With her ginger curls down, she more resembled a young lass instead of the sophisticated lady he knew her to be. "I'm thankful you want to be my bride, especially after you said you would never marry again." He kissed her knuckles.
"Considering the way I feel about you, how could I not?" She blinked rapidly and he hoped she was not getting ready to shed tears. "I did not ken such vibrant and blinding emotions were possible. Mayhap 'twas how my father felt about my mother and why he was so devastated when she passed."
Cyrus nodded. "My parents had a loving marriage, though 'twas arranged by their fathers to form an alliance. They were lucky that they found so much happiness together."
"I wish they could attend our wedding."
"Aye, they will be there in spirit. Speaking of which… when do you want to marry?" He hoped it would be soon.
"I need to tell Adam first, and I wish him to attend the ceremony."
"Good. I would like to meet him. But… what if he doesn't approve?"
"Nonsense. He will admire you greatly." She grinned.
"You need your rest, now, lass." Cyrus kissed her cheek, preparing to take his leave, but she turned her head, brushing her lips across his. A quick desire blazed through him, searing away his good sense. Not wanting to hurt her neck, he kissed her gently on the lips. Amazingly, his restraint intensified his yearning for her. But he held still and accepted all the kisses she wished to give him, then leisurely took some of his own.
"Do you wish to sleep here?" she breathed.
Excitement stampeded through him. He craved holding her more than ever before. "I would love to, but you must rest and recover."
"You will not prevent it." The dark longing in her eyes made him feel like the luckiest man on the face of the earth.
"'Twould be most difficult for me to keep my hands to myself."
She grinned, looking too eager by far.
The heat of arousal curled through him, but he clenched his jaw in restraint. "I fear I will injure your neck or your knee further."
She snickered. "Youarerather energetic."
He laughed. "I cannot help myself. You fire my blood. But when you are recovered… watch out." He gave her the passionate kiss she had been asking for with her teasing and tempting, then he pulled himself away.
"How can you leave now?" she whispered breathlessly, reaching for him.
"I don't wish to, but for your sake, I must." Taking her hands, he kissed the backs of her fingers. "Promise me you will sleep and feel better."
"I do promise. The faster I recover, the sooner I can be your wife."
Happiness flowing through him, he nodded, unable to wait for that to happen.
∞∞∞
The next morn, Elspeth sent Vance with the coach along with guards and the nursemaid to St. Andrews to bring her son to Greymont for a brief visit. She wanted to tell Adam in person about all the important happenings. Plus, she wanted him to meet Cyrus.
Elspeth improved quickly over the following days with Mistress Almsly's poultices and healing balms, but Cyrus still had not spent the night in her chamber. He had been tempting her mercilessly with his scorching kisses. Was it possible he was waiting for them to be wed? Or did he simply not wish to cause a scandal within the castle?
