Vance and his party had been gone a week, traveling to St. Andrews and back. Thankfully, they were now approaching the walls. Holding onto Cyrus's strong elbow, she limped down the steps toward the courtyard.
"I wish you would let me carry you," he murmured.
"Nay. I don't wish to grow weak."
"'Twould never happen," he scoffed.
She smiled, glad to know he thought her strong. "I hope you and Adam will get on well."
"I'm certain we will. The way you described him reminds me of myself as a lad."
'Twas true. They were both too serious by far.
The coach pulled to a stop and one of the guards hopped down and opened the door. Adam leapt out and raced toward her, his bright ginger hair glinting in the sunlight. Though he was mature in some ways, she was glad to see that he was still a wee lad in others. Reaching her arms out to him, she smiled, tears burning her eyes.
"Ma, they said you were injured."
She drew him into a tight embrace, hoping he felt how much she loved him. "I hurt my knee, sweeting, but I'll be all right. I've missed you so." She pulled back to look at his dear face. "What a handsome lad you are."
His curious gaze darted up to Cyrus beside her. With a frown, Adam glanced down over the belted plaid.
"Adam, I want you to meet someone important," Elspeth said. "This is Cyrus MacKenzie, the Earl of Stornmor and Chief of the MacKenzie clan."
Eyes widening, Adam bowed. "Pleased to meet you, my laird."
She was so proud of him and his respectful manners.
Smiling warmly, Cyrus bowed, then held out his hand. "'Tis a great honor to meet you, Adam. Please call me Cyrus."
"Let's go inside where we can talk," Elspeth suggested.
Adam nodded, then bounded up the steps ahead of them. Cyrus tucked her hand around his elbow and escorted her inside. She was ever so glad for his help. Some of the blue bruising was fading, but her knee still pained her with every step she took.
Once Adam had some refreshment after the long journey, they went into the library and closed the door. Cyrus and Elspeth took the settle to one side of the hearth and Adam plopped down on a chair facing them. Obviously remembering he was in the presence of an earl, Adam quickly straightened his posture like a wee man.
"I'm afraid I have some sad news, Adam," Elspeth said. "Darby Hall has burned down."
His eyes flared wide. "What happened?"
After she explained the situation briefly, Adam nodded. "You can live here as long as you wish."
She smiled at his sweetness and generosity. "I appreciate that. Now for the good news." She turned to Cyrus, meeting his affectionate gaze. "Laird Stornmor has asked me to marry him. And I've accepted."
Adam's brows quirked, and she could tell he didn't fully understand why she would decide to marry.
"I should've sought out your blessing first," Cyrus said. "But I was unsure when I would get to meet you. I wish you to know that I care about your mother very much. The truth is… I love her."
When Cyrus glanced at her, the look of devotion in his compelling dark eyes near took her breath away.
"And I love him." Elspeth had never been more certain of anything in her life. She doubted her young son would understand the love a man and woman might share.
Adam observed Cyrus closely, then nodded. "I believe you, sire. And I'm glad you're not like Laird Dalacroy."
Elspeth knew he was referring to Alexander and not Henry.
"What was he like?" Cyrus asked.
Adam grimaced. "He didn't truly care about my ma. He didn't like me, either."
