"In truth?" She couldn't remember Alexander ever talking to Adam. She'd had the nursemaid keep her son away from the older earl, as he didn't seem keen on children.
"Nay, he always glared at me." Adam sent her a disgruntled frown. "And I didn't like the way he looked at you."
She couldn't believe how insightful her son was. "You're wise for one so young."
Adam shrugged.
Cyrus grinned, then whispered in her ear. "You ken who he reminds me of?"
She nodded, realizing that if they had sons, she was in for a whole family of grumpy males.
"Rest assured, I will always protect your mother with my life," Cyrus told Adam. "I only wish the best of everything for her."
Her son's gaze darted back and forth between them. "I can tell you like each other."
Elspeth smiled. "Indeed, we do. And Cyrus is a good man. He came to my rescue several times."
"Where will you live?" Adam asked.
"I'm having a new castle constructed west of Inverness." Cyrus looked to her. "I'm hoping your mother will want to live there with me."
"I would love it." Elspeth looked forward to a new adventure.
"When will you get married?" Adam questioned.
"'Haps in a few weeks," she said.
Cyrus observed her closely, his brows raised. "Or tomorrow."
"Good heavens. The bans cannot be read in the local church that quickly."
"'Tis not necessary. I'll simply pay the fine."
"I'd prefer to wait a few days until I can walk better, at least. I don't even have a suitable gown here. Most of my clothing burned up in the house. But I do have a couple of gowns at my shop that could be altered to fit me."
He nodded. "I don't want you to be in pain as we stand for our vows. As for your gown, the one you have on is perfect. You don't need the latest design. I want to marry you for you, not for your clothing."
She grinned, her face heating. "You always say the sweetest things."
"'Tis just like Aunt Emmaline and Uncle Peter all over again." Adam glanced heavenward.
"Oh." Elspeth chuckled. "My sister and her husband," she reminded Cyrus. "They have a love match."
He grinned and shook his head. "Never thought I would want such a thing."
∞∞∞
The next day as wedding preparations were underway, Cyrus took his friends and some of the MacKenzies with him on an excursion to Darby Hall, as well as her shops in Aberdeen. She'd wanted to travel with them, but he'd convinced her she was needed at Greymont, and the trip would only take a couple of hours if they didn't need to wait for the coach. She was glad she didn't go, for it surely would've worn her out.
When Cyrus and the men returned that evening, a rented coach from town followed, two trunks on top and two roped to the back. She was thrilled to see Audrey—her head seamstress—and Gracie climbing from the coach. Both approached, then curtsied.
"Welcome, Audrey and Gracie," Elspeth said. "I'm so glad you've come. What is all this?" She motioned to the trunks.
"Dresses, m'lady." Audrey grinned. "I hope you will like them."
"How many?"
"A dozen or so."
