“You have been my strength, Seri,” Merry said just as softly. “Now, you are free to find your own happiness. Your oath to Mama is complete.”
Tears in her eyes, her sister made a valiant effort to smile and barely succeeded. “My happiness is seeing all my sisters happy.”
Chance kissed Merry on the cheek. “May you always be as happy as you are right now.”
Merry couldn’t possibly imagine anything less. “Thank you, brother.”
“We have a fine pub next door,” Bishop Lang announced from the doorway while they were signing the documents. “I hear that a celebratory drink always makes a fine blessing upon the union.”
“I’ll be going over to Gretna Hall and reserving us some rooms,” Malcolm said. “A fine, leisurely day here in Gretna Green will do us all a world of good, and of course, the newlyweds will wish to spend the night.”
Merry’s cheeks heated at the very thought of what tonight would bring. Her sisters had fully informed her of what to expect, but she still couldn’t quite imagine what it would be like. If it was nearly as wonderful as Duncan’s kisses… Her cheeks burned even hotter.
“Merry, are you holding your breath again?” Serendipity asked with sisterly concern.
“Why do ye hold yer breath?” Duncan cupped Merry’s face, barely caressing her cheek with the heel of his thumb. “Are ye unwell, lass?”
“I am not holding it.” She pulled in a deep breath and blew it outto prove her point. “The excitement of the day has simply made me giddy.” The smile he gave her thrilled her even more. “You’re smiling.”
“Aye, my own. Because ye have made me the happiest man in the world.”
Coming up behind them, Simon cleared his throat with a loudharrumph.“Forgive the interruption, but here be yer copy of the marriage lines, m’lady.”
“Thank you, Simon.” Merry took the document and handed it to Chance. “Will you give this to our solicitors for safekeeping?”
He tucked it inside his coat. “Happy to, Lady Kirkston.”
“Now, that has a fair ring to it,” Duncan said as he escorted her into the neighboring pub.
“I fear it will take some getting used to, both for myself and your mother.” As they sat at a table beside the window, her ring caught a ray of sunlight and took on an even richer shade of blue. “This ring is so very lovely. I adore sapphires.”
“It was my grandmother’s, and now it is yers.”
Merry wiggled her fingers to make it sparkle even more. “And someday, our son can give it to his wife.”
Duncan glanced aside and resettled himself in his chair as though struggling to get comfortable. “What shall ye drink, my own? Spirits, or will a fine spot of tea suit ye better?”
Confused by his sudden oddness, Merry touched his arm. “Duncan? What is wrong? Is your arm troubling you?”
“Nay, love. I am fine.”
She couldn’t question him further because Malcolm returned and gathered everyone else over to the table, followed by the barmaid with a tray of drinks. He raised his glass in a toast. “To the newlyweds. Long life and happiness to them, and a house overflowing with bairns!”
“Hear, hear!” Everyone echoed—everyone except Duncan.
Sensing something wasn’t quite right, but not understanding what it might be, Merry studied Duncan as closely as she could without actually staring at him. His coloring was good, and he used his right arm as much as he dared, even lifting his tankard with it. But there was something in his eyes. A worry of some sort—and the way he had looked away when she had mentioned that someday their son could give this precious ring to his wife. What had that meant?
*
Duncan’s jaws achedfrom clenching his teeth so tightly. Guilt over the decision he had made overshadowed the joy the day had brought him. But he had to be strong. His beloved wife’s life depended on it. Merry would understand. She would be disappointed, but eventually, she would understand. At least, he prayed that she would.
Head bowed, he knocked on the door to their room at the inn. He had allowed her a wee bit of privacy before joining her on this special night. He sucked in a ragged breath and blew it out, settling hard and fast into the determination to carry through with his plan no matter what.
She opened the door, partially hidden by it as she stepped back so he might enter. “You had me worried.”
“Why is that, my own?”
After closing the door and securing the latch, she faced him. “In the pub…I could tell something wasn’t right.”
