Page 63 of Return to Wildsyde

“Dinnae question it, lassie,” he said, laughing now. “I promise ye, he’ll apologise.”

“Very well, then,” Luella said, shaking her head. “I’ll keep them safe.”

“Ye dae that, and I have nae doubt that ye will be as happy as I have been with Ruth.”

“But you hardly know me,” she said with a smile. “How can you be so sure?”

He leaned against the fireplace and regarded her solemnly. Luella smiled, seeing in him a reflection of her husband-to-be.

“My wife is a fine judge of character,” he said, his lips quirking as he continued. “And despite the odd action to the contrary, my son is no fool. I trust them, and I trust ye to make him happy.”

“I will,” she promised gravely. “You have my word.”

“I never doubted it. Now, drink up, lassie. It’s almost time, and—” He didn’t get to finish the sentence as a young woman hurried in, carrying a crying baby.

“Oh, Da, there you are. Take Isla, will you? She’s fussing and no one soothes her like you do.”

Luella watched with interest as a small wailing bundle was settled in Gordy’s arms.

“Ye are just flattering me, so I’ll take her from ye,” he said, though he didn’t seem displeased. He rocked and jiggled the baby, making soothing noises, and the young woman sighed with relief as the baby quieted.

“Not flattery in the least, Da, as you see,” she said with a smile.

“Fine, fine,” her father said, gazing down at his little granddaughter with a fond expression. “Oh, and have ye met yer new sister? Ye burst in on us in such a hurry ye did nae give me the chance for introductions.”

The young woman turned, and Luella held her breath, uncertain what Lyall’s sister would make of her. She was a very tall woman of ample proportions, with dark hair like her mother and a bright, engaging smile, which was now turned upon Luella.

Luella set down her drink and got to her feet, bracing herself just in time as she was engulfed in a fierce hug.

“A sister at last!” the woman exclaimed, kissing Luella’s cheek. “Goodness, how beautiful you are! Oh, I am so pleased you came, and that you have made Lyall happy again. We’ve all been so worried about him.”

Luella hesitated, uncertain whether to thank her for her kind words or to apologise that her family had caused so much trouble. Georgie didn’t seem to need an answer, however.

“Oh, is that whisky? Pour me one, darling Da. Honestly, travelling with small children is enough to put you off the business for good. If James asked, ‘are we there yet?’ once he asked me a hundred times. Though I suppose I ought not say that in the circumstances,” she added, giving Luella a saucy look. “Ignore me. Babies are wonderful.”

Georgie accepted the glass her father handed her with a grin.

“They are, and I want plenty of them, so don’t go putting the lass off the idea. Lyall will certainly not thank ye if ye spoil things before the wedding night,” he added with a chuckle as he turned his attention back to the baby. He glanced up and winked at Luella as Isla grabbed at the finger he offered her and cooed.

Luella blushed and drank the last of her whisky so fast it caught in her throat. She coughed and spluttered as Georgie hurried over and pounded her on the back.

“Poor darling,” she said sympathetically. “We take a bit of getting used to, don’t we? But you’ll get the hang of us in no time.”

The door burst open again and Hamilton stuck his head into the room. “What are ye all doing in here? It’s time to go to the kirk. Hurry up!”

Luella got to her feet, feeling a little as if she’d been swept up in a benevolent tide as she was ushered to the front door.

“What a gorgeous dress,” George commented, admiring her gown.

Luella nodded, smiling. “Lady Helena persuaded me to buy it when I was in town,” she said, smoothing her hand over the grey silk.

There had been no time to get another made up, for Lyall had wanted to marry without delay and Luella, still finding it hard to believe she wasn’t dreaming, had no fault to find with this plan.

“Ah, Helena has a wonderful eye for fashion. I wonder what she’ll be wearing today. No doubt she will put me to shame,” Georgie said merrily, accepting the now gurgling bundle her father handed back to her.

“Stop blethering on and take my princess for me,” he said with a smile. “I have a duty to perform.”

Luella looked at him with interest as he gestured for Jack to come over. Jack grinned, obviously in league with him. He and Gordy then both held out an arm to her.