“Aye, love. ’Tis real.”
“But your family are not here.”
“Not to worry about my family. We will celebrate with them upon our return to Inverary.”
She hadn’t thought about that. She’d have to say goodbye to her family for good. Not that she would change her mind, but she had simply not considered where they would live.
“Is that acceptable to you, Marion? Will you be my countess and live with me at Inverary Castle?”
Imagining living there with him was easy. But it was all happening so fast her heart was moving along faster than her mind. In this matter, her heart would guide her, and her mind would have to catch up in time.
“Aye, Alexander. I will be your countess and live with you at your beautiful home.”
He embraced her again and then kissed her on the forehead. “I will see ye in two days at the abbey. Enjoy being pampered by the queen as it is clear this wedding has brought her much joy.”
Marion laughed. “Aye, I imagine planning an elaborate event upon short notice is something both she and the king enjoy.”
Alexander released her then shook her father’s hand and left.
When the door closed, she plopped down on the chair and drew a deep breath then let it whoosh from her lips.
“Are ye certain of this, lass?” her father asked as he sat near her.
“Aye, father. ’Tis a wee bit sudden, but he is a good man.”
“And do ye love him?”
That her father would ask her that when her mother wouldn’t was the distinct difference between them. She was sure her mother cared for her wellbeing, but she was less concerned with feelings and more with duty—unlike her father.
“Aye, I love him.”
“Then let us tell your mother and get ye ready to be doted on by a queen no less. My daughter, a favorite of the queen,” he said and shook his head. “For all your balking over the years about marriage, Inever imagined such a wonderful outcome. I have spoken at length with the man and have formed a high opinion of him.”
“I have as well,” she said, not daring to share just how familiar she was with the earl.
“Very well, go and call in your mother.”
Marion found her mother in the front room that had the best light for her needlepoint. She did not look up when Marion entered, but Alice, ever the astute one, narrowed her eyes toward Marion.
“Something has happened,” she said. “Mother, look at Marion. Something has happened.”
Her mother looked up and squinted at Alice then Marion. “Don’t be foolish, Alice. The earl has gone away. What could have possibly happened?”
“Mother, Father would like to see you in his study. It is a matter of some import.”
Her mother placed her needlepoint in her lap and regarded Marion more decidedly, her brows drawn together in perpetual dissatisfaction with any goings on that did not include needlepoint or betrothals for her daughters.
“Very well, I will go see him, but it had better be important.”
Marion led her mother to the study and opened the door to let her pass through. She was not sure if her constitution could handle her mother’s reaction, but at the same time it would not be fair for her to leave her father to deal with her alone.
After closing the door, Marion moved to stand by her father and clasped his hand while her mother took a seat in front of them.
“Well, out with it. I have my stitching to finish.”
Her father flicked his hand toward her mother as if to dismiss what she said. “Never mind your stitching, woman. As we speak, a wedding is being planned for our daughter at the abbey with a feast to follow at the palace.”
For the first time in Marion’s seventeen years, she was surprisedher mother had no words. The sight of her wide-eyed expression and slack jaw was almost humorous. Marion had to work to not burst into laughter.
