Page 118 of The Laird’s Sinful Claim

"The castle feels very lived in," the regent continued. "Warm. Like a home rather than a fortress."

"That's all Elinor's daeing," David said. "She's made Keppoch a home in ways it hasnae been since me maither lived here."

"High praise indeed." The Regent looked between them. "Ye seem genuinely fond of each other. It's refreshing. In me experience, most political marriages are far more..."

"Cold?" Elinor supplied.

"I was going tae say practical. But yes." The Duke set down his glass. "Yers appears tae be something more."

"It is," David said simply. "She's me wife. Me partner. The woman I chose. And I dinnae regret that choice fer a moment."

Elinor's eyes shone with emotion. "Nor do I."

The Duke watched them for a moment, something almost like approval crossing his face. "Well. I'm satisfied. Langley's accusations appear tae be naething more than the wounded pride of a rejected suitor."

"So we have yer blessin’?" David asked carefully.

"Ye have me acknowledgment that yer marriage is legitimate. As fer blessing—" The Regent smiled slightly. "That's between ye and God, Laird MacDonald. But ye willnae face any interference from the Crown. Not over this matter, at least."

Relief flooded through David so intensely he nearly sagged in his chair. "Thank ye, Yer Grace."

After dinner and music, servants showed the Regent and his party to their chambers. David and Elinor stood in the corridor, watching them go.

"We did it," Elinor whispered. "He believed us."

"Aye." David pulled her into his arms, not caring who might see. "Ye were perfect. Everythin' ye said, the way ye presented yerself, perfect."

"I just told him the truth." She pulled back to look at him. "Or a version of it, at least. The part about finding happiness here, that was true."

"Aye. It was." He kissed her forehead. "Come on. Let's retire. It's been a long day."

"The Duke is still here," Elinor pointed out. "Staying the night."

"Aye. But he's satisfied. The worst is over." David took her hand. "We just need to get through breakfast tomorrow, and then he'll leave. And this whole mess will be behind us."

"I hope you're right."

"I am." He said it with more confidence than he felt. Because even though the Duke seemed satisfied, even though they'd passed this test, Langley was still out there.

Still plotting. Still determined to take Elinor back.

And David had a feeling this wasn't over yet.

Not by a long shot.