The Bachelor's Bride (The Thompsons of Locust Street #1) - Holly Bush Page 0,80

know that the police will never bring charges against you? That was all settled. The dead man was attacking you.”

“No one told me that,” she said and took a shuddering breath.

“It is over.”

“It is not over for our family, and I will tell you about that very soon, but for now, I am feeling tired. Would you take me home?”

“Of course. This is was a long outing for your first venture.” He helped her to her feet and held her hands in his. “Please know, Elspeth, that I am honored that you told me what happened, but it will never matter to me. Tell me more or never mention it again. Whatever is best for you. Would you like to take a walk like this tomorrow?”

She nodded as they turned to walk toward her home. “I would like that very much,” she said and smiled a wobbly smile.

He kissed her hands. “I am glad. Very glad.”

Chapter 20

“Are you sure you’re up to this, Elspeth?” Muireall asked as Kirsty pulled her hair up into a fashionable chignon and Aunt Murdoch clucked her tongue from where she was seated on the bed.

“I think I am, but Alexander has told me several times that he will be more than willing to bring me home anytime I want, if I grow tired or for any reason, really,” she said and studied herself in the mirror.

She was going to tell Alexander yes, she would marry him, that very night. She was both excited and nervous. The two of them had been taking walks together, she had visited his home with Kirsty and Aunt Murdoch. They had attended the theater together and had taken a beautiful ride to the outskirts of the city. He had kissed her several times, and once very passionately. It made her heart flutter and her cheeks pinken to think about it. He had been panicked that he might have scared her. But he had not. She’d been awoken instead. There was a womanly need for him she was just discovering, and it made her feel as though she’d at long last arrived at maturity.

But she had not told her family yet, and it weighed on her. Something she must right immediately. She asked Muireall to call Payden and James to her room. Her sister looked at her strangely.

“What is it, princess?” James said as he walked into her room. “You’re looking especially lovely, Lizzie.”

Payden followed him. “It smells in here.”

“That’s the rose water she just dabbed on her wrists,” Kirsty said.

Elspeth smiled at the exchange, and her heart broke for a moment, thinking that she would not be part of this family banter for much longer, but it would not change what she was about to do.

“I wanted to talk to you all together. I love you all very much and always will. I love this family.” She looked at each of them and smiled softly. “But tonight I am going to tell Mr. Pendergast, Alexander, that I will marry him. He’s asked several times.”

“I knew it!” Kirsty said.

“This is no surprise, Lizzie.” James laughed. “The poor man’s at his wit’s end being patient.”

Aunt Murdoch stood slowly from the bed and held Elspeth’s face in her hands, kissing both of her cheeks. “A good match for you, dear.”

“Will I have to wear a suit to the wedding?” Payden asked.

Kirsty laughed. “Of course you will, you silly boy.”

Elspeth laughed too and glanced at the only person who had said nothing to her announcement. Muireall was white-faced and holding her hands tightly in her lap.

“Oh, Muireall,” she said and felt her lip trembling. “Are you disappointed in me or in my choice? I love him. I haven’t told him that yet, but I do. I wouldn’t leave this house for any less of a reason.”

Muireall stood and smiled tightly. “Congratulations, Elspeth.”

They all watched her walk from the room, her shoulders slumping.

Elspeth closed her eyes, willing herself not to cry on what was to be such a happy day for her. She heard Payden and James leave her room.

“I’ll go to her in a bit,” Aunt Murdoch said. “Kirsty, stay and finish her hair.”

“Why is she angry?” Kirsty asked.

“She’s not angry. But she does see her family changing, and her life’s work has been to hold the MacTavishes together. She’s not allowed herself to find any joy or anything for herself all these years. She’s been weighed down by your mother and father’s words to her.”

“But we’re grown now,” Kirsty said. “You said that