Page 142 of The Highlander Is All That

“A pity that,” the duchess said with a tsk. “You shall have to be married now.”

The countess offered a wink. “Indeed. But by all good fortune, the Archbishop of Canterbury happens to be playing cards in the salon.”

“Ah, providence,” Esmeralda gushed.

“We shall have him issue a special license at once,” Lady Jersey said. “We shall finally have you married, once and for all, Miss St. Claire.”

“That we shall.” Kaitlin tried to look stern.

As did Helena. “Indeed. Tomorrow at the soonest.”

Then the four of them whirled around and swanned back to the ballroom.

But Lady Jersey paused, glanced back at them, and murmured, with a flicker of her fingers, “Do carry on.”

Epilogue

Anne fell in love with Scotland on sight.

That she had Ranald at her side probably had a lot to do with it, as well as the fact that her entire family had made the move to the Highlands together. They’d closed up Sinclair House and left London once and for all.

Hamish hadn’t wanted to travel once he’d discovered the news about Elizabeth’s tender condition—she’d thrown up on him, actually—but Elizabeth had insisted she was fine and couldn’t wait to start their new life. Their wedding at St. James’s had been attended by the entire ton, which was directly attributed to the Duchess of Moncrieff and Lady Jersey, both of whom had touted it as the event of the season and not to be missed.

Aunt Esmeralda had been in her glory.

Though she seemed excited about the move to Scotland as well. At least Anne hoped she was excited about the move. But it could have been the fact that three of her four nieces were—at this very moment—preparing to provide her with grandnieces and nephews. She was over the moon about that as well.

Victoria and Peter were the only holdouts, because they planned to marry in Scotland so Peter’s sister, Catherine Mackay, could attend the wedding.

It was all so very delightful.

“You’re smiling,” Ranald whispered into her ear as they trundled along in the last leg of their journey.

“Am I?” Anne squeezed his hand. “I’m just pleased at how everything turned out.”

“I am gratified to hear it.” His lips were warm on hers.

Ah. She loved him.

“I’m pleased we found each other—”

“So gratified to hear it—”

“But I’m pleased for everyone as well.”

“As am I. No doubt the duke will be pleased as well.”

“And heaven forfend the duke not be pleased.”

“Indeed.”

Anne huffed a happy sigh. “Elizabeth and Hamish are so in love.”

“Aye. They are.”

“And Mary and Jamison.”

“He’s a good lad.”