Page 53 of The Highlander Is All That
She had said Hamish, hadn’t she?
Before she could ask, Elizabeth tackled her in an effervescent hug. “Oh, I am so happy, Anne. I’ve hated keeping it a secret.”
“I, ah, does Aunt Esmeralda know?” It was all she could manage through her relief.
Elizabeth pulled back and gaped at her. “Are you mad? She wants me to marry Twiggenberry and have an affaire with a Scotsman.”
“Surely she did not say that.”
“She most certainly did. But I won’t do that. I can’t. Besides, if Hamish feels the same, why should we not marry?”
“Indeed.”
“So you think it’s silly too, don’t you?”
Anne blinked. “What?”
“That Hamish is worried what the duke will think.”
“The duke? I can’t imagine he would care one way or another, as long as you are both happy.”
“That’s what I thought. But Hamish doesn’t have a title and he thinks that makes a difference.”
“If he can support you—”
“He can.” She beamed.
“Then I don’t see a problem. It’s not as though he’s a groom . . . or a footman.”
“Indeed not. He, Mackay, and Ranald have a very successful distillery.”
Anne held back a laugh. “That explains his penchant for whisky.”
“Yes. So you agree that I should refuse Twiggenberry and—”
Anne blinked. “Refuse him? He’s made an offer?”
“Yes. And I threw up on him.”
“Why am I never informed?”
“Surely you knew I threw up on him?”
Anne glowered. “About the offer.”
“I asked our aunt not to tell anyone.” Elizabeth batted her lashes in lieu of an apology. “To be truthful, it made me ill to think of marrying him. How could I, when I love Hamish so?”
“I agree, it would be awkward, having a husband who turns one’s stomach. And if you and Hamish love each other, I wish you nothing but happiness.”
“I do fret about the duke though.”
Anne hated the worry on her brow. “I’m sure he will approve, darling.”
“Are you?”
“I am.”
Elizabeth hugged her again. “Thank you, Anne. I am so happy.”
