Page 65 of Mated to the Mad Marquess

“And I don’t plan to return.”

“Ever?” She shifted on the cushion warily. “Gods . . .”

“I want the option not to. I suppose I would like to see you and your family again at least once or twice before the end of time. That’s why I need you. We could try to name you as my heir and then I’d hand Reedholm over to you, but that’s significantly more complicated and would require solicitors and the drafting and redrafting of wills and filing of papers. It could take months to get it all squared away, and then we could miss something and you might not have all you need. I don’t plan to be easy to find. A legal marriage gives you everything instantaneously. The addition of a spouse is already in the important documents. It’s much simpler.”

“But would it take months you don’t have? I mean, we’re immortal, Malcolm—what’s the hurry?”

“My mate has been in a cage long enough,” he said firmly. “Frankly, so have I.”

“I see.” She bit her gray lip.

“Do you?”

“Not really . . . but I think I’m following the most important bits. You want to marry me so that Reedholm will have a lady in your indefinite absence.”

“A fine lady who will see to the estate’s needs and care for it and its people in the manner they deserve. You’ll be a better lord than I ever was. You’re clever and ambitious, and a vast improvement upon the status quo. And you actuallyenjoyleading. You want to be a lady.”

“Meanwhile, you’ll flitter about the Faelands with your woman,” she said, flourishing her hand.

“And beyond them.”

Elspeth blew out a harsh breath. “It’s a lot, your estate. The tenants here can be an absolute handful, and my home is much, much smaller than yours. I’ve my father and sisters to help me, too, but it’s still a burden at times, and I’m not even the lord here. It was one thing, accepting a match with you. At least then I’d have a partner to assist in handling it all. And what if I find a mate, and they don’t like that I’m already married off?”

“You would still have your father and sisters to help you. And your staff. And my wealth and whatever partner or partners you wish to take on,” he added pointedly. “And you know me. If I can manage not to let the place crumble all by myself, then you’re bound to excel at it.” Then he sighed. “I confess I haven’t come up with a solution to the problem of you finding a mate who insists on marriage.”

“I do like wealth.” She smiled toothily. “And partners. And excelling.”

“Don’t we all.” Lumpy bleated at him again and he gave in, picking up the ball of fluff and sitting it in his lap. “I should have called you Bleats,” he groused.

Lost in thought, she tapped a disjointed rhythm into the arm of the sofa and chewed on her cheek. “I’m sorry, Malcolm, but I need more time to think on all this. It’s generous giving me everything, but complicated.”

He was disappointed, but he couldn’t deny that her request was reasonable. “Of course. Take your time—just not months and months, please.” He rose to his feet, tucking Lumpy the Second into the crook of his arm. He extended his hand, and she took it and squeezed it warmly between both of hers. “Take care, Elspeth.”

“Take care, Malcolm. You too, Bleats,” she said, patting Lumpy on his puffy head.

Malcolm walked to the doors and slid them apart.

“All right, I’ve thought on it,” Elspeth said, and Malcolm’s boots caught on the rug. “I’ll do it. I’ll be your wife. Make me the Lady of Reedholm.”

“I was so hoping you’d say that.” His cheeks filled with his smile. “But what if you meet your own mate one day?”

Elspeth laughed raucously and Malcolm shifted in closer, eager to be let in on the joke. “If I ever fall in love, I’ll just have you declared dead. Turn myself legally into a widow.”

“Perfect,” Malcolm said, returning her grin with one of his own. “I’ve already sent Margot a warning that should you agree, you might not want to let your newly blessed marriage bed go completely to waste.”

“Oh? Well, yes, someone should consummate with the bride, shouldn’t they?” Mischief lit her eyes. “And what did Miss Margot say in response to all of your scheming?”

“If you said yes, she plans to attend the ceremony.Andbring friends.”

“Brilliant woman, she is,” Elspeth breathed, and Malcolm had to agree.

Epilogue

Malcolm

Malcolm married Elspeth in the Seelie fashion to honor his mother, under a willow tree outside Reedholm manor, standing hand in hand. The ceremony was short. A mage spoke the blessing. A magistrate had them sign a document. Hrafn added her signature as a witness. Margot, and her many attractive friends, signed their names as well.

Elspeth didn’t bring her family. She made the decision that it was best to inform them of all the madnessafterthe fact, when there was nothing they could do to talk her out of it or slow the plan down. Malcolm agreed.

---