Page 81 of The Masked Baron
Ellis took a deep breath. “I would like to say a few things. First, I don’t think we’ve had a house party of this size for a very long time at Braitwood Hall, and it brings back wonderful memories. It means a great deal to come down to breakfast and see my dear sister here again.” Andalin observed how Eliana returned his sincere smile.
“Second, I am happy, as always, to have the Kerrigan clan with us. And to share with them the happy news that they are extending. Nothing is more important than family. But you dear friends—the Kerrigans, the Trentons, Miss Dubois, and now the Durantes—are like family to us. No one but family could be as patient with a man as lost as I was. But, as you can tell by this extremely long and sappy speech, I have been rescued.”
Ellis suddenly grabbed Andalin’s hand and held it up. “This angel has agreed to marry me.”
Andalin took in the surprised faces around them and could not help herself. She laughed. Ellis pulled her to him and kissed her soundly on the mouth. His kisses were the stuff of magic, and she could not resist him, even with an audience. She melted against him, kissing him back. She heard the others cheering and pulled away, her cheeks burning.
Papa was the first to congratulate her, as he was the closest. He put his strong, craft-worn hands around her and enveloped her in a warm, familiar hug. Then he said, “The moment I met your Dark Rider, I knew there was more to him than first appeared. I have never been so relieved I trusted my instincts.”
“You saw more than I did,” Andalin replied. “Even though I was slow to come around, I have no regrets. Learning to love Lord Cadogen was the adventure I wanted.”
Papa laughed. “I hope you are very happy, then, sweet girl.”
Andalin grinned. “I will be, sir.”
Papa leaned closer. “We will see each other more often now that circumstances have changed.”
“I should like that.” Her smile nearly reached her ears as she thought of a life with both Papa and Ellis in it.
Papa stepped aside so Katrina might embrace Andalin. “I had hoped for this, but truly, I had no idea of either of you being in love with the other. It is too wonderful!”
“It is wonderful, Katrina.” Andalin beamed. “I hope to have a marriage as happy as the one you share with Mr. Trenton.”
She felt Ellis’s hand on the small of her back. He leaned over and interjected, “Ours will be happier.”
“Ellison!” Andalin chided, his given name slipping easily from her lips.
“Everyone feels that way in the beginning,” Lady Kerrigan said from behind Katrina. “I wish your mother was here to see this day, Lord Cadogen, but since she cannot be, I hope you will accept my blessing in her place.”
Ellis tenderly pulled Lady Kerrigan into his arms. “It means a great deal to have your approval. Thank you.”
Lady Kerrigan sniffed back tears and moved aside to make room for her son.
“Kerrigan.” Ellis put his hand out. This was the exchange Andalin had dreaded most.
Lord Kerrigan’s serious expression eased into a grin. He pulled Ellis into a strong hug. “My bachelor friend no more. I hope you two will be very happy together. Though, I cannot see why she would think you were more handsome than I am.”
Andalin’s smile was filled with relief and pleasure. She put her hands out and Kerrigan covered them with his.
“Miss Durante, I hope you use your power of influence to persuade Lord Cadogen to let you both come stay with me after you are married.”
“I am sure we would both love to.”
Ellis nodded, his eyes holding a measure of gratitude for his selfless friend.
Miss Dubois and Eliana made their way to see them.
“It appears we were the only ones who knew there was something between you two,” Miss Dubois said.
“The only thing you can claim is you make very good spies,” Ellis joked.
Eliana put her hand up to hide her laugh. “We were completely innocent on the first occasion. We just happened to be at the waterfall at the same time as your romantic rendezvous. The second time, we can hardly pretend to be good spies when you clearly caught us in the act.”
Ellis’s expression turned solemn. “It was a blessing we discovered you.”
Eliana glanced at Lord Kerrigan and then back to Ellis. “I admit I didn’t think so in the beginning. I guess we Cadogens can be a bit hardheaded.”
“Yes, I believe we can be.” Ellis chuckled.
