Page 63 of A Dash of Scot
“Dougal.” Her mother let go of Poppy and held her hand out to her future son-in-law, who took it, bending over to kiss the air above her knuckles. “Congratulations.”
“I am a lucky man to have your daughter as a wife.”
“She is a wonderful woman.”
“I couldna agree more.” He glanced at Poppy, his eyes sparkling with love and pride. “She has made me a verra happy man.”
“I’m so glad for the two of you.” Anise hugged Poppy to her and then hugged Dougal too.
He was startled at first and then leaned into the hug.
“There is something I would like to offer,” Dougal said.
“But first, I think you were right, Anise, we need champagne.” Mama hurried into the house to speak with their housekeeper, and the three of them followed her inside to the drawing room, where Jack was opening a bottle. “You were saying?”
“I know ye’re verra partial to this cottage left to ye by your husband, but I wanted to offer ye the use of any of my houses at your leisure. There’s no reason for ye to be in one place if ye dinna prefer it.”
“Oh, Dougal, you are too kind, and that is too much to ask.” Mama glanced around the room, a look of nostalgia crossing her features, and Poppy wondered if she were remembering a time she’d come here with her husband. “I find this cottage rather cozy.”
“Mama,” Poppy said, “Dougal is also going to give you my dowry to keep and spend as you like.”
At this, her mother’s face grew pale. “Oh, Poppy, you do not need to do that. It is yours, given to you by your father. I cannot accept it.”
Poppy glanced up at Dougal, who nodded encouragingly. “I know. And I am grateful to him for being so generous. But I am more than secure with Dougal. And I want you to have it. Papa would understand and agree with me, I’m sure.”
“Oh, Poppy. I…” Her mother was suddenly overcome with emotion and excused herself.
“Oh, no.” Poppy started to follow her mother, afraid she’d upset her, but Anise stood in her way.
“Let her go,” her sister said softly with a smile. “She’s not upset, just overcome. You’ve made her very happy. She has been quite stressed about how to get by, and you’ve just given her a huge gift. Both of you.” Anise looked at Dougal and nodded.
Poppy hugged her sister. “Thank you.”
“It is I who have you to thank.” Anise wiggled her brows as if she had a secret.
“We will give ye a proper season too,” Dougal said. “Ye deserve it.”
“I’m not sure I need it.” Anise bit her lower lip, then peeled off her glove to reveal a small sapphire ring.
“What is that?” Poppy reeled in shock.
“Colonel Austen gave it to me. He’s asked me to marry him. I planned to tell you and Mama after she came back from tea, but then Dougal came and proposed.”
“Both of us, married!” Poppy clapped her hands together.
“I’m so happy for us, for you,” Anise said.
“And I am so happy for you and us.”
Jack cleared his throat, and the sisters turned to see him still standing there with the champagne bottle.
“Oh yes, please, do pour,” Poppy said. “So sorry to have forgotten.”
Jack smiled. “No’ a problem at all, miss. My congratulations to the lot of ye.”
“Thank ye,” Dougal said, taking two glasses of sparkling champagne and passing it to Poppy and Anise.
Mama took that moment to return, and he handed her a glass as well.
