McKenna moaned, "Oh no, poor Abigail."
"Aye," said Hannish, "We know him. His parents are in the ballroom. McKenna, I see no reason to tell them, unless Charles has had the misfortune of marrying her."
"I agree," said McKenna. "Abigail would be beside herself if she knew. She said Charles has gone to London to try to get Olivia, or whatever her name is now, out of jail."
"He'll not succeed," said Cameron, "not without a very clever and extremely expensive solicitor to help her."
Hannish stared at his brother. "Does this mean I was never married, or must I become a part of the action against Olivia to be free?"
"I'd not like to see you tangled up in this mess and so far, they do not know about either you or Lord Bayington. According to the barrister, you married a woman who does not exist. Therefore, you need not divorce her."
Hannish could hardly get the words out… "I am free?"
"I believe you are."
*
Hannish wasted no time returning to the ballroom. He walked to the middle of the room and tapped the man dancing with Sassy on the shoulder. "Allow me." The man nodded and walked away.
"What are you doing, they will talk," Sassy whispered.
"Let them talk." Slowly, he put his left hand on her back, took her hand in his and drew her close. Then he leaned down and whispered in her ear. "Will you come with me? I have something I long to say to you."
Sassy pulled back to look in his eyes. "Where?"
"Just outside." He waited for her nod, led her through the dancing couples and then opened the door to the terrace. He let her go through first, and then followed her to the short stone wall, separating the terrace from the lawn.
The half-moon was just peeking over the roof of the mansion when Sassy looked up at the stars. In the ballroom behind her, McKenna, Cameron and Flora moved to the window to watch. "What do you wish to say to me?"
"Do you remember the night I carried you up the stairs? You put your arms around my neck, put your head on my shoulder and I knew then I never wanted to let you go."
She turned to see the sincerity in his eyes. "You did?"
"I have thought of you every waking moment since. Until tonight, I thought I would go mad wanting you."
She quickly turned away. "'Tis torture for me too."
He slowly put an arm around her. "I am sorry I put you through that."
"'Tis my first time at being in love. I dinna know what to do."