Chapter 30
30
T hroughout the entire cruise from Spain to the Firth of Forth, Isabella and Gibb spent their nights making passionate love and idled away the afternoons planning their future. By their calculations, when they amassed their fortunes, they not only could expand the fleet without the duke’s money, but they could purchase a grand Scottish estate. They decided that Isabella would take on the responsibility of finding the perfect house near the waterfront in Leith, while Gibb set to adding two more ships to the fleet—one to ferry cotton and whisky to the continent and one named the Captain’s Lady for their own private use.
Gibb had warned Isabella that as soon as they moored in the Firth of Forth, it would take but a day before his brother received word, and their presence at Newhailes would be requested.
Of course, he hadn’t exaggerated. Together they took the skiff to the beach at the rear of the estate and were met by Gibb’s family, who had all congregated in the park, even James, the heir to the Dunscaby dukedom who was one year of age.
Gibb wasted no time explaining how Isabella was widowed, how they had found each other in Spain, and announced their betrothal. He had also predicted that the news would be met with overwhelming exuberance, and he was right, of course. The dowager duchess was elated to have a wedding to plan. But most unexpectedly, Martin, the duke, immediately wrote to the prince regent, who bestowed a knighthood upon Gibb for valor while in the service of king and country. On Christmas Eve, the regent’s letter arrived, apologizing for not knighting him sooner and requesting his presence in London at his earliest convenience, which Gibb decided would definitely not be before they took their vows.
The holiday came and went in a whirlwind. Despite the protests from the dowager duchess, they managed to keep the ceremony small, inviting only close family—and the crew of the Prosperity , of course. Isabella also decided it was time to make amends with her father, at least on her terms. She wrote a long letter explaining how she had been widowed. She left out the details of her expedition to Spain and conveniently forgot to mention the treasure they found, as well as the fortune she had inherited. To her joy, Papa did travel to Scotland for the wedding and gave her away in the ceremony that took place in St. Peter’s Church near Newhailes, but Gibb insisted that the reception be in the ballroom of the enormous home on the estate Isabella had found overlooking the Port of Leith.
Their new manor was a six-mile carriage ride from the church, and the duke gladly supplied the carriages to ferry all the guests across town. However, the bride and groom led the way in a carriage of their own, happy to be in each other’s arms.
“Did you show Duncan his bedchamber?” she asked, kissing her husband’s earlobe.
“I did, though he said he’d rather step in as first mate aboard one of our ships.”
“Our ships? I like how you say that. Did you tell the lad that he will assume the post of first mate when we take the Captain’s Lady to London for your official knighting?”
“He’ll come along, of course, and step in as first mate if he’d like. But as far as any seafaring goes, I’d rather have him pay attention to his studies.”
“He will. Thane tells me the boy is doing quite nicely, and ought to have no problem being accepted to university when the time comes.”
“Good, good. If Duncan stays the course, he’ll be a captain in no time.”
“Just keep reminding him of his potential—that will keep his nose in his books.” She gave him a wink. “Besides, I’d like our ward to be here when his brothers and sisters arrive.”
Gibb took her cheeks between his warm palms. “Are you?—?”
“With child?” she asked.
Gazing into Isabella’s eyes, her husband excitedly nodded.
“I don’t think so.” She nuzzled against his hand. “At least not yet. Are you disappointed?”
“Never. But I am overjoyed at the thought of all the hours we will spend abed conceiving our children.” He gently leaned his forehead against hers. “Today you made me the happiest man in all of Christendom, and I dunna believe I’ll ever again be disappointed.”
He kissed her. So many emotions were imparted by his lips, Isabella was at a loss to name them all, so she settled with love. Never in all her days had she dreamed that she might actually love a man as much as she loved Gibb MacGalloway. “Have you thought about your title? Will you stay with Lord Gibb, or take on Sir Gibb, or still staunchly insist on Captain MacGalloway?”
“Well, Lady MacGalloway , considering we have plans for dozens of voyages to uncover ancient relics, I think captain suits me most.”
“I do as well.”
All too soon, the carriage rolled to a stop, and after they alighted, Gibb swept Isabella into his arms.
She threw back her head, her laugh rolling with joy. “What are you doing?”
“Carrying my bride across the threshold. Now close your eyes. I have a surprise for you, lass.”
Since Gowan and Maribel had attended the wedding, a lone footman opened the door.
“Are your eyes still closed?” Gibb asked.
When she affirmed it, he carried her into the grand entrance hall, its floor gleaming with white and black checked marble.
“The guests will be arriving soon,” Isabella said. “We must form a welcoming queue.”
“This willna take but a moment.” Gibb’s shoes tapped as he crossed diagonally and stopped. “You may open them now.”
“My word,” she said, her breath catching as her husband set her on her feet. “The statue of Mars! However did you manage to bring him here?”
“After I purchased the Lady Bella , Archie took her out on a maiden voyage to Platja de la Devesa, where he finished the excavation.”
“Truly?” She ran her fingers over the cool marble. “Did they unearth anything else? More tablets, perchance?”
“Nay, all that they uncovered was the statue leaning against the pillar, as we see it here.”
“I still cannot believe something this beautiful was lost to the sands.”
“I suppose it happens, just as the villa was lost on your father’s estate.”
The sound of approaching carriages reminded Isabella that they had a grand celebration to host. “We’d best take our places—is Duncan in the first carriage?”
“Aye, as are the duke and duchess, my mother, and your father. They’ll all be joining our receiving line.”
Isabella rose and kissed her husband’s lips. “I’d have it no other way.”
“And then we shall dance.”
She squeezed his hand. “I’m a horrible dancer.”
“I’ve always disagreed with you on that.” He kissed her again while footsteps resounded outside. “In my arms you will always be as graceful as a swan and as bonny as a sunset on the open sea. I love you now and forever more.”
“And I you, Captain.”