Catherine noted that while she was stouter, her grandmother still looked tired. Her ordinarily bright eyes were dull from fatigue, and her usually impeccable posture was still hunched, but her spirit? That was fully back and with a vengeance.
“My afternoon was…eventful,” Catherine answered honestly, considering all she’d actually done that day, especially the highlight of Quin’s proposal.
“Oh?” This apparently piqued her grandmother’s curiosity because she set down her teacup on the side table and turned fully to her granddaughter.
“Indeed.” Catherine debated telling her grandmother the best news first or lead into it.
Yet as she considered her options, she had the sobering thought of how short life could be and she decided to start with the most important news.
“Well, you have another reason to be here a little longer,” Catherine answered as she traced the lines of her grandmother’s hand.
“Oh? Do I need another reason?” her grandmother asked.
“No, but I rather think you’ll like this reason.” Catherine hazarded a peek at her grandmother, who was studying her.
“Did Quin finally come up to scratch?”
“While I’m sure he would appreciate your sentiment, he didn’t need much of a fire lit under him. And yes, he did propose.” Catherine couldn’t restrain her reaction any longer as her grandmother perked up with understanding.
“Good Lord! Well, that is good news! I always liked the boy. He’s been lost on you for a while now. I wondered if he’d ever get around to telling you.” She shook her head. “So that’s my additional reason to keep alive and kicking?”
“Well, I was thinking specifically about seeing your great-grandchildren, but there are really about a million reasons.”
Lady Greatheart’s expression narrowed. “And just when can I expect these grandchildren…”
“Good mercy.” Catherine rolled her eyes. “Not yet.”
“Good, it’s always the quiet ones you have to watch out for,” her grandmother muttered.
“Pardon?”
“Quin…it wouldn’t surprise me…and honestly I don’t put much more faith in you either. Anticipating your vows does rather complicate things—”
“Grandmother!” Catherine interjected.
“What? It’s true.”
Catherine stuttered, unsure what to say.
“Never you mind, ducky. Do you love him?”
Catherine’s answering look spoke for her.
“Whew, yes. You should marry quickly. Just to keep from the larger scandal of grandbabies before their time.” She gave an enthusiastic little clap.
“I love him so much.” Catherine’s eyes burned with the power of it as a tear trailed down her cheek. “It’s so strong, sometimes I can hardly handle it.”
Lady Greatheart reached out and grasped Catherine’s cheek. “I’m glad you’re not settling for anything less.”
Catherine leaned into her grandmother’s warm hand. “The Duchess of Wesley is coming tomorrow to discuss the details. She was quite pleased as well.”
“I can only imagine. She lost more than a son. She lost you, too, in a way.”
“She said something like that.”
“And now she has you back. She’s going to be a force to be reckoned with. That woman is one of my favorites.” Her grandmother nodded as if emphasizing her words. “I’m glad she will address the details. I would, but I know my limits, and they are short right now, ducky.”
As if validating her words, Lady Greatheart closed her eyes and relaxed back against the chair.