The Highlander's Choice (9 page)

“It seems my body is ready to rise once the sun does the same.” She shrugged. “Not very refined for an English lady, I’m afraid.”

“Ach, darlin’ ye’ve naught the ways of the Sassenachs. Ye would be a fine Scottish lass, a pleasing Laird’s wife.”

She shook her head. “I’m afraid I cannot make that decision yet. I don’t feel as though I know you after only a few weeks.”

“’Twould be a lie to say I agree ’tis too soon. I ken we would be verra good together. But what of my request that you come with me to Bedlay Castle?”

“My family is expecting me to return soon. They trusted Lord and Lady Somerville to see me here and back home safely. I believe Margaret’s parents intend to leave for London in another day or two.”

“Once I have yerr agreement, I will dispatch a messenger to yer family. I will write to yer brother, and assure him ye will be well chaperoned. And, if ye decide to return to England, which I hope ye do not, I will see ye there safely myself.”

She held herself stiffly, knowing she needed to make a decision. Putting it off for another day or so would not make it easier. Lord and Lady Somerville would be leaving soon, and Liam was needed back home. She could leave with Margaret’s parents as arranged, or take a chance on finding out if what she and Liam felt for each other was more than
caring deeply
.

This could be what she’d been waiting for all her life. She would never know unless she gave it time. Taking a deep breath, she turned to him. “Very well, I will visit Bedlay Castle.”

When he grinned, a look of male satisfaction in his eyes, she added, “But I can stay no longer than perhaps two or three weeks. I will be needed at home. With three new grandchildren already this year, and my sister Marion ready to deliver her babe in a couple of months, my mother needs help.”

“Ach, if ye accept my proposal, yer mum will have to do without yer help.”

“But I haven’t said yes. And I must have your word that should I decide to return home, you will not thwart me.”

“Ye have my word, darlin’.”

She regarded him with narrowed eyes. He had agreed too easily for the man she had grown to know. Hopefully, she had not just made a grave mistake. But she’d learned from watching her brother and sisters that the pathway to love was not necessarily a smooth ride.

Chapter Nine

Sybil took a sip of tea and steeled herself to make her announcement. She and Margaret were spending a quiet afternoon in the castle’s solar. The room was bright and cheerful, making the most of the pale sunlight that shone through the tall windows. The tapestries on the walls depicted scenes from Scottish history, giving the room character.

They sat side by side on a pale blue settee, tea service on a small table in front of them. From Margaret’s bright eyes and perpetual slight smile, Sybil guessed that the new bride’s wedding night had been more pleasurable than not. The thought of a wedding night, and one with Liam if he had his way, brought heat to her face.

“I can’t tell you how happy I am that you came with me for my wedding,” Margaret said. “At the same time, I wish you could stay longer. Even though everyone has been pleasant to me, I still feel like a stranger.”

“Even with Duncan?” Sybil asked with a smirk.

Margaret blushed so red Sybil thought the poor girl would burst into flames. Yes, it must have been a wonderful wedding night. But Margaret’s statement gave her the opening she needed.

“About that, dear.” She took another sip of tea and cleared her throat. “It appears I won’t be leaving as planned.”

Margaret’s smile lit up her face. “You won’t? Oh, Sybil I am so happy to have you staying for a while.”

“Well… Not exactly staying.”

Margaret brought her brows together in a frown. “I don’t understand.”

Taking a deep breath, Sybil plunged ahead. “I will be staying here in the Highlands, but Liam has invited me to visit with his family for a bit.”

Margaret continued to stare, her cup of tea halfway to her mouth, which hung open in a very unladylike fashion. Not able to stand the tension any longer, Sybil reached out and gently closed Margaret’s mouth with her index finger. “Someone told me you will catch bugs that way.”

Returning the cup to the table, Margaret said, “Why would you visit Liam’s home?”

Sybil chewed her lip until she thought she tasted blood. “Um, because he asked me to marry him.”

“What!” Margaret’s screech had probably made notifying Sybil’s family, all the way in England, unnecessary, since the sound had probably reached London.

“
Shh
,” Sybil whispered, looking around frantically, waiting for Duncan to barge in to rescue his new wife.

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I’m telling you now,” she said with a wry smile. “He only asked me last night.”

“And you accepted? And waited until now to tell me?” Margaret threw her arms around Sybil and hugged her. “Congratulations.”

Sybil eased out of her hold. “Not quite yet.”

“What do you mean?”

She stood and paced. “I haven’t accepted his proposal because I’m not sure. I’ve only known him a short time. My family isn’t nearby to offer advice.” She waved her hand. “It’s all very confusing.”

“Do you love him?”

“Of course not.” She paused. “I don’t think so. I mean…not yet.” She returned to her seat. “Do you love Duncan?”

Margaret got that silly smile on her face once again that had Sybil’s insides heating up. “Yes, I rather think I do.”

“So soon?”

“To be honest, I was halfway in love with Duncan before I arrived. Remember, he had visited my home several times.”

“No more concerns about a mistress?”

She shook her head. “That has been all straightened out.”

Sybil took her hand. “I am truly happy for you. I hope you have many years together, and many children.”

Margaret touched her stomach and blushed. “Mayhap there is already a little one growing inside me.” Then in a rush of embarrassment, she covered her face with her hands and giggled. “I cannot believe I just said that.”

After giving each other hugs, Margaret pulled back. “When will you leave for Bedlay Castle?”

“Liam will leave today. I need to speak with your parents and pack, so he is sending his coach for me tomorrow.”

Margaret leaned back, shaking her head slightly. “I simply don’t know what to say. I also cannot believe this all happened under my nose and I never guessed.”

“Yes. Well, I can assure you I am about as surprised as you are.”

“Now that I think back on it, I do remember wondering if Liam was developing a
tendre
for you. But since I knew how you felt about Scots, I never occurred to me that you would welcome his attentions.”

“The man is very persuasive.” It was then Sybil’s turn to blush, and they both giggled.

“Now I must seek out your mother and tell her I won’t be joining them on their journey home. Liam has already sent a messenger to my brother so he won’t be expecting me soon.”

“I simply cannot permit you to visit with
that man
when your brother entrusted us with your care.” Lady Somerville stood wringing her hands as she paced back and forth in front of Sybil.

Knowing Lady Somerville’s temperament, Sybil had been prepared for histrionics, and she had not been disappointed.

Lady Somerville slid her handkerchief from under her sleeve and waved it under her nose. “I need my
vinaigrette
, where is that blasted lady’s maid?”

The meek little maid came racing into the great hall where Lady Somerville’s performance was taking place. She hovered over her lady while Lady Somerville rested the back of her hand on her forehead and sat. “Please open it for me. I feel so weak.”

Sybil stifled a yawn and shared an amused glance with Margaret.

“I’m afraid m’wife is correct, Lady Sybil. You shouldn’t be staying on here, especially traveling to a gentleman’s home without your brother’s consent.”

“It is his estate, my lord. His mother, two sisters, and a full staff are there. There will be no impropriety, I can assure you.
Not that there hasn’t been already—but no need to concern myself with that, since that will never happen again.

“You should wait for your brother’s consent before you hie over there, gel.” Lord Somerville was making much more of a nuisance than she’d expected his wife to make. The argument was certainly a sound one, she could stay with Margaret until she heard from Drake.

“Papa, I’m afraid that won’t work since Duncan and I will be leaving for our wedding trip the day after tomorrow. Lady Sybil can certainly stay here, but she would have no chaperones. It is actually less scandalous for her to go to Bedlay Castle.”

Apparently frustrated with the entire business, the man threw his hands in the air, mumbled something unflattering about the female gender and strode from the room.

Lady Somerville’s recovery was rather quick. Waving the flittering maid away, she jumped to her feet and glared after her husband. “Well, he was certainly no help.”

“Mama, I think you and papa should just be on your way. Laird MacBride has already sent a messenger to London to advise His Grace that Lady Sybil will be staying with him.”

“That’s correct, my lady,” Sybil added. “He has even extended an invitation to my brother and his wife to visit.”

“Very well.” She shrugged. “It sounds as though it has all been settled.” She smiled brightly. “As soon as our carriage is loaded, we will be on our way, Margaret.” Lady Somerville gave her daughter a hug and turned to Sybil. “I wish you the best, dear.”

“Thank you.”

That problem solved, Sybil returned to her bedchamber to assist Bessie with the packing. Still not certain she was doing the right thing, she swallowed her concerns and reminded herself that Liam had promised to allow her to return home if she didn’t think they would suit.

But she wanted them to more than “suit.” She hadn’t spent her life thus far waiting for love to give up on it now. Love had to be part of the proposal, or she would indeed return home.

…

Liam crested the hill leading to Bedlay Castle. A warm sense of belonging flowed through him at the first glimpse of home. How he loved the place! From the time he’d been a lad he had always looked forward to dashing over the hill and seeing Bedlay rise in front of him—strong castle walls, the battlements stark against the deep blue sky.

With a grin on his face, he spurred the horse forward, seeing in his mind centuries of ancestors doing the same as they returned from battle. He gave in to the urge and let out with a wave of his sword and a Scottish battle-cry as he charged down the hill. His breathing increased as the horse’s hooves beat a cadence under him.

As he neared the castle, two young women raced from the massive gates toward him. Lifting their skirts, they shouted and waved as they ran. He re-sheathed his sword, pulled the reins, and brought the horse to a sliding halt as they reached him. He jumped from Cadeym just as two young bodies threw themselves into his arms.

“We missed you!” His youngest sister, Catriona, wrapped her legs around his waist and clutched his neck.

“Catriona, that isna verra ladylike.” Alanna, at fifteen, had begun to criticize her sister for things she’d done herself only the prior year.

Liam shifted Catriona in his arms and ruffled Alanna’s hair. “Ach, lass, when did ye become so proper?”

“When Brian MacBride started paying her attention,” Catriona said, then screeched as her sister pinched her arm.

“Enough, lasses!” Liam dropped Catriona to her feet and put his arms around the girls’ shoulders as he led them forward. “’Tis a few minutes I’m home and already I’m listening to ye both squalling like a couple of bairns.”

“How was the wedding?” Alanna asked.

“Verra nice. The bride looked beautiful and Duncan looked miserable.”

“Ach, Liam, that’s terrible,” Alanna swatted him on his arm. “Is she truly a Sassenach?” She walked backwards as she spoke to him.

“Aye. That she is.”

“And is she awful?”

“Nay. She’s a lovely lass, kind, patient, and verra nice. And Duncan is anything but miserable.”

Catriona sniffed. “I dinna think any Sassenachs were verra nice.”

His sister’s words once again reminded him of the battle he faced with not only his family, but his clan. And, truth be known, his own feelings as well. Dislike for the English had been bred into his bones. The Sassenachs were detested by the MacBrides, and if spoken of at all, ’twas always in a foul manner. But Sybil was worth the fight he would face. If only he was more sure of the lass’s feelings.

Despite his mum insisting she couldn’t attend Duncan’s wedding because she was needed at home, he suspected she dinna want to see Duncan marry an English woman. He sighed and led the girls into the castle.

“Liam!” His mum bustled across the entrance hall, wiping her hands on her apron. “’Tis about time ye left the Sassenach and came home.”

He kissed her ruddy cheek, the green eyes he’d inherited from her snapping with annoyance. “So did The McKinnon marry the woman?”

“Aye.”

She shook her head. “’Twill be a verra sorry mon at Dundas in no time.”

“I dinna think so. Lady Margaret is a pleasant lass. Duncan seems verra happy with her.”

His mum snorted. “No Sassenach will make a Highland lad happy. ’Twas a sad day when The McKinnon agreed to marry that girl.”

Already his muscles had begun to tighten with anger. He’d barely made it through the front door. Taking a deep breath he reminded himself he would soon be facing deep, lifelong prejudices. ’Twould be best if he kept his temper in check.

“Right now I’d like to unpack and look over the accounts.” He headed upstairs, needing time to prepare himself. “I will tell ye all about the wedding at supper.”

…

The evening meal in the dining room at Bedlay Castle was a rowdy affair, with members of Clan MacBride happy to see their laird home. Liam’s grandda had had interior walls built so the one time great hall was now divided into a large dining room, spacious drawing and morning rooms, and a library.

The tables in the dining room were filled with the clan members who worked in the castle. This was the only meal they shared with the family. ’Twas a long tradition, and one Liam had kept up after his da’s death.

A few remarks were tossed out about the Sassenach The McKinnon had married, but for the most part nothing was said that raised his temper much. But listening to the comments made him realize how verra unfair they’d all been about the English.

Lady Margaret and Lady Sybil were both fine lasses, nothing like he’d been led to believe his whole life. Clan MacBride would need to put their prejudices aside because he was sending his carriage for Sybil in the morning, and they would all be nice to the lass or answer to their laird.

When the room began to empty out, Liam stood and addressed his mother and sisters. “There is a matter I want to speak with ye on.” He glanced around at the few stragglers who remained, finishing their ale and telling stories. “I will be in the library.” Ignoring the questioning looks on their faces, he stepped back from the table and left the room.

He poured a glass of whiskey, then set it down without drinking it. ’Twould be better to keep a clear head. His mum and sisters filed in, unusually quiet, which told him they ken what he had to say was important.

Once they were settled on the settee, he took a seat on the chair across from them. Leaning forward, he placed his forearms on his thighs. “I’ve invited a lass I met at The McKinnon’s wedding to visit. Tomorrow I will send a carriage to Dundas to bring her here.

His mam’s eyebrows rose. “A lass?” Then she broke into a huge grin. “Saints! ’Tis a wonderful day, indeed. Ye’ve finally decided to do yer duty by yer clan and take a wife.”

His sisters both started talking at once. “Who is she? Do we know her? When is the wedding?”

He leaned back and crossed his arms. “Yer all getting ahead of yerselves. I’ve invited the lass to visit. To see Bedlay, meet my family and clan.”

“Meet yer family and clan? Is she from the Lowlands? And why would ye be inviting the lass if ye weren’t planning on marrying her?” his mum asked.

Liam stood and placed his hands behind his back. “If ye must know, I’ve asked the lass to marry me—”