The Highlander's Choice by Callie Hutton Page A

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