The Highlander's Choice by Callie Hutton Page B

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