The Highlander's Choice (Entangled Scandalous) (Marriage Mart Mayhem) Page 9

  “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—”

  Squeals erupted from three females who all jumped from their seats to hug him. With all the noise he couldn’t hear himself think. “Ye need to quiet down and let me finish.”

  His mum was patting her eyes with the edge of her apron and both of his sisters bounced on the settee.

  “I asked the lass to marry me, but she dinna give me an answer.” Now that they had quieted down and he had their attention, he once again took his seat. “I asked her to come for a visit to meet everyone and spend some time at Bedlay. ’Tis my hope she will accept me after she spends some time here.”

  “Dinna keep us waiting, lad. Who is the lass?” Mum was almost as excited as his sisters.

  “’Tis a lass that is a friend to Lady Margaret.”

  “The Sassenach?” Mam’s smile faded and her eyebrows rose. “I dinna ken Duncan’s bride had any Scottish friends.”

  “Nay, she doesn’t.”

  “Doesn’t what? Yer talking in circles, lad.”

  “Lady Margaret’s friend is an English woman. A fine lass that I’m sure ye will all love.”

  The stunned silence actually hurt his ears. His heart pounded as he waited for the reaction he kenned would surely come.

  “Are ye telling me ye asked a Sassenach to marry ye?” Mam’s voice was so low he barely heard her.

  “Aye.”

  “Nay!” She jumped up and waved her finger in his face. “’Twill be no Sassenach at Bedlay. Ye will send word to the lass that ye came to yer senses and there will be no carriage bringing her here.”

  Liam stood his ground and shook his head. “’Tis sorry I am to disappoint ye, but I will not be changing my mind. Lady Sybil will arrive tomorrow and if she decides to have me, there will be a wedding.”

  “Nay! ’Twill be a scandal. The clan will never accept a Sassenach.”

  Liam drew himself up and faced the woman who had raised him, loved him, and took care of him all his life. “Need I remind ye, I am yer laird and make the decisions for the clan? ’Tis final.” Unable to bear the look of shock on their faces, he turned and strode to the door.

  He stopped with his hand on the latch and turned back to them. “And I’ll be expecting ye to be pleasant to the lass when she arrives. Or ye will be answering to me.”

  Taking the stairs two at a time, he stomped down the corridor and entered his bedchamber. Going directly to the window, he leaned his forearm against the frame and stared out at the blackness. He’d made up his mind at Dundas. Lady Sybil was the woman for him. She was everything he’d ever wanted in a wife.

  Now he had to convince her that marriage between the two of them was the right thing to do. He kenned that she was looking to marry for love. Could his feelings for the lass be love? He’d told her nay, but the more he thought about her, here in Bedlay, in this room, in his bed, carrying his bairn, the more he questioned exactly what it was he felt.

  She would arrive tomorrow. Time would tell. If only he didn’t have to fight his family and entire clan to find out.

  Chapter Ten

  Sybil gave Margaret a hug and headed to the carriage that had arrived to take her to Liam’s home. Her stomach fluttered with nervous tension as the vehicle pulled away. She waved to Margaret, standing in front of the door with Duncan, his arm around her waist. It appeared her friend’s marriage was off to a good start. They would leave today for their wedding trip. With Lord and Lady Somerville departing very early this morning, Sybil was truly on her own now. A frightening prospect.

  Bessie slumped on the seat across from her. As a good employee, she would never voice an opinion of her lady’s decisions, but her demeanor certainly told her what she thought of this visit to Bedlay. Sybil, herself, had to fight down the urge to tap on the conveyance ceiling and instruct the driver to return her to Dundas until her brother could send for her.

  She drew herself up. No, she would see this through. She had feelings for Liam, there was no denying it. If she didn’t spend this time with him to see if love blossomed, she might regret it for the rest of her life. She’d come to realize in the years after her come-out that the elusive idea of love was not easily gained. All her married siblings had had to fight for it. So would she.

  The scenery outside the window drew her in, truly a sight to behold. Hills of deep green rolled before them like waves on the ocean. The color was so magnificent it almost hurt her eyes to view it. The crisp, clean air invigorated her, gave her hope for the future. If love did, indeed, develop between her and Liam, this delightful scene would greet her each day. A burst of happiness replaced the anxiety.

  Since the properties of MacBride and McKinnon sat side-by-side, they reached the path to the castle in less than an hour. Trying to see as much as she could as they approached without actually hanging out the window like some ill-mannered chit, she gaped at Bedlay Castle. An impressive structure to be sure. Stone walls seemed to reach to the sky, and go on forever. She leaned over a little bit and caught the battlements, imagining soldiers up there, arms at the ready to defend their home. She shook her head at her fanciful thoughts.

  But the most impressive part of the castle was the immediate surroundings. High on a hill o
f verdant deep green grass, it sat about a half mile from a cliff that dropped into the raging sea, sunlight causing diamond-like sparkles to glisten on the water. It took her breath away.

  Within minutes, the carriage slowed and came to a stop, and the door of the castle opened as Liam stepped out. Although they’d only been apart one day, she felt as though it had been much longer. Again she was taken in by his handsomeness. His red hair, golden streaks caught by the sun, flowed free of a tie, brushing his shoulders, stark against his white shirt. His muscled thighs, snug in fawn breeches, made her heart thump.

  He looked every bit the Laird and Chieftain of Clan MacBride. She could almost hear the wail of bagpipes in the air, and the sounds of battle as swords clanged and men fell.

  He grinned as he approached the carriage, his Hessian boots eating up the distance in no time. “Good morning, lass. ’Tis a pleasure to see you once again.”

  No proper Englishman would greet his guest dressed so informally. But on Liam it looked perfect. His deep green eyes appeared to eat her up. She found herself grinning merely because his happiness was contagious. “I am happy to be here. Truly.”

  He lifted her out of the carriage as if she weighed no more than a child. But then, next to his size, perhaps that’s how he perceived her. She shook out her skirts, and her attention was taken by two young ladies approaching. One could say they were dragging their feet.

  Beauties, both of them. The younger girl had beautiful auburn hair, braided and wrapped around her head. She shared Liam’s green eyes, marking her as his sister. Her perky nose sported a light scattering of freckles—her tentative smile charming. The older girl seemed a bit more reserved, but viewed her with curiosity. Where her sister’s hair was a deep auburn, this girl shared Liam’s hair of ginger with golden highlights, also braided in her sister’s style. And the inevitable green eyes.

  “Lass, these two minxes are my sisters.” He patted the younger one on her head. “Catriona is thirteen years.” Then he touched the other girl on her head who rolled her eyes, obviously in adolescent pique. “And Alanna is fifteen years.” He moved next to Sybil and took her by the elbow. “This is our guest Lady Sybil.”