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places for me to hide. Ye will have to get rid of her.”
    Liam helped her across the room. Patting her hair and taking a deep breath, she gestured for him to stand next to the door so he wouldn’t be seen. Opening the door little more than a foot, she said, “Thank you, but I merely have a sprained ankle and the laird was good enough to bring me cold water and a cloth.” She smiled, then added in a rush, “And then he left. Of course.”
    The maid looked concerned. “If you are sure, my lady.”
    Sybil nodded and began to ease the door closed. “Yes, I will be fine. My foot feels much better.”
    “Then mayhap I can come in and remove the water and cloths if you are through with them.”
    “No!” She smiled again when the woman jumped back. “I’m sorry. It is just that I planned to take a short nap, so please return later.”
    The maid nodded. “As you wish, my lady.”
    Sybil closed the door and glared at Liam. “The woman must think I am ready for Bedlam.”
    He strolled toward her as if they hadn’t just been very close to getting caught, his eyes full of desire. “’Tis sorry I am she interrupted us.”
    “I am not. This could have been a disaster.” She pulled herself up. “Please leave before anyone else comes.”
    He winked at her and opened the door, looking each direction before he turned back to her. “As you wish, my lady.” With a naughty grin and a bow, he slipped out, closing the door behind him.
    This wedding can’t come soon enough. I must get away from that man.

Chapter Six
    Sybil tapped lightly on Margaret’s door. At her beck, she entered the bedchamber to chaos. It was the morning of the wedding, and Margaret was curled up into a ball on the bed weeping her eyes out. Lady Somerville stood wringing her hands while the lady’s maid fluttered around with a glass of water and a cold cloth.
    “My lady, thank you so much for answering my summons,” Lady Somerville said.
    Hurrying over to Margaret, Sybil sat on the bed and gently touched her friend on her shoulder. “Margie?”
    The weeping bride rose on her elbows and wailed, “I don’t want to get married.”
    Sybil gathered the sobbing girl into her arms. “Here now. What do you mean? You’ve been quite happy since we arrived.”
    “Duncan hates me!”
    “What?” Sybil’s eyes darted to Lady Somerville, who appeared ready to swoon.
    “Why do you say that, dear?”
    Margaret slowly rolled to her back and then scooted up so she sat against the headboard of the bed. “Um, it would be better if we could talk in private.”
    After years of friendship, Sybil was aware of the distance between Margaret and her mother. It wasn’t that they didn’t get along, but more that Lady Somerville, true to her station in life, had left the rearing of Margaret to nannies and governesses. Her parents had also spent a great deal of time in London and Bath while Margaret had remained in the country with servants. Her lonely life had led her to visits with Sybil for weeks at a time, relishing in their large, noisy, loving family.
    Lady Somerville looked only too happy to leave the melodrama in the room behind. “I will be downstairs, if you need me.” She quickly made her escape.
    “Jane, you can leave us for a bit.” Sybil smiled at the lady’s maid, then turned to Margaret as the door closed. “What happened?”
    Margaret took a shuddering breath. “I offered to do…you know…with Duncan last night.” Her head lowered, she peeked at Sybil from under lowered lashes. “And…and…” She stopped and her face crumbled. “He turned me down!!” Fresh tears coursed down her cheeks.
    Wide-eyed, Sybil sat back as her friend blubbered. She offered to do that? And he turned her down? She wasn’t sure which shocked her more, Margaret’s offer or Duncan’s refusal.
    After giving Margaret time to compose herself once more, Sybil reached for her hand. “What made you—um—offer?”
    Margaret wiped her nose on a sodden handkerchief.