Read Online The Highlander's Choice by Callie Hutton - Free Book Online Page B

“We were kissing, and well, I thought maybe if we did it then, I wouldn’t be so nervous today, anticipating it all.”
    Sybil brushed the damp curls from Margaret’s forehead. “And then what happened?”
    “Duncan pulled back and shook his head. I was mortified!” A new round of tears cascaded onto her lap before she was able to continue. “He said we would wait until tonight.”
    “Is that all he said?”
    Margaret nodded.
    “Why then, do you say he hates you?”
    Margaret took an exasperated breath. “Everyone knows men always want to do that. ” She climbed off the bed and began to pace. “He probably has a mistress that he does those things with. That is why he doesn’t want me.” She stopped and studied the green countryside outside the bedchamber window. “I have had to fight for my parents’ notice for years. I don’t want to be forced to wrestle my husband’s attention from another woman for the rest of my life.” She turned, red swollen eyes pleading. “Do you understand?”
    This was a mess. Gentlemen did keep mistresses, and many of them even after they married. Sybil had no idea if Duncan was the type to do that, but she wouldn’t be surprised if he did. Men! Why did they have to be so horrible? Her father had never dallied, and frankly, if he had, most likely her unconventional mother would have shot him. And the mistress.
    That was the reason she and her sisters were holding out for love. Mother told them if a man was happy in the bedchamber he would have less reason to look anywhere else for satisfaction. As awkward as it had been to hear her mother say that, it was good advice, and so far, her brother and two older sisters had happy, fulfilling marriages.
    “Margaret, dear, lie down for a bit. I will put a cold cloth over your eyes.” Sybil dipped a handkerchief into the pan of water on the dresser while Margaret climbed back onto the bed. A quick glance at the clock on a small table near the bed informed her that they had only three hours until the wedding. If she didn’t get her friend calmed down, dressed, and downstairs, there would be a scandal that Margaret would never recover from.
    She laid the cloth on her face, and Margaret grabbed her hand. “I need to know if Duncan will keep a mistress. No matter how awful it will be, I need to know now, to protect myself.” She wiped a tear leaking from under the cloth. “I cannot give my heart to a man who will break it.”
    Sybil patted her hand. “I will find out for you.”
    Margaret lifted the cloth and regarded her with wide eyes. “You will? How?”
    “I don’t yet know, but I promise I will find out.” She rose from the bed and pulled the window curtains closed. “Just rest for a little bit. I will be back.”
    …
    Liam flipped through the pages in the book resting on his lap. A small fire in the grate kept the dampness from the library. A whiskey would do just as well, but it was best to keep a clear head since he would be standing up for Duncan in a few hours. Right now, his friend was checking into a problem on his estate. Even on his wedding day, a man still needed to see to his duties.
    He glanced up when there was a scratch on the door before it opened. His heartbeat sped up at the sight of Sybil entering the room. Ach, he always had the same reaction to the lass. ’Twould be a good thing when the wedding was over and he could return to Bedlay. An attraction to an Englishwoman was not a wise thing. He rose to his feet as he greeted her. “Good morning, lass.”
    She had a worried look about her, darting her eyes back and forth as she moved farther into the space. “Is Duncan here?”
    “Nay, he’s out solving some estate matter.” He set the book aside. “Ye seem to be in a bit of a dither. Is there something I can help ye with?”
    “No.” She started to leave the room, then turned back. “Actually, perhaps you can help me.”
    Liam waved to the chair next to him and sat once she settled in. He took