Victoria Roberts - [Bad Boys of the Highlands 03] by To Wed a Wicked Highlander Page A

intrusion. “Congratulations again, Cousin,” said Angus, giving Sybella a slight bow. “Mary and I are verra joyful for you both.” Mary stood silently by Angus’s side—ever the dutiful wife.
    “Thank ye.”
    Angus stretched his arm around Mary’s waist. “We shall be taking our leave on the morrow and thank ye for the hospitality, Laird MacDonell. Colin and I are looking forward to getting back to some hunting.”
    Sybella tried to stay the pang of regret that washed over her when she remembered all of the things she would miss with her brother. It was almost as if Angus had intentionally rubbed salt on an open wound, a subtle reminder that she was no longer a part of the MacKenzies.
    Alexander leaned forward in his chair. “Are ye both skilled with a bow?”
    “I am more accomplished than Colin,” said Angus. “It doesnae take too much to best my cousin at anything.”
    When Angus gave Mary a conspiratorial poke in the ribs with his elbow, Sybella’s instinctive response was to reach over the table and throttle her witless cousin. Granted, Colin was not adept with a bow, but Angus had no right to tell that to a MacDonell. Although it was difficult, she willfully restrained her tongue, lest there be bloodshed on the day of her wedding—caused by her own hand.
    As a peaceful alternative, Sybella shifted in the seat toward Alexander, clearly dismissing her vexing cousins. “My laird, pray excuse me for a moment.” She rose from her chair and walked to her brother’s table without a backward glance.
    ***
    “Ye must forgive my cousin. She doesnae yet know her place,” said Angus. The MacKenzie man spoke as if he and Alex were longtime friends.
    Alex sat back casually in the chair and tapped on the rim of his tankard. “And what place might that be?”
    Angus and Mary exchanged a glance full of secret meaning, and then Angus bent his head slightly forward. “If I may speak freely…”
    Alex raised his brow and waved his hand. “By all means. I would expect naught less.”
    “’Tis nay great secret that my cousin needs lessons in matters of comportment. Ye see…Sybella cared for my aunt for two years, locked up within the stone walls of the castle. ’ Tisnae my cousin’s fault, mind ye, but the only companionship to be had was that of her ailing mother and the woman’s soiled linens.”
    Angus scrunched up his features in disgust. “That is part of the reason why my cousin is such a spirited lass. In my humble opinion, her father and brother give her far too much leave. But I am sure in time Sybella will come to understand your rules. She only needs a firm hand.” Angus gave Alex a conspiratorial wink.
    Alex sat very still, his eyes narrow. “Let me tell ye what I think. The lass watched her mother die, and there was naught my wife could have done but offer her mother comfort—whether by changing her linens or holding her hand. And with ye as my wife’s cousin, nay wonder she stayed within the walls of her mother’s chamber. I donna share your views, and ye will keep them to yourself under my roof. The woman ye speak of is my wife . Do ye understand?”
    Angus was puzzled by Alex’s stern attitude, but Alex didn’t care. How typical that they would judge Sybella’s behavior when they had absolutely no idea what circumstances molded the lass. Having had a similar situation with his father, Alex was sympathetic toward her plight.
    Clearly dismissing Sybella’s annoying kin, he stood. He had no patience for daft people. He approached Sybella, who still remained at her brother’s table, and she stiffened when Alex touched her waist. “Pray excuse me while I steal my bride for a moment,” he said to Colin. The lass looked startled by the intrusion.
    Colin smiled and gave Alex a brief nod. “We will speak later, Sybella.”
    “Come. I have something to show ye.”
    “Should I be worried?” she asked, raising her brow.
    Alex didn’t answer as they walked silently through the bustling halls