Page 97 of Captured By the Cruel Highlander
“Ye’re wrong,” Adam insisted firmly. “I am better off alone.”
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Emily looked at the small trunk that had been delivered to her door. It was packed with her meager belongings, and she had been unable to resist packing the dresses that Adam had bought her.
At first, she thought she would leave them in the wardrobe, but as she opened it, she was faced with her wedding dress, and she closed it again hurriedly.
The servants were clearing her room even as she watched. Two men took her trunk down to the waiting carriage.
Emily felt dazed.
So this is it. I am finally goin’ home.
She twisted the signet ring on her finger, desperate to see her father but still feeling deep sadness to be leaving the castle.Looking around at her room gave her a strange feeling of nostalgia. The pleasant décor still felt as homely as it had on that first day she had seen it.
Despite Lady MacNiall’s offer, Emily had never had a chance to occupy the Lady’s chambers. She hadn’t felt settled or worthy enough to take up residence in those rooms.
Now she was glad she had made the decision. Somehow, it allowed her to disconnect from Clan MacNiall more easily. It made departing a little easier.
As she walked out into the courtyard, Freya and Lady MacNiall stood waiting for her. Adam was nowhere to be seen, and Emily’s head pounded with the beginnings of a headache. She hated this. She wanted him to face her, bid her farewell—she wanted tomakehim say goodbye.
Freya came forward, looking very sad indeed, and gave her a hug. “I am sorry me braither is so stubborn,” she said softly, just for Emily’s ears.
Emily pulled away from her and forced a smile.
“I cannae believe he isnae here to see ye off.”
Emily shrugged. “He has said his goodbyes. I am glad I will be seein’ me faither and braither again.”
“Ye ken ye are always welcome to return. Whenever ye wish,” Freya insisted.
“I dinnae think yer braither would like that.”
“To hell with me braither.”
“Freya,” Lady MacNiall admonished. “That is nay way to speak about yer Laird.”
Freya rolled her eyes as Emily turned to Lady MacNiall. Adam’s mother had the same stoic expression on her face as in the library. She seemed almost thoughtful but pulled Emily into a hug, nonetheless.
“Please write to us and tell us that ye have arrived home safely. At least we ken there are nay wicked lairds lyin’ in wait now. All of Stewart’s men have scattered and returned to his lands. Who kens what will come out of his death, but I am glad he is gone.”
“So am I,” Emily said sincerely. “I hope that Laura can return to ye as soon as possible and she is unharmed and safe.”
Lady MacNiall nodded. “Adam received another letter from her. We understand she is with good people. I am sure she will return when she feels ready.”
Freya tutted under her breath. “I will drag her home by her hair if she takes much longer.”
Emily chuckled, giving her a final hug. As she did so, a book appeared between them, and Freya grinned.
Emily looked down at the copy of Gulliver’s Travels Freya had handed her and smiled.
“Ye never did have a chance to read it. I mean it when I say ye are welcome to use the library whenever ye wish. If ye need me to send ye anythin’, just write and ask. I’ll send crates and crates of books. Tell me what ye think of that one once ye have finished it.”
“Thank ye, Freya,” Emily said gently, “for everythin’.”
As she climbed into the carriage, she looked back at the entrance of the castle one final time. Her heart leaped as she saw a man standing in the entryway, but it was only Theo.
He placed a hand over his heart, lowering in a formal bow. As he straightened back up, he nodded at her with the same friendly and welcoming smile from their first meeting.
