Page 30 of Bewitching her Highland Savior

Naturally, he did. The moment their eyes locked, Liam cleared his throat and tossed his napkin onto the table; pushing his chair back to stand.

“We should leave soon,” he said. “We’re already late as it is.”

“I’m sure a few more minutes willnae do any harm,” Amelia said. “Let Muriel eat in peace.”

Muriel, along with the other three, looked at her plate, where most of her food was in pieces after she had spent the entire breakfast pushing it around on the porcelain.

“Right,” Liam said. “I must go anyway and see to the men. Excuse me.”

With that, he was gone, and with him, all of Amelia and Ron's lively conversation. Muriel occupied herself once more with her unfinished food, forcing a small bite past her lips and chewing slowly.

Fortunately, they picked up their conversation once more with ease with Amelia often asking Muriel questions. She answered them as best she could and by the time Ron had to leave, she found herself smiling again. She hadn’t even noticed when Amelia had put her so at ease.

When one of the servants announced that Muriel had to leave, she stood and let Amelia pull her into an embrace. In some ways, she reminded her of Caitriona, with her strange mix of gentleness and ferocity. Muriel sagged against her, all the nervousness leaving her for a few moments.

“Remember what I told ye,” Amelia said. “Ye can write me any time. And ye’re always welcome here.”

“I’m verra glad I met ye,” Muriel said. “Thank ye. For everythin’.”

Before she knew it, Muriel was on a horse, surrounded by seven men, all of them making their way out into the wilderness. At the very least, having her own horse to ride was convenient. She had always loved riding, finding it much more enjoyable than being cooped up in a carriage.

As they left, she glanced over her shoulder at the McAlpine castle one last time. Even if she never saw it again, she would always have those few days she spent there locked in her memory.

She would always have Amelia.