“Balderdash. The Earls of Aberdeen grace your own family tree—”
“Aye. Distantly. Through my mother, who stooped far beneath herself when she married my father.”
“This is all a humbug, Malcolm. As if I care for such things. And even if I did, you have elevated your own social status through your diligence and hard work. Your business ventures are thriving. You are well-read and take time to educate your mind. You count a baronet and a high-ranking earl amongst your close acquaintance.”
He pivoted away from her with a scoff.
“No.” She darted around him, forcing him to look at her. “I will not permit you to brush off my opinion. Ethan is a bright star rising in part because of his dedication to his craft, but also because he was given an enormous boost by your uncle’s generosity. You have had no such advantage, and yet you have succeeded despite it.”
Malcolm raked his palm through his hair, mussing the whole and tempting Viola’s own fingers to smooth it to rights.
Why were men always so cavalier about alluring states ofdishabille? She was quite sure it was a conspiracy aimed at coaxing women down the path to ruin.
In Malcolm Penn-Leith’s case, it was decidedly effective.
She wanted this man just as mussed and unsettled andwantingas she was.
If she thought for even one moment that he wasn’t interested in kissing her, she would back away. But she had seen the heat, the yearning in his gaze.
Malcolmdidwant to kiss her. It was just a misguided apprehension over the differences in their social status that had him hesitating.
Or was something else stopping him, and he was using their social differences as an excuse?
And since she was trying to be more assertive in her life, she asked the question directly, “Are the social differences between us your true reason? Or is there something else, Malcolm?”
The rain outside made itself known once again, sending sheets of water against the front windows.
He glanced toward the sound, a frown on his brow.
“I simply cannae see how a relationship between us would be,” he finally said, meeting her gaze. “Ye are far too fierce and beautiful tae consider tethering your life tae the likes of me.”
At that, he studied the rain another moment . . .
. . . turned . . .
. . . and walked out of the room.
Viola stared after him for the space of three heartbeats.
Thump.
Thump.
Thump.
Had he just . . .
After saying . . .
OH!
“No!” She stomped after him. “No, no, no!”
His back was retreating down the central hall, deeper into the house.
“With the rain chucking down, I have tae check the barns,” he called.
No, they were having this out.
