“Yes.”
“And that’s the only tale you heard?”
“Yes.” Cecil frowned now. “Why?”
“Because we’re talking about two different things here. I made no mention of that incident in my letter to you. It was a minor occurrence that didn’t hold anyone’s interest for more than a day or two.”
“Then what were you writing me about?”
“I wrote to let you know that Kimberly has accepted a proposal of marriage—”
“To Viscount Canston?” Cecil interrupted, and his whole demeanor improved with that thought. “Excellent! I knew his father quite well when he—”
“The viscount turned out to be a thief and a liar,” Devlin cut back in coldly. “And we shall not mention that blackguard again, thank you.”
“Now see here, St. James, that’s a rather harsh accusation to be making about a member of the Canston family,” Cecil said in his disappointment.
“But no less true, and proven, I might add.”
“Then who is it wants the gel?”
Cecil’s tone implied he hadn’t thought anyonewouldwant Kimberly, which was probably why Devlin gallantly mentioned, “She was very popular among our guests, and other offers would have been forthcoming, I’ve no doubt. But she has agreed to marry the MacGregor of Clan MacGregor, and in my letter, I informed you that I am in complete support of her decision.”
“The hell you say!” Cecil shouted, too shocked to say more at the moment.
Devlin raised a black brow sardonically. “Was I not clear enough?”
“Clear enough?Clear enough!” Cecil was so livid with fury now, he could barely think. “The hell she will! Is this a joke?”
“Would I risk a reaction such as yours for a joke, Cecil? I don’t think so.”
Cecil came to his senses a bit, enough to say, “She knows better than to associate with Scotsmen, let alone even think of marrying one. This must be a joke, and I bloody well don’t appreciate it.”
Devlin sighed at that point and glanced at Kimberly. “I’m sorry, I had hoped to avoid the whys and wherefores, but your father isn’t cooperating.”
“That’s quite all right, Your Grace,” she said, even managing a weak smile. “Thank you for trying to spare us, but the sordid details will have to come to light for him to understand there is no choice involved here.”
“Sordid details?” Cecil was glaring at her now. “What have you done, gel?”
“Nothing unusual, just highly scandalous,” Kimberly told her father. “Lachlan MacGregor was discovered in my bed, you see. Unfortunately, I happened to be in it with him at the time.”
Cecil got so red in the face, he was in danger of bursting a blood vessel. “Slut!” he roared.
He took the several steps that brought him in front of her. She cringed and closed her eyes, because his hand was already raised. He was about to smack her senseless, was angry enough for some serious damage.
But a new voice was heard from in a soft, though ominous tone. “Lay even one finger on her, and I promise you will regret it.”
Kimberly glanced toward the doorway. So Lachlan had followed her after all—fortunately for her. Devlin had stood up, would have come to her aid, but she would have had a few bruises before he reached her.
Her father had turned toward the door as well. That Lachlan filled the area with his immense size might have been one reason the much shorter earl was momentarily disconcerted. But it was more likely because Lachlan’s menacing tone was nothing compared to how truly enraged he looked.
Cecil had been startled, but he was too angry to remain silent for more than a few moments. However, his new tone wasn’t nearly as belligerent, proving he’d definitely been intimidated and still was. Kimberly was utterly amazed.
“So you’re the MacGregor?” Cecil sneered.
“I am that, but more tae the point, I’m the mon who will be marrying the lass here. That makes her mine tae protect, no matter what she is tae you.”
“She is my daughter—”
