“If you believe that,” he said, shrugging out of his waistcoat. This one he tossed upon the back of the chair rather than with their other garments, and there seemed something important in that distinction, though she could not sort out what it was—
Her brothers had failed her greatly, which likely accounted for why he and Meghan…
She rushed over, a hand outstretched.
“We were.”
But then caught herself.
Culross glanced around for the “we” in question—in vain.
“When?”
Her neck recoiled, the muscles wrenching, burning with such pain that she gasped.
“When you…” Her lips trembled. “Courted L-Linnie.”
Tears wound down her cheek.
Through the icy armor, there came a crack, and the glimpse inside of insupportable pity—was so much worse.
“That is all it was, Meghan,” he said quietly. “I courted your sister and—”
You were nothing.
Meghan clamped her hands over her ears.
“Mm-mm.”
She didn’t want to hear anymore. Not one single word from his lips.
She couldn’t.
Anything more would break her.
Culross sat on the faded green velvet armchair. Looping his left ankle over his opposite knee, he tugged several times. The mud-stained black leather Wellington came off.
He tossed it to the corner.
Thump.
While he wrestled free the other, he glanced over at an ashen-faced Meghan. She stood as still as death.
Meghan’s reaction was the expected one of a young lady who had just discovered her reputation was in tatters and her marriage prospects forever destroyed.
Culross had ruined her.
He waited for tears. Hysterics.
There would be no match between her and Hartwell. And just as likely, no other gentleman either.
Perversely, Culross relished the fact the pompous Hartwell would never have her now. The duke would never lie between her legs or run his hands over her sleek, supple frame.
If he had not already been destined for hell for a thousand other offenses just as grave, ruining a respectable young lady—and relishing the fact no one would have her after him—would surely land him there.
He launched his other Wellington so it landed perfectly, heel down beside its counterpart.
“This is not personal, Meghan. There are matters between your family and mine that have been settled this day.”
