Fool that he was, Robert hadn’t been worried. He’d believed in her. Believed in their love. Not until the morning he’d called round and learned she’d left for Scotland did he have any idea Viscount Dunreid had succeeded in his conquest.
He passed a hand over his eyes, weary. “What are you after, Stirling? I’ve heard rumors of your new game, matchmaking.” He eyed the other man. “I’m not looking for another woman to propose to. Twice was enough.”
Stirling leaned back in his chair, his expression too innocent to be so. “The last thing I want to do is get some poor girl’s hopes up with an introduction to you. Until you get over Viscountess Dunreid, you aren’t fit for any woman.” He shook his head. “No, I simply need you to help a certain young Miss stave off an aggressive gentleman long enough to find herself a good husband.”
Robert frowned. “Stave off? She doesn’t want to marry this gentleman? At least she’s smart enough to realize as much.”
“Aye, she seems an intelligent sort, but I believe the key issue is the offer of the gentleman in question. He wants her, but he has no intention of making her his wife.”
So, a cad up to no good and apt to tarnish a young lady’s reputation. “I see. She’s in need of protection, then, not one of your quick weddings.” He scrutinized Stirling. “Why don’t you do help the girl?”
“I could, I suppose, but I wouldn’t want to deprive you of the honor, or the amusement. Anyone can see you’re in need of a bit of distraction.”
Robert supposed there was some truth in that. Still, “Escorting some young Miss to dances doesn’t sound particularly amusing.” It sounded painful.
A sly grin formed on Stirling’s face. “Oh, I daresay escorting this young Miss is just what you need. That, and a bit of revenge.” He leaned forward in his chair. “You see, Banbrook, Dunreid wants the young lady for his mistress. You, my friend, are going to save her.”
