A ball of energy slammed into him.
It was so unexpected, he lost his balance and crashed to the ground, even as he turned to fight back.
That is when he realized this was no ordinary attacker. Dara Lanscarr had tackled him and now lay on top of him. She rose up and said furiously in the darkness, “Where is she?Where is my sister?”
“Would you be quiet?” he whispered.
“I will not.” She raised her voice. “Elise, come out. I know you are here.”
Damn it all.Sir Duncan would now know someone was after him.
Michael sat up, the movement unceremoniously dumping Dara onto the ground covered by piles of dried leaves around them. He rolled to his feet, and went to peer out the willow screen.
Sir Duncan was nowhere to be seen. Michael’s only hope was that the man hadn’t known he was being followed. He turned to Dara, who had come to her feet and was brushing off her skirts. “Did you say my name?” He couldn’t remember if she had given him away in her attack.
She looked around and, instead of answering, said, “You can come out, Elise. I’m not angry. I just want to save you from scandal.”
Michael frowned. “You know she isn’t here.”
“Then where is she?” Dara was not keeping her voice down, so he hushed her.
“If you wish to save her reputation, perhaps you shouldn’t be shouting her name out in the garden.”
“She’s not here?”
“Are we having two different conversations?” Michael kept his voice low so she might pick up the hint.
Instead of apologizing, Dara moved to the trunk of the tree and looked around it as if her sister was hiding on the other side.
“Miss Lanscarr, I am unaccustomed to havinganyonedoubtmy word.” This time he didn’t keep his voice low.
Whirling around to face him, she answered as an explanation, “I thought she was here, with you. If she is not here, where is she?” At last, she whispered—when it didn’t matter any longer. This woman was infuriating.
“How would I know where she is? You are the one trying to run the world.” He didn’t bother to hide his disappointment over losing sight of Sir Duncan. If she had been quiet, if she had stayed by her aunt’s side, then he might have discovered who was involved with the Scotsman.
“I didn’t mean to barrel into you. I feared you were with Elise and I was trying to protect her. You were just physically closer than I thought. You should have moved.”
“If I’d known you were going to attack me, I would have,” he answered tersely.
She pointed a finger. “I did not attack. Now, where is my sister?”
“I haven’t seen her all evening. However, having some understanding of your sister’s personality, I doubt she is in the garden with any man. She’d be too afraid you would do exactly what you did.”
At last, Dara had the good sense to look somewhat embarrassed... and he was surprised he felt a bit sorry for her. Sorry enough to offer abit of advice. “Miss Lanscarr, there is no need for you to be anxious over your sisters.”
“Family protects family,” she retorted.
“Yes, yes, of course—except they are well-mannered and intelligent. Your worry is misplaced. A person, no,youcan overdo it. You should see to yourself. For example, right now, you are standing under a tree in the deserted area of the garden alone with me. What ofyourreputation?”
Her brows came adorably together as if she hadn’t considered the matter in that light. Michael didn’t know whether to be insultedor to kiss away her confusion—
His thoughts broke. He was startled by how quickly the idea of kissing her had materialized. Or that she had adorable eyebrows.
He took a step back.
Michael was not in the market for a wife. Yes, he had called upon Elise but some of that was to provide a reason for him suddenly going out into Society. And, perhaps he did have a bit of interest because few men could look at the youngest Miss Lanscarr and not be attracted to her.However, his true purpose for being at this or any ball was to catch a traitor.
“My reputation?” she repeated. She lifted her pert nose. “My reputation is fine. No one saw me leave the ballroom.”
