“What?”
He shrugged and turned her around. There, just bursting through a crowd of onlookers, was her brother. His hands were clenched in fists and his expression was murderous. A half-step behind him was Miss Rees who was flushed bright red. Liam labeled her expression as chagrined and more than a little intrigued as her gaze hopped between them. Given the size of the audience, there was no question of what was to happen next.
He swept into a deep bow before angry brother and chagrined fiancée. “Miss Rees, please allow me to escort you to Edinburgh where I shall assist you in the legalities regarding your Scottish inheritance.”
Miss Rees was able to keep her composure enough to dip into a curtsey. “Your help would be most welcome.”
“And perhaps, you would appreciate a companion, wouldn’t you? Lady Clara, for example, might enjoy getting out of London for a time.”
To his side, Clara sputtered an objection. “I don’t want to leave London. That’s the whole point—”
“I think that’s an excellent idea,” Lord Kittrel interrupted. “And naturally, I will accompany my fiancée.”
“Of course!”
“And you and I will have ample time for a thorough conversation.” Dire threat sounded in the words.
“My thoughts exactly,” Liam said amiably.
Then her brother took a step forward, the movement menacing. “And rest assured that if I do not like your companionship, I will relinquish every penny of my wife’s money rather than have more association with you.” He paused a moment. “I’m also a good hand with a sword and a pistol should I feel the need.”
As threats went, this was a serious one. He was saying that he was fully ready to duel Liam should he find the man lacking. Clara knew it too as she squeaked in alarm.
“Aaron! You’re overreacting!”
“I see no reason for violence, my lord,” Liam said quickly. Aside from the fact that one of them would end up hurt or dead—he was not at all sure which one of them—such a thing would go counter to all of his plans. “I am offering assistance to your intended bride.”
“It’s not Lilah I’m worried about.”
“Aaron,” Clara cried. “This is quite unnecessary.”
“On the contrary,” interrupted the most unlikely of people. It was Miss Rees who stepped between the two men. She also gripped Clara’s hand and tugged the woman to her side. “I think it a capital idea that we travel to Scotland together. Very soon, in fact.”
That would be the most prudent way to quiet any gossip. Liam nodded and tried not to be gleeful. “Most wise.”
Clara sniffed. “Does anyone care what I want?”
Her brother shot her a hard glare. “No.”
Two days later, the four of them left for Scotland.
They travelled light. The ladies acted as chaperones for each other, which kept things proper. Another carriage followed with a maid and a valet to serve them all.
No abduction was required, thank God. Though from Clara’s mulish expression, he knew it would take all his wits to keep her there forever.
