“I dinna ken how eager he will be to strike a deal. He’s mostly interested in becoming a member in high standing.”
“Then surely he would want to make nice with the duke of whose sheep he currently finds himself in possession of,” Alexander stated.
“One would think,” Ross agreed. “But I am no’ so certain.” He paused and sipped his whisky. “I dinna ken what his status or occupation in America was, however, he does strike me as conniving.”
Nicholas frowned. “How so?”
Ross shrugged. “He gives me the impression that he would go to great lengths to get what he wants. Laws and morals be damned.”
Alexander drew in a deep breath through his nose and exhaled in a rush. He just wanted his sheep back. To ensure their safety.
“How about this?” Ross suggested. “We approach the man. I introduce the two of ye and then ye can go off and discuss your options in private. Strike a bargain so both of ye are happy with the outcome. Beyond anything else, Kitt wants status.”
“Ye will need to tamp down your anger to talk with him,” Nicholas warned. “If ye do that, ye should be able to strike a deal.”
“I canna believe I need to barter for my own flock. Christopher crossed the line with this stunt.”
Ross lifted his brows at the mention of Christopher. “Where is your brother, Your Grace? I havena seen him at the tables as of late.”
“Your guess is as good as mine. He left yesterday and hasna been home since.” In the back of his mind, worry over his brother ate at his defenses. But his brother was a grown man. He should have kenned better than to gamble away anything that would hurt them and their holdings. Alexander found it hard to have sympathy for him at the moment. Mayhap after he secured his flock he would feel differently. But as of now?
Not a chance.
He rubbed his hands together, stretching his neck as if he were getting ready for a round of boxing in the ring. “I’m going out there. I’m anxious to talk with the louse.”
“Well, then, let us go. I shall introduce ye straightaway.”
Alexander went to follow Ross out the door and back to the ball, but Nicholas held him back with a hand on his shoulder. “Your anger is coming off of ye in waves. Cool it down.”
He shrugged Nicholas’s hand off. His words to steer clear of Clarissa still stung.
“’Tis none of your concern. I’ll handle the situation.”
Leaving the room, the music of a waltz filtered down the hallway. And though he was on a mission, he couldn’t help but wonder who Clarissa was dancing with now.
Who was waltzing her around the dance floor? Whose hand was at her waist?
The thought had him balling his fists and stomping down the corridor.
