Page 100 of Wicked Highland Heroes

“Perhaps, but it is far less dangerous to be the one making the challenge.”

“That is nonsensical. There is no difference.”

He smiled indulgently. “You have clearly never fought a duel.”

They entered the corridor and Eve started to precede him down the narrow passage, but he laid a hand on hers, preventing her from pulling away. His fingers exerted gentle pressure and Eve fought the impulse to look down at his hand, which felt as if it had swallowed hers in warmth.

“I am surprised you would suggest I engage in another duel.” His deep voice caressed her like the soothing water of a brook. “You seemed quite overwrought when I challenged Neville.”

Her stomach somersaulted in response to the remembered fear that he would die in that duel. “You were so set on dueling with Lord Halifax that I assumed it was a hobby of yours.”

“Ah, but he deserved it. Burns, on the other hand, isn’t worth the risk I would have to flee the Continent.”

She looked sharply at him. “What?”

He smiled down at her. “Not every battle is worth fighting.”

Her stomach did another, harder, somersault. “You are a strange man.” Eve realized what she’d said and clapped her free hand over her mouth.

His eyes lit with amusement. “And you are a very unusual woman.”

She removed the hand from her mouth. “That is not a compliment.”

“But it is.”

They turned a corner and Eve watched the floor ahead of her. “Do you think Lord Burns will truly help apprehend the press gang? What is your plan? You didn’t tell me what happened.”

“Not my plan, Miss Crenshaw. Ash will deal with the slavers.”

“But you told Lord Burns you wanted to speak with him about them.”

“Yes. I will apprise him and James of what happened. They might be able to provide information that will aid Ash in discovering the slaver’s destination.”

A strange melancholy seeped through her. “Of course. You won’t remain in Scotland long enough to help.”

“Sadly, I will not.”

“I am surprised you can do without the pleasures of London long enough to marry.” The words barely passed her lips and she wondered what kind of idiot she was for opening that can of worms.

“I know my duty,” he said with such obvious amusement that she wanted to box his ears.

“You had better speak with Lord Burns before he has a chance to remember why he came here,” Eve said. Lord, she had to change the subject. “I saw what you did to him.”

“What did I do to him?”

“You turned him from a charging bull to a supporter.” A light began to glimmer in her mind. “Now that I think of it, you got Leslie to nigh worship you.” And all with a wink.

“Worship me?” He laughed heartily. “You have a way with words, Miss Crenshaw.”

Eve looked at him. “You—you are doing it to me! Good Lord, I see it now. You’ve been doing it all along. Oscar was determined to kidnap you, but he scarcely had you inside the carriage before you charmed him into chasing after me instead. Lord Somerset follows your commands without a whimper when only days ago he wanted to challenge you to a duel.”

“Challenge me to a duel?” Lord Rushton frowned. “Why on earth would he do that?”

“Don’t pretend you have forgotten when you walked in on him and I at—oh, whatever party it was. He was furious with you.”

“I do seem to recall he was overset, but surely it wasn’t so bad that he wanted to shoot me?”

“You know he wanted to shoot you.” As did she. Eve was beginning to feel the urge yet again, then the last piece of the puzzle fell into place and she understood the thought that had begun to form when she observed how the earl handled Lord Burns. “You are a diplomat!”