Page 108 of Wicked Highland Heroes

Lady Rushton gave her a frank look. “But your situation is not exactly like mine. I was…shall we say, innocent. You are not.”

Eve stiffened. “Indeed, my lady. Though I cannot say how closely the rumors resemble the truth.”

“I understand that you were with Erroll at Gretna Green, and he fought a duel in defense of your honor.”

Embarrassment washed over Eve. “He told me he would make a terrible husband and that he would leave me in Scotland, then go about his life as he always had in London.”

“Rubbish,” Lady Rushton said. “He would never do that.”

“How was I to know?” How could she know now?

“Given Rush’s reputation, I can see how you would think him a bad candidate as a husband,” her ladyship said. “Sadly, neither your ignorance nor the fact that he was innocent of your sister’s accusations will change the reality that you are compromised beyond repair.”

“Grace was compromised—at least in the eyes of Society,” Eve said. “It is just as likely that she will marry his lordship.”

“Do you think your sister is a more likely candidate?” Lady Rushton asked.

Eve was startled by the question. Did Lady Rushton know something? “Grace would make a fine countess, and she wants to marry him.”

“I do like your sister.”

“Really? I am relieved to hear that.”

“Is there a reason I shouldn’t like her?” the marchioness asked.

“None at all. But you never know which way the wind will blow in such matters.”

“So true. I was petrified to meet Justin’s mother.”

“How did you find her?” Eve asked.

“Quite amiable—despite the fact I am English—and I vowed I would be the same to my son’s wife, if at all possible.”

“That is kind of you.”

“I like you as well,” she said. “You would make a fine daughter-in-law.”

“But I would make a terrible wife.”

“I think it isn’t so much that you would make a terrible wife, as it is that you would make Rush a terrible wife,” her ladyship said.

“That is true,” Eve said, surprised by her understanding.

“Do you feel this way because he said he would leave you in Scotland?” the marchioness asked.

Because he said he would go on with his pleasures as he always had, Eve thought, and, truth be told, she would care. Eve released a sigh. “Perhaps it is better I say no more.”

“I see. Your reasons do not flatter him.”

Or herself, for that matter. What bubble-headed woman cared about a man who competed for the title of London’s worst rake? “I am afraid not,” Eve said.

“Do you plan to take lovers?”

Eve blinked. “No, of course not.”

“Then you would make a good wife,” Lady Rushton said.

Eve thought of Grace’s plan to take lovers, and asked, “Is that the only requirement for a good wife?”