Page 138 of Wicked Highland Heroes

“I did not come to see him,” Lydia hissed, once the marchioness was out of earshot.

“By ‘him’, you mean my father?” Ash said.

She jerked.

“Lydia,” her husband said in a warning voice.

“I came as you commanded, Connor. I will do no more.” Her gaze shifted onto Eve. “I pity you.”

Ire shot through Eve. “Good Lord, what lady conducts herself with so little decorum?” Shame immediately assailed her and Eve looked at Connor. “Forgive me, sir. You have been gracious, and I am not.”

“I would call you honest,” Ash said.

Connor cut his stormy gaze onto Ash.

Eve shook her head. “No. I am no lady to act so ungraciously.”

“No lady would marry Erroll,” Lydia said.

“For God’s sake, Lydia,” Connor hissed.

“Do not reprimand me,” she snapped. “You knew what you were about when you forced me to come.”

“But did he know what he was getting himself into when he married you?” Ash said.

“Why are you still here?” Lydia demanded.

“The hounds of Hell couldn’t drag me away, Sister.”

Her eyes narrowed, then her gaze jerked past him.

Eve turned in unison with Ash to see Lord Rushton and his father approach. Eve’s insides trembled. What was the earl doing here? He’d told her over an hour ago he was departing. She thought by now he would be in Tobermory, perhaps even settled on a ship bound for England. His gaze met hers and Eve experienced the same sensation she did when he made love to her, as if she were the only woman in the room…in the world.

Father and son entered the alcove.

“What are you doing here?” Eve demanded of the earl when he stopped so close she could feel the heat of his body.

“Where else would I be, my dear?” he asked.

“Trouble in paradise so soon, Erroll?” Lydia said.

He lifted a brow. “I do not see any blood. Have the games not yet begun?”

Eve blinked. What was he saying?

“It is always good to see you, Connor,” the marquess said. “But I admit I am surprised.”

“Lady Rushton sent an invitation. We wished to offer our congratulations,” Connor replied.

“Of course,” he said. “How are my grandsons? Are they here?”

Connor smiled with affection. “I am sorry, they are not. Next time, perhaps.”

It seems you need not worry that our son will eventually inherit Ravenhall, my lord,” Lydia said. “An heir is most assuredly on the way.” She directed a questioning brow at Lord Rushton.

“You go too far, Lydia.” The harsh note in Connor’s voice startled Eve and should have frightened his wife, but the woman went on as if he hadn’t spoken.

“The wedding was so unexpected I assumed a child must be on the way.”