Page 22 of Wicked Highland Heroes

Lord Rushton canted his head. “The marquess is satisfied.”

“Satisfied?” Lady Camden laughed. “I am certain he is ecstatic.”

Ecstatic? Eve had serious doubts about that. Oscar, her coachman and confidant, had told her that the marquess had visited her father that afternoon while she and Grace were shopping. Eve feared that meant her father had given the marquess the marriage contract—along with the threat that he would shoot the earl if the marquess did not endorse the marriage.

Eve caught sight of a woman she didn’t recognize staring at Lord Rushton.

“It was very nice seeing you,” the earl said to Lord and Lady Camden. “But if you will excuse us. We were on our way to the refreshments room.” He didn’t wait for a reply, but grasped Eve’s elbow and maneuvered her around them.

His attention, she noticed, snagged on the woman, and the woman’s mouth curved in a sensual smile. Eve barely refrained from rolling her eyes. Was the woman a past lover, a current lover, or perhaps in the market for a lover? Lord Rushton made a sudden turn that took her out of view and Eve cast him a furtive glance. His gaze remained forward, and his expression gave away none of his thoughts.

Two more couples waylaid them before they made it halfway around the large ballroom, and Eve spotted a group of rotund women who had them in their sights. Lord Rushton steered her past a cluster of gentleman and into the thick of the crowd where it would be difficult for the ladies to navigate their girth. They emerged near a hallway and he hurried her forward.

“The refreshments room is there.” He pointed ahead to an open doorway.

Two couples stepped from the room into the corridor and Lord Rushton slowed as they passed. Eve started to veer toward the open doorway, but he hurried her past the room.

“My lord,” Eve protested.

“Shh,” he whispered.

They turned the bend into a shadowy part of the corridor.

“Sir, we should not be here.”

He made a quick left down another corridor, then stopped in front of the fourth room on the left. He released her hand, slid open the doors wide enough to fit through, then urged her inside the dimly lit room.

Eve whirled back toward the door and was forced to retreat two paces when he stepped inside. “Lord Rushton, this is a very bad idea.”

He drew the doors closed. The meager light from the hallway disappeared and they were left with a faint light emanating from the hearth.

Lord Rushton faced her. “I realize meeting alone like this is not the most desirable situation, but our families have left us little choice. Unless you plan to obey your father’s order to marry me, I suggest we talk.”

She hesitated, then acquiesced.

“Have a seat.” He nodded to something behind her.

Eve turned. They occupied a small, wood-paneled parlor. Directly ahead, a sofa was positioned before the hearth. Thick, floor length curtains hung on the wall to the left of the fireplace. Lord Rushton crossed to the Louis XIV commode that sat against the left wall and poured two drinks from the decanter sitting on the marble top. Eve started toward the couch and caught sight of the large Lyonnaise region armoire that dominated the wall to the right. Apparently Lady Grendall had a penchant for very expensive French furniture. Eve settled on the couch and Lord Rushton joined her a moment later. He extended one of the glasses of liquor.

“I don’t drink, my lord.”

He chuckled. “Now might be the time to start.” When she frowned, he said, “Take it, Miss Crenshaw. A bit of brandy is good for the nerves. We could both use a little fortification.”

Eve couldn’t argue. She took the glass and sipped the brandy. Warmth spread down her throat to her stomach and radiated out. She had to admit, the feeling was nice.

“How is it you are so well acquainted with Dorsett Hall?” she asked as he took a long sip of his drink. “This mansion is one of the largest within twenty miles of Manchester.”

“Tony and I have been friends since childhood. I have been here often. His mother sometimes takes a respite from her parties here.”

Eve startled. “Good Lord, if she finds us here, my father will call for a parson on the spot.”

“Lady Grendall has no intention of leaving this party for even an instant. The ballroom is filled beyond capacity, and our impending marriage is all the buzz. This is the only party where we have been seen together, which will make Lady Grendall the envy of every other lady of note. Now, madam, down to business. You do not intend to marry me.”

At least he was direct. “I cannot see why I should.”

“Well, there is reason that you should, but that is of little consequence if you will not allow for it.”

“I will not,” she replied. “Grace may have that honor.”