Page 29 of Wicked Highland Heroes

Well, well, this was a delightful turn of events. The little minx wasn’t going to take Diana’s jibes lying down. They would have a grand time before she cried off.

“I am certain Lord Rushton will deal with them as he sees fit,” Diana said.

The malicious note in her voice was even more than he’d expect. “Really, Diana,” he drawled, “you’re starting to bore me.”

Her eyes flew to his.

He laid a hand over Miss Crenshaw’s fingers, which still grasped his arm, and said to her, “I believe we were about to take a walk, my dear.”

She cast a nervous glance at Diana and he understood her anxiety.

“Miss Crenshaw and I haven’t had a moment alone.” He smiled at Lady Barrett. “You understand the need for discretion, Diana.”

Her mouth thinned and he knew she understood the warning. But he had no illusions. She wouldn’t heed him.

“Perhaps it would be best if we returned to the ballroom,” Miss Crenshaw said.

“Nonsense,” Erroll said. “There’s no need to waste a perfectly lovely night in a stuffy ballroom.” He began to lead her away.

“Damn Scottish bastard,” came the barely audible words behind them.

Erroll halted, but before he could turn, Miss Crenshaw whirled and demanded, “I beg your pardon?” The chilling tone in her voice sent an odd ripple of warmth through him. She added as he turned, “Are you insane?”

He noted the anger in her voice, but it was condescension that dripped from her words. His mother would be proud. No woman could cut a person to the quick—when deserved—faster than his own dear mamma.

Diana drew a sharp breath and opened her mouth to reply, but Erroll murmured, “Beware, Diana.”

Her eyes flew to his. She stared for a long moment, then whirled and started toward the mansion. Erroll didn’t wait for Miss Crenshaw to attack again. He steered her back toward the gardens and began walking.

She twisted and looked over her shoulder.

“What are you doing?” he demanded.

She faced forward. “That malicious cat. I wager her attitude was sweeter when you were bedding her.”

Erroll laughed. “Madam, you are a delight.”

“Rubbish. Do you think she will remain quiet about us being out here?”

“Likely, she has already chosen the biggest gossip to spread the news.” If he wasn’t careful, he might find himself at Gretna Green after all.

“This is what I get for shooting a man with a past,” she muttered.

Erroll was certain she intended an affront, but he laughed again. “Miss Crenshaw, you have had some bad luck, haven’t you?”

“If I set a wedding date far enough into the future, I imagine one of your paramours will shoot you and save me the trouble,” she replied. “Although, if I married you first, I would be a very rich widow.”

He answered with mock gravity, “You would be only as rich as I choose to make you.”

“Oh no, my lord, you are going to make me a very generous marriage settlement. Rest assured, when you die, I will be a wealthy widow.”

“You seem quite certain I will die first.”

“If Lady Barrett is an example of your past paramours, it is a foregone conclusion. Why does the spiteful thing detest you so?”

“I didn’t want to marry her.”

“I can’t say I blame you,” Miss Crenshaw said.