Page 30 of Wicked Highland Heroes

They neared the tall bushes that marked the garden entrance. “Indeed, why?” he asked.

“I have never liked her.”

“In truth, I never much liked her either,” he said.

“Then you deserve everything she has planned for you.”

Erroll was beginning to enjoy himself. “Again, you are quite right,” he said.

A small cry from the garden brought him to a halt and, an instant later, a young woman darted through the large hedges on the left.

Miss Crenshaw stepped forward, but Erroll held firm to the hand still entwined with his arm. “The lass will come to us,” he whispered.

The girl reached them, and Miss Crenshaw gasped. “Lady Gallagher?” This time, he allowed Miss Crenshaw to pull free of his hold. “Are you all right? What are you doing here?”

She glanced in the direction she had come, then answered in a shaky voice, “Yes,”

A large figure separated from the dark shadows of the garden, answering Miss Crenshaw’s second question.

The man slowed. “Halifax,” Erroll said as he neared.

“Lord Halifax,” Miss Crenshaw said.

The note of censure in her voice was obvious to Erroll—to Halifax as well, when he said, “Miss Crenshaw.”

Lady Gallagher shrank closer to her as Halifax stopped in front of them.

“Out for a stroll, I see,” Erroll commented.

“Just as you are,” Halifax replied without apology.

“I hadn’t realized you and Lady Gallagher were to be married,” Erroll replied. “My felicitations.”

“Don’t be a fool,” Halifax shot back.

“I am never a fool.” Erroll looked at the girl. “Lady Gallagher, it would be best if you returned to the party.”

She glanced at Lord Halifax.

“No need to worry about Neville, my dear. Run along.”

“I will take her inside,” Miss Crenshaw said.

“Nonsense,” Erroll said. “She will go straight to her mamma, where she should have remained in the first place. Right, Lady Gallagher?”

“Yes, my lord,” she said in a small voice, but made no move to leave.

“There is no reason your mamma need learn of your mistake,” Erroll said. “I am sure you learned your lesson.”

“Oh, yes, my lord.”

“Good. Be sure to straighten your dress before you enter the ballroom.”

She gave a small gasp and hurried toward the mansion. Lord Halifax started after her.

“I hear Lord Gallagher is a tolerable shot,” Erroll said.

Halifax stopped and faced him. “Then you must have heard I am a better shot.”