Page 92 of Wicked Highland Heroes

“Oscar Kent,” the earl went on. “He is the ladies’ escort.”

Oscar affected a proper bow and Lady Rushton lifted her eyes to his face. “I see why you were chosen as guardian. I wager no one dares compromise a lady in your care.”

Eve was certain the marchioness referred to Lord Rushton compromising them. The tremor in her stomach traveled into her legs, making them feel like pudding.

“Lastly, may I present Lord Somerset,” Lord Rushton said.

Lady Rushton extended her hand and Lord Somerset bent over her fingers.

“My lady.” He stepped away from her and she faced her son.

“Go to your father, Erroll. I will see everyone to their rooms.” Without argument, Lord Rushton left and she said, “Come with me and we will see that everyone has a hot bath before dinner.”

Eve wondered if she could request the evening meal in her room.

*****

Erroll gave a perfunctory knock to his father’s study door, then entered. The marquess sat behind his desk, a ledger open before him.

“Reports from Angus?” Erroll asked as he crossed to the chair opposite the desk and sat down.

“Yes.” He closed the book. “I came here directly from Gretna Green.”

His father had a way of knowing exactly where to be at exactly the right time. “How is Halifax?”

“The doctor believes the chances are good he would live. His hip will never be the same, however. He will walk with a cane.”

“What a shame my aim is so bad. I was aiming for his heart.”

“He might have been luckier if you had killed him,” his father said. “Graham MacEwen gave sworn testimony that you were justified in challenging the earl, which satisfied the magistrate.” Anger flashed in his father’s eyes. “You, however, were damned lucky. If Halifax had died, you would be facing a rope.”

“Should I have let him get away with kidnapping my fiancé?”

“You should have had him arrested.”

“You know as well as I that the matter would never have gone to court.”

“You are in Scotland. I do hold some sway here.”

That was true. “I suppose my passions got the better of me,” Erroll said in honesty.

“Those days are past,” his father said. “You will stay at Ravenhall until you are married and this story is forgotten.”

Erroll frowned. “That could be a good long time. I have business down south.”

“I’ll contact Danvers and tell him to hire a steward to deal with my properties until you return.”

“Danvers is a fine solicitor, but he is no businessman. I do not care to entrust him with our financial affairs.”

“He won’t ruin us in the next few months.”

“Much can happen in a few months,” Erroll said.

His father regarded him. “Such as?”

Erroll hesitated. He’d planned on telling his father about his business venture after he saw some success. “I purchased two threshing machines and I plan to oversee their operation through the first harvest in Norfolk. I wanted to be there to learn a bit about them before the harvest.”

“You said nothing about this.”