Page 13 of Reckless Desire

“Really? But you are an excellent dancer.”

“Reels and country dances are easy. I do not know the steps to the minuet.”

“A walk in the garden, then?” he said.

She blinked, then narrowed her eyes. “I do not take walks alone with men.”

“Forgive me.”

“You did not request a dance from me,” she said. “You lied.”

“Are you sorry that I saved you from that pup’s advances?”

She wanted to tell him that he was presumptuous but, in truth, she was relieved not to have to deal with Mister Barnes’ infatuation.

“Wait.” She stopped.

He halted.

She glanced around. No one seemed to pay them any attention. “You were eavesdropping on our conversation.”

“I couldn’t help overhear,” he said. “If I interrupted, I can take you back to him.”

“Nae,” she answered too quickly.

He flashed white teeth and her breath caught. He was uncommonly handsome.

“Perhaps just a turn around the ballroom?” he said. “We can step out onto the balcony.”

She would prefer to return to the alcove and drink more champagne. Would he do that?

“I am tired. Would you mind if we rested in Sir Stirling’s alcove?”

Something flickered in his eyes, but he smiled down at her. “Of course.”

They started walking again.

A gentleman nodded at him and the viscount nodded back.

“How are you liking Inverness?” he asked once they’d passed the man.

“It is very…big.”

He laughed. “That it is. I understand you are from Skye. Have you visited Linview?”

Her heart skipped a beat. “Aye—once. The ocean is beautiful there. You have been?”

“I grew up there.”

Her mouth fell open. “You grew up on Skye?”

“Well, until the age of twelve, when my father sent me to school.”

She stared. “You were sent away as a lad of twelve? That is terrible.”

He laughed. “Not so terrible.”

Kenna shook her head. “A lad should no’ leave home so young.”