Page 25 of Reckless Desire

Two gentlemen entered the room. Sir Stirling and—

“Lord Newhall,” Miss Davenport cried.

The other girls’ heads snapped toward the door.

The room, Kenna realized, had gone quiet.

What in the world was Sir Stirling doing with the viscount? Did Sir Stirling want her to speak with Lord Newhall? A horrifying thought struck. If she were alone with a gentleman, might Lord Newhall challenge that gentleman as he had the marquess? If he did… Nae. It couldn’t be.

She noted no tension between Sir Stirling and Lord Newhall. Lord Newhall looked their way. Sir Stirling’s eyes shifted onto Kenna before he said something to the viscount, then they veered toward her. Kenna’s heart galloped. Lord help her, the last thing she wanted to do was talk with Lord Newhall.

“They are coming this way,” Miss Davenport whispered.

The girls giggled. Kenna wanted to melt into the floor. What would she say to the man?

The men reached them, and Sir Stirling said, “Ladies.”

The girls all curtsied and murmured, “Sir Stirling” and “Lord Newhall.”

“A pleasure, ladies,” Lord Newhall said.

“Miss Ramsay, you remember Lord Newhall.”

Kenna wanted to laugh. She curtsied. “My lord.”

“It is a pleasure to see you again, Miss Ramsay,” he said as if he hadn’t fought Lord Wilshire last night.

Kenna burned to ask what had gotten into him. But the last thing she needed was to make a fool of herself in front of these girls. Any misstep on her part would reach the rumor mill within the hour.

“If you are looking for Lady Chastity, Sir Stirling, I believe she is in the card room down the hall.” Kenna pointed to the hallway to their left.

He smiled. “I believe I will see how she is doing. Ladies.” He angled his head toward them, then said to the viscount, “Newhall.”

Lord Newhall angled his head and, to her chagrin, Sir Stirling left him standing with them. Kenna held her breath. Which of the silly girls would be the first to mention last night? Society was supposed to have better manners than country folk, but Kenna suspected that if the gossip was juicy enough, curiosity would win out over manners every time.

“We hope you were not harmed in last night’s sword fight,” Miss Davenport said.

Not a single one of the girls reprimanded her. She stared, eyes wide in anticipation.

“I am unharmed, as is Lord Wilshire. Think nothing of the disagreement. You know how we men are, we love a good—”

“Disagreement,” Kenna interjected before catching herself.

His gaze shifted to her. She was startled to note how dark his eyes appeared. She hadn’t noticed that before. And his gaze was, well, downright forceful. Her cheeks warmed.

“Aye, Miss Ramsay,” he said. “Disagreement.”

The devil possessed her, and she said, “Have you settled your disagreement?” before she could stop herself.

A glint appeared in his eyes. “I believe Lord Wilshire comprehends my position.”

His position?

“I’m immensely relieved you are unharmed, my lord,” Miss Davenport said. “I am certain Lord Wilshire deserved the thrashing you gave him.”

“Indeed,” Lord Newhall said, his eyes still on Kenna. “Miss Ramsay, could I get you some punch?”

She blinked. He wanted to fetch her punch? Kenna stared. Dear Lord, did he still intend to pursue her?