Page 51 of Brigand

“What is it, Ewan?” Violet asked.

He shot a glance over his shoulder, staring at his Violetone last time. One desperate lingering look. “Your cousin, the duke, Ipresume,” he said. “He’s brought a battalion.”

* * * * *

He left the women in the solar—this took much longer than itshould have, as between the two of them they battered him with questions anddemands—and though he locked them in, a prickle of discomfort ravaged his neck.He hated to leave them alone. Together.

Who knew what stories they would share?

He thundered down the stairs to find his visitors assembledin the hall. He raked the room with a glower. His men were nowhere to be seen.He didn’t fancy having this meeting with no backup.

“Pippin!” he bellowed. “Where are my men?”

The boy shrugged. “They all left.”

“They left?”

“Said they’d had enough of her. Went to town to drink inpeace.”

“Hell.”

“McCloud,” Edward boomed. “We’ve come for Violet.”

“Where is she?” Ned stepped forward, bristling for a fight.His fists opened and closed belligerently.

Edward sighed. “Please, Ned. Let me handle this. The McCloudis a reasonable man.” He shot Ewan a speaking glance. “I trust you consideredmy offer.”

Ewan’s gaze flitted over the boy. “We could discuss this inprivate.”

“In private?”

“These are sensitive matters.”

Edward studied him in silence and then nodded. “Fine.” Heturned to Transom and Ned. “Wait here. And don’t interrupt.” This last bit wasdirected at Ned.

Ewan led the way to the plank table by the hearth and theysat, facing each other.

As he sat, Edward said, “Well? Did you consider my offer?”

“I did. It was very generous. Trouble is…” He dropped hisvoice. “I can’t give them both up.”

The duke glowered at him. “It’s a damn lot of money.”

“Money isn’t everything.”

“What do you mean?”

“I have a sister, you know.”

“I did not.”

“Everything I’ve ever done—the good and the not so good—hasbeen for Sophia. I’ve built my fortune but it’s still not enough for entrée.And she deserves a season.”

Edward blinked. “You want me to arrange a season for yoursister?”

“If you take away my highborn bride? I must insist on it.”Ewan firmed his chin, and his resolve. This was the perfect solution. Well,nearly perfect. It would give Sophia the season she needed—and he would be ableto see Violet on occasion. Perhaps have a chance to convince her he wasn’t asvile as she thought he was. “It is the only way I can assure her the chance ata decent husband.

To his relief, Edward nodded. “Agreed.”