Page 60 of Brigand

Yes, that was what she should do.

Thrust him from her thoughts. Enjoy her season. Grab hold ofthe very first man who approached her at her very first ball and convince himshe was utterly besotted—perhaps convince herself as well. Then she would marryhim, this soulless, faceless man. They would be blissfully happy.

And Ewan McCloud could go to the devil.

Chapter Sixteen

Edward threw himself into a large chair by the fire and,without hesitation, Ewan joined him. This was a man’s chair. It would notcrumble beneath him. Also, there was a decanter of brandy at his elbow. He blewout a sigh.

Edward poured them both a drink without asking.

“So… That was Sophia.”

Ewan nodded. Took a healthy gulp.

“I begin to comprehend your passion. She’s quite lovely.”

“She is. She deserves nothing but the very best. YourGrace—”

The duke snorted. “Call me Edward.”

“Edward then. Thank you for honoring your promise.”

Moncrieff’s brow notched up. “I always honor my promises.”Though it was not inferred in his tone, a flush crawled up Ewan’s neck at thereminder he had been less than honorable in his dealings with this family.

He stared into the fire, hunting for something to say.Finally he thought of something. It was bland and inane but it would fill thesilence. “I hear you married Kaitlin. Congratulations.”

Edward nodded. The sound he made might have been a sigh. “Iwas rather pleased to learn you had not debauched her.” Ewan’s bowels churned.No. He had not debauched Kaitlin. He’d been too busy ruining Violet to getaround to it. “By the way, how’s your cheek?”

Ewan rubbed his jawline. “Hardly a twinge anymore.”

“Sorry about that. It’s just, when she came down thosestairs wearing nothing but your shirt and a blanket, I lost my mind.”

“No need to apologize, Edward.” Ewan raked his hair. He’ddeserved it. “I-I feel the need to apologize as well.”

Moncrieff raised a patrician brow. “Do you? For what?Kidnapping Violet—”

“That was Callum MacAllister—”

“Or holding her in that wretched keep? Or strong-armingKaitlin into an unwanted betrothal. Or…was there anything else?”

Hell yes. There was.

“For all of it. I was a desperate man. I regret any harmI’ve caused.”

“Hmm.” Edward refilled their glasses and they sipped insilence. “On that note…” Ewan’s pulse kicked up a notch as Edward picked up thethread of the conversation. “What did happen between you and Violet while shewas at the Cloud?”

He nearly spilled his drink. “Did-did she say anything?”

Edward pinned him with a sharp stare. “She’s told usnothing. But if she did, what would she say?”

“Why do you ask?”

Moncrieff shrugged. “She’s just not been herself since shecame back.”

Concern skirled through him. “What do you mean, notherself?”

A shrug. “She’s listless. Quiet. Stares off into space atdinner. Sighs a lot. Granted, the house is more peaceful without hermischief—when the boys aren’t lighting fires in the garret. But she’s a far cryfrom her old self. Kaitlin is worried.”