Page 137 of Wicked Highland Heroes

“All these years, and you never told her you love her.”

“A man doesn’t burden his wife.”

“Just as a wife doesn’t burden her husband.” Erroll recalled Eve telling him that she wanted to like her husband and suddenly realized what a fool he’d been. “Sir, if I am any judge of women—and I cannot guarantee I am—I suspect you are as big a fool as I.”

“What the devil are you talking about?”

“I’ve seen the way my mother looks at you. If ever a woman loved, it is she.”

His father’s brows snapped down. “Erroll--”

Erroll shook his head. “My God, all these years. Did she never—” He caught sight of a carriage sitting in the front circle of the house and strained to discern the crest in the torchlight. “Is that—yes it is, Lydia and Connor’s coach.” He looked at his father. “Did my mother invite them?”

“I imagine so, but Lydia would never deign to wish you well.”

“No, but Connor would. I think we had better go inside.”

“I thought you were leaving.”

“I believe it is better that I do not make the same mistake you did.”

“You care for her?” his father asked.

“I do.”

“Then tell her.”

Erroll laid a hand on his father’s shoulder. “I suggest you do the same.”

*****

Eve couldn’t refuse the marchioness’ request that she come immediately to the pink parlor. The castle was filled with guests, and Eve had hoped no one would miss her for the duration of the evening. But that was not to be. A maid showed her the way and Eve forced a smile as she entered the room, where a dozen guests milled about or sat chatting and playing cards. She caught sight of Ash, standing just inside an alcove in the left hand corner of the room. He frowned when their gazes met and she read in his eyes the question of her husband’s absence. He left the alcove and approached.

Eve met him halfway across the massive room, and he whispered, “I don’t suppose his absence is because the two of you were carrying on together and he had to dress before coming?”

Eve was startled by the forthright question, but could only reply “No.” He—everyone—would soon know that her husband had done exactly what he promised he wouldn’t: abandoned her in Scotland.

Ash grasped her elbow and led her toward the alcove. “Wherever he is, he won’t be happy he missed this meeting.”

Eve started to ask what meeting when the interior of the alcove came into view. A man stood alongside a couch, where the marchioness sat with a woman Eve hadn’t yet met. The newcomer, who sat rigid on the cushion, shared the dark hair and eyes of Lord Rushton and his father.

Eve and Ash entered the alcove and the marchioness rose. “Eve, I am so glad you came. Please meet Rush’s sister and her husband.” She faced the man. “Eve, may I present Connor Douglas, the Earl of Kingsley?”

The earl took her hand in his and gave it a warm squeeze. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Eve.” The warmth in his voice bellied the palatable anger that radiated from the woman.

“And this is Lady Kingsley, Rush’s elder sister,” the marchioness said.

The woman gave a curt nod. Eve caught the marchioness’ disapproval in the thinning of her lips, and it seemed she was about to say something, but a maid appeared.

“Pardon me, my lady,” the maid said, “but more guests have arrived.”

Lady Rushton hesitated, and Connor said, “Go on, Angela. We are fine.”

“I’m sure the marquess will be along soon,” she said.

Lydia visibly stiffened, and Eve realized that the marchioness’ words had been a warning.

“I won’t be long,” Lady Rushton said, and left with the maid.