Page 21 of Wicked Highland Heroes

“Others have tried,” he said with an amiable tone. “Their aim simply was not as good as yours.”

The next steps brought them to a stop as Lady Banks and Lady Hollister turned toward them.

“Good evening, my lord,” Lady Banks said.

“My lord.” Lady Hollister gave a small curtsey, then looked at Eve. “Miss Crenshaw.”

“Ladies.” He reached for Lady Hollister’s hand and Eve released him as he bowed over it, then turned to Lady Banks and did the same.

“We must offer our felicitations,” Lady Banks said. “We read of your engagement in the paper. How exciting!”

Eve caught the flicker of surprise in the earl’s eyes. So he had been unaware of the announcement as well.

He flashed a charming smile at Eve. “I am a very fortunate man.”

Good Lord, his performance was sure to ignite the two old biddies’ imaginations. By morning, all of Manchester would believe that Earl Rushton was smitten with his wife-to-be. The current gossip was bad enough, but after this, his and Grace’s return to England as man and wife would paint her forever as the bride cast aside in favor of her sister. The gossip would not flatter Lord Rushton any more than it would her, she realized with a start. She hadn’t considered how his ‘jilting her’ might affect his reputation. What sort of cad left his intended bride for her sister?

Lady Hollister’s titter of laughter grated against Eve’s ear. “I am sure you two shall be very happy,” the older woman said, “and it could not have come at a better time. We were saddened to hear of your brother’s death, Lord Rushton.”

He stiffened.

That was right. Eve had forgotten. He returned from the navy a little over a year ago with the news that his brother had perished at Trafalgar. His brother had reached the rank of lieutenant, and Eve’s father said he earned that rank as an enlisted man, instead of letting the marques buy him a commission. According to her father, Lord Valan was on his way to an Admiralty.

“That is kind of you,” Rushton replied.

Lady Hollister looked confused. “Forgive me if I spoke out of turn, my lord. I—”

“There is nothing to forgive,” he interrupted. “Now, if you will excuse us, we were on the way to the refreshments room. Miss Crenshaw is thirsty.”

“Of course,” the ladies answered in unison. They dropped a curtsy and he led Eve away.

“Meddling old busy-bodies,” he muttered as he guided her around another couple.

Eve knew he was bothered by their mention of his brother, and wanted to offer condolences, but his response made her reticent. Instead, she said, “You purposely egged them on about our supposed engagement.”

His head snapped in her direction. He stared for an instant, then grinned. “I cannot help myself, can I?”

“I believe you thrive on mischief.” His brows rose, and she added, “In this case, you are only making it more difficult for when we do not marry.”

“You are still set against marrying me, then?”

“Do not act as if you feel any different.”

“Rushton,” a large man called to him.

The earl brought them to a halt as the man closed the few paces separating them, a lady on his arm.

“Lord Camden,” the earl said. “Lady Camden.”

“How are you, Rushton?” the man said.

“Very well, thank you. May I present Miss Eve Crenshaw? Miss Crenshaw, Lord and Lady Camden.”

Eve affected a graceful bow. “My lord. Lady Camden.”

“Oh yes,” Lady Camden said. “We know who this young lady is.”

“Congratulations, my boy,” Lord Camden said. “It is high time you settled down. Your father must be pleased.”