Page 38 of Wicked Highland Heroes

The brute nodded, then surprised Erroll by speaking the one name he wouldn't have suspected in a hundred years, and the very name he should have suspected.

*****

Despite the malice in Lord Halifax’s gaze, Eve tried to relax on the seat opposite him. From the corner of her eye, she glimpsed a passing coach and shifted to find Lady Middleton staring as the vehicles passed within a foot of each another. Lord Halifax abruptly leaned forward and Eve caught the widening of the woman’s eyes in the instant before he yanked the curtain closed. Eve considered crying out, then realized the earl would be upon her in a flash and no doubt would silence her with the back of his hand.

He settled back onto his cushion, and Eve smiled as if nothing was wrong. "Forgive me, my lord, but I do not understand what is happening."

"Rushton must learn to mind his own business."

A cold ribbon of dread threaded through her veins. "If you are referring to the encounter in the gardens, I think there is a misunderstanding. Lord Rushton did not interfere. Lady Gallagher parted company with you of her own accord. You are a gentleman, I cannot believe you would have pursued her."

"What I would have done is no more your concern than it is Rushton's."

“Of course not,” Eve answered. "I didn’t mean to imply otherwise. What sort of jest do you have in mind to teach him this lesson?" She giggled. “I love a good joke, and I must admit that I would not mind putting one over on him.”

"You shot the man. You have no more love for him than I do." His expression turned speculative. "Perhaps kidnapping you was unnecessary. You might be a willing participant."

"Indeed, sir. As I said, I love a good joke. What have you in mind?"

"I have in mind to whisk you off to Gretna Green."

*****

A little more than an hour later, Erroll stood in Lady Grendall’s ballroom. He was going to settle things once and for all, though how he was to deal with a hoyden willing to kidnap a man in order to avoid marriage was beyond his scope. He still couldn’t believe she thought she could marry him off to her sister. The ridiculous scheme outdid all others devised by even the most determined mammas who had tried to marry him to their daughters.

He scanned the room for Miss Crenshaw but found no sign of her, which meant she could have moved onto any one of a dozen other parties going on tonight. He would be wiser to confront her tomorrow, but the thought of waiting frustrated him all the more, not to mention, he wanted a confrontation that didn't include her father. If he didn't catch her tonight, God only knew when the next opportunity would arise to waylay her.

From the corner of his eye, Erroll caught sight of Somerset striding toward him. Judging from the man's stride, he intended to accost him. Damn the fool. Erroll had no time—or inclination—to deal with Miss Crenshaw’s spurned lover. Is that what Somerset was, a spurned lover? The idea fueled Erroll's frustration and he experienced a strong desire for a boxing match in which he would lay the man flat on his arse.

The viscount reached him, and Erroll said, "I'm in no mood for your lectures, Somerset. I advise you find someone else to bully. I have had my fill for the evening."

"Enough of the theatrics," Somerset snapped.

Erroll eyed him. "I am never guilty of theatrics."

"I am happy to settle whatever petty grievance you have on the dueling field," Somerset replied.

Who is prone toward theatrics? Erroll wondered.

"But for now," the viscount went on, "I want to know what you have done with Eve."

"Nothing—yet." His inclination that first night had been correct: he should have throttled Miss Crenshaw when he had the chance.

"I left the alcove with you," Somerset said. "That was over three hours ago."

"I warned you about being so familiar with Miss Crenshaw," Erroll said. "Did it occur to you that she and her mamma simply moved on to another party?"

Erroll had concluded that being seen at as many parties as possible was part of her plan. That way, no one could accuse her of being with him or being associated with his kidnapping. The woman was as skilled at scheming as she was with a gun. What other wicked skills did she hide? If their brief encounters were any indication, he had yet to discover a good many of those talents. Given the trouble she’d already put him to, he deserved the chance to root out the most sinful of her gifts.

"Lady Crenshaw hasn't been seen since I left her with you," Somerset said.

Erroll's attention snapped onto him. "What?” Before the viscount answered, Erroll said, “Where is Lady Crenshaw?"

As if he'd conjured the woman, she appeared at his side.

"Lord Rushton, oh, but I am so relieved to see you. I cannot find Eve." She glanced around the room, her brow furrowed as her eyes came back to him. "I am so worried.”

Erroll gave her a reassuring smile. "No need for concern, madam. Your daughter is well. I saw her not long ago. Leave it to me, and I will find her for you"

Relief washed over her face. "Oh, thank you. I will leave her in your capable hands."

Erroll nodded. The wench would find herself in his capable hands soon enough and he knew exactly what he would do to her.