Page 99 of Wicked Highland Heroes

“Press gang?” Lord Burns’ eyes blazed. “By God, are ye sure?”

“Absolutely certain. We encountered their ship on the way here.”

“God damn.” His face reddened in embarrassment and he glanced at Eve and Leslie. “Beg pardon, ladies.”

Eve nodded forgiveness, careful to keep the astonishment she felt at Lord Burns’ change of attitude from her expression.

“I understand Aberdeen is a favorite hunting ground for the slavers,” Lord Rushton said, “but I suspect this band bypassed the city this time.”

Lord Burns nodded. “The new legislation will have the constables on the lookout for the brigands.”

“Ahh, you know of the new law.” The earl nodded. “I had a suspicion you did. Are you acquainted with any of the constables in Aberdeen?”

“Aye, several, as a matter of fact.”

“Very good. My brother has been tracking Johnson, the captain of the ship we encountered. His inquiries have not gone as far as Aberdeen.”

“The bloody—” He broke off and cast Eve and Leslie another embarrassed glance, then said to Lord Rushton, “I’ll speak with James.”

“I look forward to hearing from you.”

Lord Burns nodded. “Ladies,” he nodded to them, then left.

“I cannot believe you didna’ shoot him,” Leslie said when the door closed behind him. “You know he didn’t want Hilary fraternizing with his son because your mother is English.”

“Perhaps,” Lord Rushton said, “but if I fought every man who didn’t want his child fraternizing with the English, I would have dawn appointments from now until Kingdom Come. Where is my father, by the way?”

“I haven’t seen him since you arrived.”

“You told Burns he was not here. Leslie, you lied to a guest?”

She gave a disdainful sniff. “I knew if I went to look for the laird, that fool would begin his own search. I couldn’t let him run free in the castle.”

“You’re quite right.” Lord Rushton winked, and Eve had to bite back a laugh. “Then I would have been forced to challenge him to a duel. You saved me.”

The maid blushed. “You exaggerate.”

“I never exaggerate. I suppose you had better run along now.” She left and he faced Eve. “You look a little more the thing than you did when we arrived earlier.”

“I am somewhat rested,” she replied.

“Will you walk with me to the great hall? We might be able to scrounge up some tea.”

She would rather do anything than spend time with him—especially alone—but she had to speak with him. Eve smiled. “Tea would be heavenly.”

He startled her by grasping her hand and placing it in the crook of his arm. Eve’s heart leapt and the urge to cry unexpectedly rushed to the surface. Dear God, she had to find a way to stop reacting to his touch.

“I half expected Lord Burns to call you out,” she said in what she prayed was a half amused tone.

His hand fell away from hers and left her aware of the play of muscle in his forearm as he walked, which was little better than the warmth of his fingers.

“The marquess wouldn’t take lightly a challenge made to his son in his own home. I suspect Burns knew that and it squashed the impulse,” he replied.

“I wanted to shoot him myself,” she said.

“We really must do something about your penchant for shooting men, my dear.”

She laughed. “That has more to do with the men I have been associating with of late. You must admit, Lord Burns would have deserved a bullet in his leg.”