Page 2 of Reckless Desire

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Kenna wished mightily that she hadn’t allowed Lady Chastity to talk her into a walk in Summit Gardens. But the allure of sun and trees had been more than she could resist. Inverness’s park couldn’t replace the woods of Skye, but it was still beautiful—despite the grand people who intruded—like the three women who approached.

Sir Stirling and Lady Chastity started away and Lord Newhall winged an arm toward her. Kenna slipped her hand into the crook of his arm before realizing what she’d done. The muscle beneath her fingers tightened as they started forward. She’d glimpsed the tiny smile on Lady Chastity’s lips before she and Sir Stirling started walking. Of course, she was pleased the gentleman was being gallant. She was so kind—too kind. That kindness is what had gotten Kenna into this predicament.

They neared the ladies. Kenna groaned.

Lord Newhall looked down at her. “Are you in pain, Miss Ramsay?”

Kenna snapped her head up and met his gaze. He stared down at her, brow furrowed in concern. Had she groaned out loud? Aye, she had. Just one more indication that she didn’t belong here. She had to write another letter to her aunt, begging her to allow her to return home. Agreeing to leave Skye had been a mistake. What did it matter that she was one of many descendants of Robert the Bruce? Society couldn’t possibly care that she was a Flower of Scotland.

“Miss Ramsay?” Lord Newhall said.

From the corner of her eye, she saw the women stop on the path in front of Sir Stirling and Lady Chastity.

“I am fine,” Kenna whispered.

“Lady Chastity, how nice to see you,” the short, fair-haired girl said. “Sir Stirling.” She curtsied, and the others followed suit.

“Ladies.” Sir Stirling, ever the gentleman, bowed.

As one, they rose, and shifted toward Lord Newhall. For him, they dipped so low, their cleavage—one ample, two so modest they could scarcely count as cleavage—were in plain view. The fair-haired woman looked up at him through her lashes. Women vying for a man’s attention, Kenna understood quite well. Even in the hills of Skye, women competed for the attention of the most desirable bachelors. Of course, a handsome man like Lord Newhall, whose attire, manners and deportment proclaimed him wealthy, received extra attention.

He angled his head in acknowledgement and, to Kenna’s surprise, not only didn’t free himself of her hand, but covered her hand with his free one and squeezed. All three pairs of female eyes locked onto the action—and narrowed.

Thank you very much, you lout, Kenna mentally seethed. Now—

The girls rose, and Sir Stirling said, “Do you ladies know our guest, Miss Ramsay?”

“We have heard of her, but have not had the pleasure of an introduction,” the blonde said.

“Permit me to make introductions,” Sir Stirling said.

Kenna murmured greetings, unable to curtsy to the noblewomen, as Lord Newhall kept a tight hold on her hand.

“That is a lovely gown, Miss Ramsay,” Lady Fiona, the taller brunette, said. “You are brave to wear such a low bodice.”

Kenna blinked. Had the woman just insulted her?

“Do you really think the bodice is too low?” Lady Chastity’s brow furrowed. “Oh dear, perhaps I miscalculated when I purchased the dress for you, Kenna.”

Lady Fiona’s eyes widened. “Not at all,” she hurriedly denied. “It is especially lovely on her. The color is very flattering.”

“What a relief.” Lady Chastity smiled at Kenna. “I want Miss Ramsay to be seen in the best light.”

“You always keep a finger on the pulse of current fashion,” the girl said. “I fear I am woefully behind the times with this conservative dress.”

Kenna worked to keep her fury in check. “Lady Chastity’s choices are always perfect.”

The group turned deadly silent. Kenna’s heart raced. She’d done it again. It wasn’t her words, but her tone. Gentle Society didn’t show anger.

“We all agree that Lady Chastity’s choice is perfect.”

Kenna started at Lord Newhall’s statement.

He smiled down at her. “I think the dress is exquisite.”

The stares of the three women burned into her skull.