Page 4 of Reckless Desire

To Kenna’s surprise, he said, “I would be pleased to attend. Perhaps Lady Chastity can provide me with your address?” He turned his smile upon her.

“Stirling has the address,” she replied.

Despite his charming smile, Kenna still sensed tension in Lord Newhall’s posture. She didn’t have to guess at the cause. Embarrassment and regret warmed her cheeks. In less than fifteen minutes, she had revealed her lack of gentle breeding. Like the gentleman he was, he hadn’t pulled away from her, but he must surely want to rid himself of her company as soon as propriety allowed. They weren’t far from Lady Chastity’s parked carriage. She could withdraw her hand from his arm on the pretense that she and Lady Chastity were to return to the carriage. With a deep breath, Kenna pulled her hand free. His head snapped in her direction. His frown deepened.

“Have a pleasant walk,” Mrs. Stone was saying.

“We will see you tomorrow, Miss Ramsay,” Miss Stone said.

Kenna nodded. “Until then.”

The young woman smiled, and the family moved past. Kenna started forward, her gaze straight ahead. Lord Newhall walked alongside her with Lady Chastity and Stirling to her right.

“Stirling, I imagine you and Lord Newhall should get back to your business,” Lady Chastity said, and Kenna released a silent breath of relief.

“We have all day for business,” he replied.” How often do we have the opportunity to enjoy the park together?”

“Quite often, actually,” Lady Chastity remarked. “I believe Kenna and I will visit the rose garden.” She linked her arm with Kenna’s. “Good day, gentlemen.”

Kenna glimpsed Lord Newhall’s stiff bow in the instant before Lady Chastity turned her toward the rose garden. Kenna had the odd feeling that Lord Newhall stared at her. She kept her gaze forward and concentrated on her steps. She would die of embarrassment if she tripped over her skirt in public, as she had when they’d left the house that morning.

Chapter Two

Bryson tried not to stare at Miss Ramsay, but he couldn’t tear his gaze away. The sway of her hips wasn’t what transfixed him—though his cock pulsed at the hint of round buttocks beneath her dress. Nae, it was simply that she walked away. What if he didn’t see her again? What if she left town? He groaned inwardly. He was acting like a fool.

What did it matter if she left town? He could follow her anywhere.

Stirling clapped him on the back. “Shall we go?”

Bryson broke from the spell. “Of course.”

Stirling turned. Bryson force himself to follow.

“I hope to finish our business today,” Stirling said. “Chastity plans for us to leave Inverness later tomorrow after Mrs. Stone’s luncheon. I have many preparations today in order to be able to leave on time.”

“Leave?” Bryson looked at him in surprise. “Where are you going?” The words left his mouth before he realized how presumptuous the question sounded.

Stirling flashed white teeth. “Chastity wishes to visit our estate near Lossiemouth.”

Bryson’s heart stuttered. “Will Miss Ramsay accompany you?”

They broke from the trees and Bryson’s horse came into view, one among several clustered about the tying posts.

“Perhaps,” Stirling replied. “She received an invitation to the Colonies, where she has family.”

“The Colonies?” Bryson blurted. “She said she came from Skye.”

“Aye, but she wishes to visit the Colonies.”

“That is a long way for a young woman to travel alone.”

“I doubt she will be alone.” Stirling leaned closer and said in confidential tones, “I doubt she will go at all.”

Relief flooded Bryson.

“Several young bucks are pursuing her. I suspect one of them will capture her heart.”

Bryson halted. “The devil, you say? Surely, she’s not considering their suits?”