Page 43 of Reckless Desire

“How would I know?” Kenna answered in a peevish tone.

Their brows shot up as one.

She had to escape before he saw her.

Kenna faced the ladies. “Excuse me.”

“Where are you going?” Mrs. Stanton demanded as Kenna started across the room.

“To the ladies retiring room,” she said.

“Oh my, he’s headed this way,” another said.

Kenna quickened pace. She neared the hallway when a familiar male voice said, “What a pleasure to see you, Miss Ramsay.”

Kenna snapped her head up as Lord Wilshire stepped up beside her. “L-Lord Wilshire. What are you doing here?”

His brows rose. “You are not pleased to see me?” He placed a hand over his heart. “I am wounded.”

She ignored the blatant stares of a nearby group of women and halted. “I am sorry, but you must admit, it is strange that you are here.”

“I wouldn’t say strange,” he mused.

“I would. Why are you here?”

He released an exaggerated sigh. “Lady Chastity told me she and Stirling were attending the party. It was an easy deduction that you would be here, as well.” He shrugged. “So, I came, too.”

“Aye, but we are on Skye. That is a long trip just for a party. Are you certain you aren’t avoiding your brother?”

He laughed. “Miss Ramsay, as I have said before, you are a delight. I must admit, Graham was becoming something of a nuisance.”

Two passing women looked their way, knowing smiles on their faces.

“It seems you are quite the thing,” he said.

Kenna shot him a narrow-eyed glare.

He seemed not to notice—or more likely, simply ignored her frustration, and said, “You look none the worse for wear after your adventure with Hensley.”

A tremor rippled through her at the memory of her adventure with Lord Newhall. She shook her head. “He did not hurt me.”

“I am relieved to hear that. Would you care to take a turn with me in the garden?”

Kenna rolled her eyes. “You know I will not—especially now.”

“Why especially now?” he asked, unruffled.

“I am in no mood to fuel the gossipmongers’ fire,” she muttered.

“On the contrary, fueling the fire is your best course of action.” He leaned close and murmured, “If you are going to pay the price, you might as well enjoy yourself.”

“No walks in the garden,” she said with finality.

He shrugged. “You cannot blame a man for trying.”

“I can,” she said. “It is very annoying.”

“Permit me the opportunity to show you my better side.”