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“Then what will we do?”
He nearly did go to her then, but Garrick didn’t trust himself.
“I’ve asked her to come to Clave.”
She didn’t have to ask who. “Before I left Kenshire, I sent a group of men back to Scotland to deliver the message that the wedding is to be delayed until spring. But I need to inform my mother before making any other decision. I’ve asked her to return to England for the time being.”
He wished he had all of the answers now, but he didn’t. “And the attack . . .”
“You believe it was your uncle?”
He shrugged. “Perhaps. Inquiries are being made. If it was him—”
“He will stop at nothing to gain the title.”
“I will kill him first.”
“You’re serious.”
Very serious. If he had put Emma in harm’s way, if he had thought for a moment to threaten Garrick’s mother . . .
“Garrick, please don’t do anything rash.”
“Rash? The bastard—”
“Might well be behind the attack. If so, allow the wardens to deal with it.”
“Emma, you don’t know what you’re asking.”
“I do. You’ll remember I have three brothers, all of whom would put themselves in danger to protect what is theirs. But at least two of them have learned a powerful lesson. Trust in the process you’re so willing to fight to protect.”
She didn’t realize what she asked for. To not seek vengeance? If his uncle truly was behind the attacks?
“As for us—”
“Just give me time to sort through it.”
She didn’t answer right away.
“Emma?”
“You heard my brother earlier. It seems Graeme is pressing his suit. If he—”
He reached her in two strides. “You will not marry Graeme.”
“Perhaps we can discuss it rather than you ordering me about—”
“Promise me, Emma. You will not entertain him.”
He didn’t like the look on her face. A line of frustration had formed between her eyes.
“Promise me.”
She shrugged off his hand.
“This no longer feels like a discussion.”
The image of Graeme lifting Emma’s hand to his mouth filled Garrick’s mind, muddying his thoughts. “I will not leave without your promise.”
