Page 110 of Wicked Highland Heroes

“Suitor?” he repeated.

“It is not a compliment,” Eve said.

“I admit, we got off to a bad start,” he replied. “That part was not my fault.”

“Yes it was.”

“She is right,” the marchioness said.

“Really?” he said, as if surprised his mother agreed.

“You entered her room uninvited.”

“I was only defending myself,” the earl said placidly.

“You went there to browbeat Grace,” Eve retorted.

“I went there to confront my accuser.”

“A gentleman would have faced the lady’s father instead of accosting her in her bedchambers.”

“She has a point,” Lady Rushton said.

“Guilty as charged.” His eyes darkened. “I am no gentleman, and I have not been innocent since—”

“Erroll,” his mother admonished.

He grinned. “I am not that much of a cad, Mother.”

“Beware,” she said, “you do not want to face my wrath later.”

His eyes widened. “Quite right.”

The marchioness turned to Eve. “Did you have a chance to see any of the castle today?”

“Only the great hall, which your son showed me after Lord Burns left.”

“Lord Burns? He was here today?”

“Yes. Did Lord Rushton not tell you?”

She looked at him. “What happened?”

“Nothing of consequence. Burns was concerned that Hilary was paying too much attention to his son.”

“He is right. She was.”

“Really?” Lord Rushton’s brow furrowed. “Since when did Hilary become interested in men?”

“Since she turned seventeen.”

“Seventeen?” Surprise shown on his face. “She grew up while I was away.”

“I shall speak with Hilary.” The marchioness regarded him. “Actually, I think you should speak to her.”

“Me?”

Eve saw genuine alarm in his eyes.