Page 23 of Wicked Highland Heroes

“I did say that I would not marry your sister.”

If he knew about the marriage contract her father had drawn up would he be having this conversation with her? Wouldn’t he simply tell her she had to marry him and that that was that?

Eve shrugged. “I need worry only about finding a way not to marry you. You, on the other hand, must find a way to avoid marriage to two women. My father might prefer that I marry you, but he will settle for your marriage to Grace.”

“And the fact that I did not even know his youngest daughter will not matter?” Lord Rushton asked.

“You forfeited your innocence when you broke into my room.”

“You may be right.” He gave her an appraising look. “So you feel your adamant refusal will force me to accept your sister?”

“Your father visited my father today and there has been an announcement in the paper. I conclude that your father is in agreement that you marry one of us.” Emotion flickered in his eyes and Eve knew that she’d hit the mark. “I must say, my lord, I am surprised the marquess will allow you to marry so far beneath your station.”

“You underestimate your worth, Miss Crenshaw. If my father thought you were beneath me, he would not allow me to marry you. It is far more likely he comprehends my good luck.”

“Good luck?” she repeated, then understanding dawned. “I see. He is glad for the opportunity to force you into marriage—and I am to be the sacrificial lamb.”

An unholy delight gleamed in his eyes. “Never fear, my dear. You are not yet saddled with me. This is not the first time my father has wanted me to marry.”

“But this is the first time he has chased you halfway across England with the effort,” she pointed out.

His eyes widened in exaggerated horror. “Dear God, never say you are one of those females who engages in gossip.”

“It is impossible not to hear when a marquess arrives in Town and goes directly to his son’s hotel room. And I must add, sir, it is also impossible not to hear when a gentleman’s paramours visit him in that same hotel room.”

His humor vanished. “I advise you to beware what rumors you attend to, madam. You of all people should know that gossip seldom resembles the truth.”

Eve frowned. “What?” Then she realized that he knew about her elopement with Blane. “I see you have engaged in a bit of gossip mongering yourself.”

“As you said, some things are difficult not to hear. I, however, prefer to reserve judgment.”

“How kind of you,” she said. “But I care nothing for your judgment.”

“In that you are wise.”

Eve was startled by his response and regretted the censure that had been waiting for release since she’d heard about Laura Greenwood visiting his hotel room. “Things may not be as they seem,” she said, “but once you are married, visits from women like Lady Greenwood will be devastating to your wife.”

“You will forgive me, Miss Crenshaw, but it was only late last night that I was informed I was to marry. I have had no time to put my, er, affairs in order.”

She had turned into a shrew. “You are right. My apologies.”

“As to marriage, I regret that I must continue to be disagreeable, but I am obliged to put to rest any hopes you may have. I will not marry your sister.”

“My lord—”

He held up a hand. “Please, hear me out.”

She acquiesced with a nod.

“I make no excuses for breaking into your room. But I will not let one mistake dictate the rest of my life. I fully understand that you do not wish to be the victim of my folly, either, and I don’t blame you. Your father has grounds to insist I marry you, but he has no grounds to insist I marry your sister. As long as you remain steadfast in your refusal, he will have to accept the situation.”

“And where will you be, my lord, if my father manages to convince me to marry you?”

“Quite honestly, I will be better off than if I marry your sister.”

Eve bristled. “My sister will make a fine wife—far better than me.”

“That is your opinion, not mine, and as I am the one taking the wife, my opinion is the only one that counts. But, Miss Crenshaw, if you truly have no wish to marry me, then hold fast in your resolve and this will pass.”