Page 29 of Brazen

“I never touched a single one of those women,” Gordon said without rancor.

“You think that absolves you?” The need to slam his fist into the man’s face sent his heart into a wild rhythm.

“You didn’t mind the money,” Gordon said in that same unflappable tone.

He couldn’t allow the man to goad him into the same argument. Magnus turned and strode from the room. He emerged into the hallway and braced his free hand against the wall.

It wasn’t your fault, he reminded himself. You didn’t know.

Did ignorance absolve him of his part in the business? Gordon was right. He had made a lot of money off The Honeydrop. He left for the navy and his share of the profits from property investments had been funneled into other investments. He’d donated to women’s charities all the money he’d made from The Honeydrop, but the investments continued to explode into profits. The money taunted him with the memory of the night he’d found the young woman tied to a bed in one of the half dozen rooms in the gaming hell. Her glazed eyes and the blood on the sheets were worse than anything he’d seen on the battlefield. His stomach roiled.

He straightened from the wall, drank the brandy in two gulps, and strode to the ballroom. Dancers pranced to the music of a lively country dance. Magnus felt certain more guests had packed themselves into the ballroom. A waiter carrying a tray of champagne passed by. Magnus stopped him, set the brandy glass on the tray, then took a glass of champagne and headed for the balcony.

When he stepped from the ballroom, brisk night air washed over him. He took three steps to the right-hand corner of the balcony, where a small alcove gave him a tiny measure of privacy from the half dozen couples who enjoyed the flower-scented night. He leaned a shoulder against the side of the building and stared into the darkened gardens.

He had expected to encounter Gordon Young or even his uncle again, but he hadn’t expected them to seek him out. He couldn’t fathom what made them think he would ever consider going into business with them again. Had his uncle actually purchased a gaming establishment in Inverness?

“Thank you, but no,” said Lady Mia.

Magnus straightened from the wall and peered around the edge of the alcove in time to see her and a tall man of about forty years halt at the railing five feet to his left.

“My intentions are honorable, Lady Mia,” the man said. “Also, please bear in mind that I am in a position to care for Angeline as she deserves.”

Lady Mia’s gaze remained on the garden. “Have you spoken with my aunt?”

Magnus heard the exasperation in her voice.

“Nae. I know how much your opinion means to her, so wanted to speak with you first. Keep in mind, that as family, I would never press you to pay your bill.”

Bill?

She faced him and locked eyes with his. “I beg your pardon, Mr. Barton, are you suggesting I sell my sister to you?”

“Forgive me.” He angled his head in apology. “I would never suggest such a thing.”

But Magnus thought that was exactly what he suggested.

“I only meant to demonstrate one of the many advantages of her acceptance of my suit. I am aware how much Kaerndal Castle means to your family. It would be a shame if your brother were unable to remain in the home where he grew up once he claims the title.”

Her stare remained unwavering. “That sounds to me like a threat, Mr. Barton.”

Magnus agreed.

“Not at all. Ma’am, as you know, I have not insisted upon payment,” Mr. Barton replied. “But my partners will one day force the issue.”

Partners? What was the debt for?

“I suppose I should thank you, then?” she said.

The man shook his head. “No need. I only thought you would want to fully understand the situation. Speaking of which, you should be aware that I am beginning to hear rumors.”

Rumors? He had to be referring to the rumors about her and Magnus. But what had that to do with him?

“I see,” Lady Mia replied in a tight voice. “I believe I understand quite well, sir. I will be sure to speak with my aunt.”

“That is all I ask.”

The satisfaction in the man’s voice made Magnus want to toss him over the railing.