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Evan would be in charge of selling the precious cargo, as he worked for his family’s textile company. Astute with money from helping manage their families’ fortune, Henry and Miles would assist with investments. Lastly, the best of them in the art of travel and entertainment, Grant was to plan a trip abroad for the men and their wives.

“I am not sure to go on the trip,” Miles stated, and then waited for their reaction. It was not surprising to note his statement was met with scowls of disapproval.

Henry was first to respond. “Of course, you will travel with us. This venture was started by the four of us and the four of us will finish it.”

“You will all be traveling with your wives and—” he looked at Evan—“children.”

“That is not of importance,” Evan stated. “We all know you will probably never marry. You are our children’s honorary uncle. You are our family.”

Miles pretended to wipe a non-existent tear. “I am deeply touched.”

“Find someone, invite the woman along. You may find it to be a delight.” Grant, who’d rarely been without female companionship before marrying the lovely Wren, was quick to give advice.

It surprised him that the only woman who came to mind when considering a travel companion was Siobhan. A clear picture of the beautiful lass beside him on a ship was indeed enticing.

“He is smiling,” Henry informed the others. “Look at his face, I do believe he is considering it.”

Grant laughed, meeting Miles’ eyes. “There is someone.” He pointed at Miles. “His expression proves it in spite of his denial.”

The other three leaned forward to look at him closely as if they’d be able to discern who he was thinking about. Miles did his best not to squirm, stretching his legs out and assuming a look of boredom, his signature way of deflecting any speculation. His friends were not fooled for one instant. They’d known each other since they were lads and probably recognized his tells.

Evan gave a slight nod and leaned back in his chair. “If you do not tell us, we shall investigate.”

Just as he was about to deny the existence of any woman, three beauties burst into the room. The ringleader, Felicity, who was Evan’s wife and Grant’s sister, came to stand in front of Miles. The other two flanking her were Hannah, Henry’s wife, and Wren, Grant’s wife.

“The talk is all over town,” Felicity stated, her eyes bright with excitement. “Is it true? Siobhan Blair is currently staying at your townhouse after you heroically rescued her from a horrible man who tried to kidnap her.” She took a breath. “Tell us everything! There is talk of marriage as she remained at your home unchaperoned.”

The entire group’s eyes focused on Miles. The three men’s faces held grins, as if they knew more than the women did.

Miles opened his mouth and hesitated, surprised by their curiosity, and even more so, surprised by his lack of dismay. Instead, he could feel his heart warming and expanding at the thought of Siobhan. The noose was tightening, but his desire to avoid it was not. “I… there is not to be any marriage. The…lass is injured, and the doctor recommended she is not to be moved. Someone has been there…” He shrugged, not finishing the statement. If he said anymore, he knew his friends would use it to tease him.

Besides, and more importantly, he knew Siobhan would be mortified upon learning that she was the subject of gossip. Her mother had not been lying or exaggerating.

“If you do not marry her, she will be ruined,” Hannah stated in her usual soft voice. “She is from a family that is highly regarded among your peers.” She motioned to the men in the room. Hannah was from a working-class family, and, for that matter, so were Grant and Felicity. However, their father had accumulated quite a fortune as actuary for the wealthiest families in Glasgow.

Henry chuckled. “We should have wagered on it. It appears that our friend, the esteemed and desirable Lord Miles, has finally been ensnared in a trap.” The other men laughed, while the women looked on in disapproval.

“It is not funny,” Felicity informed them with a stop of her foot. “The poor lass. Injured and fueling the grist for the gossips.”

Miles let out a breath. “If there are rumors all over town, it is because her mother is spreading them. She immediately insisted that there had to be a marriage as I brought the lass to my house after she fell from a horse and was rendered unconscious.”

“Why to your house?” Grant asked. “You could have taken her to her home.”

Ire rose, not only at his friends’ inquisitions but by the fact that now the rumors would need to be squashed, especially for Siobhan’s sake. “Because it was the closest. You do not understand. She was unconscious and barely breathing.”

“Of course,” Felicity said patting his shoulder. “You did what you thought best to save her life. You are a hero.”

Felicity’s words filled him with conflicting emotions. “I am no such thing,” he replied, trying to sound nonchalant. Then he stood. This could not be allowed to continue. “I must go see about this situation.” He nodded at the women and proceeded to the doorway. Henry followed him.

As a member of one of the wealthiest families in the city, Henry was well aware of the conniving mothers who all but threw their daughters in front of a wealthy, and especially a titled, bachelor. “What are you going to do?” His friend’s blue gaze met his. “Do not make the situation worse. I propose you move into your parents’ home immediately until the rumors die down. Ensure your mother’s acquaintances see you there. That way they will—hopefully—quell any talk of you and the lass being alone and unchaperoned.”

The idea had merit. Miles shook his head in annoyance at how much society dictated their lives. “I will do that. I am sure Mother will have advice and help me find a way out of this mess.”

“Are you sure not to care for the lass? What is her name? Siobhan, is it?” Miles paused as Henry asked. “Because if you do, what Hannah said is true. She may be ruined. You know how shallow our peers are.”

Miles didn’t want to think about it. He’d never planned to get married, and had worked hard never to get trapped into the institution. The irony that he was responsible for placing himself in this position where he’d have to marry Siobhan to save her reputation wasn’t lost on him. “I’d best go,” Miles said, accepting Henry’s reassuring pats on his shoulder.

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