Page 46 of Good Duke Gone Far

“Aye, that I was going to do.”

“When?”

“Once I received her answer.”

“Who is she?”

“Just some distant cousin so I can get this heir business settled.”

Distant cousin?Kat’s ears were as perked up as they could be, and her feet were already on the attack.

Ignoring the butler, and possibly attempts from Quinn to stop her, she followed the sound of the voices and entered a room. It was Egan’s private study.

“Cousin?” That was her first and only word. The man in the study, Egan, was a giant. And a not-so-friendly looking one at that. The kilt. Well, what could be said about that? Nothing. It should have made him look softer, but somehow it only served to convey him as more intimidating. She had no words until her brain regained control of her tongue. “We’re not cousins.”

“Aye. That’s likely true. But unless I’m forgetting something, who the feck are you?”

“Watch your tongue,” Quinn stood beside her. “This is a lady.”

“Who barged into my house and my study spouting random words.”

“All the same, Your Grace. She deserves your respect.”

The scowl on the giant Scot’s face was worth at least one thrust of a dirk to the kidneys, but Kat saw that Quinn was unphased.

“What can I do for you, Lady…?”

“Lady Kat.”

“She’s the one I told you about that was coming,” George gestured toward the couple. “Lady Kat and the–” he cleared his throat. “The Colonel. They’re the two joining us for dinner.”

“Dinner and it would seem a bit more,” the giant murmured. “What can I do for you, Lady Kat?” It almost sounded sarcastic, but Kat let it slide.

“You said you proposed to a distant cousin. The woman you proposed to, my sister, and I have no relations in Scotland. You must be mistaken.”

“Perhaps you are mistaken. I had my man of business investigate everything and compile the necessary paperwork with my solicitor. It’s all settled.”

“I would say it is certainlynotall settled. My sister has not accepted.”

“We’ll see what she has to say for herself, won’t we? I’m sure Lady Scarlet is a mature woman who can decide for herself. And if not, her parents can.” The giant turned away from her and asked George, “Time for our lovely meal together now, is it not?”

He acted as though he could deflect her as easily as if she were a tiny house fly.

“I’m also sure Lady Scarlet is a mature woman who can decide for herself,andstand up to her parents if needed. However, my sister, the one you proposed to with all your papers in order, is Lady Charlotte. So it would appear you are the one mistaken, Your Grace.” Kat let the word slowly slide off her tongue. “Whoever you hired for your investigation must be slacking on the job. We have experience with that. Should you ever be in need of more professional services, we shall leave you our calling card that you might avail us of our services.” Kat turned to leave the study.

A gruff voice beckoned at her back, “You impertinent chit.”

And just as she was about to say something in reply, she heard, in a cavalier tone that betrayed its message, “Name your seconds.”

She gasped. She couldn’t help it. Quinn was calling out the duke for a duel. Over this. Over her. He was the calm one. He was her rock. The reliable one. The one who always knew what to say. Except now.

“Faugh! By George–I mean,” she turned to George. “Nevermind, surely everyone would agree that this is utter nonsense.” And for the first time surely everyone would likely agree with Kat.

“I said what I said, and I meant it.” Quinn didn’t even say the words to her. His eyes were locked on Egan. “I don’t care if the man is a duke, a prince, or the King himself, he can’t speak to you that way.”

Maybe she should have been flattered. Maybe she should have swooned. Maybe she should have done or felt a whole wagonload of other emotions than the ones she felt. But she didn’t. She felt anger and betrayal. She didn’t know who he was anymore. Everything was happening too fast. It was all too much. The heat in her face was scorching. Her blood was pumping and swelling through her. Her hands were clammy. And her feet and hands were moving.

“What’s a duel going to accomplish?” Kat stalked the few steps closer to Quinn. She knew where he kept his gun. She knew how to wield it. Why not just show him how blooming ridiculous the idea of a duel was?

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