Page 5 of Deception and Desire
“I’m afraid I must quit while I’m ahead, my lord.” A delicate clearing of the throat. “Crockford, could we settle up now?” Franklin looked at the proprietor.
The viscount put on a charming smile. Horace wondered if it was the same smile that had beguiled his daughter. “Certainly you have time for one more game. The night is young.”
Sir Horace shook his head and yawned. “I’m afraid not. I must get home to my wife and daughters—”
“I demand you give me an opportunity to win back that estate. As a gentleman, it is the least you can do.” He sneered, his fine features distorted with contempt. “Ifyou are a gentleman. Or let me owe you for the value of the estate. My father always makes good on the vowels.”
“Fathers. Always looking out for their offspring.” Sir Horace nodded. “I do understand your concern. If memory serves me correctly, it’s not a large piece of property. However, it does have sentimental value to your family, does it not?”
A look of relief washed over the viscount’s face, and his mocking smile returned. In a voice dripping with honey, he continued, “Yes, you do recognize the situation I’m in. It would be quite embarrassing to lose it. You see, it was originally the family seat centuries ago. So, what is your price, Sir Horace… I don’t believe we were properly introduced.”
As a father, he fancied throttling the bloody scoundrel until his face mottled red and his eyes bulged out. As a businessman and a baronet, he knew the significance of this loss. It would be much more uncomfortable and of a much longer duration than any physical pain. The rake would have licked his wounds and continued along his malicious path. There were plenty like him in London. Never giving a thought to those they hurt, so long as they achieved whatever pleasure they desired. Though he took no great joy in assuming Shelton’s property, this unlicked cub would learn there were consequences for one’s actions.
“My name is Sir HoraceFranklin. And yes, embarrassment can be quite devastating. My poor daughter—Fenella—recently experienced quite a humiliation.” He waited, grimly enjoying the slow change of expressions that flashed over the young man’s face.
“You-you…” Shelton turned and lunged toward Crockford, trying to snatch the paper from his hand. The club owner stepped back, his hand and the document high in the air, extended toward Sir Horace.
“Now, m’lord. That’s no’ very proper, is it?” purred the proprietor. “Why don’t you save yerself what dignity you may ’ave left? The earl won’t like ’earing ’is son don’t ’onor his debts, now would e’? And all these wi’nesses.”
Franklin took the vowels from his friend and placed them inside his coat. He patted the pocket and gave the devastated buck a cold smile. “I suppose one could call it a life lesson, eh?”
Chapter One
Tempers, Tantrums, and Delicate Diplomacy
Late March
MacNaughton Castle
Near Dunderave in the Highlands
Lachlan MacNaughton kepthis clenched fists hidden in the folds of his plaid as his grandfather settled the present dispute over the sale of some sheep. The veins in Craigg’s crooked, bulbous nose turned bright blue, the man’s anger growing. He had a reputation as a drunken bully who kicked dogs and beat his women, and now the no-good chancer was hoping to profit off his neighbor’s misfortune. The rogue needed a goodskelping, and Lachlan would love to be the one to knock some sense into the man.
“I’m telling ye, MacNaughton, I willna stand for it.”
“Craigg, I understand yer reasoning. But it’s no’ MacDunn’s fault that disease swept through the flocks.” Calum MacNaughton let out a loud breath. As chief of several clans, including the Craiggs and MacDunns, it fell on him to settle disputes between members. His hand ran over the coal black hair dotted with gray. “We need to come to an understanding that is fair for both of ye. Swapping out MacDunn’s best ewe for a wee lambie isna an even trade. Why will ye no’ take the money?”
“It’s my right to ask for another beastie as recompense.” Craigg waved a fist at MacDunn. “Ye’dclipeto the chief and have him fight yer battles instead of settling it mon to mon, eh?”
The other man bristled at the insult, his face turning the same color as his hair, and took a step forward. “Why, ye little piece of cow dung.”
“He’s got more honor in his little toe than ye were born with.” Lachlan took a step toward the fuming clansman and grabbed a fistful of Craigg’s plaid. “Perhaps we can work it out another way. I’ll break yer nose again and straighten it for ye this time.”
Craigg’s fingers stretched toward the dagger in his stocking. The Scottish deerhound at Calum’s feet gave a low growl. The rough gray coat bristled along his neckline as the voices rose. Pinning back the soft triangular ears, Black Angus bared his teeth.
“Fuirich!”The MacNaughton commanded the dog as his arm slammed between the two clansmen. The dog and men froze. He pinned cold blue eyes on one man, then the other, and finally on his grandson. “There’ll be no fighting today. We’ll have a peaceful conclusion, or I’ll be the one doling out the consequences.”
“Sounds like the best solution to me,” mumbled Lachlan under his breath. He was rewarded with another glower from Craigg.
“Weel, I’m no’ settling for cash. I want the livestock, and he doesna have it.” A malicious grin turned up Craigg’s mouth, his stained teeth slick as he spit at the ground between them. “So, we seem to be at an impasse, even for the great MacNaughton.”
Calum smiled coldly and shook his head. “Will ye never learn, mon?”
Lachlan knew that look. His grandfather had a solution, and Craigg was not going to like it. It eased the tightness in his own chest.
Calum turned to MacDunn. “I’ll sell you one of my lambs for the price Craigg paid. He’ll have a lamb, and I’ll have the cash. Agreed?”
“Much appreciated, Calum.” MacDunn nodded, then turned and held out his hand to Craigg. “Will ye agree to the chief’s terms? Is it a bargain, then?”
