Page 47 of Deception and Desire
“A wealthy husband?” He wondered about the women’s financial situation.
“Oh, no. My grandfather had a wholesale company, and my father was able to expand the business. He became quite successful at acquiring scarce items for thehaute tonduring the war,” she said, avoiding his eyes. “Mother hopes to find one of us a penniless nobleman who needs a generous dowry.”
It surprised Lachlan that Mr. Franklin had left the family well off. He’d assumed Fenella was companion to her grandmother out of necessity rather than choice.
“I’m quite a disappointment for my mother. I do not seem to blend well within the circles she’s so anxious to join.” She continued with forced cheerfulness. “So, here I am with Grandmama, while Evie attempts to fulfill my mother’s ambition.”
He stopped, facing her. “I’m sorry,” he said, brushing his knuckles along her jaw.
She turned her head away and shrugged. “If my sister is successful, there will be less pressure on me. I have no doubt that Evie will find love and a title. Then I will be free to live my own life.”
Lachlan held her close, kissing the crown of her head. “Yer mother’s wrong, ye ken. Ye’re perfect just as ye are. Dinna ever forget it.”
*
Lachlan glanced atColin as they sat in their own drawing room that evening. He swirled the golden scotch and threw back the last swallow. “More?” he asked his cousin.
The dark head nodded but continued to stare at the glowing peat. Lachlan took his glass, walked to the sideboard, and poured them both another drink. He handed it to Colin and sat down again, his elbows on his knees, the glass between both hands.
Fenella filled his senses, and not just tonight. She slipped into his dreams, all soft and pliant, that lithe body beckoning and teasing. Her gray eyes haunted him with their combination of purity and desire. Never had a woman infected his brain this way. She was close to becoming an obsession. How had it happened in so short a time? He could either feed the fire or put it out completely. The latter thought left his soul cold.
“So Fenella doesna ken ye will be the next chief?” asked Colin. “That was a wee evasive, considering how determined Calum is on the subject.Oneof us, ye said, as if it could be any three of the brothers.”
“It hasna come up in conversation until tonight.”
Colin grunted and folded his arms across his chest, staring into the burning coals. The clock on the mantel ticked. A night watchman called out.
“Twelve o’clock and clear skies.”
“Seems we have a dilemma,” Lachlan said to his silent companion. “We had an afternoon filled with good food, good conversation, and bonnie lasses. Yet, here ye sit with a frown on yer face.”
Colin rubbed the back of his neck, the glow of the fire glinting on the silver that brushed his temples. “She scares the hell out of me.”
“Rose? She’s a beauty and a lovely voice, for sure. Didna strike me as the forward type, so why would she scare ye?”
“Because a woman hasna affected me like this since…” He tossed back the whisky and scowled at the embers.
“Ah, I see.” Lachlan leaned back and studied his cousin. “So, I assume ye willna be joining me next Sunday?” He was rewarded with a glare and a grunt. “Is that an aye or a nay?”
“Of course I’m going. I’ve got to make sure ye remain a gentleman with our accountant.”
Lachlan chuckled. “Of course.”
Silence again as they both studied the burning peat.
“I’m of a mind to ken more of the lass. See what comes of it,” Colin admitted in a gruff tone.
“Weel, ye’ll need to adjust yer present attitude or she’ll be running for the border.” He kicked at his cousin’s chair. “Smile, mon, this is a fine thing. Ye’ve been alone too long.”
“For the love of Mary, ye’ll have me handfasted by week’s end. I only said—”
“Ye’re too defensive, Colin, for a mon who’s no’ interested.”
“And what of yer feelings for Fenella? Dinna tell me she’s just another barmaid.”
“No, she’s no’ and I’m having a hard time keeping my hands to myself.” He took another sip, appreciating the mellow burn of the liquid as it made its way down his throat. Their sweet, brief kiss had been barely a taste, a teasing morsel. It had left him hungry for more. “But I canna scare her away. She has affection for me, I think, but she’s an innocent. I’ll take it slow.”
“So ye truly want to court her?”
