Page 57 of Enticing the Devil

Her frown was fierce and full of accusation. “How could you say that? You ken how I feel about being left out when it comes to Max.”

Now he understood. “My trip to London had nothing to do with our brother.”

Caillie’s eyes narrowed as she turned to face him more fully, as though she intended to peer into his mind and extract the truth by sheer will.

“Do you really think Roderick would’ve stayed behind if there was some new development pertaining to the lad?” he asked.

Her brows furrowed. “I suppose not.”

“When we said we’d keep you properly informed, we meant it. At least, I did.”

And it was true. His first encounter with this sister two years ago had occurred because she’d traveled across London by herself to speak with him when Colin and Ainsworth had erroneously thought it best to keep certain details from her knowledge. Beynon knew better than to take such a risk.

After another moment, his sister sighed and gave a little nod. “I believe you. So, why did you run off to London so suddenly?”

Beynon hoped his scowl would deter her curiosity. “As I said—a personal matter.”

Unfortunately, it seemed to do the opposite. Hazel eyed widened then narrowed dramatically as she crossed her arms over her chest. “Does it perchance have something to do with the fair Lady Anne?”

Bloody hell. The girl was proving herself to be as annoyingly astute as Roderick. Beynon really didn’t like being so easily read, which was why his reply came out far harsher than he intended. “Of course not.”

Caillie actually smiled. “That’s a bold-faced lie, Beynon Thomas.” Then she squinted at him in harsh suspicion. “What did you do?”

“I’m not discussing this with you.”

Beynon took a step back, intending to walk away, but the stubborn girl stepped to swiftly block his path. “Good idea. Let’s not discuss it. You can just listen.”

“I’d rather—” he managed to grumble before she interrupted him.

“I dinnae give a damn what you’d rather.”

The profanity stopped him short. He dipped his chin with a forbidding scowl. “What would Ainsworth think of such language?”

“Worthy knows a well-placed curse is sometimes entirely necessary.”

Probably true. The Scotswoman wasn’t one to hold back when a situation warranted blunt speech.

He folded his arms in a pose matching hers. “Out with it, then.”

There was a pause as she stared at him, utterly unintimidated. Then she sighed. “I ken that you and I havenae had a lot of opportunities to spend time together. But from our first meeting, I’ve felt a kinship with you. I understand you, Beynon. And because of that I feel I can say with full confidence that you’re at risk of mucking things up in a verra bad way with Lady Anne.”

Her statement was far too insightful. “I’m not going to muck anything up. I’m bloody trying to fix it.”

She gave him a look of disbelief as she planted her hands on her hips in a perfect imitation of Ainsworth’s forbidding stance. “Then why are you up here when Lady Anne and everyone else are gathering downstairs for tonight’s event? Why aren’t you at her side? Why aren’t you rehearsing your reading? If you’ve any hope of winning, you have to do well in tonight’s event.”

Bloody hell, the child was talking about the games.

Of course. He didn’t know why he’d thought she was referencing the wretched issue of his sudden proposal. She couldn’t possibly know about that.

“I’ve put my money on you and Lady Anne and I won’t have you ruining it when you’re so close to winning.”

He gave her a hard look. “You bet on the outcome of the games?”

“I’ve made it verra clear I’ve been rooting for you and Lady Anne from the start,” she evaded none too subtly. “Now, I ken you havenae been a verra enthusiastic participant, but you cannae be thinking of backing out now.”

Beynon shook his head and shoved a hand back through his hair. All too often, his conversations with his sister tended to leave him feeling a bit wrung out to dry. “Don’t worry, I’ll be heading downstairs in a bit. I won’t muck things up.”

“Good.” Caillie gave a sharp nod. “See that you dinnae. Lady Anne deserves better than that.”

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