Page 28 of Brazen

“Because we didn’t want to leave Boyd and Allen on the road alone at night,” Mia said. “Sir Stirling’s home was closer.”

“Boyd and Allen would have been fine.” The boy pinned Magnus with a hard stare. “You need not worry about protecting Mia. I will care for her.”

“I just happened along, lad.”

“I am not a lad.” He looked at his sister. “Mia, Aunt Leana, come along,” he ordered.

Lady Mia pushed to her feet. “Have you lost your mind? You have nothing to say in the matter.”

“Mia—”

She shot him a thin-lipped glare, then said to Stirling, “If you will excuse me.” She stalked past Magnus. He caught a whiff of lavender as she left the alcove.

Her brother stared after her for a moment, then said to Magnus, “I will thank you to stay away from my sister.”

“Joshua,” Lady Leana snapped, “be silent.” She rose and faced Magnus. “You must forgive Mia, sir. This has been a distressing day.”

“I understand,” he said.

She faced her nephew. “Joshua, you may escort me to my room, then return for Angeline.” She took the boy’s arm. “Sir Stirling, thank you for a lovely evening. We will see you at breakfast.”

“Rest well, my lady.” Stirling bowed, and they left.

Magnus waited several long moments, then said, “I fear I miscalculated in regards to Lady Mia. I took her to be empty headed and selfish.” Though, God knows, that hadn’t stopped him from wanting her.

Stirling clapped him on the back. “Then you did miscalculate, my friend.”

Magnus nodded. “I realized my mistake too late—after I insisted we come here instead of her home. I can’t imagine what I was thinking.”

“I can imagine,” Stirling said. “I had to talk you out of searching the countryside on your own.”

His insides tightened. “You didn’t see her, Stirling. Her dress was torn. The bastards had their bloody hands on her.”

Stirling squeezed his shoulder. “I know, my friend. But she is safe. Not to mention, she shot one of them.”

Magnus shook his head. “I am relieved she didn’t kill him.”

Stirling nodded. “Killing a man is never easy.”

“I made a mess of things, bringing her here. A rumor like this can ruin a woman. Not to mention, her pup of a brother thinks I’m the devil.”

“Joshua will change his mind once he sees what sort of man you are. Let me see what I can do about these rumors.”

Magnus nodded, and Stirling left the alcove.

A moment later, Magnus followed, then located a waiter. He took another glass of champagne and considered retiring to his own room. He should return home and forego the remainder of the party. That might set to rest any rumors concerning him and Lady Mia. He finished the champagne, then found a decanter of brandy in the refreshments room. He made quick work of the first glass, then set the glass down on the sideboard and picked up the decanter. He would take the decanter to his room, where he would finish it in leisurely peace before leaving for home.

“Magnus,” said a male voice behind him.

Magnus’s fingers tightened on the neck of the decanter. “What the bloody hell are you doing here, Young?” Magnus cursed his quick tongue. He couldn’t let the man know how much he unnerved him. Magnus filled his glass.

Gordon Young stepped into view beside him. “Come now, Magnus, surely, your temper has cooled by now?”

Here was another good reason to return home. Magnus started past him.

“You cannot deny you were damned good at it,” Gordon said.

Magnus spun. “Good at forcing laudanum down the throats of teenage girls so that animals like you could have their way with them?” he hissed under his breath.