Page 32 of A Scoundrel’s Promise

“We are well.” Lord Dunn pointed at Mallatratt. “Bind him and send for the constable. Tell him I’ve got the missing cattle thief.”

Someone whistled as the men descended on the unconscious rustler.

“Where is Lord Gilford?” Lord Dunn demanded.

Liam snorted. “When the pistol fired, he ran away.”

Lord Dunn went silent for a moment then started toward the mansion. After three paces, he tossed over his shoulder, “Come. The both of you.”

Liam had no choice but to follow. Near the house, they met Lord Gilford emerging from the pantry door.

Lord Dunn stepped into his path. “How nice to see you again, Gilford,” his voice held sarcasm.

Gilford froze.

“How unfortunate you must cut your stay in the country short,” he. continued coldly. “As I will be occupied when you leave, I will say my farewells now.”

Gilford’s mouth thinned.

“Come, Fraser.” The earl waved him forward. “Let us see Mackenzie to her mother, then join me in my study for a drink.”

“I will not be foisted off, Papa,” Mackenzie said as her father entered the pantry.

He paused and faced her. “Pardon?”

“I shall join you and Lord Liam. If I am the subject of conversation, I should be included in the conversation.”

“Do you not trust your own father?” he chided softly.

She stepped closer to her father and met his gaze square. “I have learned that fathers are not the best judges of what their daughters might wish for in a husband. They tend to focus on the man’s yearly sum.”

A maid entered the pantry and stopped short. “My lord.” Eyes wide, she glanced from Dunn to Liam and Mackenzie.

“Mackenzie, Frazier, come with me.” He headed up the servants’ stair and led them to his study.

The moment they stood safe within its walls, Mackenzie rounded on her father. “I will marry Lord Liam, Papa.”

Liam blinked, and her father opened his mouth to reply, but she cut them off.

“I realize you are only trying to ensure my security, but there is more to life than money.”

Liam was surprised to note the smile Dunn quickly hid.

“Stability,” her father replied as he crossed to the table to the left of his desk where sat a sherry decanter and glasses. He began to fill a glass. “Is not stability the best gift a father can bestow on the child he cherishes most in the world?”

Mackenzie gave a slow nod. “Stability is not as important as other things, Papa. What of love?”

“Love does not pay debts,” her father rejoined as he poured a second glass of sherry.

“I would rather live in a humble home filled with love, with a man who makes my heart flutter, than with a plump lordling with a fat wallet.”

“Says an heiress who has never known hardship,” Liam cut in. Damn it all, he’d have a say in his own marriage.

Father and daughter turned toward him.

Mackenzie was the first to speak. “Perhaps, says a man who believes he cannot attain his heart’s desire.”

“Very astute,” Liam murmured.

The earl turned from the sherry he’d poured. “It is time I return to my guests.” He met Liam’s gaze and lifted a brow, then turned and started for the door.

Liam stared in surprise as the man clicked the door shut, leaving him and Mackenzie alone. She hurried to Liam’s side. Even after the evening’s ordeal, she was beautiful, elegant, a lady in her element. Such a complex woman could hold his interest for a lifetime. His gaze dropped to a lock of her hair, curling around her swanlike neck. She was an uncommon beauty. How had she so easily captured him under her spell?

“Marry me,” she whispered.

“Am I not to ask that of you?” he queried as he took her into his arms.

“You will take too long.” She slid her palms up his chest and clasped her hands behind his neck.

“I can only offer you a humble life.”

She smiled, her eyes shining like stars. “If I am with you, I can live in an earthen-floored hut.”

“I am not that humble—”

“You’re taking too long,” she interrupted.

Without waiting a moment longer, she pulled his head down for a kiss.