Page 43 of The Rogue’s Redemption

“Kerr.”

Gillian had already warned him away, again, at the entrance to the hall, but it would appear her husband wished to issue another warning as well. Would he have to face the entire household before he took a seat?

“You did not forbid me to speak with her,” he said.

“Speak?” Graeme’s laugh was not one of joy.

Another man might not have known the man was angry. He appeared calm, his expression neutral, but Reid was not fooled. De Sowlis was furious, just as he’d expected him to be.

“It is my understanding you were not caught speaking to her.”

Reid wanted to remind the man of the reason he and Gillian were now married, but such a thing would hardly fit Allie’s plan. So instead, Reid said nothing.

“I thought we understood each other.”

When a maid offered them each a mug, Reid took one from her. It occurred to him belatedly that rather than encouraging Allie to attend the meal, he should have stayed away himself. Though hiding from a fight was not his usual course, he should have allowed the lord and lady of Highgate End time to cool.

“I understood that you did not wish for me to do Lady Allie any injury. And I have no intention to harm her in any way.”

Graeme’s scowl deepened. “What are your intentions, then?”

He’d promised Allie none would know of their agreement until Gillian approved of the match. Keeping that promise would make things more difficult.

“I don’t know.”

“Not the right answer, Kerr.”

He had given his word to de Sowlis as well, and he’d do his best to honor both that and the one of his intended.

“The situation is delicate,” he began, aware of Graeme’s intense gaze. “But know this as a man of honor. My intentions are pure, my word, unwavering. Lady Allie is an extraordinary woman, and I will do right by her by following her lead in this.”

Lady Gillian had arrived at the high table. She watched them from on high, and when her hand lifted, Graeme nodded, taking a step toward the dais. He then turned to Reid one last time.

“I will rely on your reputation as an honorable man, like your brothers, in this. But know well, Reid, if you hurt her, there will be repercussions.”

Reid nodded, for he did not intend to do so even knowing, for this night at least, he must distance himself from her.

Until he saw her.

Allie must have entered the hall while he was talking to Graeme. He told himself not to stare, but it was simply not possible. During training, her hair usually hung down her back in a long braid, and at dinner, she wore it piled atop her head or pulled away from her face.

But not tonight.

Allie had not noticed him yet. She was mid-conversation with someone, one of the few wives in attendance, it appeared, but his eyes were only for her. Her hair cascaded down her back, neither straight nor curly. When she reached up to sweep an errant strand from her front shoulder to her back, he almost crossed the room to her.

She reached out to touch the woman’s arm, a warm gesture he’d seen her use with other people, though never with him. But now . . . now this gorgeous creature would be his for all time. The thought did not terrify him, and Reid found himself caring less and less about the teasing that would certainly accompany the announcement of their betrothal. Toren and Alex would rightfully have much to say about him taking an English bride after he’d pledged never to take a wife, and certainly not an English one.

One woman, forever.

Reid remembered their interlude in her chamber and imagined a similar scene unfolding at Brockburg in the comfort of their own bedchamber. He grew hard thinking of what would happen next.

She looked at him. And though their eyes only met for the briefest moment, Reid’s chest swelled with pleasure. Unfortunately, she was not the only one to pay him any mind. Both Gillian and Graeme were watching him, and neither looked pleased. If he hoped to survive long enough to convince his hosts of his worthiness, he would need to practice greater subtlety.

“You are not doing so well, Kerr.”

He groaned . . . another de Sowlis. “If you are here to warn me away—”

“I’ve already told you that I believe the match is a good one. Why would I warn you away?” Aidan caught the attention of a nearby maid carrying a wooden tray of mugs and raised his hand.