Page 3 of Never Tempt a Scot
“I ... I’m sorry, Aunt Cornelia.”
“Humph.” Cornelia pointed an accusing finger at Portia. “I believe you’ve had quite enough for one night, young lady. It’s time you went home for the evening.”
“You never let me do anything. Father will hear about this!” Portia stormed off toward the entrance of the assembly rooms.
Cornelia shared a look with Lydia. “I’m sorry, my dear, but I’m afraid you must come home as well.”
“Wait, Mrs. Wilcox,” Lysandra said. “Would it be possible for Lydia to stay with me? I am here escorted by my brother Lawrence Russell and his wife, Zehra. They would be happy to chaperone Lydia and escort her home.” Lysandra nodded toward her elder brother, another redheaded member of the infamous Russell family, who was currently dancing with his lovely new wife. “If you truly wish to punish Portia for her behavior, just imagine how she would feel knowing her sister is still here enjoying herself.”
“I suppose ...” Cornelia fluttered her fan as she thought it over. “Yes, all right, but I shall have to speak to them myself.” She walked over to where Lawrence and Zehra had just finished the last dance.
Lydia sighed in relief. “Thank you, Lysandra, I should not wish to be in that coach tonight listening to Portia and Aunt Cornelia bicker.”
“I agree.” Lysandra put her arm in Lydia’s, and they both trailed after Cornelia to see what the woman’s decision would be. Lydia glanced over her shoulder at the two handsome men, who hadn’t left their post against the pillar. They were not looking in her direction, nor did she expect them to. After all, she was, in comparison to Portia, utterly unremarkable.
The thought left a deep well of sadness within her, but she buried it with a cheery smile and laughter. Lydia was determined to have an enjoyable evening, now that she no longer had to watch over Portia and keep her out of trouble.
Portia Hunt drifted backinto the assembly room, a light cloak draped about her shoulders. She spied her dreaded great-aunt Cornelia talking to Lawrence Russell and his beautiful new wife, who rivaled her in looks. Seeing that her great-aunt was sufficiently distracted, she caught the eye of the handsome Scotsman when his gaze swept the room in her direction. Once his eyes settled on hers, she tilted her head to one side and smiled invitingly at him. With a coquettish wink, she twirled and walked away to a more secluded part of the assembly room.
The Scotsman would come to her. All men came when she gave them that look. Sure enough, he came into the alcove off the main ballroom.
“Well now, we meet again, lass.” He smiled down at her and stepped closer.
Portia was only too happy to lure him deeper into the private space. She wanted to kiss him, to see how he compared to the others. There hadn’t been many, admittedly, but enough that Portia felt she was a good judge of kisses by now.
“Mr. Kincade,” she said in a soft voice that held a hint of girlish innocence.
Brodie placed one large palm on the wall beside her head, effectively blocking her in. “So, are we to become ... better acquainted?”
“I believe we are, but first ...” She tiptoed her fingers up his chest to his cravat, toying with the perfectly folded fabric.
“Aye?” Brodie leaned down. Just a few more inches and his kissable lips would be against hers. Her pulse pounded with excitement.
“First, you must propose to me.”
Brodie lifted his other hand to grasp her hip, and delicious tingles of excitement shot through her.
“Propose what?” he asked.
“Marriage, of course.” She rolled her eyes, giggling at his silly teasing.
“Marriage?” He chuckled. “Oh, lass, I’ll not be doing any such thing.”
“What?” Her gaze sharpened on him.
“I’m of no mind to marry, but I willna say no to a kiss, if you wish to give me one.”
Portia was infuriated. She slapped his cheek hard enough that his eyes widened, and his lips parted in shock.
“Well, I never,” Portia growled. “Honestly. Without marriage.” She glared up at him. “Youwillmarry me, Mr. Kincade. Then you will have as many kisses as you wish.”
Brodie stepped back, running a palm over his cheek. “Actually, lass, I think not. Good night to you.” He turned and walked away, disappearing back into the assembly room.
Portia blinked. No man had ever saidnoto her before, for anything. But Brodie Kincade just did. That intrigued her. No, it excited her. A man who was not so easily won over by her charm and beauty. That was a man worth catching. But how to do it?
I shall have him compromise me,she thought.There’s no other way to it. He won’t agree, otherwise, that much is quite clear.
With a devious giggle, she pulled her hood up and returned to the foyer to wait for her dreadful great-aunt to return. Her sour mood had dissipated in the wake of her new plans. Brodie Kincade would be her husband within a week—she would bet her life on it.
