Chapter Seven

In the ballroom, Ross paused, scanning the guests mingling, looking for Kitt.

Alexander scanned the room as well, but for Clarissa. He found her on the dance floor, stiffly waltzing with someone Alexander didn't recognize. She looked uncomfortable.

Her dance partner was small of stature. Lean and on the short side.

Anger roiled in his gut. "Excuse me gentlemen. I will join ye momentarily. My apologies." As if of their own volition, his feet moved forward until he was at Clarissa's side.

"Pardon the intrusion, but I believe Miss Gordon had promised this dance to me."

Clarissa smiled in relief and accepted the hand he offered. "Your Grace," she acquiesced.

Flabbergasted, the man just stared, open-mouthed as Alexander led Clarissa away and left him standing alone. He snapped his mouth shut and threw a glare towards them as he stomped from the floor.

One hand on Clarissa's waist, he clasped her hand in his other and took the lead as they swept around the floor. "Ye looked like ye needed an escape," he said, close to her ear. The urge to dart out his tongue and suck her earlobe into his mouth strong.

"Was it that obvious?" She giggled, tilting her head towards the floor.

He nodded and spun her around. "'Twas."

"I wasna trying to be rude, but the man had two left feet. I think he stepped more on my toes than he did the floor."

Concern knitted his brows together. "Are ye hurt?" He pulled away a bit, his eyes falling to her slippered feet.

"I'm fine. Ye saved me just in time. And my feet," she added with a laugh.

"Well, I am glad I could be of service." He pulled her closer, ignoring the people that watched them. "How many people have ye danced with tonight?"

Clarissa worried her bottom lip with her teeth, making it plump and dark pink.

The gesture shot straight to his groin, and he took a slight step back. This woman was going to be the death of him.

"Too many to count, I'm afraid."

"Any takers for the future Mr. Gordon?" he teased.

She chuckled. "Ye jest. I've naught interest in finding a husband here." Her eyes clashed with his at the word husband and they both sucked in a breath.

"None whatsoe'er?" he implored. Certain his feelings for her were reciprocated, he pushed. Knowing he shouldn't, but he couldn't help himself. No one here deserved to have Clarissa on their arm.

Barring him, of course.

Clarissa studied his face as they danced on but didn't answer his question. Did that mean she had found someone worthy of being her husband?

Was that person him?

Before he could ponder any further, the song ended, and they separated. He was about to ask her for the next dance, her dance card be damned, but Nicholas stepped in.

"I would verra much like to dance with my sister for this next dance if ye dinna mind?" Nicholas pierced him with a look that warned him to move on, and with a sigh, Alexander acquiesced.

He needed a drink anyway. And some fresh air. The punch in the gut feeling he got seeing Clarissa dancing with another man was unexpected. It would do him some good to get his emotions under control before meeting with Kitt. He was more likely to get what he wanted with a gentlemanly countenance rather than that of a mad dog.

"Well, look what the cat dragged in."

Alexander spun at the sound of the familiar voice. Finlay Primrose and Gunn Burnett stood there, arms crossed, smiles on their faces.

"I didna ken ye were attending," he confessed to his two close friends. He looked around. "Is Malcolm hiding around here somewhere as well?" He asked of their other friend. Including Nicholas, the five of them were a tight-knit group. As close as brothers. They'd grown up in the same circle. They'd gone to war together. Fought together.

Now that they've each returned to their respective homes, they seemed to only run into each other at balls and parties. Or weddings, like Nicholas and Gwen's. The group of them had been together to celebrate the special occasion.

"He is around somewhere," Gunn answered. He nodded in the direction of the dance floor, where Nicholas had just twirled Clarissa around. "Noticed ye getting handsy with Nicholas's little sister."

"Bollocks," he exclaimed, a little too quickly.

Finlay's brows shot up, a knowing smile on his lips. "No? Seems to me it was verra much aye."

"I was being the perfect gentleman."

"Didna say ye werena. Clarissa wasna complaining from what I could see, though Nicholas looked like his head was going to pop off his neck."

Alexander grimaced and looked over at Clarissa and her brother. He was probably telling her about how she should stay far away from him. Though she was a woman who thought she could make her own decisions, Nicholas was still the head of the family. What he said stuck. No matter how much Clarissa or Alexander wanted it to not be so. He only hoped Nicholas wasn't giving Clarissa too much grief. He didn't want to be the cause of such dismay.

"Are things all right with the two of ye?" Finlay asked.

Alexander blew out a breath. "Let's find a drink before we delve into such topics of conversation, shall we?"

"Och," Gunn elbowed Finlay in the ribs. "It must be serious."

"Ye are making much ado of naught, but I do need a drink." Even though he said the words, he wasn't sure he even believed them. He'd like to think things were fine between him and his best friend, but he also knew he was crossing a line. A line that Nicholas had firmly drawn in the sand.

And Alexander had ignored it.

"Your Grace, may I introduce my daughter, Evangeline."

Alexander sighed but plastered a smile on his face as he turned to meet the lass. The poor girl looked miserable and more than just a wee bit uncomfortable. She curtsied demurely and kept her eyes downcast.

Och, Alexander was sure she was a sweet lass, but he would go mad saddled to her. His wife needed to be spunky. Full of life. Not afraid to look him in the eye and tell him nay.

Like Clarissa. He sighed again. It was useless. Only Clarissa held his interest. His heart was hers. If she'd accept it. And if they could somehow convince Nicholas that the match made sense.

Damn, he needed to get to the American and regain his sheep. Then he'd have a chance at winning Clarissa's hand. Where had Ross disappeared to?

He gently excused himself from Evangeline and her mother and he, Gunn, and Finlay headed for one of the waiters carrying around trays and each grabbed a glass of whatever was being served, more than likely champagne. At this point Alexander didn't care. He just needed something to drown out his feelings.

In the most unrefined manner, he downed the glass in one long pull and placed it back on the tray and grabbed another.

The waiter gave him a look but said nothing.

"Whoa. There is certainly something amiss that we are unaware of. Tell us," Finlay ordered.

"Tell us what?" Malcolm appeared out of nowhere, drink in hand, clapping him on the back in greeting.

"What have I missed? Nice to see ye, Campbell."

"Ye have missed naught. Dinna let these two tell ye otherwise." He raised his glass in Finlay and Gunn's direction. "How have ye been?"

"Busy, but well. There are a lot of people that want things investigated."

"Really? Mayhap ye should put in for a position at Scotland Yard."

Malcolm barked out a laugh. "Nay thank ye. I much prefer working on my own terms." He took a swig of what looked like brandy and smiled at Alexander. "Enough about me. What about ye? I havena heard much from ye since returning from Nicholas and Gwen's wedding."

"Same as ye, busy." Alexander didn't expound on the details any further. He didn't need all of his friends to know he was a failure.

"Ye ne'er could lie," Gunn stated. "Your ears. They turn bright red. 'Tis a dead giveaway."

Alexander rolled his eyes. "Thank ye for noticing," he said sarcastically.

Gunn shrugged. "Are ye going to tell us what ails ye or no'?"

"Your Grace? Sorry to interrupt," Ross appeared from behind Alexander. "I, er, are ye ready for the introduction we spoke of earlier?"

That question piqued his friends' interest. They all looked at him, eyebrows raised, waiting for him to explain.

He didn't. He couldn't. It was too embarrassing.

"If ye'll excuse me, my brothers. I've some business to attend to."

Malcolm gave him a questioning look. "Need my assistance?"

Alexander shook his head. "Nay. Thank ye. I shall return shortly to continue with our catch up."

Following Ross, they passed the couples dancing, Clarissa and Nicholas amongst them. He couldn't resist the urge to catch Clarissa's attention. But her eyes met his right away. She gave him a small smile, and then frowned at whatever Nicholas whispered in her ear.

He sighed. He would prove to Nicholas that he could provide for his sister. Clarissa would want for naught if they were to wed.

"Ah, Baron Kitt. I'd like to introduce ye to the Duke of Argyll, Alexander Campbell."

Alexander assessed the man in front of him. The same man that he'd rescued Clarissa from earlier. He was the American?

"Your Grace," Kitt addressed him, giving him a low, flamboyant bow. He was dressed all in brown from head to toe. Suit jacket, trousers, boots. Everything. How dull. "I am happy to finally make your acquaintance."

Alexander gritted his teeth. The urge to throttle the man right then and there strongly pulled at him. Technically, the man had done naught wrong. He'd bought the sheep fair and square from Ross. His next moves would determine whether he was a man of upstanding ethics or a weasel, as Ross had suggested.

"I believe we have some matters of importance to discuss," Alexander paused and assessed the man. "If ye have the time, of course."

*

"Truly, Nicholas, yeare being the most insufferable man on the planet right now." Clarissa complained. Every time her eyes happened upon Alexander, he would quickly spin her around so she couldn't see him anymore.

"There are plenty of other marriage prospects in attendance tonight, sister."

The song ended and she made her way over to Gwen, who held out a glass of champagne for her to quench her thirst.

"Thank ye, Gwen." She turned and addressed her brother. "I have told ye repeatedly, no' only tonight, but past nights as well, I am no' looking for just any husband."

"But ye need one."

She nearly stomped her foot as insistence. "I verra well dinna."

Gwen stepped up to Nicholas and placed her palm on his chest and Clarissa could see him visibly relax. "Dinna push her, dearest."

"We are running out of time before she is considered a spinster."

Clarissa choked on the sip of champagne she was in the process of swallowing. Whooping coughs escaping her lungs as she tried to catch her breath. She pointed a finger at her brother once she got the fit under control, ignoring those around her that were staring. "I will no' have ye calling me a spinster, brother. That is uncalled for."

Nicholas sighed and rolled his eyes. "I didna call ye a spinster, sister. I said that soon ye will be kenned as one. There is a difference."

"Why," she inhaled a deep breath to calm herself. Her voice came out much louder and more frustrated than she meant. "Then why do ye insist on saying such things, brother? Ye clearly ken I am no' interested in anyone here."

"Anyone?" He asked. "Sister, do ye mistake me for a blind man?" He lowered his voice. "I see the way ye are looking at Alexander. And I verra well see the way he looks at ye."

"'Tis naught."

"Bollocks."

Clarissa's eyes widened at his oath. People were starting to watch them. She did not need an audience to break down in front of. Grabbing Nicholas and Gwen's hands, she pulled them into an alcove where they could speak with some semblance of privacy.

"What is it ye have against Alexander, brother? He is your best friend. Is it because I am your sister?"

Nicholas looked up to the ceiling as if what she said was preposterous. "That is no' it at all."

Clarissa threw her hands up in frustration. "Then, please brother, enlighten me. Because I fear I am in the dark and I dinna want to be."

"Ye are making a spectacle, Clarissa," he warned, his voice low.

She looked around, and even though they've moved from the depth of the crowd, people were still shooting glances their way.

She lowered her voice. "If ye would explain yourself so it made sense, there would be no need."

"No need for theatrics. Really, there is no need for them anyway. I have told ye, there are plenty of eligible men here tonight that would be more than befitting of becoming your husband."

Clarissa's temper rose. Was smoke coming out of her ears, because she felt like there was? "And I have told ye, brother," she said. "I am in no need of a husband."

"Okay, ye two." Gwen stepped in between them. "'Tis clear that no common ground will be made about this situation here." She pierced Nicholas with a hard stare. "Mayhap we can agree to drop this subject for now and just commit to enjoying ourselves for the rest of the evening."

Nicholas clasped her hand and brought it to his lips. "Ye are always the voice of reason, love." He turned to Clarissa. "I will say this. Alexander is no' the man ye think he is. His past is colorful with many a lass that has tousled in his sheets."

Clarissa and Gwen both gasped at Nicholas's vulgar words.

Alexander's past was no mystery to her. She kenned well of his escapades. She didn't need her brother to remind her.

"I am well aware of that." She jutted out her chin defiantly, not caring that she more than likely looked like a petulant child.

"Well, are ye aware that he is on the brink of poverty?"

"What?" She asked incredulously.

"Aye. Did ye no' notice his flock of sheep were no' on his lands?"

She hadn't really paid much attention to that. She kenned he owned sheep. Very expensive sheep that provided some of the best wool in all of Scotland. But she hadn't been looking for his sheep when she arrived.

"Exactly. Because he is no longer in possession of them. Without them, his estate is in dire financial straits."

Clarissa was aghast. She didn't ken what to say. Not because she cared about Alexander's money. She didn't. She was speechless because all she could think about was Alexander's future. What he would do.

Could she fix this somehow?

But Nicholas took her reaction the wrong way. "I told ye he was no' good for ye. Alexander is my best friend, but I forbid ye to pursue any type of relationship with him. He canna care for ye as ye need. I willna have this conversation again."

Nicholas stomped out of the alcove, leaving Clarissa and Gwen alone.

She swept at a tear that slipped down her cheek.

"Hey," Gwen cooed. "Ignore your brother. He means well, but sometimes he gets his thoughts discombobulated. He only wants what is best for ye."

"By making me marry someone I have naught interest in. That doesna sound like he wants what's best for me. Instead, it sounds more like whatever is best for him."

Gwen grabbed a napkin off a nearby table and dabbed at Clarissa's eyes. "Come on now. Dinna cry. We will find a way to fix this."

"How?"

Gwen tilted her head as she studied Clarissa. "Ye have true feelings for Alexander?"

Clarissa sniffled and wrung her hands together. "I dinna ken. Aye. No." She shrugged. "I am so confused when he's near. 'Tis as if he makes my mind forget how to operate."

Gwen gave her a knowing smile. "I ken exactly what ye mean." She dabbed at Clarissa's tears. "Pay no heed to your brother. He will come around."

Clarissa took in a shuddering breath. "I am no' so certain."

"Give him time. 'Tis his job to see to your future and happiness. Once he realizes what will make ye happy, things will fall into place." She tossed the napkin onto a nearby table not being used and snatched two glasses from a waiter that was passing. "Here, drink up. 'Twill ease your nerves and make the rest of the night a little less stressful."

Quickly, too quickly, she emptied the glass.

"Better?" Gwen asked.

"Aye."

"Good. Now, let's get ye back out there." Gwen took her hand and led her out into the belly of the ballroom.

Within a moment's time, she was back out on the dance floor, this time for a jig, and though she had no interest in her dance partner, she couldn't help but have fun with the dance. She laughed and clapped her way through it, all the while hoping to catch sight of Alexander.

The song ended and she thanked her dance partner, who sadly, she'd already forgotten his name, and made her way to Gwen.

"That looked like fun."

"Aye." And that was all she said about the subject. She was too busy surveying the room to find Alexander. Had he left?

"I believe he's meeting with someone in one of the rooms." Gwen said beside her, watching the couples dancing, and not looking in her direction.

Clarissa relaxed, trying to act unphased, and more than likely failing.

"Did ye miss me?" Alexander said from behind her, and she spun around, unable to hide the wide smile that broke on her face.

"Where did ye go?" She bit her lip at her forward question. "My apologies. That is naught my business."

Unperturbed by her question, he brushed it off, but also didn't answer it. She followed his gaze as he surveyed the dance floor. The orchestra finished their short break and started playing again.

A possible suitor was approaching, and Clarissa stiffened. Sensing her unease, Alexander clasped her hand and headed towards the other couples beginning to dance.

"I believe ye saved this dance for me, Miss Gordon," he said loudly as they rushed past the man that looked suddenly dejected.

"Ye are bad," she whispered when they began their dance.

"Am I? I rather see it as gallant. Ye didna care to dance with him, did ye?" He tilted his head towards the man that was now standing at a table sipping champagne, daggers shooting out of his eyes.

"I didna, ye are right."

"Ye are most enchanting, Clarissa Gordon."

His confession took her by surprise. "I—"

"Ye need no' say anything. I find myself unable to control myself around ye. Words just burst through my lips at their own volition."

"Oh."

"I," he paused, as if searching for the right words to say. "I must confess. When I look at ye, I see things. I—" he stopped short before finishing the sentence, a faraway look clouding his eyes.

*

Alexander needed toleave. Not the ball. But Clarissa's presence. He was ready to drop to her feet and promise her the world.

When he looked at her, he could see their future together. Their wedding. Their children.

Hell's teeth.

He dropped her hand and pushed his through his hair and blew out a breath. He needed to put space between them.

"I, um, I apologize." Thankfully, the song ended, and he broke away with a stiff bow. "Apologies, Clarissa. I must speak to someone."

He hurried away, leaving her on the dance floor, mouth agape. He felt like an arse for that. But if he continued to hold her, he feared he would never let her go.

Of all the balls Alexander had attended, he'd never had one turn to shite so quickly. When he thought about how the night would play out, it wasn't like this.

He blamed that bastard, Kitt. The introduction went fine, but the slimy excuse for a man said he had no interest in returning the sheep, nor selling them.

No matter the angle Alexander tried, Kitt shot it down. He was beyond frustrated and stalked away. He thought dancing with Clarissa would ease his mind. Unfortunately, it seemed to make things much too comfortable.

When visions of their future flashed before his eyes, he kenned he was in too deep and needed to extract himself from the situation. But the way he left Clarissa on the dance floor was uncalled for. No doubt it would draw unwanted attention to her. That wasn't his intention when he had pulled away from her.

Devil be damned, he had made a mess of things.

"What are ye doing?"

Nicholas.

"I've no time for your disdain right now, Nicholas."

"Pardon?"

Alexander snatched a glass off the tray of a passing waiter and downed it in one sip. "I am quite certain ye understand my meaning. I ken ye think I'm no' good enough for your sister. I've got it."

Nicholas frowned, then shoved him against the wall. "What the hell are ye going on about?"

"Ye've warned me to stay away from Clarissa. Ye've warned Clarissa to stay away from me. Ye're pushing her to look at the prospects in attendance tonight when you damn well ken she isna interested and ye damn well ken that none of them deserve her."

"I didna realize your feelings for my sister ran so deep."

Alexander chuffed. "Did ye think I was just after a romp?"

Nicholas dipped his head. "Honestly? Your past with women doesna exactly give me the warmest feeling when it comes to my sister. I love ye, brother, but ye ken I must look out for my sister's best interests before anything."

"I meant what I said when I told ye I would ne'er hurt her."

Nicholas's eyes bore into his, as if he were searching. Looking for the truth to reveal itself in the reflection of his eyes. He nodded. "I believe ye. I do."

A wave of relief washed over Alexander. Like a huge weight had been lifted off his shoulders.

"But," Nicholas continued before Alexander could celebrate. "Ye still need to be able to care for her and provide for her needs. Your current situation doesna allow for such provisions."

"I understand. They will." He saw Kitt talking to Ross and dipped his head in the direction to show Nicholas where to look. "See the man talking to Ross?"

Nicholas's gaze tracked to Kitt. "Aye."

"That's Kitt. What do ye think?"

Nicholas frowned, his eyes narrowing. "Have ye talked to him?"

"Aye. He isna willing to negotiate."

Nicholas's gaze snapped back to Alexander. "He willna let ye buy your sheep back?"

Alexander shook his head. "Nay. It makes no sense. I think he wants something else, but I am no' sure. I am going to approach him again and see if I canna make any headway with him."

"Let me know if ye need any help. I hate to say someone oozes crookedness, but that man does no' look trustworthy in the least."

"I feel the same way. Wish me luck."

He stalked over to Kitt and Ross, his mind set on his mission. He'd been to war for Christ's sake. He could handle one American.

"Ross, Kitt," Alexander greeted the men. "I would like to speak to ye again, if ye dinna mind, Kitt."

The man sighed as if he were bored and then looked up at Alexander. Because he did have to look up. The man was nearly a foot shorter than Alexander. "I believe I have already told you I am not interested in whatever offer you have to offer."

Alexander gritted his teeth. Frustration mounting. "I will make it worth your while."

The man's brows shot up in interest. Ross cocked his head to the side, his eyes narrowed. "Will you?"

The bastard's eyes lazily swept the room until they landed on Clarissa, and he leered at her, licking his lips.

Fists clenched, he closed the space between them. Ross shook his head in warning to back off, and jaw clenched, Alexander kenned he was right. Willing himself to relax, he addressed the vile man that didn't deserve his time or money, and he sure as hell didn't deserve Clarissa.

"Let us retreat to the gardens so that we can speak with some semblance of privacy," Alexander suggested. He just really wanted to get Clarissa out of Kitt's line of sight.

They left the ballroom, walking under the ivy arch that had been crafted to lead the party-goers to the gardens.

It was much quieter out here. The light from the lanterns lit up the grounds and Alexander surveyed the area. Tall hedges trimmed in geometrical shapes adorned one corner of the garden. A huge water fountain sat in the center and was adorned with depictions of sea animals that swam in masonry and shot water out of their mouths.

The cool air was a welcome relief. With a majority of the guests inside and dancing, the room had grown quite warm.

Only a few couples wandered about, far out of earshot and more interested in themselves than anything Alexander and Kitt would be discussing.

"Well, you've got me out here," Kitt said, his American twang sounding foreign to Alexander's ears.

Alexander decided he didn't much care for the accent. Almost as much as he despised the man himself.

"You said you'd make it worth my while. Go on and get to it."

The man was positively uncouth. Alexander wanted to punch the smirk off his face. Instead, he drew in a deep breath and let it out slowly. "We've discussed my flock earlier. I do hope ye are caring for them as needed?" he implored.

"They're sheep. What is needed other than fields for them to roam about on? I've got plenty of pasture. They seem fine."

"Are they fenced in?"

Kitt shook his head. "No. There are no fences in place, but I don't think any have wandered off."

Alexander sent up a small prayer. "Have ye sheared them?"

Kitt barked out a laugh and slapped his knee. "You are a riot, Campbell. Do I look like a shepherd to you? I have no idea how to do such a thing. So no, they've not been sheared. They still have all their hair."

Alexander pinched the bridge of his nose, his eyes squeezed tight. The man was an imbecile. "I am willing to up my previous offer to buy my sheep back."