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“That is unfortunate, Kathryn. I had hoped you would be more willing, in light of our past friendship. It pains me to tell you that Edward has already decided—our betrothal will be announced within the month. And this time you will not be able to deny me.”
    She paused a moment, struggling to maintain her composure. “You are the serpent himself, aren’t you?”
    â€œAh, still so spirited. I shall enjoy taming you, my dear.”
    Reminding herself not say or do anything that would give Rodney an excuse to lose his temper, she forced her hands to let go of her skirt and clasped them together at her waist.
    He stepped closer, attempting to regain her hand. “Come now, remember a time when we shared gentle kisses instead of barbed words?” he said in the tender voice she remembered so well. The one he’d used for seduction.
    Any wickedness was carefully cloistered behind a mask of charm and perfect propriety. But an innocent child depended on her now—she must not fail again in her choices. He leaned forward, “I still think we are quite well suited.”
    Kathryn jerked her hand away from him. “We never suited, Rodney. I was simply too dazzled to see it.”
    â€œI apologize for my behavior, Kathryn. I wronged you and I’m here to make it right now that I’ve returned to my senses.”
    He seemed so sincere. Had he changed? Impossible!
    â€œYou not only wronged me, you wronged Fergus.”
    For a moment, he seemed at a loss for words. And then his expression became most contrite. “Yes, that was inexcusable.” He took her hand and laid it in the crook of his arm and they began to walk around the room. He said, “I have not been able to forget our . . . interlude, Kathryn. As I said, I regret my behavior and I hope you will forgive me. I shall apologize to—what was his name?”
    â€œFergus.”
    He waved his hand in dismissal. “Yes, Fergus. I’ll apologize to him as well if it will win me a place in your good graces once more.”
    Again, they moved forward together, and Rodney obviously assumed her silence was the beginning of compliance. Kathryn’s mind raced. Was he sincere? She had heard of awakenings in men’s hearts, especially after the deaths of their fathers. How could one tell when the devil spoke the truth? The devil never speaks the truth. She must not trust Rodney, and she mustn’t allow him to provoke her into inadvertently revealing Isobel. Kathryn’s head began to pound as she sought an excuse to get away from him.
    â€œYou may apologize all you want but it will not bring back Fergus’s sight nor my virtue.” She heard the stridency in her voice and paused to collect her emotions. More in control, she said quietly, “I find actions speak louder than words, Rodney, and yours made a lasting impression.”
    His smile was smug. “I am ready to redeem your virtue by marrying you. And do not forget you need my sword arm to protect you. Won’t you allow me to do so?”
    He was right. She most definitely needed a male protector. Perhaps she should just tell him about Isobel and accept his offer gracefully. In any case, she had to play this out, give herself some time to think. “I will give your suit consideration.”
    â€œThere is nothing to consider, Kathryn.”
    She sighed. “Time to mourn, then. You will allow me that small favor, won’t you?”
    He kissed her hand again. “Of course.”
    Relieved, she said, “Now, if you will excuse me, I must attend to my other guests.”
    Kathryn forced herself to walk slowly across the room to speak with an acquaintance then fled to the kitchen before anyone could observe her shaking hands and obvious turmoil.
    Not only did she have to deal with her father’s death, but she also had to find a way to discourage Rodney from an inescapable marriage. He would do what suited him, with or without