Page 27 of To Dare the Devil

“Oh, that,” she said, relaxing. She’d wondered how long it would take for him to find out. “It’s a wonderful opportunity. For you too, if you design the gardens.”

“He’s not fit company for you,” Hart growled. “Has he made any advances? Said anything he ought not? Because if he has—”

Kathy smiled at her brother’s fierce countenance, even though his overprotectiveness was often irritating.

“No, no, nothing of the sort. He’s turned over a new leaf. That’s the whole point of this project with the school. He’s trying to mend his ways. He’s been a perfect gentleman.”

It was true, she realised, and half the reason for her current turmoil. If he’d only made inappropriate advances or acted like a wicked seducer, she’d not be in half as much trouble. Not that she was about to tell her brother that.

Hart gave a snort of disgust. “Likely biding his time. A leopard doesn’t change his spots, Kathy.”

She rolled her eyes. “Oh, give over. Mama trusts me not to get myself into trouble, so you ought to do likewise.”

“From what Pa has told me about how Mama pursued him, I’m not certain that’s the least bit comforting,” he grumbled, folding his arms.

Kathy laughed and went to pick up her glass again, but Hart snatched it, taking a sniff.

“Brandy?” he exclaimed, glaring at her. “In the middle of the day? What did he do?” he demanded, his eyes flashing dangerously.

Kathy sighed. “He tackled a thief at the building site. The man had been stealing materials and was about to abscond. Lord Vane stopped him, but the big brute put up one hell of a fight. I’m just a little shaken, that’s all.”

“What kind of job is it that has you witnessing a brawl, for the love of God? That’s it. I’m telling Papa. He’ll put a stop to this nonsense.”

“Hart!” Kathy jumped off the stool and ran after him, clutching at his arm and tugging. Hart stopped, which was just as well, for he could have dragged her halfway around Isleworth without batting an eyelid if he chose to. “Don’t you dare snitch on me.”

Hart’s expression softened, and he let out a sigh. “Sis, be reasonable. You remember what you were like before over this wretched tosspot? You cried for days, and it was my fault for allowing it. I had to cover that up and keep it from Ma and Pa, and I’ve never forgiven myself for letting you get involved. And now you’re working for him?”

“It’s different now,” Kathy insisted, praying he’d listen to her.

He looked disgusted by this suggestion, his lip curling. “What? Now he’s a good man because he’s throwing his money at some charitable project and getting pats on the back for being so generous, is that it?”

“No!” she exclaimed with a huff. “For one thing, no one knows. He’s keeping it a secret.”

“You know,” he said dryly.

Kathy tutted. “I found out by accident, but that’s not the point. Back then, I was a silly little girl with a tendre for a man that didn’t exist. It all seemed very romantic to me, nursing a dying young man back to life. But I’m not a child anymore, Hart, nor a fool. I know him for what he is, and I have no interest in him. I’ll take no silly risks with my person or my reputation, I promise you. And if he offers me the slightest insult, I’ll let you pound him. How’s that?”

She looked up at him hopefully. Hart’s thick eyebrows drew together. He didn’t look happy, but Kathy could usually wrap him around her finger if she tried hard enough.

“You swear it?” he asked, scowling.

Kathy nodded.

He blew out a breath and raked a hand through his hair. “Fine,” he said, sounding displeased. “But if he so much as looks at you the wrong way, you tell me, and I’ll wring the devil’s neck. Got it?”

“Got it,” Kathy agreed, nodding.

“Right you are, then, but I don’t like it.”

“You don’t like anything that isn’t green with roots,” Kathy remarked.

“True. They don’t cause me any trouble,” he muttered. “And keep the door closed properly. Orchids—”

“Don’t like draughts, yes, I know,” Kathy said.

“Hmmm,” Hart replied, before finishing her brandy in one swallow, handing her the empty glass back and stalking out again.

Kathy sighed. Well, she’d convinced her overprotective brother that she was in no danger.