The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie (Mackenzies & McBrides, #1)

by Jennifer Ashley

“If you’re Mather’s fiancée, why are you in here kissing Ian?” “I was just asking myself that same question.”

“I asked her to marry me,” he said. Mac choked on cigar smoke. He pulled the cheroot out of his mouth. “Damn it, Ian.” “She refused.” “Good Lord.” Mac blinked. “Hart would have apoplexy.”

Isabella peered blearily about. “Ian, darling, what are you doing here playing Gilbert and Sullivan at the crack of dawn? I thought I was having a nightmare.”

Hart gave Beth a deprecating look. “We don’t have the pipes inside. Too loud.” “Father used to,” Ian said. “Gave me raging headaches.”

“Beth is an egalitarian,” Hart said in a dry voice.

He strode out of the gate to join Cameron, pulling Fellows by the collar with him. “Find her.” “I’m not a bloodhound, your lordships.” “Woof, woof.” Cameron said, giving Fellows an evil grin. “Good dog.”

“Is this what love feels like?” he whispered to her. “I don’t like it, my Beth. It hurts too much.”

“You wouldn’t want it,” Cameron put in. “More trouble than it’s worth. And for God’s sake, don’t murder Hart or I’m next.”

“One more thing. Beth, too, was completely right about me. I use you shamelessly. But with one difference.” Hart put his hands on Ian’s shoulders. “I love you, if I can be unmanly and say so. I didn’t take you out of the asylum just so you could help me with my politics. I did it because I wanted you free from that hell and given the chance to live a normal life.” “I know,” Ian said. “I don’t help you because you command me to.”