The Virgin of Clan Sinclair by Karen Ranney Page A

He didn’t want scandal in his life, true, and everything about Ellice hinted at danger in that regard, but he’d no right to hurt her.
    He wanted to go after her, apologize, perhaps even explain that it was better if they weren’t in the same room together, especially now after they’d kissed not once, but twice. He paired the memory of her kisses with the scenes she’d written, knowing that the two would forever be entwined in his mind.
    Ellice Traylor was no virgin or demure miss right out of the schoolroom, despite how innocent she seemed.
    He returned to Drumvagen feeling justifiably chagrined. He’d abused Sinclair’s hospitality and took full responsibility for the scene the man had interrupted. He had better sense than that, given his family history.
    From now on he would do his damnedest to limit being in her company, since he couldn’t control himself around her. He wouldn’t forget himself again. He would never again allow his emotions full rein, and if he couldn’t do that, he’d simply avoid her at all costs.
    Conscious of his appearance, he entered the back of Drumvagen, a little embarrassed when the maids and cook exclaimed over him.
    “You’re a miracle, you are, sir, and thanks we are that you were here in our time of need,” one of the maids said.
    Another offered him a towel. “I’ve warmed it in the stove. I’ll get another for your hair, shall I?”
    Cook had a fragrant stew waiting, and he would have gladly sat at the kitchen table and eaten his fill had Macrath not been expecting him.
    “I’ll send a tray to your room,” she said when he explained that he was on his way to visit with his host.
    Sinclair answered at the first knock, and he pushed in the door to find the other man standing in front of a fire.
    Sinclair glanced over his shoulder at Ross. “Come in. If you’re as wet as me, the fire will be welcome.”
    “It’s been a long time since I was dry,” he said, joining Sinclair.
    For a few moments neither spoke, the silence surprisingly companionable. He’d expected to be lectured as to proper behavior, but after glancing at the man, he realized Sinclair was as exhausted as he was.
    They’d fought their own battles in the past day and a half and he had the inkling that Sinclair’s was the more difficult of the two.
    “I’m very happy to hear about your wife.”
    Sinclair nodded.
    When he didn’t speak, Ross subsided into silence. Should he broach the reason why he was here? Or simply excuse himself and allow the man to rest?
    “I hear I owe you a great debt,” Sinclair said.
    “No debt is owed.”
    Sinclair turned to face him. “You saved Kinloch. Some say single-handedly, and the Scots here are not given to awarding praise where it isn’t due.”
    “You would have done the same,” Ross said. “But you were occupied.”
    “Why did you? It’s not your land.”
    That comment surprised him.
    “Because the situation demanded it. People were going to lose their homes.”
    “Yet there was nothing in it for you, other than my thanks.”
    “Must there be some gratification in every deed?”
    “I would have thought so, especially of you,” Sinclair said.
    “You’re saying I act only to better my own circumstances,” Ross said carefully.
    “I’m saying that’s the impression I got of you. Why shouldn’t I? I’m aware of your wealth, Gadsden. I’ve seen Huntly. I know you’ve political aspirations. Was that why you helped the people of Kinloch?”
    “I came to apologize for my behavior with Miss Traylor, not to defend my actions to you, Sinclair.”
    “Nor do you need to do the latter, Gadsden.” Surprisingly, the other man smiled. “I don’t think your efforts were politically motivated. And I am grateful, more than you know.”
    Before he could speak, Sinclair held up his hand. “As far as the former, it’s to Ellice you owe your apology. Have you?”
    Ross speared his hands through his hair.
    He wanted to ask about Ellice and her history. Who