Page 147 of A Rogue in Firelight

“I never—”

“Meant to hurt me? It just slipped your mind?” He was bitter, a ferocious guardian of his anger. And like her father, he was not listening, just plowing ahead.

Her temper gathered like a storm cloud. “You are so wrong. And so drunk.”

“I am not so drunk. I am a gentleman. You ought to know that?”

“Not just now.”

“A gentleman, a lawyer, a distiller. A viscount. A rogue. Not a smuggler, not exactly.” He moved toward her. “I speak perfect English, Gaelic too. I can tie a cravat and polish my boots till they shine like steel. I know the proper fork to use.”

“Ronan—”

He took another step. He was steady, and she realized indeed not so drunk, but indignant. If he thought she had annulled the marriage, he had the right.

“Listen to me,” she said, but he was still talking.

“Ellison Graham, you listen to me. I would give you every part of me, I would share what others would never see. I would pledge my life to you because I love you beyond life.”

“Ronan.” Her voice trembled. Tears sprang.

“We both wanted freedom, did we not say that?”

“We did. Now listen. Listen! You are—you can be so beastly!”

He sighed, pushed a hand through his hair. “Best go before I say something else stupid. I do beg your pardon.” A wince flashed across his face. “I am cooling now. But best you go, if you have done this.

“Will you listen? I have not done this! Sit and listen!”

“A gentleman does not sit while a lady stands.”

“Did you know,” she said softly, “even when you are upset and beastly angry, you are still the finest gentleman and the very best man I have ever known? Did you know that?”

Fingers raking through his messy hair, he sent her a sidelong glance. “Whatever you have to say, out with it.”

“I did not submit an annulment, you vile beast.”

A quick, surprised look. A near smile, sheepish, clear-eyed. “You did not?”

“No! I brought an accusation of kidnapping against Corbie and Pitlinnie. They are in Calton Jail tonight.”

He stared. “No annulment.”

“None.”

“I am a vile beast.” He rubbed a hand over his face.

“You are.”

“That took courage, if you did that.”

“It did. And I learned it from you.”

“You had it in you already.”

“Why did I ever listen to Mr. Corbie?” she asked.

“I have no idea.” He watched her. “You look like an angel.”