Undressed (Undone by Love) by Kristina Cook

man the next morning in the meadow over a brace of pistols. I’m sure he did not tell you about that now, did he?”
    Brenna shook her head, bewildered, as she sank back onto the sofa . It couldna be true. Could it ? With a sinking heart, she realized just how much she hoped it wasn’t. Why did the thought of him with another woman make her stomach pitch? After all, she’d only just met him. It wasn’t as if she’d developed an attachment to him, not in so short a time. Had she ? It didn’t matter if she had; the attachment would end now, before it was too late. Before she made a fool of herself. “Nay, he did not tell me about that,” she said at last, willing her churning emotions to abate and her voice to steady.   
    “Colin Rosemoor is a liar and a cheat, a man without honor . In short, a rogue.”  Her father shook his head. “I do not know what games the scoundrel is playing, insinuating himself into your life and encouraging you to address him so intimately—”
    “I assume her dowry has something to do with it,” her mother put in, her lips curled into an unbecoming scowl . “He is far enough under the hatches, from what I hear.”
    Her father nodded in agreement, his face now a mottled red . “Likely so. By all accounts, he’s nearly done up. His entire fortune, squandered on drink and debauchery.”
    Brenna inhaled sharply . Nearly done up? Was it really so bad as that? Could his attentions truly have been nothing more than an attempt to secure her dowry? A heated flush began to climb her neck as she cursed her own naïveté. No, her mind countered. It couldna be true. Surely there was some other explanation.
    “You shall cease all association with him at once,” her father’s voice boomed . “Have I made myself clear on that count, Margaret?”
    She could not do what he asked of her . Could she? Had she so thoroughly misjudged Colin Rosemoor?
    “Answer your father, Margaret,” her mother demanded .
    “I...I suppose so,” she stammered, realizing that she had no choice, not while she remained under their roof and their protection . “But what of Miss Rosemoor? Surely she canna be held responsible for her brother’s misbehavior.”
    Her mother glanced at her father, who nodded . “Miss Rosemoor is a particular favorite amongst the ton , and I cannot imagine that her position in society will be affected overmuch. Yes, you may continue your acquaintance with her, so long as you avoid her brother at all costs.”  Her mother eyed her sharply. “Have I your word?”
    Brenna knew she must comply with her parents’ wishes . Even so, she had to swallow an uncomfortable lump in her throat before replying. “Yes, Lady Danv—Mama, I meant.” 
    Her father clapped his hands together, clearly pleased to be done with the discourse . His anger seemed to ebb away all at once, as if the strain of such strong emotion had drained him. “Yes, then, very good. Capital. You’ll excuse me, my dears. I’ll just be in my study.”  With a tight smile, he strode over to Brenna and patted her awkwardly on the shoulder, then took his leave.
    Her mother rose before her, gesturing for Brenna to follow suit . “Now, Margaret, you must begin to prepare for dinner. Your brother has asked a guest to join us, and you must look your loveliest.”  She paused to eye Brenna sharply. “Perhaps the sapphire silk gown will do nicely.”
    “And who is this guest that I must dress so elegantly for?”
    “Lord Thomas Sinclair, second son of the Duke of Eston. A very well-bred young man, and Hugh finds him most agreeable. Fifteen thousand pounds a year, Hugh says, and not a farthing less.”  She reached for Brenna’s hand with a smile. “Lord Thomas is eager to make your acquaintance.”
    “I suppose we shan’t disappoint him, then,” Brenna muttered . With a heavy heart, she set off to find her maid.
    Far too many hours later, Brenna stepped out of the sapphire silk gown with a huff.
    “Careful, miss.