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status. You’re the most insulting, oh never mind.” An adorable bright
red flush spread across her cheeks as she spoke to him in anger.
    It was the last thing he saw before she whirled around him
and left the queue. He turned to follow her progress as she stormed past Alain.
The beauty did a double take at the likeness between the two men and paused
long enough for one final word.
    “Your brother is an asshole. I suggest you teach him some
manners before bringing him out in public again.” Chin thrust out, she
emphasized the point with an emphatic nod and continued to make her way across
the room. In too short a time, she’d been swallowed amidst the mass of people.
    Hamish heard a little of what she’d said to his cousin, but
was spellbound by how animated she’d appeared. He walked over to stand next to
Alain, his eyes glued to the place where he’d last glimpsed the sexy firebrand.
Privately, he hoped for another glimpse. She’d been a sight of amazing beauty
and strength in a sea of mediocrity.
    “What did she say to you?” he asked Alain when he came to a
stop beside him, curious at the other man’s smile.
    “Hmmm, let’s see. To paraphrase, you screwed up big time.
There goes one beautiful woman when she’s full of fire. I think it’s safe to
say you pissed her off.”
    With his eyes still glued to the place where Grace
disappeared into the crowd, he finally understood the restless, hunting feeling
he’d been experiencing this evening. The impatient edginess reminded him there
was something still waiting for him to find and secure it. And apparently his
time was up. There’d be no more delays in hunting for a woman, his woman.
    Unfortunately, he had a gut feeling that she’d just walked
away from him.
    Lifting a hand, he slid it through the hair hanging around
his temple and smiled when he felt the bony ridge start to grow. Time to leave,
but not before he knew the full name of the woman he intended to pursue.
    “I’ll be right back,” he mumbled to his cousin before taking
off. It took little effort to find the lady in red. He changed direction and
moved toward her, ready to work his charm to obtain the information he wanted
and then leave before anything bad happened.
    “Excuse me, ma’am. I wondered if you could tell me how best
to reach your friend, Grace. She had to leave as the result of an emergency,
but asked me for some information and I’d like to ensure she receives it.”
    “You’re Hamish Buchanan, aren’t you? Well, sir, what a
pleasure.” The woman looked flirtatious and, in his opinion, it seemed she was
offering something more to him. It didn’t matter. He wanted nothing from her
except Grace’s details.
    “Pardon me,” said Hamish, with his impatience for this woman
growing. “But I’m in a hurry as well. Earlier I saw the two of you together and
assumed you knew Grace well.”
    “Yes, yes, of course. Grace Strachan, the best milliner in
and out of Britain. Recently she spent most of her time in Edinburgh. That’s
where her primary studio is located, although she does have a shopfront here on
Old Bond Street. You know, she graduated with a first from the Royal College of
Art, despite being miserable in the city. I don’t understand it myself, but she
can’t stand London. Of course, we’re friends from way back and I ensured she
received an invitation for tonight. Poor thing isn’t very active in this social
circle, you see, but such a—”
    “Sorry, but I must leave. Thank you very much, um…” Hamish
didn’t want to be too rude. At the same time, he didn’t have the patience
needed to deal with this woman for a minute longer.
    “Penny, Penelope Winton-Glasser. My father is Peter Winton,
Minister for Putney. Well, since I have your ear, I should mention I’m chair of
the Ladies—”
    It seemed that the opportunity to hit him up for some
event’s sponsorship was too much for her to pass by. Shame, because his
tolerance for social niceties had gone with