She shifted even closer as Knox moved to the far end of the room and made some remark about the ceilings, as if he were admiring them. Margot shot a sidelong look at Knox’s back and then smiled at Putnam. “Is it obvious that he’s my keeper?”

Putnam blinked. He looked at Knox, too.

“Quite honestly, I wish he were somewhere else,” she said with a sigh. “Would it not be diverting if we were to have a game?”

Putnam slanted her a look. “A game.”

She arched a brow and shrugged lightly as she lifted her glass to her lips.

“What do you want?” Putnam suddenly demanded.

“Whatever do you mean? As I said—travel to Keswick on those wretched roads has made me ill. And to think, all that trouble to call on the Daltons. You remember William Dalton, don’t you? Can you imagine a more tedious evening?” she asked, and slyly touched Putnam’s hand.

She might as well have singed him; Putnam jerked his hand back quickly.

“What are—Need I remind you that you’re married, madam,” he hissed. “Is it not your husband that languishes in our dungeon?”

Margot’s heart seized. She’d expected it, but nonetheless, it was a miracle that she managed to keep her countenance. “Oh dear, my lord, you haven’t heard, have you? He is my husband, yes, but in name only. He’s a Highland savage and truly belongs in a cage.”

“I’ve nothing to do with it,” he said quickly. “I merely hire the space out to whomever needs it.”

“No, of course not!” she said brightly. “It is all my father’s doing. He was right to do it, too. Do you know what that savage left me besides an unspeakable reputation?”

Putnam shook his head.

She leaned in. “A fat purse,” she whispered. “So fat that I might amuse us both with a bit of gaming before I am pressed by my brother to carry on to the bloody Daltons.” She rolled her eyes. “I’m finally free of that beast and the Daltons are my only diversion?” She glanced over her shoulder at Knox, playing the part. “I told him I wanted amusement. Not tedium.”

She had Putnam’s undivided attention now. “What sort of gaming?”

“Commerce?” she suggested. “For the sake of old times?”

“What are you saying?” Knox asked. “Margot, we should carry on and leave his lordship to his evening.”

Knox was the perfect partner. “Knox, really!” she complained. “We can’t possibly reach Keswick by nightfall.”

“Nevertheless, we will not impose on Putnam another moment—”

“No, it’s quite all right,” Putnam said, waving a limp hand at Knox. “Lady Mackenzie has invited me to game until her health is improved.”

“You don’t mind, do you, Knox?” Margot asked sweetly.

“I think that—”

“Have you an interest in architecture, Mr. Armstrong?” Putnam said, turning his attention to Knox.