brenna had never shown the slightest interest in any of the young swains who 'd been pursuing her for the last three years , yet now she was evidently meeting in secret with the last man in the world her father would permit her to wed. `` i managed to have a few words with him in the hall , when i went to ask william a question , '' brenna confessed , her cheeks stained hot pink , then she suddenly became absorbed in straightening the sleeve of her red velvet gown .