by Golden Angel
"Let me see it," Cordelia repeated, firmly although not unkindly. "If it's as innocent as you say, it won't matter, and I will respect your privacy forthwith."
To her surprise, Gabrielle reluctantly gave the letter to her. Its contents were very short, just telling the gentleman - a Mr. Pressen - what balls Gabrielle was planning on attending this week and thanking him prettily for the bouquet he'd sent. The name sounded vaguely familiar, but didn't stand out, which wasn't too surprising as the number of flowers arriving every day after a ball had in no way abated - in fact, it had grown. The Dunbury at-homes were very popular with the young gentleman; unless, of course, Gabrielle happened to be at Arabella's. Then they were still popular, but with an older set of gentlemen. Cordelia's friends came to visit as well, of course, but it was the gentlemen that were being studied and assessed.
"Why did you feel the need to hide this from me?" Cordelia asked.
Shrugging, Gabrielle looked away, not meeting Cordelia's eyes. "I don't want to get into trouble." Her hand twitched, as if she'd resisted the impulse to cover her bottom.
"There's nothing untoward in the letter. Do you believe Mr. Pressen has intentions towards you?" Cordelia put the letter down on the table as she studied her stepdaughter.
Gabrielle was doing her best to look unaffected, but a pink blush lingered in her cheeks. She shifted back and forth on her feet, and Cordelia had the niggling feeling that she was somehow missing something.
"How am I to know?" Gabrielle asked irritably. "I don't believe he's approached Lord Dunbury, if that's what you mean."
Undoubtedly. Cordelia knew a couple of fortune hunters, quick off the mark, had spoken to Philip, and he had let them know in no uncertain terms that their ilk would never be given permission to court Gabrielle. As far as she knew, no one had informed Gabrielle of those offers. Not that she thought Gabrielle would be interested, considering she had her pick of quite a court of suitors. Most of them would be waiting till further into the Season to begin to press their suits in earnest, Marjorie had told her. The only reason Gabrielle had received offers so quickly was because there were some very financially needy members of the nobility.
"Would you like him to?" Cordelia asked, curious if Gabrielle had a preference already.
The younger woman shrugged, nonchalantly. "He's quite charming. No title, but he entertains me, and he seems interested. He doesn't spend nearly as much time talking to Arabella as he does to me."
That could be quite telling, considering Arabella was a Duke's sister. It implied that this Mr. Pressen wasn't hanging after Gabrielle just for her connections.
Gabrielle gave Cordelia a sidelong look. "Don't tell Lord Dunbury... please... he already hovers so. I don't want him to scare Mr. Pressen off."
"As long as your Mr. Pressen is suitable, Philip wouldn't do that," Cordelia said reassuringly.
"He can be shy and Lord Dunbury, and the others are so intimidating," Gabrielle said a hint of pleading entering her voice.
Well that was true enough. Arabella's brothers were all very tall and broad shouldered, and Philip and his friends were built along the same lines. Cordelia was hesitant to go to Philip with something that seemed so innocuous, especially when she'd been able to enjoy basking in his undivided attention for the past couple of weeks. There didn't seem any harm in Gabrielle having a preference for a gentleman, after all, and eventually Mr. Pressen would have to present himself to Philip.
"Very well, Gabrielle," she said gently. "You may let Mr. Pressen know our schedule, I don't see the harm in it. Just don't give him too much encouragement unless you're sure of your heart."
"Yes, Cordelia." Gabrielle said, surprisingly compliant. She tilted her head. "Was there anything else you wanted?"
"Not really, I just wanted to make sure you aren't neglected."
"I'm quite content, I promise. I enjoy spending time with Cynthia and Arabella."
"Good."
Smiling, pleased, Cordelia left the room. For a moment she thought about asking Gabrielle to bring the letter to her before sending it, but she dismissed the thought. Surely there was no need.
******
The Duchess of Richmond's ball was the biggest crush of the Season, as always, Philip thought with aggravation. Gabrielle was driving him to his wit's end as well. Although, he wasn't alone. Arabella's brothers were just as aggravated. Both of the young ladies were constantly on the move, rather than staying in one position, and with the ballroom being so packed the guests were spilling out into other rooms and the outside terrace. The card room was just as full as the ballroom and the terrace and gardens weren't the refuge for a private word or tryst that they usually were.
Philip resigned himself to the fact that he wasn't going to be able to whisk Cordelia away for some... amorous activities. Not that he did so at every ball, but the possibility that he might always added some spice to the evening. Here, it would be nearly impossible, unless they were very, very quick. When he'd gone looking, he'd interrupted the activities of at least three other couples, and he had no desire to be in their position. Nor did he have any desire to go looking again; he was sure the vision of Lord Blackmount's pale, thrusting buttocks was burned into his brain, much to his everlasting regret.
At any rate, he'd resigned himself to an evening of watching over Gabrielle and Cordelia, without any fun for himself, but it was proving an even more difficult task than anticipated. With Hugh and Irene having already quit the capitol and Arabella and Gabrielle having quit each other's sides for the evening, the number of helpers he had for watching over his ward was significantly lessened. Although he was sure the Duke of Manchester and his brother the Marquess of Dearborn would step in if they saw Gabrielle in need, they wouldn't be watching out for it.
The Earl of Spencer had also left for the evening, due to some mischief with his wife, according to Lord Hyde, who had been entirely too amused by it. Hyde and Brooke had both promised to watch over Gabrielle as much as they were able, but it seemed like the crush had encouraged the high spirits of the rakes, and they were just as involved in hovering about their wives as they were keeping an eye on Gabrielle. Felix was doing his best to help, but he was also having to fend off the advances of the ladies of the ton.
Philip had noticed his friend's interest in the various beauties of Society had lessened recently. Strangely, Felix seemed rather taken with Gabrielle, although one would have to know him very well to see it. He wasn't obvious about it, but he watched over her even more assiduously than Philip did. Whatever event they went to in the evening, Felix was sure to arrive soon after, if not with them. Although Philip had assured his friend that he could take a rest from his self-imposed duties at any time, Felix remained steadfast as a sentry, despite Gabrielle's continuous rebuffs. The two times they'd danced together, Felix's face had been a study in frustration as he'd flirted and charmed, and Gabrielle had looked at him with thinly veiled disdain. Philip was starting to think that if Gabrielle showed Felix the slightest bit of encouragement, his friend would ask permission to formally court her.
It appeared the ladies had noticed Felix's preoccupation as well and, for some blasted reason, had decided tonight was the best time for distracting him. At any other previous event, Philip wouldn't have felt the need to rely on Felix, but tonight it was particularly inconvenient.
"Philip?" Turning, he had to stifle the urge to reach out for his wife. She looked particularly stunning tonight in a gossamer gown of amber that brought out matching highlights in her hair and eyes. The low neckline only made him regret even more that they wouldn't be able to indulge in a tryst this evening. "I can't find Gabrielle, have you seen her?"
"I was just looking for her again myself," he admitted. It shouldn't make him feel like he'd somehow failed her, but it did. He wanted Cordelia to be able to enjoy herself at the balls, not to be worrying over Gabrielle. In his mind, it had become his sole responsibility to keep track of the girl so Cordelia could enjoy the balls without having to worry ov
er her stepdaughter. He knew Cordelia hadn't had her own Season and he was determined that she experience at least some of the excitement and enjoyment women seemed to get from the social whirl, without being bogged down by chaperoning duties.
"There are so many people..." Cordelia looked around, going up on her toes for a moment to try and peer over shoulders. Another reason he was more suited to keeping track of Gabrielle; as one of the taller men in the room, he had the advantage of a clearer view. "I found Arabella, but Gabrielle wasn't with her."
"They seem to have separated for the evening."
"Oh... I hope they didn't have a falling out."
"I don't believe so," Philip said, his eyes tracking through the room, looking for the dusky rose ball gown and light brown hair of his ward. Unfortunately, light pink was quite popular as a dress color tonight and there were quite a few ladies among the ton with a similar hair color to Gabrielle. "They come back together at times to speak."
In fact, that particular behavior might be what had him on edge. He'd been feeling increasingly tense this evening, and, at first, he'd attributed the feeling to his lack of help in watching over Gabrielle, but now he was starting to think it had just as much to do with her and Arabella's antics. The two had been nigh inseparable for weeks, but tonight they were suddenly divided - also dividing the attentions of their guardians.
Something was up. Suddenly, he felt sure of it.
"Come with me," he said, holding his arm out to Cordelia. A frown formed on her face, before being cleared away, as she followed his lead. After all, by now she knew that it didn't do to show any kind of consternation or upset - the unsupported gossip it caused was ridiculous.
Heading across the ballroom, he aimed straight for the Duke of Manchester. He, at least, with his height and broad shoulders was easy to spot. As they came closer, he could see Arabella was only a few feet away from her brother, talking animatedly with some of her court, which had finally caught up with her after the last dance. Since he'd been watching over Gabrielle and Arabella together for quite some time, it was easy to recognize her swains, and also to note which faces were missing. Despite the fact that Arabella was a Duke's sister, there were nearly an equal number of men whom had shown a preference for Gabrielle's company.
"Manchester," he said, by way of greeting, giving the man a nod.
"Dunbury. My lady." The imposing man gave Cordelia a true smile as he sketched a small bow.
"Your grace," she said, smiling back at him. "Has Gabrielle been by to speak with Arabella? We seem to have lost track of her."
The Duke's smile faded into a contemplative frown. "She did about half an hour ago, but then she swanned off again. The two of them are driving me batty tonight. Arabella actually tried to take a walk in the gardens with Carter; fortunately, Benedict saw them heading for the doors and intercepted them. Told the bounder off. We lost sight of Gabrielle after that."
Carter was a dissolute rake with a taste for ruining young ladies, and both Gabrielle and Arabella knew it. Which begged the question of why Arabella had been willing to go into the gardens with him.
"Would you mind if we spoke with Lady Arabella for a moment?" Philip asked. His unease was growing exponentially.
Nodding, Manchester turned and deftly removed his sister from her circle of admirers. Their eyes followed her, but seeing that she was only being drawn out to talk to a married couple, they respectfully didn't try to follow her, assured she'd be returned to them presently.
"Good evening," Arabella said, curtsying prettily. Her cheeks flushed as her eyes darted back and forth between Philip and Cordelia. There was something furtive about the way she looked at them, putting Philip further on edge. "Isaac says you wish to speak with me?" She smiled up at her brother, who frowned down at her.
"Do you know where Gabrielle might be?" Cordelia asked, unable to completely hide the concern in her tone. "She seems to have disappeared."
"Oh... I ah... um, I think she tore her flounce," Arabella said, the pink in her cheeks deepening. "She must have gone to the retiring room."
"When?" Cordelia pressed. "I just came from there and saw no sign of her."
"Oh... hmmm.... ah..." Arabella's eyes darted around again, this time looking past both them and her brother, as if searching for an escape route.
She was a truly terrible liar.
"Bella." Her brother's voice rumbled in warning, like thunder before the storm. "Where is Gabrielle?"
The lady stared up at the ceiling. "I really couldn't say."
"Bella, if you don't tell us where she is right now, I swear you won't sit comfortably for a week."
Beside Philip, Cordelia let out a small gasp at this casual threat of punishment. Not that Philip could blame the Duke; his sister was obviously the kind of young lady that required a firm hand. Just like Gabrielle.
Eyes wide, Arabella turned towards her brother, a slightly panicked look on her face. "I'm telling the truth, Isaac, I really don't know! She did go to the ladies' retiring room, I swear."
"But that wasn't the only place she went, is it Bella? Was it your idea for her not to tell you exactly where she was going?"
"There was a gentleman that she wanted a private word with, that's all," Arabella said, tossing her head in a rebellious manner. Not the haughty action Gabrielle often employed, but that of a young woman who knew she'd been caught out and was trying to prove she didn't care.
Both the Duke and Philip cursed under their breath.
"A real gentleman would have never arrange a rendezvous with a young woman without the permission of her guardian," the Duke said, his eyes flashing. "Have some common sense, Bella."
"How are we supposed to get to know any of our suitors with you behemoths hovering over us constantly, hanging on our every word?" Arabella snapped back at him, her eyes flashing. "Of course she wanted a private moment if she could garner one!"
"That's not how things are done, and you know it." Manchester reached out and took his sister by the arm, turning his attention back to Philip and Cordelia. "My lord and lady, my apologies for my sister's part in this. I'll find Benedict and have him escort her home, then I will help you look for Gabrielle."
Nodding, Philip turned away, taking a pale-faced Cordelia with him. Behind him, he could hear Arabella complaining about having to leave the ball early and the Duke telling her she'd have a lot more to complain about soon. Looking around the room, Philip saw - with relief - that Eleanor and her friend, the Lady Brooke, were standing together and talking. He could leave Cordelia with them while he searched for Gabrielle.
"Philip, I'm so sorry, I should have been watching her more closely."
Jerking in surprise, he looked down at his wife, who was having trouble hiding her distress and was peering up at him imploringly.
"Sweetheart, this isn't your fault," he said gently, patting her hand reassuringly.
"But if I hadn't been dancing, if I'd been paying attention-"
"You shouldn't have to. I have been paying attention, and I still lost track of her. It's inevitable in this kind of crush. I want you to dance and enjoy yourself. I'm going to leave you with Eleanor and I don't want you to quit her side, so that I can find you easily once we've located Gabrielle."
Cordelia bit down on her lip, still looking guilty. "If that's what you want, Philip." She glanced ahead of them, where Eleanor was standing. "I do enjoy Eleanor and Grace's company but... are you sure I can't help you look?"
"No, sweetheart," he said, immediately thinking of Lord Blackmount's buttocks again, which made him cringe. There were probably more sights like that in his immediate future as they searched for Gabrielle's "private" assignation. And if she happened to be part of a meeting like that... well, it was better that Cordelia not have to bear witness to it. "Someone needs to stay in the ballroom in case she returns. If she does, send a footman to come find me."
"I will," Cordelia said, looking relieved at having something to do.
Handing Cordelia over to El
eanor and Lady Brooke, who could immediately tell something was wrong, Philip left it to her to explain. Time was of the essence. Gabrielle could be ruined if too many people noticed she was missing for too long... or she could be ruined for truth if the man she was with was dishonorable, and Philip could end up dueling. The worst scenario would be if she was ravished, in which case Philip would forego the duel and just kill the bastard.
As he headed for the hallways, Felix intercepted him. Quickly outlining the conversation with Arabella as they walked, Philip gave a wave to Manchester as he saw the man headed out to the gardens. Between the three of them, they should be able to cover the house and grounds fairly quickly.
Hopefully they wouldn't be too late.
Chapter 13
"I'm sure everything will be fine," Eleanor murmured soothingly, although she couldn't keep the worry out of her voice. Grace, whom Cordelia had found could be a bit of a pessimist, gave her friend a frankly disbelieving look. Eleanor swatted Grace with her fan. "It will be fine. In this crush, it's impossible to be certain who is and who isn't present."
"As long as no one walks in on her in the act of-"
"GRACE!" Eleanor hissed, as quietly as she could.
To be fair, Grace's words had been decidedly mumbled. Cordelia had barely been able to hear her, and she doubted anyone else could either.
But the content of those words had made her go pale. She was Gabrielle's stepmother after all; she was supposed to keep Gabrielle safe and ensure she made a good match. If she was ruined... Well, Cordelia trusted Philip would ensure any man ruining Gabrielle did the right thing, but a dishonorable man might very well be a cruel one or, just as bad for Gabrielle, an indifferent one.
"We should speak of other things," Eleanor said, tartly but quietly, before raising her voice a bit. "Did you see Wesley's face when Cynthia spilled her drink all over Lady March?"
"I'm honestly surprised the lady didn't see it coming," Grace said with a smirk. "By now I thought everyone knew that ladies who flirted with Spencer ended up with some sort of beverage on their gown."