“That isn’t my intention. I don’t believe Ellis had anything to do with her death, at least not directly.”
“Then what are you implying?”
His dark gaze held her entranced. “I believe Lady Ellis died of a broken heart, and I can’t sit back and watch it happen to you, too. I’ll do anything within my power to protect you.”
She rubbed at the throb in her temple. “Why would she have died from a broken heart?”
She feared she knew the answer, but she needed to hear him say it.
He squeezed her shoulder, massaging her tight muscles. “I’m speculating about the cause of her death, but I’ve seen what heartache can do. I wasn’t sure my sister would ever recover after Benjamin Hillary’s betrayal. When I saw Ellis’s daughter with her nanny, the pieces started coming together.”
He continued to rub her shoulder muscles, and her headache eased but didn’t disappear.
“Do you believe the nanny is Annabelle’s mother?”
He blinked as if surprised by her question.
“I saw them together yesterday,” she said. “The girl referred to the nanny as her mother.”
The compassion in his eyes almost made her cry again. “I believe she is the girl’s mother,” he said, “and I think Ellis may have forced his wife to hide in Wales until the baby was born. There is no one to dispute his claim that Lady Ellis gave birth to his daughter.”
Tears blurred Gabby’s vision. “What does it all mean? Why did he keep Annabelle hidden away in Wales, and why is she here now?”
Thorne pulled her into his embrace, and she didn’t resist. She needed the comfort too badly to turn him away.
He caressed her back just like her papa had when she was little and skinned her knee. “I don’t know the answers, love. But I know it’s not right to ask you to live under the same roof as his mistress. Ellis is a disgrace. I promise you would never be second in my heart if you married me. I would love you dearly, Gabrielle, if you would only let me.”
She came back to her senses suddenly. Sebastian Thorne was a wonderful man, but she didn’t love him in return. Allowing him this intimacy was wrong. She tried to ease away from him but discovered her mistake at once.
His eyes were aflame and his mouth too close to hers. Before she could escape, he captured her face and kissed her. He held her head in place as he gently parted her lips and delved his tongue inside her mouth. It felt awkward and terribly wrong. Nothing like a kiss was supposed to be. She flattened her palms against his chest to shove away when she heard a cry of surprise.
Lord Thorne released her and turned toward the noise. Her mother and Lady Eldridge stood inside the doorway. Mama was too pale. Lady Eldridge, Mama’s dear friend, slipped an arm around her to assist her to a chair.
Gabby’s world tilted off its axis. “Mama—” Her voice broke.
Oh, God. Gabby had seen that same look moments after her mother had discovered Papa the night he died. She couldn’t breathe. Pain and guilt crushed her.
“Your Grace, please forgive me,” Lord Thorne said as he stood. “This isn’t how it seems.”
Lady Eldridge crossed her arms. “And how does it seem, Lord Thorne?”
“I’m afraid it appears as if I have compromised Lady Gabrielle, and though I deeply regret my enthusiasm, I was overjoyed when she accepted my marriage proposal.”
Proposal? The room spun, and for a moment, Gabby thought she was going to be sick again.
Thorne turned to offer his hand and mouthed, “I’m sorry.”
“Is this true, Gabrielle?” her mother asked. “Did you agree to marry Lord Thorne?”
Gabby wanted to snatch her hand back, but Lord Thorne was offering her a graceful way out of this mess. Corroborating his story would mean sacrificing her happiness, but disappointing her mother again was unbearable. She tried to swallow, but her throat was so dry.
“Yes,” she whispered. “He has asked for my hand.”
Lady Eldridge’s disgruntled frown remained in place. “Lord Thorne, have you spoken with her brother?”
“Not yet, my lady. I was uncertain if Lady Gabrielle would have me.”
“Then may I suggest, young man, that you hop to it? Stealing kisses before you have received her brother’s blessing isn’t well done.”
“You’re correct, Lady Eldridge.”
“Lud! I well know I’m in the right, Lord Thorne. I don’t need your validation.” Lady Eldridge continued her diatribe, scolding the baron properly.
Gabby met her mother’s gaze and the sadness she saw made her want to sob. So, this was it. Her punishment for being careless and stupid was to be trapped in marriage with a man she might never love. She blinked back tears. Bravery didn’t allow for tears, and she would be courageous, for she had brought this on herself.
Mama shook her head slowly. “How could you?”
Her censorship pierced Gabby’s heart. She had always suspected she was a failure as a daughter, but now she knew it with certainty.
Eighteen
Gabby’s brothers remained behind closed doors with Lord Thorne while she had been ordered to wait in the drawing room.
This must be how a condemned man feels.
With her mother’s gaze locked on her, she couldn’t even allow herself a good pacing of the room. Instead, she forced her hands to lie calmly on her lap, while every other part of her was primed to run away. She took a cleansing breath to battle her nerves.
At least Lady Eldridge had excused herself. Gabby hadn’t held out any hope of maintaining decorum with two sets of disapproving eyes aimed in her direction.
Mama shook her head slowly, her mouth puckered with disappointment. “I don’t understand you, Gabrielle.”
Guilt heaped on Gabby’s shoulders, curling her inward.
Her mother sighed when Gabby didn’t respond, but she didn’t know what to say. “I expected you to accept Anthony’s proposal. He loves you, darling. Why did you agree to marry the baron?”
She hadn’t, but how could she tell her mother she had allowed a man she’d had no intentions of marrying to kiss her? She might as well hang a sign around her neck identifying herself as a loose woman. Her hands formed fists and she trembled with suppressed rage. Thorne had made her a disgrace. She hadn’t asked for his kiss.
Didn’t I? Her face flamed and she dropped her head. She’d admitted him without a chaperone and had sought comfort from his embrace. Was Thorne truly the villain?
“I asked you a question, daughter. Why have you accepted Lord Thorne’s offer?”
“He asked me.”
Mama made a disgusted sound and Gabby’s head snapped up. “What is wrong with the baron? He’s handsome, titled, and has the means to support a wife.”
“I never expected practicality from you,” Mama said.
Gabby’s mouth dropped. She didn’t have time to recover from the blow before Wesley entered. “Your Grace, the duke has requested Lady Gabrielle’s presence in his study.”
Her mother nodded. “Of course. And where is Lord Thorne?”
“The baron has been escorted to the door, ma’am.”
Gabby’s brows shot up. Escorted to the door? That sounded ominous. She rose from the settee and followed the butler. Thankfully, she was spared seeing the baron again this evening, but now she was facing an even more daunting task: being called onto the carpet by her three older brothers.
Earlier, when Drew and Richard arrived only moments apart, her heart had plummeted. She had been in this situation once before and it had ended badly, but at least her family should find Lord Thorne more acceptable than Lt. MacFarland. All except Mama, who found both men lacking.
Gabby felt weighed down, as if she wore several extra petticoats, as she slogged toward Luke’s study. Her brothers stood when she entered.
“Have a seat, Gabby.” Luke’s expression was neutral. She had never been good at reading her eldest brother, but Drew’s scowl wasn’t difficult to decode. They were not pleased.
&n
bsp; Obeying her eldest brother, she selected a place on the masculine couch with lion’s feet. She must appear as a child on the oversized piece.
“What in God’s name happened?” Drew blurted.
Richard shot him a warning look. “Let the girl get her bearings before you begin hammering at her.”
“Richard is correct. We are here to ascertain Gabby’s wishes, not to badger her,” Luke said as he sat beside her.
Her other brothers followed his example and claimed the matching wingback chairs.
Luke gently patted her shoulder. “There’s no need to fret, dearest. We simply want to talk to you.”
Her throat shrunk, making it hard to swallow. Her brother was being kinder than she deserved.
“I’m sure you are aware Lord Thorne has requested your hand in marriage.”
“Yes.” She spoke just above a whisper.
“I have yet to give him my answer.”
She looked up sharply. The tenderness in Luke’s gaze almost brought her to tears.
“What would you have me tell him? Do you want to marry the baron?”
Richard cleared his throat. “Sorry to state the obvious, but she has been compromised. Had Mother been alone when she discovered Gabby with Thorne, the situation might be different. I’m afraid our sister’s choice has been made for her.”
Drew’s hands slammed the padded armrests as he launched from his seat. “She damn well has a say in the matter. If Thorne took liberties to force her hand, I’ll call him out.”
And Drew had accused her of being too dramatic. Gabby resisted the urge to roll her eyes.
Luke’s gaze followed Drew as he paced behind the chairs. “You may be my second if that’s the situation.”
“I’m the next oldest,” Richard said with a scowl. “I should be your second.”
Gabby’s breath stuck in her throat. Were her brothers seriously suggesting a duel? “This is insane.”
No one seemed interested in her opinion and continued to bicker over which one would act as a second for Luke.
Drew’s eyebrow lifted as he addressed Richard. “You couldn’t hit an elephant at ten paces, old man, much less Thorne.”
Richard shot to his feet and squared off with him. “I’m fair with a blade.”
“Fair doesn’t make for acceptable odds. Besides, Thorne isn’t likely to choose swords.”
“I agree with Drew,” Luke said. “I’m the best shot, therefore I will issue the challenge and Drew will be my second.”
They were talking as if this was a foregone conclusion. Gabby’s head spun and she gripped the heavy armrest to steady herself.
“Risking your life is unacceptable,” Richard argued. “You are the duke.”
Drew clapped him on the shoulder. “I’m not trying to insult you, Rich, but the odds of you winning against Thorne are poor. We’ve buried one Forest too many already.”
“No,” she muttered. None of them would risk their lives for her. She refused to be responsible for another loved one’s death. She had to stop this nonsense. “I—I wanted to kiss him.”
They continued to shout over each other.
“Listen to me,” she said, surging to her feet and throwing her hands into the air. “I asked him to kiss me. I begged him.”
Their argument ground to a halt and her brothers gawked.
Well, she had their attention now. She cleared her throat. “As I was saying, I requested a kiss from the baron and he obliged. There’s no call to defend my honor.”
Drew’s lip curled. “Really, princess? You begged the man to kiss you? What were you thinking?”
His disapproving tone stirred her temper. She jabbed a finger in his direction. “Who are you to pass judgment? I wanted a kiss from one man. I dare say you’ve kissed half of Britain, you scoundrel.”
Her hands landed on her hips, daring them to contradict her. The study crackled with stunned silence.
A corner of Drew’s mouth twitched up. “Only the prettier half, princess. Let’s get the facts straight, shall we?”
Luke and Richard were suddenly smiling too.
She fussed with her skirts, her body heating through. “Yes, well. I never said you had poor taste.”
Her brothers chuckled and the tension eased.
Richard winked. “You’ll keep Lord Thorne on his toes. Perhaps that’s punishment enough for his forward behavior.”
He was teasing, of course, but his comment still hurt. Now she would become the millstone around Lord Thorne’s neck instead of her family’s.
Luke sighed. “If this is what you want, I’ll have the marriage contract drawn up.”
Drew regarded her doubtfully. “Is it what you want?”
She wanted her brothers to be safe. She wanted her sisters to have their Season. She wanted to curl into a ball and weep.
Lifting her chin and hoping her quiver went unnoticed, she said, “I’ve made my decision.”
Luke grimaced. “Very well.”
She took a seat and held her tongue while Luke and Richard discussed the particulars of her dowry and how she could maintain a portion for her use only. Drew’s gaze remained on her still, but she refused to look up.
He must think her fickle beyond reason after seeing her with Anthony at Lord and Lady Norwick’s party. She had been so happy that day, and now…this.
A light knock sounded at the door and the butler entered.
“What is it, Wesley?” Luke asked.
Wesley’s gaze traveled from Gabby to her brother. Heat climbed her face as she realized the servants must be aware of her situation. “Lord Ellis is requesting an audience with Lady Gabrielle.”
Luke’s mouth set in a grim line. “Show him to the plum drawing room.”
“Yes, Your Grace.”
Gabby’s nausea returned tenfold. She couldn’t face Anthony, not when she had betrayed him. Even if he had lied about Miss Teague, Gabby had owed him a chance to explain as he had wished. Now it was too late.
Luke took her hand. “Ellis should hear the news from you.”
“Are you all right, princess?” Drew asked. “You look like you might swoon.”
She grasped Luke tightly. “Please, don’t make me receive him. I can’t bear to tell him.”
Her brother frowned. “I don’t wish to cause you distress, Gabby, but Ellis is like family. Eventually, you must speak with him.”
“I know.” Her voice began to waver. “I just can’t do it now. Please.”
“I’ll tell him.” Drew slowly hauled himself from the chair, appearing none too pleased with his task. “It’s better for him to hear it from one of us than Thorne.”
Tears swam in her eyes. “Thank you.”
***
Anthony had begun to worry now that he’d been kept waiting so long. Gabby hadn’t seemed seriously ill last night, but what if she’d taken a turn for the worst?
When Drew stepped into the drawing room looking like the harbinger of death, Anthony’s heart seized. He was already headed for the door. “Where is she? How ill is she?”
He tried to barrel past Gabby’s brother, but Drew shoved a hand against his chest. “She is fine, but you can’t see her.”
“Why not?” His friend struggled to hold him back as Anthony resumed his forward movement.
“She doesn’t want to see you, Anthony. I’m sorry.”
The fight drained from him as Drew’s words sunk in. “She doesn’t want to see me? Why not?”
Drew released Anthony’s waistcoat and raked his fingers through his own hair. “I’m here to explain, but perhaps you should sit.”
Anthony didn’t care for Drew’s tone of voice or serious expression. He warily sat on the edge of the chair and motioned to Drew to continue.
“I’m afraid I have some unexpected news. I doubt you’ll be pleased. My sister accepted an offer of marriage from Lord Thorne today.”
He blinked, trying to make sense of the words. He’d heard the part where Gabby was marrying Thorne, but now Dr
ew should be laughing and admit he was joking.
He wasn’t.
A buzzing began in Anthony’s ears. He shook his head to get rid of the noise, but it didn’t help.
“So I’m sure you understand why Gabby is reluctant to see you at the moment. We believe she owes you an explanation, but she can’t bring herself to face you. Perhaps tomorrow she’ll be prepared to receive you.”
Drew moved toward the door.
“Wait!” Anthony bolted from his seat. “Wait just one damned moment. You’ve made a mistake.”
He dashed past Drew and was at the stairs before his friend caught up to him.
“Where are you going?”
Anthony jerked free of his hold and barreled up the steps. “Something isn’t right. She wouldn’t accept an offer from Thorne.”
“But she has.” Drew was on his tail, but nothing short of tackling him to the ground was going to stop Anthony. “Listen to me, man. You’re going to make a fool of yourself.”
Anthony didn’t care. He would make a fool of himself a thousand times over for Gabby. He stalked toward her chambers and banged against the door with the side of his fist. “Gabby, open the door.”
“She isn’t in there. Stop making a scene.”
He hammered the door again. “Open up this instant.”
The door slowly creaked open and a pair of frightened eyes peeked out at him. “Lord Ellis?”
His jaw hardened when he realized it was Gabby’s sister answering. “Lady Katherine, I would like to speak with your sister. Please move aside.”
Her fingers curled around the edge as if preparing to throw her slight weight against the door if he tried to barge in. “Drew, what’s happening?”
“No need for alarm, kitten.” Drew lunged and locked his arms around Anthony’s, trapping them at his sides. “Close the door!”
Lady Katherine slammed it as Anthony struggled to break free. The lock tumbled.
“Damn you, Drew! I won’t leave until I see her.”
Anthony threw his shoulders, trying to dislodge his friend. They staggered. Anthony’s hip banged into a table and sent a vase crashing to the floor. Drew grunted as he connected with the wall.
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