“You could never, Cherish. No apology required. And Lady Margaret is right, you were brilliant. Same time tomorrow?”
Her laughter was as soft as the breeze surrounding them. “Are you that much of a glutton for punishment to put yourself through this ordeal again?”
It struck him that he would do anything for this girl. “Yes. Let’s just say I enjoy a good challenge, and you are certainly that.”
While Fellstone, Reggie, and Durham now rode off for their quick jaunt in the surrounding countryside, Gawain returned to the house with the ladies.
He could have gone for another turn with the men, but preferred to see what Katie was doing. He spotted her seated in the parlor with a circle of friends and admirers. Most of Fiona’s guests knew her, since she was popular among thetonelite. “How kind of you to assist that incompetent girl on her horse.”
Of course, Gawain expected she had been watching and probably seething at the sight of him holding Cherish. “It isn’t incompetence, but something far more serious. Any man who has fought in battle will understand what I mean.”
A few of the guests surrounding Katie nodded. Most had no idea what he was talking about.
He had no intention of elaborating, and walked on to see to the removal of the rest of his belongings out of the bedchamber Katie had now taken over. He had only brought clothes enough for the week, so it would not take long for Fiona’s staff to transfer them to Reggie’s quarters.
He felt mildly sorry for Reggie to now be stuck with him for the remainder of their stay. But this would also ensure the lad did not invite ladies into his bed, or sneak off into anyone else’s bed, without Gawain knowing about it.
If Reggie seriously intended to court Cherish or that sweet but bubble-headed Margaret, then he should simply make his choice and not be dallying with anyone else.
By the time the switch in rooms had been made and Gawain had taken the time to wash up and change out of his riding clothes, luncheon was about to be served. He had hoped for casual seating arrangements, but Fiona planned a formal luncheon for them. He was not surprised to be assigned his usual seat at the head of the table, but cast Fiona a glower when he found Katie seated beside him again.
His cousin shot back a look that warned Katie was his problem, and he had better deal with her or Fiona would toss them both out. Well, he knew his cousin was not about to toss him out. Nor was she likely to do anything about his former love, who had already become a favorite at this house party.
Cherish was seated beside Reggie once again, and both were at the opposite end of the table along with Fiona, Durham, Margaret, and Fellstone. They seemed to be enthusiastically engaged in conversation and were all smiles.
One would think this merry little group had been friends forever.
Blast the girl.
Cherish was once again laughing at every one of Reggie’s stupid jokes. When Reggie was not talking to her, then Fellstone had his turn regaling her with his witticisms.
Blast them both for being charming and attentive to her.
Gawain grumbled when Cherish laughed atanotherof Reggie’s stories. He had not heard a single, stupid woodpecker laugh out of the lad. Yes, all was falling into place quite perfectly, and he could not feel worse about it. His stomach churned and he lost his appetite.
Katie leaned closer and cast him an insincere smile. “She is too young for you, Bromleigh. Is it not obvious she prefers Reggie over you? And if not Reggie, then Fellstone has this horse race won. You are completely out of the running.”
“It is none of your concern, Lady Albin.”
She sighed. “Ah, so formal with me? You are still angry with me. But I do not wish to see you hurt, Bromleigh. Lady Cherish is not for you.”
“But you are?” He took a sip of his wine, and then set the glass down because he had no appetite for wine either. That she should refer to him as Bromleigh even in private conversation instead of merely as Gawain was also irksome and another indication of her admiration for his title and nothim. “It is time you moved on and found yourself another duke who might be more receptive to your advances.”
He noticed her composure slip the slightest bit. Was he finally getting through to her?
“You are serious about never forgiving me, aren’t you?” Tears welled in her eyes, and her lips began to quiver so much he almost believed she was hurt by his remarks and might still hold feelings for him.
But he knew her very well, and was not surprised when he caught that flicker of triumph in her eyes when she thought he was softening toward her. Yes, it was all artifice and manipulation with her. Since she was so keen on titles, he used hers when addressing her now. “Lady Albin, you betrayed me and you know it. I may find it in my heart to forgive you someday, but I will never forget what you did.”
“You are cruel, Bromleigh.”
“I am just being honest.” He sighed and shook his head. “Must we continue this farce? It is pointless. Please, stop wasting your time with me. Just go.”
She called a footman over and held out her glass for more wine. Once he had filled her glass, she held it up in a mock toast. “My dear Bromleigh, I am not nearly ready to give up on you yet.”
Were she a man, Gawain would have simply grabbed her and tossed her out. But he had never raised a hand to a woman andwould not start now. Katie had to leave of her own accord or at Fiona’s demand. She was never going to leave athisrequest.
However, he was not certain Fiona would confront Katie. His dear cousin seemed inclined at the moment to cause him misery.
