Gabriel nodded once, as though he saw the shift in her thoughts, and released her waist when the music ended. He stepped back.
Sibyl was expecting him to walk away from her, to greet an associate or tell her to spend time with her family, but he only gave her a knowing look and offered his arm again.
He guided her off the dance floor and over to the refreshments table, where she could not help but eye the raspberry tart, large enough to feed at least twenty. When she glanced back at Gabriel, he was watching her, amused.
“Your preferences are noted, Duchess,” he teased as he cut her a slice.
Pleasantly surprised, Sibyl accepted it. But right as they turned, a man strode up to them, his slicked-back hair as dark as night, his smile a touch too wide.
Sibyl felt her husband tense at her shoulder.
“Your Grace!” he called out, opening his arms in greeting.
Sibyl glanced at Gabriel, not sure which of them the man had greeted.
“Gabriel! Heavens, it has been some time, has it not? And it is about time I met your new wife, whom you have keptso very hidden.”
“Not hidden, Cousin. We are simply enjoying our honeymoon like a normal couple.”
Sibyl frowned at how bored Gabriel sounded. Then, she held out her hand for the man to take it.
“Duchess, this is Lord Preston, my cousin on my father’s side. Preston, this is Sibyl Redford, my wife and the Duchess of Stonehelm.”
“Oh, trust me, an introduction is not necessary. News of your wife has traveled far and wide,” Preston all but purred, his eyes fixed on her. “And why not? She is very beautiful.”
Gabriel tensed even more before sighing. “Do not push me, Preston.”
“I wouldnever.” Preston looked incredibly offended before he winked at Sibyl.
Still, she appreciated his affable demeanor. It was better than the sneers she had become accustomed to.
“It is lovely to meet you,” she offered. “I apologize, I have not met more of my husband’s family sooner.”
“Ah, well, Gabriel has always been secretive.”
Before Sibyl could press for more information, she saw her sister shove her way through the crowd, her face thunderous.
Alicia arrived like a storm and grabbed her arm. “I need my sister,” she announced.
Without waiting for a response, she pulled Sibyl away from the two men, who were locked in a scowling match.
“Thank you,” Sibyl snorted as soon as they were out of earshot. “I do believe my husband does not like his cousin.”
“Well, the look he was giving him certainly confirms it. Have you even greeted anybody properly tonight? I imagine not, especially if you are worried, as Mama says you ought to be. But I know you are stronger than her beliefs about you.”
“Am I?” Sibyl mused.
“Absolutely,” Alicia affirmed. “She may have molded you into this soft, quiet daughter to present to the ton, enforcing differences on us to allure men with, but I know you are stronger. I believe in you, Sister.”
“Heavens, I have missed you endlessly.” Sibyl squeezed her sister’s arm, smiling at her.
“In truth, rescuing you has rescued me, really. Our dearmama has been mercilessly foisting me on suitors! She knows I will stand for none of it, yet she persists. I’m afraid she will find herself with quite a rebellion on her hands.”
“I have no doubt.” Sibyl giggled. “Do not ever stop fighting back, Alicia. You ought to wed when you are ready. Do not do as I did and settle for simply charming and safe.”
“I have no intention of doing such a thing,” Alicia huffed. “I know my mind, and I do not need a man to try to belittle it. Should I take a husband, it will only be a man who sees my worth as I stand alone as well as at his side.”
In truth, Sibyl was quite surprised that her sister was even entertaining matrimony. Of course, all ladies knew they had to marry or face spinsterhood and exile to the countryside, but she truly had thought Alicia wouldprefer that.
