He replied, “She accompanied me for a walk in the garden. Don’t worry; I was a perfect gentleman, I promise.” He smiled sincerely.
“I am supposed to be chaperoning such things. I have been too lax about my duties, as your aunts bluntly said to me just this afternoon. You two are getting me into trouble!”
“I’m sorry, Gabi, I promise to stay with you the rest of the evening,” Vivian said. She hooked her arm through Gabrielle’s, then turned to Jack, giving him a wink. “Thank you for a lovely walk.”
Jack spied his brother next to the sidebar of liquor, and went to stand next to him. He poured himself a brandy and observed the room, looking to see if Moreau had returned.
“These things were so much easier when Lydia was still alive.” Andrew sighed.
“How do you mean?” Jack asked.
“She was quite possessive—even when she didn’t want me, she didn’t want anyone else to want me either. She kept all these ninnies from even daring to talk with me. Now she is barely in the grave six months, and I am already receiving assessing looks and have been the target of truly ridiculous flirtation. Did you know Miss Fairly literally tripped and fell into my arms today after the hunt?”
“She is one well-endowed lady. It couldn’t have been all bad,” Jack joked.
Andrew grimaced and took another swallow of his drink. “The worst part is I think Mother is encouraging all this nonsense. I haven’t any intention of going from one bad marriage straight into another.”
“I am sure she is only thinking of your well-being. She has the best intentions,” Jack said.
“Next time I marry it won’t be for any other reason but love. I won’t settle again for a loveless union. I’d rather be alone for the rest of my life.”
Jack didn’t know what to say, so he just placed a hand on Andrew’s shoulder and gave a squeeze.
****
Meanwhile, Vivian spotted Moreau slipping into the room. He stood alone next to the open French doors and had grabbed a glass of wine from a passing footman. This was her chance to get near him. She made her way slowly around the room, pausing in front of an open door near him to fan herself.
“Oh, it’s so warm in here. Or is just me?” She looked up at him through her lashes.
“Yes, I believe the cool night air is quite refreshing,” he replied politely.
Grasping for a conversational straw, she stepped closer to him. “Sir, your cravat pin is quite spectacular. What is that gem? A ruby?”
“No, it’s a garnet. I purchased it recently. Garnets are found in India, you know.”
“Really?” She widened her eyes and feigned ignorance. “How interesting. I traveled there as a child, although I do not remember much.”
“Is your father in the military?” he asked.
“No, he is in the shipping business, you could say.”
“But I thought you were the granddaughter of the Earl of Dunmore?”
“I am on my mother’s side. She ran away to elope with her dashing sea captain. It was quite the scandal at the time.” She smiled behind her fan, wondering what her mother would say about her daughter also finding her own dashing sea captain.
Moreau’s eyes widened. She probably shouldn’t speak so freely about a family scandal. Then recognition flitted over his face.
“Your father is Captain Jamieson, the famous pirate of the West Indies?” His gaze ran over her with renewed interest.
“Well, I wouldn’t use the word pirate, sir. He is merely a merchant sea captain.”Oh no. She needed to change the subject, and fast. “I am still so warm.” She fanned herself again, then ran her fingers down her throat, letting them come to rest on her breastbone. Moreau’s gaze followed her hand. The more distracted he was, the better. Now if she could manage to stumble into him, perhaps.
“Would you like a sip of wine?” he asked. He stepped closer to offer her his glass.
“Thank you.” She accepted the glass and took a sip, gazing at him flirtatiously.
****
What the hell was happening with Moreau and Vivian? Jack couldn’t tell what they were talking about, but if Moreau took one step closer to her, he would have to kill him. Moreau was ogling her breasts—he could see that from all the way over here. Where was Miss Gabrielle and her chaperoning now?
