Stefano hadn’t mentioned who else had noticed, but Jack knew it could only be the baroness and likely Cynthia herself, although he saw no threat from her quarter.
“Dear me.” Kitty fanned herself. “Had I known this was such a trek, I might have reconsidered our outing to Populonia. I’m worried about Cynthia and the baroness, as I do not believe they were looking forward to today.”
“Jack has kindled everyone’s curiosity,” Xavier said. “Jenee and I are eager to see these ancient burial grounds of the Etruscans; we know so little about them. Besides, it’s a lovely day for an outing, and the beauty of the Tuscan countryside is without parallel. For all the joys of living in Paris, to be in the countryside and at leisure is a welcome change.”
“I agree,” added Jenee. “We can learn so much from history. It is admirable that you, Jack, a man of title and wealth, would choose to devote yourself to a passion with a purpose that benefits humanity. I have so often witnessed quite the opposite. So many in the upper echelons live only for self-indulgence.”
If they only knew that my immediate passion is sitting beside me and that my purpose today is to indulge myself in her.“You are too kind, Jenee.” Jack inclined his head to the beautiful Frenchwoman while covertly watching for any reaction from Gabriella, any sign that her feelings for him were more profound than she claimed. To his dismay, she sat rigid as a statue and avoided his gaze.
“Unfortunately, this great passion for archeology is why he finds himself in such a pickle,” said Aunt Kitty.
“A pickle?” Xavier turned to his wife. “What is this pickle,ma chérie?”
Jenee laughed, and even Gabriella could not help but smile when Jenee kissed Xavier on his cheek. “It means a dilemma,mon amour. Our new friend’s passion has resulted in him stepping into hot water.D’accord?”
Jack was fit to be tied. “Really, Kitty, must you air my dirty laundry for all the world to see? You always accuse me of speaking without a filter; perhaps you should heed your own advice.”
“Lady Darling meddles, as you say, because she cares about you.”
It was the first thing Gabriella had said to him since he’d dragged her into his room yesterday when she was carrying that blasted tea tray. She stared at him, hands folded in her lap. He knew her discomfort had everything to do with him. It exasperated him, but she had to be aware that her confounded note had torn his world apart. He needed answers and wanted an explanation, not what she’d written in that damn letter.
“Ah, she speaks; therefore, she is.” Jack couldn’t resist teasing her. “Miss D’Angelo, are you of the same opinion as Aunt Kitty?” He modulated his voice, careful not to prompt an angry retort.
“I was simply making an observation in support of Lady Darling. I cannot see why my opinion should matter.”
Her gaze met his.
Yes!He wouldn’t let her escape that easily now that he’d finally managed to get her to look at him. “Oh, but it matters very much to me.”
“What do you think, Gabriella, of Miss Cynthia Maxwell?” Aunt Kitty asked.
Jack wanted to shake his aunt for interrupting and hug her for asking such a bold question.
“Yes, what does our chef extraordinaire think of my future countess?” After what Gaby had put him through, he could not resist the barb, but he regretted it instantly. The flash of hurt in her eyes made him want to take her in his arms and beg her forgiveness for being so callous.Damn it, hold your tongue, or she’ll clam up, and you’ll never get to the truth.
“Sh-she is beautiful and cultured and—was clearly raised to be the wife of a t-titled gentleman,” Gaby stammered. She took a deep breath, and a bright smile suddenly appeared on her face. “I’m certain your families will benefit from such anadvantageous match. I wish you both the very best, Lord Langsford. I hope you will be happy.” She rushed out the last few words and then turned to look out the window, dismissing him again.
Her emphasis on the wordsadvantageous matchstung like a swarm of hornets whose nest had been threatened. Jack hated that Gaby thought him a fortune hunter. He’d never previously considered marrying for money. But that had been before his father disowned him, thanks to Jack’s nefarious cousin. It would have been easier if he’d just throttled the bastard. Instead, he’d maneuvered himself into a possible betrothal with the wrong woman and fallen head over heels in love with the right one.
The cool breeze carried the scent of salty air, and the blue water of the Tyrrhenian Sea provided a majestic view. But the scenery did not stir him. What disrupted his composure was the minx beside him, who sat close enough to touch. Close enough to have his way with, had there not been three other people in the carriage.
“To find love is difficult enough, and one must never take it for granted. I, for one, never will,” Xavier said, gazing at his wife with adoration.
The observation struck home. Jack didn’t miss the point, and he doubted Gaby did either.
“I couldn’t agree more,mon amour,” Jenee said, taking her husband’s hand. “Love is not something to be trifled with or cast aside.”
Gaby made no comment, and Jack could only wonder at her thoughts.
“Then again, one cannot merely rely on love alone,” Jenee continued. “There must also be a willingness to make whatever sacrifice is necessary for true love. And the strength and honor to fight for it.” Her gaze was steely as she spoke.
Jack couldn’t help but feel that she was directing her comments directly at him.Damn. Did she know about him and Gaby?
He could feel Gaby stiffen beside him, and she turned to Jenee. The two women exchanged a look that seemed to hold a world of meaning. Jenee was as protective of Gaby as the marchioness. In fact, they seemed like three peas in a pod. Which made Jack even more determined to find out everything he could about Gaby and her past. He had to get her alone, and soon.
“I agree that true love is worth any sacrifice,” Aunt Kitty added in a wistful voice. “Losing the love of my life, my beloved husband Stewart, was and is an unfillable void. It has been a struggle to find my way forward.” She sniffled, pulling a handkerchief from her reticule, and dabbed her eyes.
Jack was surprised by Kitty’s blunt confession. He’d always considered his aunt to be as tough as nails. His uncle had passed away five years ago while Jack was in Egypt. He’d had no idea his aunt still grieved.
