“Nora Wightman, my Lord,” she curtsied politely.
“Miss Nora,” he smiled kindly. “A lovely name for a very lovely young woman. It is strange that we have not crossed paths previously. Are you not one for such gatherings?”
Nora laughed slightly, shaking her head.
“On the contrary, I have made it a duty to attend as many events as possible. Perhaps you and I were simply destined to never cross paths.”
“How cruel of fate to deny me the pleasure of laying my eyes on such a divine beauty,” he murmured, loud enough only for her ears and she could not help but blush.
“You are too kind, my Lord. Are you certain that you make your presence known at these events? You seem like the sort of man to linger quietly in a corner, pretending to be invisible.” Nora teased.
Gabriel scoffed, looking as though her words were an affront to his very nature. Then he leaned forward to whisper,
“How on earth did you know?”
Nora couldn’t help the giggle that bubbled out of her throat, the tension of the evening melting out from beneath her skin.
“What can I say, I have a sense about these sorts of things. Do not worry, Lord Gainsbury. I won’t tell anyone your secret.”
Gabriel rested a hand against his chest and sighed. “Thank goodness. I am fortunate to have made your acquaintance tonight. Not only are you lovely, but you are magnanimous as well. I must have done a heroic deed previously to have attained such grace.”
“I can see that you excel at flattery, my Lord. Does this mean I am likely to be disappointed later?”
“Hardly,” he shook his head. “I always try to be consistent in all my dealings. Be it for work or for pleasure. And right now, I can think of nothing better to do than to talk longer with you – if you would do me the honor.”
He was admittedly charming. There was an ease that Nora could feel that had emerged with their interaction, but something about it felt almost… wrong. She couldn’t help but wonder what it would be like if only Godric had a similar demeanor as the man before her.
As the thought of Godric slipped into her mind, her eyes darted around the room as she began to wonder where he had gotten to. She’d half expected to find him surrounded by more admirers, but strangely, he was alone.
And his eyes were already fixed on her.
But unlike his usual watchful gaze, this one bore a dangerous edge, so dark and lethal it made her skin crawl with unease. Shivering, she refocused her attention on Gabriel who was telling her of his fondness for racing and horses, and she quickly expressed that her brother had taught her to ride.
“Excellent. It is quite a thrilling affair, is it not? To be sat on those powerful beasts as you guide them down a path, with the wind in your hair as they race forward. I cannot think of anything more exciting.” He said earnestly.
Nora risked another glance at Godric, noting that he looked even more irked than he had been moments ago and when she lookedback at Gabriel, she realized that he must be the reason why the duke was angry.
Perhaps he was a rake and therefore the duke disapproved. Nora paused, then she smiled.
If that was the case, she would use this man’s attention to her advantage. She had a chance to attain her goal of making Godric angry.
“I agree, my Lord. Completely.” Nora nodded sagely.
Gabriel smiled, glancing at the dance floor where people were gathering as the string quartet began a new song.
“Would you… like to join me for a dance?”
Resisting the urge to pointedly look in Godric’s direction as her lip curled upward in a smile, Nora slipped her hand into the baron’s waiting open palm.
“I would love nothing more.”
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Nora could feel Godric’s eyes follow her onto the dance floor.
The satisfaction she gained was so immense, she couldn’t keep herself from looking pleased as she danced, and she did nothing to keep a straight expression, knowing that the duke might think she was thoroughly enjoying herself.
She sneakily looked in his direction, but other than his deadly gaze, he seemed unbothered. Nora continued to nod along to what the baron was saying, trying to keep enough attention on him, but she had already begun to devise a plan.
