The Malorys certainly did, they even had their own box on the upper level with a splendid view of the stage. She was to find that Drew loved the theater as well, at least that was the reason he gave for joining them that night, when he didn’t have to. Gabrielle didn’t doubt it was just an excuse. Obviously, he’d found out his brother was going. What wasn’t so obvious was why that would make any difference to him, but she was sure it did. The competition between them was subtle, but it definitely existed. And as the night progressed, it was as if Drew was determined to make sure Boyd couldn’t find a single moment alone with her, and vice versa.
When James and Georgina went to speak with some friends during intermission, leaving her alone with an Anderson brother on each side of her, she mentioned some refreshments. She actually was parched after laughing so much during the first acts of the comedy the theater was presenting tonight.
“A splendid idea,” Drew said, and stared pointedly at Boyd, making it obvious he wanted his brother to do the fetching.
But Boyd just stared back and even nodded a few times toward the door, making the same silent suggestion.
Gabrielle caught on to what they were doing and sighed. “Don’t get up,” she said dryly as she got up herself. “I’ll fetch something myself.”
Drew came instantly to his feet. “An even better idea. I’ll join you.”
“So will I.” Boyd jumped to his feet as well.
Gabrielle hid her smile and didn’t wait for them to follow. Downstairs, she was delighted to find the Honorable Wilbur Carlisle waving at her and she moved across the lobby to speak with him.
“How nice to see you again, Wilbur.”
“The pleasure is entirely mine, Miss Gabby. I tried to gain your attention earlier, but you were quite enthralled by the play—and the gentlemen with you.”
There was curiosity in his tone, or was it censure? But she realized he didn’t know who Drew and Boyd were. She glanced back to see that they’d temporarily lost sight of her in the crowded lobby,andwere looking around for her. She wasn’t going to have long alone with Wilbur.
“I’m with the Malorys, Wilbur. The two gentlemen are Lady Malory’s brothers.”
“Ah, yes, I believe I’ve heard of them. In shipping, aren’t they?”
“Yes, her whole family is. But tell me,” she said, glancing up at him flirtatiously, “why haven’t you come by to call on me?”
He actually looked quite uncomfortable suddenly. “I wanted to, but, well, dash it all, I suppose I must confess that James Malory is the reason I’ve stayed away.”
“You know him?”
“Not a’tall,” Wilbur replied. “But I’ve heard so many things, well, that is to say, I’ve been trying, desperately, to get up the nerve to enter his domain, and I will. I assure you I will. I just need a few more days to remind myself that rumors are rarely true and that he’s likely harmless—”
“Not harmless at all,” James said behind them.
Gabrielle almost laughed, James was looking so aggrieved to have come upon two people discussing him, and not in a very positive light. She just didn’t know that under any other circumstances, he probably would have picked Wilbur up by the scruff of his neck and tossed him out the nearest window. But because of her, and because Wilbur was obviously one of her suitors, James Malory was determined to be on his best behavior. So the blades on his witty tongue were mostly sheathed for the evening.
Gabrielle noticed that Wilbur was blushing profusely. James noticed as well and said, “I was joking, Carlisle. Please feel free to come by to call on Gabrielle this week. As long as she has only good things to say about you, you’ll be welcome in my home.”
A warning and an invitation in the same breath. Amazing how Malory could do that. But Gabrielle was sure he’d extended the invitation just for her sake. And Wilbur didn’t seem to catch the warning. His fears somewhat put to rest, he thanked James and mentioned that he would be pleased to accept the offer before he hurried off.
“Not very brave, is he?” James remarked as soon as Wilbur rushed off.
“Is any man in your presence?” Gabrielle said in Wilbur’s defense.
James burst out laughing. “Touché, m’dear.” But his laugh had drawn Drew and Boyd’s attention, and with them both heading in their direction now, James added, “Except for those two, though I could wish it was otherwise.”
“You found her,” Boyd said, reaching them first.
“You lost her?” James replied.
“Not as disastrously as you lost Georgie that time in the Caribbean,” Drew replied as he came up on Gabrielle’s other side.
“I didn’t lose your sister, you ass, you sailed off with her.”
“Right under your nose, too.” Drew smirked.
“Careful, Yank. I never did get even for that.”
