“My wife assures me there is plenty to drink and eat and other entertainments, so go forth,” the duke said in a louder voice.
“Thank you, we will.” Gabe bowed, then led his brothers away.
“I had not expected that,” Nathan whispered.
“And yet we had to know that some of the noblemen we meet were part of Alexius,” Gabe said.
“He showed his hand as he is aware of the danger to you and wants you to know you have his support,” Michael added.
“Yes. Now go forth and enjoy, but behave yourselves,” he said to his brothers, as he did at every social event they attended.
“As we always do,” Zach said. “But we will be near if you need us,” he said before taking the stairs outside to the right, while Gabe, Nathan, and Michael went left.
“I don’t need you to watch over me.”
“But you are such wonderful company. How could we not wish to stay at your side?” Michael mused, making Nathan snort. Gabe swallowed a sigh.
“Forgive me, I have much on my mind.”
“We know.” Nathan gripped Gabe’s shoulder.
The paths had been raked and the beds weeded. The place was alive with color and servants were dotted about the place offering refreshments. Shade had been erected under colored tents. Some guests played croquet, and in the distance, archery targets had been erected. The entire vista had a carnival feeling that if his mood had been better, he would have enjoyed.
Gabe wondered if Ombrage had entry to such things, then put it from his head. Today he would not think about that or her. Today he’d talk with friends and his brothers and forget that the only woman he’d ever wanted, he could not have.
“Is that Dimity standing beside the Duchess of Yardly?” Nathan asked.
He turned so fast, his neck cracked. Gabe scanned the guests, searching for her.
“It is. I think that painter fellow is at her side,” Michael added. “Apparently, he’s painted many famous people, both in France and here. Has quite the reputation with women also.”
“And you know this how?” Gabe’s eyes went from left to right, taking in the people milling about all dressed in their finery until he found her.
She wore a soft shade of peach. Her hair was pinned at the back of her head, and she wore a matching peach silk band tied in a bow to one side. Sun glinted off her locks, the color a mix of deep brown, almost black, and a touch of copper in this light.
His heart started that slow thud it always did when she was near.
“I asked, and people tell me things. That assistant is with him too. Can’t remember his name. Innocuous sort of fellow.”
“What things?” She didn’t know he was here, and it was perhaps the first time he could observe her without her knowledge. She stood straight, shoulders back, surrounded by people. Uncomfortable, he thought, and had no notion as to why he thought that.
The pale skin of her neck drew his eyes. He’d kissed that silken expanse, and he wanted to do so again. That French poseur was at her side dressed in a bronze jacket, his lace cuffs falling over his hands.
Effeminate fool.
“She really is a beautiful woman,” Nathan said. “I can understand why he is completely enamored with her.”
“Who?” He dragged his eyes from her to his brothers.
Michael rolled his eyes.
“She will never be your mistress. Her pride will not allow it,” Nathan said softly so only they could hear his words.
“I know,” Gabe said without thought, then cursed softly.
“So it’s already come to that, has it?” Michael smiled.
“This conversation is over.”
