“Oh, but it’s just getting interesting,” Nathan said. “How did a conversation between you and the indomitable Miss Brown about being your mistress come about?”
“I said it was over,” Gabe growled.
“If you do not decide she is yours, Gabe, Diard will,” Nathan said, serious now. “One of us will produce an heir of noble blood to satisfy the requirements for the next earl. Take a chance with that woman if she is the one for you.”
“It does not work that way as you very well know, and I am not at liberty to do such a thing, even it was my wish,” he snapped in a cold voice. “I cannot believe you would suggest it.” Anger made him growl. Anger and frustration, if he was being honest, if only with himself. He did want Dimity in his life; he’d just never fully admitted it till right at that moment.
His brother gave him a pitying look.
“Then you are a fool to risk it all for your title,” Michael said, looking disgusted. “Is society so important to you that you’d forfeit your happiness when so many around you live with a partner they loathe?”
“It is the way. I was born to this title, as our father was. It comes with responsibilities.”
Michael shrugged, and Gabe felt a bitter taste in his mouth. It was so easy for them. Society would care, of course, should they take a companion as a wife, but more so if an earl married a woman of no social standing. His wife and children would be ridiculed.
“Then be prepared to lose her, because Diard will not be bound by his morality or society. Now, come, Nathan, I have need of a drink and intelligent conversation.”
“Amen,” Nathan muttered.
Gabe watched his brothers walk away from him, feeling alone for perhaps the first time in his life. Alone and raw.
How could they think he could wed someone like Dimity? Gabe fought the rush of exhilaration that she could actually be his.
What the hell was happening to him?
Did his feelings run deep for Dimity Brown? Was this pain in his chest because of them?Did he love her?
He stood still, watching her smile at Diard while he thought about that.
Could he love her?She challenged him, made him laugh, and, yes, angered him. Dimity had never taken a step back when he was near; if anything, she took one forward. But was it love?
“Hell,” he muttered, jamming his hands in his pockets. How was he supposed to know?
“Lord Raine, how wonderful that you have arrived.”
A woman stepped into his path, blocking his view of Dimity, which should have pleased him. It didn’t. In fact, he wanted to step to the side, but manners dictated he couldn’t.
“Lady Bayswater.” He bowed.
“You know my daughters, of course.” She smiled.
“Indeed.” He bowed again to the two ladies at her side. The woman had been firing them into his and other eligible men’s paths for two seasons.
“My Eleanora was quite overcome when she heard you were coming. She is hoping to secure a dance, Lord Raine.”
Her Eleanora had never been overcome a day in her life. The woman was a product of her mother’s determination to wed the most suitable and well-ranked man in the London season. As the available dukes and marquesses were light on the ground this year, he was next.
“Of course. I would be delighted. Excuse me, my sister is signaling me,” he lied. In fact, Abby was still at home but feeling better. Gabe had visited her yesterday.
Lady Bayswater sniffed.
“Is there a problem, my lady?”
“Not at all. I would just have hoped for more for your sister,” the woman unwisely said.
This was what he would face if he pursued Dimity. Suddenly he didn’t care. In fact, Lady Bayswater had shown him just how much he did not care.
“More?” he asked softly. She didn’t see the fire in his eyes and carried on.
