He was sure there was a great deal more to her story, but he did not push.
Gabe watched her eyes close. The tears had stopped, thankfully, because they hurt his chest. Even pale and exhausted, Dimity was an incredibly beautiful woman. Gabe left her alone with her thoughts; tomorrow would be soon enough to question her further. When she had a full belly and after a good night’s sleep.
What the hell was her story? Fiery and determined Dimity Brown. How had she come to this? Prostitution. The thought of a man lying with her made him want to punch something.
As the carriage rolled to a stop, her eyes opened, telling him she had not slept, simply wanted no further conversation with him.
“Come.” He climbed down, then held out a hand to take hers. Walter dove past her, knocking Dimity off her feet and into his arms.
Gabe held her briefly before releasing her and settling her back on her feet.
“Forgive me, my lord. Walter is not…. Well, he has no—”
“Manners?”
“I have been attempting to teach him some, but I fear he was not raised with any.”
“He sounds like my brothers.”
She giggled. The sound was so surprising considering her state, he responded with a smile of his own.
“Let’s get inside. It’s cold out here, and the hour advancing.”
Taking her arm with one hand, he held her bag with the other, and they followed Walter to the front door of the Deville family townhouse.
Gabe knew he was a lucky man. Knew his wealth and properties were enviable. He rarely went without. Looking at the large stone facade, he felt that small tug of sadness he always experienced when he realized Abby was not inside.
“I am still not used to it,” he said softly. “I expect to see my sister inside.”
“She is happy.”
“I know that, but I miss her, Dimity.”
“As do I.”
Gabe opened the door, as it was likely his butler was not awaiting his return.
“I-I must thank you again for what you did this evening, Lord Raine,” Dimity said when they stood in the front entrance of his town house. Lamplight showed him the shadows under her eyes and fatigue in every line of her body. Dimity Brown was close to collapsing. Her pride would likely never allow that, but he could see she was at the end of her tether.
“Loath as you are to do so,” Gabe drawled.
Her mouth drew into a thin line. “I can be grateful to you for this.”
“It was my pleasure to help you, Dimity.”
She attempted to sink into a curtsey, but he wouldn’t release her.
“Good evening, Lord Raine. I will retire to the servants’ quarters now, and you need worry for me no more.”
“You don’t know if there are any free beds.”
“The floor will do. I know the maids, and they will not mind me sleeping there.”
“And what of Walter?”
They both watched the dog, who had his nose on the ground and was moving around the front entrance, sniffing every inch.
“I will take him to the stables.”
