“Yes.” Dimity sat again and reached for her cup.
“Excellent. Now get up and fill your plate or I will do it for you.”
“I don’t eat a morning meal.” Dimity lifted her chin. She wouldn’t be intimidated by him today as she had been last night.
“Good God, really? How is it you keep body and soul together if you don’t start eating early?” Zach asked her.
“For some there is not a great supply of food at their disposal,” she said before she could stop herself. She had always spoken without thought; or at least, she did think about it, but still said the words anyway.
“We are aware that for some food is limited, Dimity, but as there is a great supply on our sideboard, you can eat some,” Lord Raine said calmly.
She didn’t answer him, simply picked up her tea and sipped. He was no longer her employer. She absolutely did not have to do what he said.
Chapter Eight
Gabe hadn’t taken his eyes of Dimity since she’d entered the parlor. Her hair was scraped back in a bun. She’d missed several curls that fell down her back. Her clothes were creased; in fact, she was as far from the immaculately presented Miss Brown as she could get. As she had been last night. She had bruises beneath her eyes, and her face was pale.
Why do I still find her beautiful?
“I am leaving.” Her chin rose. It was a gesture he was familiar with. Every time she’d taken him to task for something he’d done to Abby, this was the look she’d given him.
“Come now, Dimity, have some food.” Michael shot Gabe a look that he loosely interpreted to meanbe nice, then came around and took her arm, leading her to the sideboard.
Dimity relented, as most woman did when faced with the charm of a Deville brother, and more importantly this one.
Gabe watched the sway of her skirts as she walked to the sideboard and studied the dishes. Michael loaded up her plate while she protested.
“She looks different,” Nathan said from the side of his mouth. “Thinner, pale, and I hardly believe I’m saying this about the formidable Miss Brown, but vulnerable. Last night I was surprised by your actions; today I am not.”
Gabe nodded, his eyes still on her.
“Tea and breakfast will set you to rights, Dimity.”
“Thank you.” She returned to her seat. “But I do not need setting to rights.”
The conversation around the table restarted, with his brothers discussing nothing overly taxing and including Dimity. They were good at that, making people comfortable. It had been their father’s skill too.
She responded with a strained smile and few words. He watched her eat slowly, cutting her food into tiny pieces, as if savoring each mouthful.
Why was she working in that bar and prostituting herself?Anger at what she’d been reduced to had Gabe looking down at his plate so she didn’t see it on his face.
“They’ve started an investigative service, can you believe it?” Zach said. “I was talking to Warwick Sinclair just two evenings ago, and he told me he and his sisters have a steady stream of clients from all walks of life.”
“They’re Sinclairs.” Nathan shrugged. “They are an odd bunch, along with those Ravens. No one expects them to be normal. Society simply looks the other way, as they are powerful families.”
“And good families,” Gabe added.
“And good families,” Nathan agreed. “All married to each other and living in the same street, which is also odd.”
“They often work for little or no money. Apparently it’s just a service they wish to provide, and they seem good at it,” Michael added.
“It’s all a bit strange though, don’t you think?” Zach said.
“They hurt no one,” Gabe said.
“I did not suggest otherwise,” Zach added testily. He was still young enough to be testy when he felt someone was challenging him.
“Do you know the Sinclair and Raven families, Dimity?” Gabe asked her, noticing she seemed interested in the conversation.
