Did he want that? Someone who loved him unconditionally? Poking about inside his head, he didn’t think it would be a very comfortable thing to be so invested in another that their happiness affected yours.
…
“Thank you for rescuing her, Gabe.”
“She is a stubborn woman with far too much pride.” He looked across the carriage, happy to see his sister seated there.
“Which you are all too familiar with and therefore understand.”
“She has a point,” Michael drawled.
“But not to the point of stupidity,” Gabe added. “We could have helped her with very little effort on our part.”
She sighed. “Dimity is fierce in her need to be independent. I think her father instilled that in her.”
“Did you meet him?”
“No, but she talked often about him. He was kindhearted but could also be passionate about what he loved. Books, learning, and music. He spent many hours with his children, educating them. I believe he learned a great deal about music during his time in France.”
“What about her brother? What do you know of him?”
“Very little. Dimity did not talk about him a great deal. I always had a feeling their relationship was strained but was never really sure why. She said he was a fool and often thought himself better than her, like older brothers do.” She shot him a smile.
“I am not pompous; I am protective. Please note the difference.”
“If that makes you feel better, then we shall leave it there.”
“Well said, little sister,” Michael said.
“You’re happy, aren’t you, Abby.” It wasn’t a question but the truth. “I can see it in you.”
Her smile was blinding. “So happy. I love Daniel very much and we… well we are friends as well as—”
“Please do not continue that statement. In my head, and I’m sure the minds of your other brothers, we have you sleeping in separate beds and shall keep that thought in mind forever.”
“Amen,” Michael muttered.
“Yes, well.” Color flushed her cheeks, and he had to hold back a smile. Gabe studied Abby and could only come up with one word for how she looked: radiant.
“You’re to have a child.” His words came out hoarse.
“What?” Michael sat upright.
“How did you know that?” Abby laughed. “We had decided to tell everyone in a few days when we are absolutely sure. But… well, I am sure.” Her smile filled her face.
The joy that washed through Gabe was so intense, it nearly stopped his heart. He picked her off the seat and held her close.
“I am so happy for you both.” He said the words into her bonnet. “So happy.” He placed her back on the seat, and Michael did the same. “Your child will likely be the most atrociously spoiled in the kingdom.”
“I already have plans to corrupt it with boiled sweets and toys,” Michael added. And Gabe could hear that like him, his brother was very happy about the prospect of a niece or nephew.
“I know, we said as much with all the family it will have to dote on it.”
“We are very happy for you both, Abby.”
When the carriage stopped, Gabe had to force himself to wipe the smile off his face. A niece or nephew. The Deville brothers loved children, and this one would be extra special.
“The Earl of Raine, Lady Abigail Dillinger, and Mr. Deville wish to see the duchess, please,” Gabe said when his knock on the door was answered.
