“She is well.”
“So I see.”
“And settling into my household. I would like to add ‘with no fuss,’ but she has far too much to say for herself and is free with her opinions.” The duchess accentuated the last word by thumping her cane. “Now hand over my book.”
Michael took the seat out of striking range from the cane, forcing Gabe to take one closer.
“It’s actually my book, and I’m loaning it to you,” Gabe said, still holding the latest copy ofCaptain Broadbent and Lady Nauticus. “You may borrow it, of course, and return it in the excellent condition it is currently in.”
He’d been surprised at the Lawton musicale when the woman who tended to bore people witless with Roman mythology had told Gabe she had read all theCaptain Broadbent and Lady Nauticusbooks. He’d told her he had the latest, and she’d said she’d be nice to him if he loaned it to her.
A wet nose pressed into his cheek, and he turned to find Walter. At his heels was Romulus.
“Hello. How are you finding your new lodgings?” Gabe scratched behind a large ear, and the dog sighed. “Plenty of food?” He gave a soft woof. “Excellent.”
Romulus, clearly unhappy at the lack of attention, leapt into Gabe’s lap. Walter sighed.
“She loves him,” the duchess said with what he thought may be a smile.
“But is that love reciprocated?”
She cackled.
Chapter Thirteen
“You look well,” Dimity said to her friend.
“I love married life.” Abby’s smile was brilliant. “And I am to have a child,” she whispered.
“Oh, Abby.” Dimity held her close, hugging her gently. “I am overjoyed for you.”
Her friend was happy, and Dimity found she liked that very much. She’d lived a good life with her brothers, of course, but they had been overprotective. But now, married to Daniel, she was blossoming, and soon there would be a child to bless their union.
“I’m so very sorry about your father, Dimity, and for what your horrid brother did to you.”
“Thank you. My father was a good man.”
“And now I am going to be mad at you.”
“Must you?”
“I fear I must. Gabe told me where he found you, and I am most displeased you did not come to me for help when you were forced from your home.”
“It all happened so quickly, and I know I should have sought your help, Abby, but I’d hoped to get work and turn things around.” She went for honesty.
“In a seedy tavern singing on the bar and sleeping in that place where Gabe said he would not house his pet rat… should he have one, that is.” Abby gripped Dimity’s hands. “I’m both hurt and angry that you did not come to me or my brothers, who you know would have helped you.”
Dimity shot Gabe a dark look, as clearly he’d told his sister everything. He raised a brow at her glare. She refrained from poking out her tongue.
He looked as he always did, large and dangerous. There was something wild about Gabriel Deville beneath his tame facade. It thrilled her, and she hated that it thrilled her.
“You know about my pride, Abby,” Dimity said.
“And that’s an excuse, is it?”
“No.” She sighed. “I’m sorry. I just like to do things on my own.”
“Let me ask you this, then.”
