She nodded, then took a healthy bite of ginger bun.
“How is it you have paint on your arm, my lord? Are you perhaps decorating yourself?” There was only interest in her look.
“Eat and I will show you, but I must have your promise that you tell no one.”
“I promise,” she said solemnly.
“But do you mean it?” he teased.
“I’m insulted you believe I don’t.”
“My sister can’t keep secrets, or my brothers for that matter.”
Gabe watched as she dabbed at her lips with a napkin. One thing about this woman that had always intrigued him was her manners. Everything about her screamed lady.
“May I ask you something, my lord?”
“Of course.”
“I received some money from my brother, and some of my father’s things. The note accompanying it stated that I was to tell you I had received it.”
He didn’t move his eyes from hers, but inside he was cursing the man she’d called brother. Sniveling rodent. He’d said those words to let Dimity know the gesture had not been his alone.
“I went to see your brother.”
She lowered her cup to its saucer with a clink.
“Why would you do that when I told you not to?”
“Because he threw you out of your home, Dimity, and had no right to do so.”
“He believes he had a right, but that is not the point. I have no wish for you to meddle in my affairs. I can look after them myself.”
Her chin was up now, and that look of fierce determination back in her eyes. And that, Gabe had to admit to himself, was what intrigued him about her. She never cowed to him like some. His title meant absolutely nothing to her, and she carried on like she was a bloody duchess. The hell of it was, he admired that.
“Shortest truce in history,” he said. “Why did he believe he had a right to throw you from your home, Dimity?”
“It is my concern, not yours.”
“You are my sister’s friend, and once my employee.” He raised a hand as she opened her mouth. “That man you have called brother your entire life had no right to treat you that way. Sisters are to be cherished, and he should bloody well know that.”
“I am unsure he is my brother.” He heard the pain in her voice.
“He said as much,” Gabe said gently. “But I want you to tell me why he made those claims.”
“He told you that he is not my brother?” She looked devastated.
“He told me your father said you were his daughter in every way but blood.”
“My father told him but not me.” Dimity looked into her teacup, and Gabe knew she was close to tears. “I had a right to know.”
“You did, and I’m sorry he did not tell you, Dimity.” Gabe lowered his hand over hers where it lay clenched on the table.
“I am glad he is not my brother.”
“Yes, that is one positive to come from the knowledge. I’m sorry, but your brother is not a man of strong moral fiber, Dimity. He needed a little persuasion to see the error of his ways.”
She giggled and then clapped a hand over her mouth. The giggles kept coming no matter how much she tried to stop them. Gabe couldn’t remember hearing her laugh like this. Her eyes twinkled, and her face came alive.
