“Are you hysterical? Do I need to slap you?”
He could not allow himself to be any more enamored by this woman.
“Forgive me.” She waved a hand at him. “I was imagining in what form your persuasion came, considering I have seen what you are capable of.”
“You are quite the bloodthirsty woman, Miss Brown.”
“The thought of my ex-brother intimidated does make me smile.”
“Well then, please laugh away.” He smiled back. “I would rather have this than you scowling and reproaching me constantly. I also do not like to see tears in a woman’s eyes.”
“I don’t reproach you,” she managed to get out as her giggles eased. “A piano teacher does not reproach an earl.”
“Will that be in your rule book somewhere?”
“It should be,” she said, inhaling a deep, steadying breath. “And while you should not have approached that man who was once my brother, I find I am grateful that you did. So, thank you.”
Gabe placed a hand over his heart. “Dimity, I’m not sure I can take much more of this. You said thank you and that you are glad I did what I did. Please yell at me so I may feel more comfortable.”
“Extremely amusing, but I am happy to have my father’s things, and the money I received is being put to good use. So, thank you.”
She eased her hand from beneath his. Her fingers were long and slender. What would they feel like touching him?
“You are welcome. What are you planning to do with the money?”
And just like that, the open expression in her eyes changed. Her lashes lowered, and her eyes were now focused on the cup before her.
“I have not decided.”
“Now that’s a lie.”
She exhaled slowly. “I am doing some investigating, and that is all you need to know. Now I must go. Thank you for the tea, my lord.” She got to her feet and was heading out the door in seconds. Gabe left some money on the table and followed. He caught up with her outside.
“What kind of investigating? Please tell me it is not something dangerous.” Gabe grabbed her upper arm.
“I did not ask for your company, Lord Raine.” Her words were cool now. “Go back and finish your food.”
“But if I do that, you will not get to see my secret.” Gabe urged her to the right.
“I need to return to the duchess’s house.”
“And the French fop?”
“Mr. Diard is a nice man who is kind enough to have invited me to the theater.”
“I’ll take you, then you will not have to suffer his company and those feminine lace cuffs.”
Gabe watched as she tried to muffle her smile.
“Unhand me.”
Her words had no strength, because she was intrigued and wanted to know his secret.
“I will only keep you a few minutes.”
“Oh, very well, but it is— “
“Not right?”
