O my Luve is like the melody.”
These words greeted them as they stepped into the parlor and found the duchess seated on the sofa with Ella in her lap. Also four of his maids, a footman, and the cook were watching his brother recite Robert Burns.
“Burns, I cannot tolerate him,” the duchess moaned. “’Tis flowery drivel, and the only place for it is the fire!”
The little girl chuckled and clapped her hands as Nathan made faces at her.
“Don’t listen to that crotchety old woman holding you, darling. Uncle Nathan knows best.”
“I’m not entirely sure, but is this my household?” Gabe said to anyone who would listen.
“Brother!” The relief on Nathan’s face told Gabe he’d been putting on a show for the duchess but was in fact extremely worried.
“I am well,” he said as Nathan approached.
“Your Grace, forgive me for leaving. There was a situation.” Dimity hurried to the duchess’s side.
“I heard, and I want a full accounting. But this Deville has been most amusing, so I forgive you. Even if he likes Robert Burns. We will leave now. Ella, you go to your uncle.” She lowered the child to her feet, who then walked to Nathan.
“I’ve not been gone long, and suddenly you’re an uncle and spouting poetry,” Gabe muttered, heading to the whiskey that Fairfax kept stocked on the cabinet. He poured his brothers glasses, and himself.
“She woke. Her father still sleeps. So the maid brought her here to us. She has been changed and has a full belly.” Nathan blew a disgusting noise into Ella’s neck.
Gabe threw back his whiskey, needing the burn as it traveled down his throat. Dimity was standing as far away from him as she could.
“Walk us out, Raine!” the duchess demanded, thumping her cane on the floor.
“At your service.” He bowed, then walked the duchess and Dimity from his house.
She didn’t look at him again, just nodded a farewell to the Deville brothers. Ella, she kissed on the cheek.
He held her hand as she stepped up into the carriage, letting his thumb caress her knuckles. The little shiver was her only reaction. He then closed the door and watched the carriage roll away.
“Tell us what happened, Gabe,” Nathan said when he returned. He was still holding Ella in his arms. His brothers were slouched around the furniture.
He told them everything that had happened… not everything, he thought, thinking of the kiss.
“The men are where?”
“Still tied up on the floor of Henry’s house, as I could not bring them back with just Dimity as help. We will return soon and speak with them.”
“She’s a remarkable woman,” Zach said, feeding Ella a piece of fruitcake.
“I can’t believe she came to your rescue brandishing a pistol.” Nathan laughed.
“It’s not a vision I want to see again,” Gabe said.
“She is actually the perfect wife for you,” Michael stated.
“Don’t be ridiculous.” Gabe’s heart was thudding so hard in his chest, it was painful. “I cannot marry a woman like her.”
“Like her,” Nathan said, pulling a face to Ella. “What does that mean exactly?”
“She has no noble blood!” Gabe snarled. Ella gave him a look, her lower lip trembling. “Sorry, Ella. Your uncle Gabe is being a grouchy bear.”
“And yet you have feelings for her,” Michael added softly.
“No, I do not. This conversation is over,” Gabe said, feeling like his head was about to burst. The life he’d always lived was shifting, and he couldn’t adjust. Suddenly he was questioning himself and his beliefs. Questioning his actions.It would not do!
