“Very well, we will discuss it no more now,” Nathan said.
“Ever,” Gabe added.
“We will discuss it again,” Michael argued. “But for now, we need to plan how to flush out Ombrage. There will be no peace for you until we do. You will not be able to wed anyone, noble or not, if you’re dead.”
“Charming.”
“It’s the truth,” Zach added. “But finding Ombrage also means our king is safe and the plot to kidnap him will not happen.”
“Hello.”
Gabe looked to the doorway where his cousin now stood.
“You look better,” Michael said.
“I have slept for hours and eaten a remarkable stew that restored my spirits.”
He had Zach’s smile, Gabe realized.
“May I come in?”
“Of course.” Gabe rose to wave him to the only remaining seat.
“Papa!” Ella climbed off Nathan’s lap and hurried to him.
Much to his relief, the topic of Dimity and her lack of noble blood was dropped, and he didn’t get time to think about her again until he lay in his bed later that night.
She was in his blood, Gabe realized. There would be no peace for either of them unless they kept their distance from each other. That he knew, would be easier said than done.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Gabe and his brothers stepped from the carriage and made their way up the front steps of the Duke of Rossetter’s townhouse. He was a man well respected in society, as was his family. Abby’s husband’s brother was married to the duke’s sister and also close to Lord William Ryder, his brother.
“Forrest is looking much healthier. It’s a good idea for him to stay with us longer, Gabe. Just until he has acquainted himself better with London,” Nathan said. “We will also need to introduce him into society.”
“I think we should ask them to stay with us permanently,” Zach added. “It’s the right thing to do.”
“And Ella has nothing to do with that?” Gabe teased.
He and his brothers had come to adore the little girl, and even with all the turmoil in his life, he knew that she’d made the household a much happier place to live. Which it had not been since Abby left.
“Of course not. It is just the right thing to do,” Zach insisted.
“I believe you are right, brother, and I will speak with Forrest tomorrow,” Gabe said.
The doors to the mansion were thrown open, and the guests were led through the house and outside to where others milled about drinking champagne and gossiping in large numbers.
“Raine.”
“Duke.” Gabe and his brothers bowed before their host. It was as he rose that he saw the ring. The band was twisted, the stone beneath, but there was little doubting the engraving on the gold, just like the one Gabe and wore.
“I serve bene tibi erit,” the duke said softly, turning the ring so only the stone was seen once more. “Stay safe, Raine.”
“I serve bene tibi erit,” he repeated softly. “You also, Rossetter.”
“Should you require it, I am at your service.”
“My thanks.” He nodded. He knew his brothers had heard what passed between them.
