As if his words had become a solemn vow, the duke did, indeed, become a frequent visitor at the Abernathy townhouse — and he seemed to have the most impeccable timing. While Amelia never came right out and accused Gabriel of trying to sabotage her daughter’s engagement, his rank and stature keeping him beyond such reproach, the dark scowls she wore upon his unanticipated arrivals said it all.
Eastbury was just as disapproving, for it seemed no matter what time of day he chose to call, planned or not, the duke would already be ensconced in the residence, thus spoiling any ideas the earl might have had to spend some time alone with his intended bride. On one such occasion he’d taken Triana out for an intimateal frescoluncheon in Hyde Park. He had just spread out the blanket — when Gabriel rode by on his horse, thus taking it upon himself to join them.
On this particular rainy afternoon, Triana sat and stared out of her bedroom window. Drawing a heart in the fog on the glass with a wistful sigh, she thought how wonderful the last seven days had been. There were times she even dared to pretend it was the duke she was courting instead of Eastbury, for she and Gabriel talked about anything and everything, while the earl sulked nearby in brooding silence.
Triana had told Gabriel about her childhood at Rosewood, touching on that fateful summer when she had “destroyed” Travell’s life — at least as far as fishing was concerned. She had enjoyed listening to Gabriel’s rich laughter as she finished her story, her heart feeling almost too large for her chest.
In turn, he had spoken of a few of his adventures overseas, although he was careful not to reveal any hint of his being a spy. He also seemed to omit any mention of his father or much of his own childhood. She decided it must be a painful subject for him and if he wished to open up to her, he would in his own time.
Time, she found, that was quickly running out as her wedding day drew steadily closer. In less than two weeks, she would take her place as the Countess of Eastbury and these coveted moments she’d been spending with Gabriel would be over.
But regardless of how bleak her future might be, right now she was enjoying spending her days with the man she loved.
Triana closed her eyes, and brought to mind those shining, molten silver eyes; the deep, rich timbre of his voice as it flowed around her, and that glorious, thick dark hair that casually fell across Gabriel’s forehead, making her itch to brush it back — just for the excuse to touch him.
“Hiding out?”
Travell’s softly spoken greeting quickly dissipated her daydream. “Hallo, big brother.” She greeted with a smile, hastily wiping the heart on the glass away. Feeling a sudden surge of melancholy take hold, she walked over to her dressing table and began to rummage through that morning’s invitations. Up until that point she’d ignored them, but she felt the need to focus on something rather than his empathetic gaze.
“Rather gloomy day, isn’t it?” he murmured.
“Yes, it is,” she returned, pretending an interest in a musicale the following Saturday. For several moments, she continued to inspect the cards, but when the silence stretched out, she couldn’t take it anymore. Setting the mail aside, she eyed him curiously, “Was there something you wanted?”
“Actually, there is.” He blew out a heavy breath. “I don’t even know where to begin except to say there’s been a new development in the case, and while I hate the idea of involving you any further… I could actually use your help.”
Intrigued, Triana lifted a brow. “Really?” As an afterthought, she asked hesitantly, “It doesn’t involve wearing that red dress again, does it?”
“God, no!” Travell stated emphatically before muttering, “Don’t tell me you still have that thing.” As if the very idea was unthinkable.
She simply shrugged, feeling the urge to tease him a bit. “One never knows when it might come in handy.”
Travell frowned at that, although he let it pass. “I assure you, in this instance, such a drastic costume is not required.”
She crossed her arms. “What is it that you need me to do?” At that precise moment, the door to Triana’s sitting room opened and after a few seconds, closed again, signaling her maid’s arrival and departure.
“Not now.” Travell automatically lowered his voice. “Do you recall the meeting room?” Knowing that he referred to the secret space behind the bookcase, she nodded. “Meet me there at midnight. I’ll explain everything.”
***
The instant the chimes on the clock signaled the hour of twelve, a certain restlessness took hold of Gabriel. In just a few minutes,shewould be there. He could hardly contain his impatience to feast his eyes on Triana again, even though it had been less than twenty-four hours that he’d bid her farewell in the foyer, next to a sullen Eastbury. While he couldn’t keep Triana from wedding her corrupt husband-to-be, at least, not yet, he was having a grand time of paying his own addresses right beneath Eastbury’s nose.
Unfortunately, such pleasure came with a price — but then, it usually did.
While it was agreed he no longer needed to pursue Cordelia, both he and Travell coming to the conclusion that they had gained nothing from it — and would likely to continue to gain nothing — that didn’t mean he wasn’t starting to feel her bite at being ignored. He had a pile of love letters sitting in his study, and they kept coming. It was obvious the young widow wasn’t going to graciously accept his inattention.
Naturally, this raised a prickling sense of unease where Triana was concerned.
Not only was she putting herself in danger by being a professional threat to Cordelia and her cohorts, but there was every likelihood she would also become a personal one.
However, Travell felt that as long as Triana remained engaged to Eastbury she was safe from Lady Worthington’s jealous scorn.
But that didn’t mean Gabriel didn’t resent the fact.
A light click interrupted his musings, and Gabriel turned as the bookcase popped open. There stood the object of his fascination, a lovely vision in a simple, blue day dress, her dark hair hanging over her shoulder in a loose braid.
Her sparkling gaze instantly sought him out, as if she’d been anticipating this moment as much as he had. Their eyes met and a comely blush spread across her perfect cheekbones, causing his chest to tighten.
***
