"Introduction to your friend Lord Hartley's younger brother. I heard he's studying botany at Oxford."
“You wish me to become the messenger for you?”
"I want you to arrange an introduction to someone who might actually find soil management interesting to discuss."
Despite the entire horrible situation, Gabriel found himself genuinely laughing. “I declare, you have quite taken leave of your senses!”
"I prefer 'strategically unconventional.'"
"I'll consider your proposal."
"Consider quickly. Your housekeeper looks ready to commit violence."
Gabriel glanced toward Clara, who was indeed watching them with an expression that could have melted steel. Their eyes met across the room, and the longing he saw there nearly undid him.
"Twenty-three," Miss Ashworth said.
"What?"
"The number of times you've looked at her during our dance. I do think that might be some sort of record."
CHAPTER 14
Watching Gabriel dance with Miss Ashworth was torture of the most exquisite variety. Clara stood with the other upper servants, maintaining a pleasant expression while internally screaming at the sight of his hand on another woman's waist, his attention focused on someone else, his rare laugh given to a girl who wasn't her.
"You're grinding your teeth, miss," Mary whispered beside her.
"I'm maintaining a pleasant expression."
"She's very pretty."
"She is but eighteen."
"Some men prefer younger women."
Clara turned to stare at Mary. "You're being remarkably bold."
“I am conducting myself with great candour, which, you must understand, is quite distinct from audacity.”
"You and your differences."
"You and your denial."
They watched as the dance ended and Gabriel escorted Miss Ashworth back to Lady Agatha. He said something that made both women laugh, though his expression suggested he'd rather be anywhere else.
"He's doing well," Mary observed. "No one's run screaming yet."
"The night is young."
"You wish him to fail?"
"I wish him to succeed in keeping his independence from his aunt. I also want him to stop touching Miss Ashworth with such apparent comfort."
"He's barely touching her at all. His hand hovers at least an inch from her back, and he maintains maximum possible distance during the dance figures."
"You were watching that closely?"
"We're all watching that closely. Cook has money on him lasting two hours before he snaps and does something dramatic."
