"You have to care. This is about more than just us now. It's about keeping your independence from your aunt's control."
"None of that matters if…"
"It all matters," Clara interrupted. "I'll go first. Wait at least five minutes before following."
"Clara…"
She kissed him once more, quick but thorough. "Try to look less like you want to burn down the building when you return."
"I do want to burn down the building."
"I know, but hide it better."
She slipped out, leaving Gabriel with Edmund, who was studying his friend with something between pity and frustration.
"You're playing with fire," Edmund said.
"I'm already burned. What's a little more damage?"
"The kind that destroys everything, including her."
The carriage ride home was silent torture. Gabriel sat across from Aunt Agatha and Miss Ashworth, maintaining polite conversation while every fiber of his being was focused on Clara, who was following in the servants' carriage behind them.
"You did well tonight," Aunt Agatha said, though she sounded suspicious rather than pleased. "Several people commented on your improved demeanor."
"How gratifying to know my demeanor has been a topic of discussion."
"Everything about you is a topic of discussion. You're the mysterious scarred duke who's been hiding away for three years.Your emergence is the most exciting thing to happen in the county since the war ended."
"How wonderful to provide entertainment for the masses."
"Don't be sardonic. It's unbecoming."
"Everything about me is unbecoming according to you."
"Not everything. You managed to dance with Penelope without terrifying her, which is progress."
Miss Ashworth spoke up. "His Grace was perfectly pleasant. We had a lovely discussion about agricultural practices."
Aunt Agatha looked horrified. "Agricultural practices?"
"Soil management, specifically," Gabriel added helpfully. "Miss Ashworth is remarkably knowledgeable about nitrogen content."
"That's hardly appropriate ballroom conversation."
"On the contrary," Miss Ashworth said. "It was far more interesting than the usual discussions about weather and fashion. His Grace has innovative ideas about crop rotation."
Gabriel caught the girl's eye and saw the amusement there. She was definitely too clever for her own good.
When they reached Ashbourne Hall, Gabriel helped both ladies from the carriage, then waited impatiently for theservants' carriage to arrive. When it did, he had to force himself not to rush to help Clara down.
"Your Grace," she said with a curtsey. "Shall I prepare tea for your guests?"
"That won't be necessary," Aunt Agatha said. "We're returning to the inn. But Gabriel, we'll call tomorrow to discuss the next steps in your courtship with Penelope."
"I await your visit with breathless anticipation."
"Your sarcasm is noted and unappreciated."
