James followed his gaze to a petite, dark-haired beauty he didn’t recognize. Green eyes as dark as pristine emerald sparkled with mischief. There was no doubt she’d be snapped up before Season’s end. “Who is she?”
“Now, what would be the fun in divulging such information,” Shufflebottom said, then strolled away.
James kept a vigilant eye on her as the set ended and watched as she made her way near windows to stand beside a gangly tall female with blond hair who didn’t look all that happy to be in attendance. A woman in which he could wholeheartedly relate. Shufflebottom appeared to be watching as well.
The petite of the two women, the one with the dark hair, looked over and met James’s gaze head on. A dizzying sensation rippled through him. Her friend said something to her, causing the eye contact to break. A second later she had her friend’s arm. He was able to follow their progress to open doors by way of the tall blonde. The petite girl was nowhere to be seen—she was too short.
Shuff followed as well, and James did not especially care for the man’s too-casual predatory gait.
James slapped Welton on the shoulder thus causing another bout of spilled brandy and took off after the trio.
~~~
Gabby sipped at her tepid lemonade. “I’ve found him.”
“Found whom?” Rebecca’s fan fluttered furiously. “I can’t bear the heat, Gabs. I need air.”
Panic edged her friend’s voice and Gabby’s gaze broke from the attractive man she’d spotted on the other side of the dance floor to her friend. “All right.” She set her glass on a passing tray and took Rebecca’s arm and fought their way through the crowd to the open French doors onto a well-lit terrace. The cool night breeze was a welcome change.
But Rebecca didn’t stop on the terrace. She strode down the steps towards a pond where there was much less light. Gabby hurried after her. By mutual silent ascent, they moved to a small bench set off to one side.
“Thank you, Gabs. I was perilously close to collapsing.”
“You haven’t been dancing,” Gabby accused her. “I thought sharing our debut would make things easier for you.”
Rebecca rubbed her gloved hands over the bared part of her arms. “You know I’m uncomfortable in situations such as this. Your brother shooting daggers at me isn’t helping in the least.”
“He’s not!” But Gabby wasn’t so sure. Sebastian had been furious with Rebecca, blaming her for Gabby’s mischief at Miss Greensley’s Comportment School for Young Women of Quality and had yanked her out before the end of the term. Refused to let her send letters, though Gabby had managed a few. She had tried to tell Sebastian she was responsible for her own behavior, but as usual he’d refused to listen.
“Yes, he was.” Gabby felt her shiver. “I don’t wish to ever marry.”
Gabby frowned. “You’ll have to eventually, Becs.” That was a woman’s lot in life, like it or not.
Rebecca lowered her voice, speaking softly. “When that boy went after you… he wasn’t going to stop, you know.” Her gaze was on her scarred arm, though it was covered by her glove.
Now it was Gabby who shivered. She’d snuck into town to flirt with the stable boy. Rebecca had saved her by going after him with horse tack. He’d retaliated with a rake or hoe or some other garden tool. It had all happed so quickly.
Rebecca was the bravest woman Gabby had ever known. More than anything, she wanted to be as good as her friend. But she didn’t feel so courageous.
The differences in their lifestyles were tremendous. Gabby had three older sisters and an older brother who were always telling her what to do, and how and when to do it. Rebecca had only her father to contend with. “You’ll still be able to help those women. You’ll see.”
Rebecca’s features lit up with her first smile of the night and Gabby’s heart soared. This was the friend she’d missed.
“Are you ready to return inside?” Gabby asked her. She would stay with Rebecca as long as need be.
Rebecca let out a resigned sigh. “I suppose.”
But someone had followed them. “Oh, blast,” Gabby whispered. “It’s Sebastian. He can’t see me.”
“What?” Rebecca stepped forward.
But someone grabbed Gabby’s arm, startling her. “Hello, love.” She didn’t recognize the man’s voice, but she did recognize the ruffles of his sleeves. The marquis. Shufflebottom. She jerked her arm from him and inadvertently bumped into Rebecca, sending her stumbling into Sebastian.
Swallowing her groan, Gabby turned to confront the reprobate instigating this disaster, but the man was lying on the ground in a heap.
Another man stepped forward—him. One finger rested on his lips urging her to silence.
She nodded, mesmerized by the deep pools of his eyes. They seemed to bore through her. She blinked then cast a quick look over her shoulder at her brother. His hands gripped her friend’s arms to keep her from falling. He appeared angry but Rebecca—as her boldest and most courageous friend—could handle him.
