“I don’t understand the need for such—voluminous gowns,” Raphe muttered as he regarded the wide-hooped skirts that seemed more of an impairment than a benefit of any kind.
“It is the queen’s preference,” Gabriella replied. “It is what is worn at court.”
A silly fancy so typical of the elite in its utter lack of practicality. But Raphe couldn’t deny that his sisters did look rather fetching. “Good luck to you both,” he said. “I’ll expect a full report upon your return.”
They left without further ado, piling into the carriage while Gabriella and one of the footmen helped arrange their massive skirts. Raphe watched from the doorway. “Do you suppose they will be all right?” he asked Richardson, who stood by his side.
“Of course. Lady Gabriella is with them. She will make sure that everything turns out well for them.” They waved as the carriage pulled away, and then went back inside the house. “May I say something, Your Grace? As your friend?”
“Only if you cease with all the ‘Your Grace’ business and start calling me Raphe or Huntley.”
Richardson grinned. “Very well then, Huntley.” They strolled toward the back of the house. “I think Lady Gabriella would make a fine match for you.”
Raphe almost tripped as his foot came down a touch too quickly behind the other. “She deserves better.”
“I see. And you think Fielding would be better? Because, let’s face it, that is who she will marry unless you decide to offer her another option.”
They arrived at the French doors overlooking the terrace. “If she and I were to become attached, she would suffer social suicide. My reputation is questionable enough already. Just think of what will happen once I fight the Bull. And Warwick knows that I lied about where I was living before moving into this house. It will only be a matter of time before someone finds out that the Duke of Huntley is nothing more than a fraud—possibly a criminal—and completely unworthy of the title and of Lady Gabriella’s hand.”
“I think you are treating yourself unfairly. You are an honorable man, Huntley. It isn’t your fault that you ended up indebted to Guthrie. Considering all that you have done for your sisters, the sacrifices you have made on their behalf . . .”
“Circumstance demanded it of me. Anyone else would have done the same.”
Richardson laughed. “If you truly believe that, then you’re not very familiar with human nature, or how the world works.”
“It doesn’t matter. I still won’t be able to win the ton’s approval, and without that, Lady Gabriella will remain as unattainable as a star in the night sky.”
“Does she share your opinion?”
“What?”
Facing Raphe, Richardson eyed him sharply. “From what I gather, Lady Gabriella has few friends among the aristocracy. Her sister and closest confidant left England to marry an American entrepreneur. She isn’t close with either of her parents, though she will do her duty if that is all that is left for her to do, simply because that is what she has been taught to do. But, if you ask me, I think she’ll be horribly unhappy with such an outcome—more unhappy than she would be with you, scandal or no.”
“You don’t know that for certain,” Raphe muttered. “And you weren’t there when I told her of my decision to honor my agreement with Guthrie. She pleaded with me to find a way out of it.”
Richardson shook his head. “Your stubbornness in this—and I don’t just mean yours, but hers as well—will see you living unhappy lives, apart from each other.” He sighed heavily before turning more fully toward Raphe. “Look, nobody can know anything for certain, but I will wager that if you don’t fight for her, you will regret it for the rest of your life.”
“You may very well be right. I just don’t see how I’ll ever convince her father to agree, and without his approval, we stand no chance at all. I will not ask her to elope with me.”
“No. That would be a terrible idea. But I’ve seen the way you look at each other. There’s real emotion there. Perhaps, if you let yourself explore your feelings for her a bit more, you’ll find the answer you seek.”
“How did it go?” Raphe asked as he and Richardson rose from their chess game to greet the women a couple of hours later.
“It was easier than expected,” Amelia said, “though I did almost knock down a vase with my skirt.”
With a grimace, Raphe hid the smile that threatened. “The queen didn’t notice?”
“I caught it just in time,” Gabriella said. “No damage done.”
“So you are now officially out,” Richardson said, directing a courteous bow at Amelia and Juliette. “Congratulations.”
“Thank you.” They spoke in unison before displaying the perfect curtsies they’d been practicing for so long.
“We couldn’t have done this without you,” Raphe told Gabriella. “Your assistance has truly been invaluable.”
“Think nothing of it.”
The lightness with which she spoke held a dismissive tone that seemed to add distance between them. Raphe felt his heart begin to ache. “Will you stay for a celebratory glass of champagne?” he asked.
