“Last year, the word is that he nearly lost his country estate due to his losses in faro, and his coffers are lean.So he needs—”
“An heiress.”
Gabriel waved his hand.“Indeed.”
“And my sister is playing into his hand perfectly.”
“Was.I told her enough that she’s suspect.”
“Ah, that was the lecture.”
“Precisely.”
“That would explain her words, and actions later.She’s still rather irritated at you, I’d warn you to stay clear, but I expect that’s already in your plans.”
“You assume correctly,” Gabriel answered with utter honesty.
“At least you have the option.I… do not.”
“Being as you’re her brother.”Gabriel grinned.
“Yes, and she is my favorite sister.”Henley sighed, leaning back in the chair.
“Your only sister,” Gabriel added.
“Details.”Henley waved his hand.“But, being her brother, I feel compelled to say, she’s not a bad egg.She’s incredible most of the time and hilarious.I know you’ve had your run-ins with her, and her with you, so you’ve seen the defensive side.But she’s worth more than she thinks, especially with this bloody plan of hers, and Ramsford volleying to take advantage of her.She doesn’t deserve this,” Henley whispered the last words.
Gabriel blew out a breath.“No, she doesn’t.”
Henley smacked his knees.“Well, thank you for the information.I’ll be keenly aware, and since Ramsford would need my approval, and that is not happening under any circumstances, I believe we have averted this crisis—thanks to you, my friend.”
“Happy to be of service.”Gabriel stood and nodded his friend.
“I’ll see you… when I see you.”Henley gave a curt nod and took his leave.
Gabriel watched him depart and then sank back down into his chair.Guilt gnawed on him.
Because Henley was right.
Lady Peregrine did deserve better.
And he’d stolen something Ramsford hadn’t even dared.
Her kiss.
He twirled his cane absently, the silver head catching the afternoon light like a mocking halo.Somewhere across town, a certain debutante was probably plotting his demise—or worse, cataloguing the exact shade of his eyes.The thought should have amused him.Instead, it settled beneath his ribs like a live coal, warm and impossible to extinguish.
Chapter Nine
The mixture oflaughter and conversation permeated the atmosphere of Lord and Lady Devertan’s ballroom.Crystal chandeliers dripped light like molten gold; the air shimmered with beeswax and ambition.It was almost distracting enough to pull Pere from her thoughts—rather, irritation from earlier that day—but only for a moment.Squeezing her hands into fists in her kid gloves, she tried not to glare as she surveyed the room.Her pulse still thrummed with the ghost of a kiss she refused to name.
Her brother paused near her and leaned in close, his voice just a low whisper.“If Ramsford—”
“I’d love to say I can handle myself, but there would be something delightfully satisfying in seeing you give him an unexpected right hook.I’d probably start applauding.”She glanced to Henley and raised an eyebrow.
Henley blinked, then furrowed his brows.“Do I have a reason to?”
“Other than soothe my irritation, no.Unfortunately.”She watched her brother relax slightly.
