Travell was patiently waiting for her by the front door, his hat and riding crop in hand. She anxiously accepted her own crop from the ever efficient butler, afraid that her mother might reappear at any moment, but already a hasty glance about had told her that the countess was nowhere in sight.
Travell had won the day again, and as always, his skill at pacifying Amelia never ceased to amaze her.
***
“I never knew what a kind nature Lady Gretfield possessed,” Lady Worthington noted, as the baroness’ carriage rattled away. “Then again, she has attended my salon several times and has always been a particular friend.” The older woman had paused for what appeared to be a brief exchange of pleasantries, when in truth it was nothing more than another slur against the moral character of Triana Abernathy.
Gabriel had managed to keep silent beside Cordelia for the past half hour of malicious attacks; nodding and murmuring a greeting here or there when it was expected of him, but his tolerance for the entire ton was beginning to wear exceedingly thin. The smug expressions his companion continuously wore, as she played up her part of the poor victim, did nothing to absolve his anger. If anything, it merely intensified.
However, as he was a seasoned agent for the Crown and possessed of an outward passivity born of experience, he calmly focused on maneuvering his stylish phaeton through Hyde Park’s famed, Rotten Row. The only sign of his growing irritation being the slight tightening of his jaw, but even then, it was practically indiscernible.
In spite of his control, Gabriel admitted there had been a moment this morning when he’d nearly stalked into the main office of the Times with the intention of pummeling the daylights out of the reporter responsible for printing such blatant lies. But he’d come to the realization that to do so, would be like cutting his throat and that of the other agents assigned to this damnable case. Even Travell had agreed that to retaliate now would be foolhardy, although he’d said little else on the matter. But Gabriel knew what he’d been thinking. Hell, the same thing had run through his mind. While duty and honor were compelling them to solve this mystery, it was the Regent who was counting on their success. Thus, getting reprimanded for insubordination would ultimately accomplish nothing. And as irritating as it was, there were casualties in war — even those fought in secret.
Even so, that didn’t mean he wasn’t feeling a degree of guilt for causing more trouble for Triana. He could still picture her as clearly as if she were in his arms; that silky dark hair pulled up in an elegant coiffure, a few enticing curls left to dangle along that graceful neck. Those beautiful, sapphire eyes — wide and innocent — shimmering like chips of heaven, the spark of desire matching his own; and that luscious, pink mouth perfect for kissing…
Abruptly, Gabriel cleared his throat and shifted in his seat.
Last night, he’d meant to shock Triana so that she might relent with her suspicious nature, but now he feared he’d only made matters worse.
For both of them.
“You can’t mean to speak to her?” Cordelia hissed.
Gabriel hadn’t even realized he’d stopped, but as he returned to the present, he realized the cause for his hesitation.
Damn.
It was as if by thinking of the blasted woman, he’d actually gone and conjured her in the flesh. His pulse quickened as Triana and her brother rode steadily closer, both perched bravely atop their mounts with heads held high, giving the appearance they had nary a care in the world, but Gabriel could tell quite the opposite was true. In the short time he’d been observing their progress down the track, Triana had received more than one direct cut and the barbs were starting to make their mark — showing in the strained smile and the tension coursing through her body as she stiffly sat in her sidesaddle.
Travell glanced up and noticed him and his mouth set in a grim line. It was obvious he wasn’t pleased that Gabriel intended to acknowledge them. After all, how was Gabriel going to gain Cordelia’s confidence if he kept pushing back each opportunity to earn it?
A brief look at his companion confirmed that Cordelia’s mouth was indeed pinched in displeasure at being detained. Nevertheless, he set the brake on his phaeton, because in his defense, he was the Duke of Chiltern and thus, could do whatever the hell he wanted.
***
Triana had anticipated this outing with her brother as a temporary respite from her mother’s rant, but it soon became all too evident that she wasn’t going to gain much of a reprieve from her peers.
The first direct cut was to be expected, she supposed, for it was common knowledge that the ton enjoyed a good scandal and reveled in their own superiority. Besides, hadn’t she had enough experience with this theory in the past to prove its worth? But as each carriage and horseback rider passed without so much as a single glance in her direction, she felt the backs of her eyelids beginning to sting. She could tell these blatant snubs angered her brother as well, for whatever nod Travell returned had become strictly formal at best, his mouth having compressed into a thin, white line of fury.
At least he isn’t suffering the full brunt of their snobbery, Triana noted gratefully, as another couple passed by and greeted him, although pointedly ignored her.
To reflect, all of this could have been prevented if she’d only said no to Gabriel’s offer to dance. One simple word would have made all the difference between continuing as a forgotten wallflower and becoming a true outcast in society. One simple word would have been the choice between accepting the duke… or the earl. True, she hadn’t been considering the full consequences of her actions when her heart was screaming yes, but even so, would it have mattered?
The answer was, again, that simple word — no. Even if her option had been any other man than Eastbury, she would have still wanted to dance with Gabriel.
And even though she was paying the price for that moment of freedom now, it had been worth every glorious moment.
With a newfound resolve stiffening her backbone, Triana took a deep breath and lifted her chin, prepared to face whatever lay ahead down the track — only to find that bit of courage rapidly skitter back down to her toes as her gaze clashed with a pair of silver eyes. Gabriel — and by his side — Lady Worthington.
Panic started to well up in Triana’s chest with such force that she had to look away in order to gain control of her emotions. She darted a nervous glance in her brother’s direction in an attempt to gage his reaction, but his face was wiped clean of any expression. He seemed neither upset nor concerned that they were about to create a scene in the middle of Hyde Park. It seemed as if a hush had already descended over the area; the ton lying in quiet anticipation for the sparks to fly.
Triana held tight to her mare’s reins as her eyes drifted back to him. Her pulse began to flutter wildly as those brilliant orbs caught hers yet again, an unknown emotion flashing in their depths. Dear God, please don’t let it be pity! She didn’t know if she could bear it if that were true. The humiliation alone would cause more grief than anything she’d endured thus far.
But even with her heart pounding in her chest and her palms sweating, as they drew closer Triana couldn’t help but admire the man. He was truly a wonderful specimen of masculinity. The ever impressionable duke, today he had dressed a bit more leisurely, having donned a pair of caramel breeches… which managed to hug every corded muscle of those long legs. A honey-hued waistcoat and cravat accentuated a wide chest and firm stomach, while his dark chocolate jacket showed off those broad shoulders to perfection. Complete with a shining pair of black Hessians, did he not look tempting enough to eat!
A true, sexual confection to enjoy…
Why, oh why, did he have to be the one to affect her like this?
“Good day, Lord Curdiff.” Gabriel inclined that glorious, chestnut mane as she and Travell paused beside his phaeton. “Lady Triana.” As he bestowed a wide, charming grin in her direction, Triana couldn’t help but feel her lips lift in return.
“Your Grace,” Travell replied mild
ly. “I trust you and Lady Worthington are having a pleasant drive?”
That hypnotic gaze remained on her. “Indeed we are, although I must say the day has vastly improved with your dazzling encounter.”
Triana felt her cheeks heat unwittingly, while her brother answered somewhat curtly, “You flatter my sister and me unnecessarily, Your Grace. It is merely the sunshine to which you surely refer.” She wondered at her brother’s sudden demeanor, for she had not heard him take that tone with anyone before. She glanced back at the duke to see his reaction, but he seemed completely unaffected by her brother’s terse manner, keeping his expression perfectly pleasant.
Travell turned to Cordelia, who had remained silent during the entire exchange, although, if the look on her face was anything to go by, she was not in the mood for polite conversation. “Lady Worthington, you’re looking extremely well today. I must say that shade of apricot brings out your skin tone quite admirably.”
A stiff, but tolerable smile touched her lips. “Thank you, Lord Curdiff. Allow me to express how well you sit atop a horse.”
After that bit of courtesy, she fell silent, and it was obvious that Cordelia had no intention of acknowledging Triana. Gabriel turned to his companion with a simple lift of his dark brow. “My dear,” he said smoothly. “Surely you also remember the viscount’s sister, Lady Triana Abernathy?”
For a heartbeat, the marchioness sat as still as a statue. Finally, those green eyes slowly descended upon Triana, every bit as frigid as London in January. “Of course. How could I forget?”
While the greeting was given reluctantly, Triana could not have cared less. She was still reeling from the fact that Gabriel had stood up for her. He wasn’t supposed to do that! If he acted nice then that would only made it that much harder to dislike him. But this was the compassionate man who had loaned her his handkerchief, not the arrogant rogue from the night before.
So why was he trying so hard to convince her that he was the former and not the latter?
“I’m sure you’re anxious to be on your way, Your Grace, so we shall not take up any more of your time.” Again, there seemed to be that sharp edge to Travell’s voice.
But Gabriel seemed oblivious as he turned and offered Cordelia one of those heart-stopping grins that made Triana’s knees weaken. “I did promise Lady Worthington that she could have a try at the reins before I escorted her home and if nothing else, I am a man of my word.” While the widow still looked as if she’d bit into a ripe persimmon, she perked up slightly at the prospect of being alone with Gabriel once again.
Triana thought she might be sick.
Travell touched the brim of his hat in farewell, and then set his gelding into motion, leaving Triana to follow suit. For whatever reason, she was compelled to risk one last glance at Gabriel, who was already in the process of pulling back into the congested traffic. She watched as they were instantly hailed by another carriage, the occupant inside probably intent on gaining the full tête-à-tête about their interlude.
Not once did the duke turn back and seek her gaze.
But then, wasn’t it said that fools were quickly forgotten?
Chapter Six
Triana had hoped that after the duke’s acknowledgement in Hyde Park, she would be able to return to her usual routine and quickly fade into the background once again. But as the next several days passed, she found the efforts of turning a blind eye to the snickers and sour looks that followed her around like a heavy shadow became rather tiring and virtually impossible to tolerate.
She was so popular that caricatures of her were now being drawn in the society pages. The most embarrassing, thus far, had been when the artist portrayed Triana as a light skirt holding a swaddled dog in order to chase down unsuspecting bachelors as they went screaming for their life.
In spite of her newfound fame, even the most mundane of tasks, such as shopping with her mother on Bond Street, had become a wearisome ordeal as the shopkeepers recognized her and often chuckled at her expense the moment she started to walk out the door. Naturally, Amelia always had plenty to say on the matter, and the battle going on inside the house was nearly as bad as the one raging outside its doors.
Lady Trenton had ignored her daughter’s pleas to remain at home until some of the ensuing scandal had died down; thus Triana generally ending her evenings with nerves strung as tight as a bowstring and a headache the size of the Sistine Chapel.
It was as if she was making her hellish debut all over again. Except this time, it wasn’t her father’s indiscretions that were causing the nightmare. Although, honestly, how a simple dance was at all comparable to Lord Trenton running off with the scullery maid to parts unknown, never to be seen again, she would never know.
Triana wasn’t sure she would have been able to survive if it wasn’t for the fact Travell had accompanied them to a few events, thus causing the more malicious gibes to desist for a time.
But even her brother’s support couldn’t take away the pain whenever she saw... him, with the elegant, Lady Worthington forever present at the duke’s side. It hurt to think that Gabriel had seemed to forget her existence, for that silver-hued gaze never once turned her direction, nor did he bother to acknowledge her again. The knife only twisted deeper when the rumor mills began churning that he and Cordelia were becoming known as the couple of the season, although a formal betrothal had yet to be announced.
One would have thought that all the negative attention swirling about Triana would have deterred Lord Eastbury’s pursuit, but he was just as diligent as ever. He’d actually had the nerve to corner her one evening as she was coming out of the water closet at Lady Gretfield’s musicale. He had accosted her in a deserted hallway with one of those predictable, leering grins — but abruptly lost his balance when Triana eluded his advance at the last instant. He’d stumbled forward and slammed into one of the baroness’ costly, Greek vases, not quite managing to steady the teetering china before it smashed to the floor. While it was obvious he was irritated at being so sorely dissuaded, his pride more than pricked, at least the episode had taken long enough for her to make a hasty retreat.
To make matters worse, she’d made the mistake of telling her mother about the incident. She thought for sure Amelia would be aghast at the earl’s inappropriate behavior and finally lay the matter of his suit to rest, but to her utter disbelief, the countess turned the tables, subjecting her to a two hour lecture about the proper behavior of a lady and how a chaste reputation was essential in gaining a proposal.
“It’s no wonder you’re such a disappointment if such common sense escapes you,” Lady Trenton had scolded, the accusation, “Just like your father,” hanging unspoken between them.
Some days later on a gloomy afternoon, feeling rather despondent and with an intense need for someone to talk to, Triana called for the carriage to be brought around. With her maid accompanying her, she allowed a footman to assist her inside, before giving the driver her direction.
Shortly thereafter, she was deposited in front of Lady Alwan’s townhouse. The home of Alyssa Breyton’s rather eccentric aunt was the only place she knew she’d always be welcome. While the lady of the manor was unfortunately out for the day, luckily, her niece was in. After a brief wait, Triana was led to the conservatory, where Alyssa was pruning her prize-winning roses.
After a surprised, but pleasant smile upon seeing her, Alyssa brushed the dirt off her fingers and removed her soiled apron. “Tri! How nice to see you! And you couldn’t have come at a more perfect time. I fear the Blue Ladies were growing a bit weary of my presence since I fuss over them so,” she said, referring to one of her most lovely and fragrant cross breeds as she walked over and gave Triana a welcoming hug. After a moment, Alyssa released her and they removed to the front parlor where she ordered tea. It was quickly served on a scrolled cart, the maid bobbing a curtsy as she left the girls to themselves.
They settled comfortably upon a maroon settee near the window, and chatted for a while over the late
st fashions and on dits, but those subject were soon exhausted, as the only thing that seemed to be on everyone’s lips these days was either about the duke, Lady Worthington, or Triana.
Suddenly, Alyssa reached out and took her hand. “You know, I nearly took Aunt Pearl up on her offer to go for an ice at Gunther’s, but now I’m so glad I declined and remained behind.”
Triana sighed. “I’m sorry. I know I should have sent you a note before I just showed up on your doorstep like that…”
Alyssa’s expression became firm. “You know that’s not what I meant! You’re welcome to come over any time. Auntie and I love your company. Besides, I don’t think there was ever a time when we haven’t been friends.”
Triana knew she referred to the simple days of their childhood where they had seen each other practically every day, for their families’ estates in the country bordered one another. “That’s true,” she noted solemnly. “I guess that’s the reason I’m here. I’ve been feeling like an exile lately, so I was in dire need of a friendly face.”
Alyssa rolled her eyes. “Don’t be so dramatic. It’s not that bad.” When Triana just shot her a look, she amended, “Perhaps it is that bad, but it’s bound to get better. You and I both know that nothing lasts forever.” A faraway look abruptly passed in front of her friend’s expressive green eyes, but just as soon as it appeared, it was gone. She replaced her sudden lapse with a bright smile. “You haven’t said anything about Travell. You two aren’t clashing, are you?”
“Not at the moment.” Triana smiled, knowing she and Travell had undergone their squabbles like any other siblings. “Honestly, I think he’s too busy acting as my protector to argue with me right now, for when he does step outside of his study, it’s only to accompany Mother and I to a ball, and then he disappears not long after we get there. It’s rather frustrating.”
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