Triana's Spring Seduction

by Tabetha Waite

  Triana merely laughed. The statement was nothing less than she expected from the cynical, American blonde. She had wondered what had happened in the woman’s past for her to have such a negative outlook on life, but she undoubtedly had her own reasons. After all, it wasn’t so long ago she had had the same thoughts of the future.

  “I’m so glad you could come,” Triana said sincerely.

  Korina gave a wink. “You know me. I wouldn’t miss the opportunity to stir up some new scandal. Although it’s regrettable you won’t be joining us on our sojourn to America.”

  As she moved on and disappeared into the crowd, Gabriel bent down to murmur in her ear, “What was that all about?”

  Triana smiled. “Merely a friendly pact between ladies,” she returned.

  He winced. “In that case, spare me the details.”

  Shortly thereafter, Alyssa arrived with her aunt. With a squeal of delight, the brunette gave Triana a tight hug. “I knew it would all work out somehow.” She whispered in Triana’s ear. “Because you deserve nothing but the best.”

  Triana gave a watery grin. “I know fate has something in the cards for you too.”

  “Perhaps,” she teased, but Triana didn’t miss the sudden, wistful look in her eyes. However, she didn’t have time to remark on it before Rowena stepped forward.

  “So you’re the first,” the tall blond murmured. “And here I thought it might have been Isabella.”

  “I don’t think I’ve seen her yet this evening.” With a considering frown, Triana glanced at her husband, who took a break in talking with Baron Nightingdon to shrug. “I don’t believe so, although I made sure she received an invitation.”

  Triana gave a thoughtful pause. “Now that I think on it, I haven’t seen Izzy since the Westerville ball over a fortnight ago. But then, I’ve been rather… preoccupied.”

  “Hmm. I haven’t talked to her either,” Alyssa said, her tone one of concern.

  “I’m returning to London tomorrow,” Rowena said. “So I will make sure to pay a call.”

  As her friends walked away, Triana’s stomach clenched in concern. ‘Oh, Izzy,’ she prayed silently. ‘Please say you haven’t gotten in over your head with that rake, Wistenberry!’

  But as the next string of guests walked up to congratulate the new couple, Triana forced herself to push aside her reservations as she concentrated on being the gracious hostess.

  ***

  It was nearly four-thirty in the morning when the last of the guests were bundled into their carriages to return to their prospective homes, with only a select few offered rooms to spend the night at Chiltern Hall, including Travell and Lady Trenton.

  “I haven’t stayed up that late in ages!” Amelia said on a yawn. “You know how to throw a wonderful party, my dear.” She kissed her daughter’s cheek. “I’m proud of you, Triana.” And then she amended, “Your Grace.”

  Triana smiled. “Thank you, Mama.”

  As the older woman trudged up the stairs to her room, Travell bowed to his sister. “I suppose I ought to be turning in as well.” With a grin at Gabriel, he said, “I imagine you are ready to have your wife to yourself.”

  “You speak correctly,” the duke said with a chuckle, before embracing his brother-in-law and clapping him on the back. “Good to have you here, Travell.”

  With a silent salute, the viscount took his leave.

  Gabriel crooked his finger at Triana, and she happily glided into his arms. “Everything was perfect tonight, but you were the most glorious of all.”

  As weary as she was, Triana felt a rush of sensation travel up her spine at his praise. She cocked a sly brow. “And here I thought the evening was just beginning?”

  With a wicked grin, Gabriel replied heatedly, “What a saucy wench, you are. And to think, you’re all mine.”

  He took her hand and led her up the stairs. After kicking his bedchamber door shut, she slowly began to take the pins out of her hair, letting the dark tresses fall to her waist in a cascade of shining curls. After his lips met hers in a tender kiss, she whispered, “I love you, Gabriel.”

  “I’ll never get tired of hearing that,” he murmured. As he ran a light finger down her cheek, his eyes filled with all the love in his soul. “I love you, Triana. And rest assured, my heart will always be yours.”

  Epilogue

  Earlier that same evening…

  “Tell me again why I have to resort to drinking this vile stuff?” Travell drawled, as the duke poured him a hefty draught of brandy and handed it to him, before pouring some for himself.

  Gabriel merely held out a paper to his brother-in-law. “Because of this.”

  A confused frown creasing his brow, Travell murmured, “Something tells me that’s why Claymoore and Montgomery are forced to miss tonight’s festivities.”

  Gabriel gave a quirk of his brow. “Indeed. Although they did send a rather nice wedding gift for me and my new bride — a crate of vintage, 1792 Madeira from the days of Marie Antoinette.”

  Travell let out a low whistle. “Damned nice of them. I can’t help but feel as if the Francois Boucher painting I got for you has now fallen a bit short of the mark.”

  With a chuckle, the duke replied, “Remember who we’re speaking of. Knowing our fellow agents as I do, I have to wonder if they actually purchased the wine, or managed to pilfer it from some poor fool.”

  “You do have a point.” Travell agreed, before unfolding the missive. After a moment, he heaved a sigh and handed it back to Gabriel, who placed it in the top drawer of his desk and locked the drawer. “Damnation. The life of a spy is never done.”

  “It appears that way, does it not?” Gabriel downed his drink and carefully set the glass aside. “However, I have every confidence that Logan and Ridge can handle this particular matter. As you know, I’ll be in Italy with my wife, although I will do what I can when I’m not...” He gave a brief clearing of his throat. “…otherwise occupied.”

  Travell gave a snort. “I have the distinct feeling that I’ll be an uncle sooner rather than later.” Then, more seriously, he said, “Enjoy your honeymoon, Gabriel. Let the rest of us take care of this loose end.” With a tilt of his head, he asked, “Have you told Triana?”

  The duke gave a heavy sigh. “And what should I say? That one of her friends has run off with a bounder who has nefarious purposes?” He shook his head. “No. I don’t think she needs to know. At least, not at this time.”

  “Good point.” Travell murmured, although he couldn’t help asking. “Unless you believe Lady Isabella is missing for another reason?”

  Gabriel was silent for a moment. “I’ve considered that. The only thing I know is that my wife will not turn a blind eye to her disappearance once it’s out in the open.”

  “Which is why you’re taking her out of the country. Good idea,” Travell noted, as he took a drink of his brandy. As it burned a path down his throat, he said stoically, “What I don’t understand is why this French spy would have assisted in Lady Worthington’s demise? Or why he might have absconded with Lady Isabella if that’s indeed what happened.”

  Gabriel held up the silver snuffbox that Cordelia’s coachman had dropped, and lightly placed it on his desk. “I’m not exactly sure of all his reasons. What I can say for certain is that he is a criminal who needs to be stopped.”

  “Indeed,” Travell concurred grimly, as he rose to his feet. “It looks as though it’s time I got back to work, although it wasn’t much of a holiday.”

  “Send word if you need anything.” Gabriel’s eyes were firm.

  Travell blew out a breath. “I promise to alert you if it’s something Logan, Ridge, or I can’t handle.” As he narrowed his eyes, the viscount reiterated, “I swear it on our oath of friendship.”

  “That’s good enough then.” Gabriel nodded, satisfied. As he picked up the snuffbox, he put it back in his desk and locked it, but he could feel it burning a hole in the wood, the condemning initials S.H. still imprinted on his brain.

/>   Simon Hindercray — the Viscount of Wistenberry.

  I’d like to thank you for purchasing this book. I know you could have chosen any number of stories to read, but you picked this one and for that I am humbled and grateful! I hope that the romance captured your heart and added a smile to your day. If so, it would be awesome if you could share this book with your friends and family and post a review! Your feedback and support will help improve my writing and to continue growing as an author.

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  Cheers! xo

  About the Author

  Tabetha Waite began her writing journey at a young age. At nine years old, she was crafting stories of all kinds on an old Underwood typewriter. She started reading romance in high school and immediately fell in love with the genre. She gained her first publishing contract with Etopia Press and released her debut novel in July of 2016 - “Why the Earl is After the Girl,” the first book in her Ways of Love Series. Since then, she has become a hybrid author, transitioning into indie publishing. She has won several awards for her books.

  She is a small town, Missouri girl who continues to make her home in the Midwest with her husband and two wonderful daughters. When she’s not writing novels filled with adventure and heart, she is either reading, or searching the local antique mall or flea market for the latest interesting find. You can find her on most any social media site, and she encourages fans of her work to join her mailing list for updates.

  www.authortabethawaite.wix.com/romance