Page 3 of Miss Kimble Bites Back (Revenge of the Wallflowers #28)

CHAPTER THREE

Gabby looked up as her cousin hurried into their drawing room at last, adjusting his cravat. About time!

Bennett met her gaze levelly. You know, I much preferred you before this season turned you into a fanatic about punctuality.

Well, it s your own fault. I could kiss you for making my dream of a London season come true, she said sweetly.

No need for threats or violence, he warned, waving her off and then dropping into his favorite chair across the room. I always knew you couldn t stay a little girl forever, certainly not under my roof.

Gabby had known Bennett all her life. He had been her guardian since she was eleven and they were like brother and sister after so many years of knowing each other—including squabbling when no one was listening in.

He was the reason she was in London for her first season. Her family had possessed little money, and her dowry was small. But Bennett had made his fortune young and liberally spoiled her. He d made all her dreams possible last night, too, by accepting his cousin s invitation to a ball, though she shuddered to think what this was costing him. She wanted to marry quickly and well, so he could have his life back. So much depended on her making a good impression in the coming weeks.

Gabby set her hands to her face and let out a shaky breath to calm herself. It was almost time for morning calls, and she expected to have more than one gentleman in their parlor today, not just the rather distracting Duke of Mamble.

Mamble would never choose her to be his bride, and for too many reasons to list, but others might consider her because of his presumed interest.

After all, she had been the only woman chosen by the duke to dance with, and many other gentlemen had paid gratifying attention to her after that. Asking her to dance, others seeking an introduction. There had been plenty of others looking her way after the duke had promised to call on her today, too, and not just men. She d noticed the envy directed her way by other women. Do I look all right?

You look perfectly fine to me, Bennett promised, barely glancing her way.

Gabby was unusually nervous today. The Duke of Mamble had announced his intention to call on her this morning so loud and clear that if he didn t come, she d be utterly humiliated. What if he forgets? What if no one else comes?

Then they can hardly consider themselves gentlemen. Don t worry. You made quite the impression last night, Bennett promised. But I m really all the company you should ever require in the parlor on any morning.

She poked her tongue out at him and then laughed at his exaggerated shock.

Much better, he announced with an approving nod for her childishness. Try not to be so serious over all this and do try to have fun.

Easy for you to say, she grumbled. If a lady does not make her match by her second season, you know she will be considered on the shelf. A first season marriage would be best.

That is not strictly true, and you know it. I m not worried about you making a match this season. You re being courted by a duke, after all.

I m not being courted by the Duke of Mamble, Gabby swore. He could have no real interest in me.

That man was a study in contradictions, though. She could not quite decide what he was about. Calling her kitten, touching her lips, and then warning her away in the next breath.

Then asking her to dance when no one else had bothered.

He d saved her evening from being a complete disappointment and made the other gentlemen notice her. She was very grateful, but she suspected now that he was merely amusing himself by pretending to be interested.

She hadn t spotted him again after their dance was over. It was all she could do not to watch for him by the window now, too.

It was foolish to hope, but there was something about him that set him apart from the other gentlemen she d spoken with in London. It must be the suit he wore so well. He was a cut above all others, and especially her.

Gabby smoothed her gloved hands over her prettiest muslin gown and took a deep breath as she heard the door knocker sound through the house. She knew what to expect from the morning—a brief interlude with a handful of gentlemen who had danced with her last night. She had no faith that Lord Brookes would be among them. He hadn t asked her to dance and had taken the floor with Justine instead, much to her consternation.

Justine said later that he d asked her to dance when Gabby had been absent from the ballroom. That must have been when she d slipped into the library, looking for a chance to talk to him in private, and found the Duke of Mamble instead.

A mistake that was perhaps not quite in her best interests when it came to catching Brookes notice. Many might have considered her compromised. She would be if anyone learned she d tasted the duke s bare fingertip, too.

She blushed even now, astonished by her own actions toward a gentleman she d heard nothing good about.

Their butler, Tibbs, announced her third dance partner, Lord Triscot, had arrived. He came bearing lilacs, which Gabby admired and reluctantly set aside. Triscot was whip-thin and smiled a lot as he greeted her cousin. Bennett knew the man from long before Gabby had become his ward.

Triscot turned a beaming smile her way. How are you today, Miss Kimble?

I am very well, my lord. I trust your mother is in good health?

Indeed, she is, and sends her warmest regards.

Do pass along mine as well to her. Gabby leaned a little toward him. I have it on good authority that you might have purchased a new mount recently.

That good authority could only have been my dear mama, he replied with a resigned sigh. I tell you, be glad not to have a mother who can never keep a secret.

Gabby winced. Was buying a new mount meant to be so great a secret?

No, but now she s told you, I ve nothing left to say on the subject, he complained, rubbing at his brow.

Gabby smiled quickly. Lady Triscot was a kind woman, but talkative. Gabby had met her several times since coming to London. She was interrupted before she could launch into a full description of the animal.

That must be a first. Triscot grinned again. Nineteen hands, black as night but with a settled temperament that makes him easy to ride. A rarity in a stallion.

He sounds wonderful, she enthused. I must confess I ve ridden nothing but plodding short horses. Sixteen hands at most. I lay the blame squarely at my guardian s feet.

Triscot laughed, but then rubbed his brow. Then he has done his duty well to protect you from misadventure, he murmured. I ll have to invite you and your cousin to join me for a ride one day soon.

Gabby glanced over at Bennett for his reaction to that almost invitation. He merely nodded. Gabby will do well on any mount once she becomes used to being so far from the ground.

Despite my cousin s claims, I am not afraid of heights, she argued, determined Triscot thought well of her.

That must have been some other ward of mine, shrieking and stuck up a ladder, clinging to the rails for dear life— Bennett s words abruptly cut off. I say, Triscot, are you well?

A sudden headache, Triscot promised with a shake of his head. Bennett and Triscot spoke of horses and riding, and a date was set for the pair to go the next week. Triscot took his leave not long after, claiming he was headed back to bed until his sore head passed.

Another gentleman called and took his place, then another, and another.

Bennett began to chuckle after the last one left. And you feared awkwardness. You handled those gentlemen as if they called on you every day.

I thought it would be nerve-racking, but men do like to talk about themselves if encouraged. What would you suggest except asking about their most recent purchases?

I suppose you could have complimented Triscot on his dancing, except he stomped on your foot, I believe.

He did, but he apologized immediately. In truth, her best dance partner had been the Duke of Mamble. He had not made a wrong step, and she d felt herself floating when she was in his arms. Triscot had stumbled about and there was a strong scent of spirits on his breath late last night, which likely explained his sore head today.

A knock sounded, and after a moment, the butler stepped inside, carrying flowers. These were sent by a Mr. Brown, along with a note for Miss Kimble.

Gabby took the note first and broke the seal to scan the page. I regret a prior appointment prevents me from calling upon you this morning. Please accept my sincere apology and wish to call on you tomorrow instead.

Gabby exhaled and passed the note to her cousin to read. I liked him. He made me laugh.

Well, that is all that is needed in a husband besides a weighty pocketbook, Bennett teased. Brown will be here tomorrow, never fear. He is renowned for never breaking his word.

Well, that is very much to his credit, she murmured, and then took the flowers from Tibbs, who had remained holding them still. Thank you, sir.

She had liked Mr. Brown, but there had been none of that sudden spark she d experienced when she d laid eyes on Lord Brookes, or even the Duke of Mamble.

She had two more callers, both polite and interesting gentlemen, after that. She found herself repeating the same pleasantries and questions to each gentleman, and they went on their way with a professed hope to see her again at a future social engagement.

The door knocker boomed through the house then. Tibbs scampered back to his post to answer it, and Gabby set her flowers aside.

Tibbs returned. Viscount Brookes.

Gabby could not hide her surprise at the news. Brookes hadn t been expected, but he was the one man she had truly hoped to see in their parlor.

She put on her most pleasing smile. Do show him in.

Tibbs glanced at Bennett. He wishes to speak with Mr. Kimble first, and alone.

Bennett frowned and stood, tugging down his waistcoat. Does he now? Well, you may show the viscount to my study. I ll see him there in a moment.

Gabby waited until Tibbs was gone before she spoke up. What could he want to say to you in private?

I don t know, Bennett said, frowning a little.

Bennett, what will you say if he asks for my hand in marriage? she whispered, pulse beginning to race at the prospect. Surely it was too soon to have decided that. But then again, Gabby had fallen for Lord Brookes the moment she d laid eyes on him.

Bennett stopped beside her chair. I cannot believe he knows you well enough. Do not get your hopes up. I ll be back in a moment.

Gabby watched Bennett leave and the door fall closed behind him, but she could not remain seated. She crept to the closed door to listen as Lord Brookes was welcomed into the town house and shown to Bennett s study.

Hearing nothing after that, she opened the door a crack wider and set her eye to the gap. The hallway was empty and offered no new information, so she closed it again, turned away and moved toward the front windows.

Lord Brookes gleaming high-perch phaeton stood outside their town house, attended by only a small boy. Her neighbors across the street were at their windows though, peeking out at the gleaning black and gold carriage, too.

And then a pair of black horses pulling another carriage came into view behind it. Gabby drew back a little, wishing not to be seen by anyone inside. The larger carriage had to stop, and grooms rushed forward to berate the boy holding Lord Brookes carriage in position on the narrow street--yelling that it was in the way.

Gabby turned around quickly as the drawing room door creaked open, and Bennett and Lord Brookes strode in one after the other. She quickly rushed back to the center of the room and dipped a curtsey for Lord Brookes. My lord, welcome.

Brookes beamed a smile her way. Ah, Miss Kimble. A pleasure to see you here this morning.

Please, won t you sit down, she said, gesturing to a chair nearby.

I m afraid I ve not the time to linger today, but it was important to make this call, he said.

Gabby looked at Bennett for guidance, but his expression was inscrutable right now. She would have to wait until Lord Brookes was gone before she could ask about their conversation. Unless…

She turned her best smile on Lord Brookes. I m very sorry we did not have an opportunity to speak to each other last night.

I was too, he promised. Your friend, Miss Dawes, was a jolly good sort for a dance and swore you had much in common.

Thank you, Justine! Miss Dawes, and Miss Ellis, too, are the best people I know and the dearest of friends.

It is good to have good friends, Brookes agreed, glancing at Bennett. I should hate to attend a party where no one likes each other.

So would I, she agreed wholeheartedly.

It is a pleasant day. I was thinking to myself as I arrived that everyone should enjoy the early mornings together in London. A pity balls are not held a great deal earlier.

Gabby laughed softly. Then it would not be a ball and there would be no need for the candles that make the room seem so magical.

Brookes smile faltered. Yes, well, of course. Truly, that would be a shame, too.

Perhaps you could convince someone you know well to give it a try for you at least once, Bennett suggested dryly.

Yes. I could ask someone, I suppose, Brookes murmured, seeming a little unsure of himself now. But his smile returned the next moment. Lady Windermere served a wonderful punch last night. I m sure you must have tried it.

Yes, I did have some, she promised. It was delicious indeed.

Tibbs appeared again, bearing the silver message tray, and walked solemnly toward Gabby. It was clear by the way he held himself that the tray contained something of vital importance.

She swallowed, certain it could only be bad news. I wonder what this could be.

Tibbs lowered the silver tray so she could read the calling card placed in the exact center. It read Duke of Mamble . It was an exquisite calling card. Engraved in gold with little flourishes at the corner.

Gabby gulped and glanced at her cousin, who d risen to read the card for himself.

Ah, good, he murmured, giving her a satisfied smile. Bennett addressed Lord Brookes. About the matter that brought you here, sir. I m afraid you were quite in error. Thank you for calling.

Bennett seemed determined to have Lord Brookes leave the room immediately, but he did it so well that she was sure Lord Brookes had no idea he d been gotten rid of.

As soon as he was out of the chamber, Gabby was on her feet and off to the window to peek out again.

Lord Brookes phaeton was still standing before the house, and a moment later, she watched the viscount leave. But there was no sign of another carriage lined up behind him, not even a riderless horse standing on the street.

Confused by the card and lack of ducal carriage before her house, Gabby discovered she was quite disappointed. She had looked forward to seeing how the duke would behave today. Last night, it seemed she d encountered two different men: a rake and a respectful gentleman.

Gabby turned around—and yelped to find the duke standing directly behind her, unannounced by their butler.

She hastily dipped a respectful curtsy. Your grace.

Mamble was every inch a duke today, and when he smiled, she almost lost her breath, overwhelmed momentarily by that sense of presence about him. His eyes skimmed lazily up and down her body again, too, causing a burst of heat to sweep over her skin.

She struggled not to fidget but found she could bear his bold scrutiny more easily today. Welcome.

He moved past her and peered outside at the street. You can thank me later for driving that blithering idiot off, but then I feel sympathy for the poor women he inflicts himself on next.

Gabby shook her head. It was an honor to be visited by Lord Brookes.

Mamble pursed his lips. I suppose you want me to apologize for interrupting your little tête-à-tête with a man you admire so well? I had no idea he d actually stir himself to call on you.

Why wouldn t he?

The duke leaned close. Because he has led too many ladies on for me to imagine he d choose you, and as charming as you are. I heard he still did not dance with you last night.

Perhaps he called because I m irresistible, she shot back, and then winced at how conceited that sounded.

You are interesting, I ll give you that, the duke whispered. But not to him yet. He s not the man for you, Gabby.

I think he could be, she insisted, fighting a blush. She refused to believe that her hopes for Brookes and herself were in vain while ignoring the duke s bold use of her first name. Remembering her manners, Gabby offered him a seat that would put them both in full view of the door. My cousin should be back at any moment.

Good. I assure you, I do not want to compromise you. He sat down and leaned back in the chair, crossing one leg over at the knee. What shall we talk about today? Empty pleasantries again? Did you enjoy the ball last night?

I did indeed, and I m grateful to Lady Windermere for the invitation.

He frowned suddenly. What were your friends names again? Their connections?

Miss Justine Dawes and Miss Daisy Ellis.

It is Miss Daisy Ellis who has Throsby as her guardian?

Yes. Do you know Lord Throsby?

Of course, and the other? Tell me about her connections.

Miss Justine Dawes. Perhaps you know her sister, Lady Whitlow.

He seemed to stiffen in his chair. Would that be Lady Clarissa Whitlow, viscountess?

Gabby nodded quickly. Yes.

The duke pursed his lips. I see.

Are you acquainted with the family? I would be happy to introduce you to my friend s sister if you were not.

I don t care to be introduced to anyone connected to the Whitlows, he said somewhat sternly.

Oh, Gabby replied, thoroughly confused by his response. What could be wrong with knowing Justine s family better?

Bennett strolled in then and the duke didn t answer, but he seemed unconcerned to find Gabby sitting alone with the duke in their front parlor. Appreciate you keeping your word to call on my ward, your grace, Bennett said, sitting down to join them.

I said I would come.

Bennett s lips twitched. And so very loudly, too.

The duke smiled slightly and then glanced her way. I believe you danced for the rest of the night after our set.

Yes, I did, she said, and then decided to be blunt about her suspicions. Did you expect that would happen? That others would follow your example.

Perhaps I did.

Thank you. She smiled quickly. I cannot ever repay you for such a kindness.

Twas not a kindness but a remedy for folly, he said briskly.

Folly? she said slowly, narrowing her eyes at him. Was he talking about her unchaperoned visit to the library where they d first met, or her declaration about admiring Lord Brookes?

What folly was that? Bennet asked, frowning as he glanced between.

Gabby prayed the duke would not mention meeting her last night. Bennett, who knew of her interest in Brookes but not that she went in search of him for a private conversation, would not be pleased.

Mamble shrugged. Of my fellow man for being so blind as to ignore your ward.

She let out a shaky breath. Lord Mamble wasn t about to share her secrets with her guardian today.

She smiled at him again, grateful. Will you be in Town long, your grace?

Yes, for some time. Most of the season, I imagine. He turned to Bennett. I learned from Lord Triscot that you have a long connection to his family.

Indeed. We knew each other as boys, Bennett admitted. He was actually the first patient I ever had, and he s never let me forget the pain of the stitches I put into his arm that day.

The duke s eyes narrowed on Bennett. You re a surgeon?

Among other things. It was always my greatest wish to help those in need. Bennett s eyes flickered in her direction. Of late, I tend the needs of a small country parish. Perhaps you are acquainted with Somerset and Lord Scarsdale s country estate there? We ve been friends since childhood.

We are acquainted but I have never visited him there, Mamble admitted and then suddenly laughed. You ve been away from society a long time, sir.

Much has changed, Bennett murmured.

Bennett had said very little to Gabby about his life before she d become his ward but, clearly, he d enjoyed a wider acquaintance than she d ever known. She glanced down at her hands as Bennett s enthusiasm for the subject of the past loosened his tongue and guilt set in. Bennett had given up his life to take care of her in the country.

And what of you, Miss Kimble? I duke asked, startling her. Have you performed in as many amateur theatricals, too?

She glanced at Bennett, startled by the question and by what she must have missed of the conversation.

No, she told the duke. No one has ever asked me before.

Well, perhaps someone will one day, Mamble murmured. Although treading the boards is considered scandalous for unmarried ladies.

I am never afraid to consider something new, she told the duke.

I would never let you make a fool of yourself the way I did, Bennett assured her.

Mamble nodded, seemingly satisfied with that promise. Kimble, perhaps you would care to join me for luncheon and cards tomorrow. Just a gathering of some friends away from the prying eyes of the ton .

That is very generous of you, but I would not like to impose.

It will be no imposition, I assure you, Mamble promised. Windermere will be there and I m sure he ll be glad for your inclusion.

Thank you, but I would rather hear it from his lips first, Bennett said more cautiously now, though clearly still keen to go.

Gabby immediately fretted that such an outing for cards might give Bennett a taste of something his pocketbook could not afford right now. The duke s circle had unlimited funds for gambling, but Bennett did not. Especially not when he had the expense of her first season to pay for. She d heard of the outrageous wagers placed in the gentlemen s club betting books. She shuddered to think what was fritted away in private.

They talked a little more about meeting each other, Bennett receiving the details of the luncheon, and then the duke asked, almost as an afterthought, if she would be attending the Pendleberry ball.

Behind the duke s back, Bennett was urging her to confirm their invitation, although Gabby knew nothing of the ball yet. I m looking forward to it. Will your sister be there?

The duke s smile vanished in an instant. Perhaps.

I hear she is a remarkable woman, Gabby added, watching the duke closely. I should love to make her acquaintance.

The duke s expression turned even more guarded. It was as if a wall had crashed down between them. He stood. Well, then. Mr. Kimble, Miss Kimble. Until we meet again.

Gabby hastily dipped a curtsy as Bennett escorted Mamble out of the room, and he was out of the house within minutes.

She rushed to the window to see him go off on foot, not even bothering to return his hat to his head.

Bennett groaned. Why did you have to mention his sister?

His prisoner .

You should not believe everything you hear, Gabby, Bennett warned. There could be more going on there than we know.

What more is there to know? He never lets his sister mingle with society. We have to help the poor lady escape.

Cordelia, Bennett muttered, raking a hand through his hair. Her name is Lady Cordelia, and I can guarantee she needs no help from us.

She blinked in surprised at the warm way he uttered the lady s name. Do you know her, Bennett?

I was in London during her season.

You never told me that before, Gabby said as she moved around to face her cousin. That you enjoyed a season.

I was not here for all of it, Bennett said. I had to leave when my father died.

Gabby winced. And then you were burdened with me not long after that.

It was a horrible few years for both of us, he said, patting her shoulder. He glanced around. Do you think that s the last of your callers today?

Perhaps so.

Well, if it is, perhaps I can persuade you to accompany me out for an ice.

I d like that, she said, and then frowned. Bennett, what did Lord Brookes want to speak to you about?

He shrugged. Some nonsense about Mamble leading you on.

Which was exactly what Mamble had said about Brookes. But he did come.

He did indeed, Bennett smiled. My dear, despite your modesty, I suspect you have an admirer there.

A duke couldn t possibly be interested in me, she promised her cousin. Not for anything but wickedness, perhaps. I ve not a dowry of the size he must require in a bride, nor the connection to any great family.

Well, stranger things have happened. You are related to Lady Windermere and her husband is a good friend of his.

It is a tenuous connection we have with Lady Windermere at best, she cautioned her cousin.

All I m saying is that not every man does what society expects of us, Bennett promised. Mamble never has.

While Gabby appreciated her cousin s faith in her abilities to bring a duke up to scratch, she was a realist at heart. Her lack of fortune excluded her from the lofty ambition of becoming a duchess. She had to be reasonable in her expectations for her season. She required a husband with a bit of wealth and a kind, happy temperament.

Mamble had only sought an introduction, danced with her, because of their rather scandalous exchange in the library.

However, the duke had done her one great favor by dancing with her last night and calling on her today. But it was not something she could imagine him ever repeating. Lord Brookes had the right of it. The Duke of Mamble would only disappoint her in the end if she thought too much of his interest.