Page 4 of Miss Kimble Bites Back (Revenge of the Wallflowers #28)

CHAPTER FOUR

Are you going out again?

Sebastian froze halfway down the stairs, late for the ball he d promised to attend, and looked up. His sister Cordelia was watching him from a higher landing. He hadn t seen her out of her chambers all day and she chose now to show her face? At the very last moment?

The Pendleberry Ball is tonight, he told her. I had promised to go last week. You had an invitation, too. I asked if you would join me, but you declined.

I forgot that was tonight, Cordelia whispered, rubbing her brow. I ll see you tomorrow then.

Yes, for breakfast as usual, he agreed.

Sebastian started each day making sure Cordelia got out of bed and dressed, even if she wouldn t see anyone. For a while, months, she hadn t done either one. She d slept heavily, but that couldn t and shouldn t have gone on forever. Or we could go riding together in the morning like we used to do, if you d prefer, he suggested, though he didn t hold out much hope she d agree.

Cordelia shook her head and fled back toward her chambers. She did not agree to any of his suggestions to go out with him, but still he persisted in reminding her of the fun they used to share. There was a whole world outside she ought to be a part of, but she never could be unless she wanted to.

Sebastian sighed heavily and then continued down the stairs to where the butler waited with his hat and gloves at the ready for his evening out. He was running late because Cordelia had picked at her dinner earlier and he d lingered, waiting her out until she d eaten sufficiently enough to sustain her.

The butler pretended nothing was wrong, but Sebastian was certain he had taken note of the exchange with Cordelia on the stairs. Keep an eye on her movements about the house tonight.

As ever, your grace, he promised. Sometimes Cordelia lingered on the stairs. The London servants were as concerned about Cordelia s state of mind as Sebastian was. They had been here for her first and disastrous season and must see the difference in her very plainly.

They probably knew what father had done with her after, as well. Everyone who knew Cordelia worried about her fragile state of health. Yet nothing they d done so far seemed to have any impact or bolstered her confidence.

He pulled on his gloves, frustration making his shoulders hitch up. Send up a plate of strawberries around eleven and tell her they were from me, he asked.

It will be done, the butler promised. If I might suggest an addition. Lady Cordelia used to enjoy hot chocolate in the evenings. Shall I send that up too.

Cordelia ate like a sparrow, and it was beginning to show. Her face was becoming drawn and her hands were always cold when he touched them. Yet the more he pushed her to eat, the more stubbornly she refused. No. You may ask if she d care for it but leave the decision to her. She must interact with the servants more, he replied.

As you wish, the butler murmured, stepping aside to open the front door for Sebastian.

Sebastian s carriage was waiting at the bottom of the steps, and he hurried to climb inside. He was not truly in the mood for the merriment of a ball, but he d promised to put in an appearance. The hostess was a family friend, eager to have her ball be a success or at least made notorious with his attendance. After his brief appearance at the ball, Sebastian would likely head to his club to end the evening with masculine conversation before heading home to Cordelia.

Lady Pendleberry s excitement to have him finally appear in her front hall was obvious when he arrived, and she rushed him into the ballroom immediately so everyone would see him. Guests turned around to acknowledge his arrival, but then the whispers and stares began.

From all but two, that was.

The kitten was in attendance, watching him from across the room again as she stood beside her cousin and guardian, Bennett Kimble. He d forgotten the Kimbles could be in attendance, but of course, with their connection to Lady Windermere, doors that had once been previously shut to the pair were now widening.

Sebastian avoided Miss Kimble by walking in the opposite direction. He was determined not to pay her too much notice, but in a ball of this small size, it was impossible that they could ignore each other for the entire night.

Their first words were during a set he had not been able to avoid participating in.

Gabby was partnered with another gentleman opposite, and Sebastian met her in the center of the dance floor. Miss Kimble.

Your grace, she murmured back as she took hold of his hand to spin about.

Sebastian experienced a jolt of awareness at the contact that he did not usually feel around other women. When she returned to her proper partner, he noticed her cheeks were flushed a delicate shade of pink, too. When she noticed him observing her still, the color grew far more pronounced.

Was that from exertion, or was she thinking of their interlude in the library a week ago?

He acutely remembered the brush of her tongue against his fingertip. The memory had caused a rather wicked fantasy as he d waited for sleep to claim him each night since.

The set ended, but there was some commotion near Gabby, and he saw her limp from the dance floor, aided by her stammering dance partner. She returned to her cousin, and then disappeared alone for a while.

Sebastian spoke pleasantries to his last dance partner, but his curiosity and concern grew the longer Gabby was gone from the room. It made him wonder if Lord Brookes had been invited, and if the woman was attempting to speak with him alone again somewhere in the house again. The thought of Gabby and Brookes engaged in any sort of flirtation left a decidedly unpleasant taste in his mouth.

But after several minutes, Gabby limped back to her guardian s side and began to whisper to him. Whatever was said in response made her shake her head, and then she faced the dance floor with a smile that was clearly strained.

She peeked at him from under her lashes a few too many times for him to ignore though. Was she attempting to flirt with him or, despite the limp, encourage him to ask her to dance again tonight?

He slowly made his way toward Gabby and her guardian, determined to make it clear that he would not be cooperating with that farce. But he could talk to her for a little while.

He thrust out his hand to Kimble, making it clear whose conversation he sought. Kimble, good to see you again, he said as Gabby dipped a curtsey, slightly more awkward than the last he d seen her perform. He inclined his head to her but looked back at Kimble quickly.

Your grace, good evening, Kimble replied. It s a fine night for a party.

It is indeed, he agreed. How did you fare after our luncheon last week?

I enjoyed it immensely but not my pounding head the next morning, Kimble remarked. But a small frown crept over his face.

Is something the matter?

No. Most likely its nothing of importance. But I wonder if I might claim an hour of your time tomorrow? Kimble murmured quietly. I would not presume to call on you at home, but it could be of great interest to you to hear what I have to say.

Sebastian studied the man and then glanced at Gabby, too, who seemed surprised by her cousin s request for a private appointment. Kimble, by all accounts, was a serious man, and Sebastian paid attention when serious men had concerns. You may call in the morning. I m free from nine.

Thank you, Kimble answered, and with obvious relief, too. They made small talk until the next set was called. Kimble was to dance with Lady Archer, a widow new to Town, and Sebastian was abandoned and left to continue to stand beside Gabby and watch others pair up.

You ve a partner for this set, yes? he whispered as their hostess drifted closer, eyeing him and Gabby standing side by side. Any moment, Lady Pendleberry would probably conscript him to dance with Gabby, whether he wanted to or not.

While Gabby was a fine dancer, he was still worried about misunderstandings. He acknowledged he found her attractive, but nothing further could be possible between them.

I m afraid I stubbed my toe badly in the last set and cannot dance again tonight, though I long too, she admitted in a whisper.

I m sorry to hear that, he answered before the hostess joined them. Ah, Lady Pendleberry. I meant to say earlier how wonderful you look tonight, he said with a teasing grin. Lady Pendleberry was a handsome woman over fifty, with snow-white hair and a curvaceous figure. She was a kind soul and usually blushed at any compliment he made about her appeal. If only I were ten years older, I might give your husband a run for his money.

I ll tell him you said that later. But Lady Pendleberry beamed and then glanced at Gabby suddenly. Oh, my dear, he means nothing by that. The duke and I are very old friends, and he enjoys teasing me and my husband.

But, my dear, I do hold you in the highest esteem, Sebastian promised, hand on his heart. It is my joy to make you blush.

Now that is something you should do for a much younger lady, who must long for such a passionate declaration as he twirls her about my ballroom, she said, giving Gabby a sideward glance.

Gabby quickly informed the hostess that she was not fit for further dancing tonight.

Well, Lady Pendleberry huffed, clearly disappointed to hear the news that Gabby could not enjoy the evening more.

I promise I am content to watch everyone else dance and to talk, Gabby assured the hostess.

Lady Pendleberry beamed. I ll leave you two to continue your conversation, then. If you need anything, just ask a servant to help you.

I will, Gabby promised.

Lady Pendleberry moved away, and Sebastian faced the dancers again, standing shoulder to shoulder with Gabby. He couldn t help but notice she was without those little friends of hers. Miss Ellis and Miss Dawes must not have been invited. He was happy about the latter s absence. Aside from the bruised toe, have you enjoyed your night so far?

Very well, thank you. Lady Pendleberry is lovely and very kind, Gabby told him, and then frowned. She speaks highly of you.

Yes, she s been very helpful over the years, Sebastian confessed. Lady Pendleberry had given him sound advice from the moment he d taken Cordelia from the madhouse. Her own family had committed an uncle to Bedlam, and she d urged him to free Cordelia as soon as possible and to treat her very gently.

She reminds me of our old neighbor in the country. Forever dropping by to check that I have everything I need, Gabby said, beginning to sway as a new tune started, played by an unseen quartet.

The skirts of her gown brushed his leg, and he smiled to himself. Gabby Kimble probably had no idea the gesture was in any way provocative to gentlemen. You were orphaned, I hear?

Yes, poor Bennett had his hands full when I arrived on his doorstep at just eleven years of age, she said, apparently not the least bit hesitant to confide in him. He d just lost his own father and been alone for a mere six weeks at that time. We were both nursing a broken heart. He s been a wonderful guardian.

And your late father and mother? What were they like?

I am ashamed to say I have trouble remembering them clearly now, she whispered. My mother died when I was very young. I kept my father s pipe and light it occasionally, to remind myself of his scent.

It is good that you had family to go to and friends that care about your welfare, he murmured. Kimble seems a decent fellow.

He is indeed. He s become a friend and confidant. You have your sisters, I believe, though I ve never seen either one in Town yet, she said, her brow arched, clearly fishing for information again.

He sighed. What would be the harm in being equally forthcoming? My younger sister is married, and partakes of London society no more, Sebastian advised. I m expecting to hear I am an uncle, any day now.

How wonderful. And your other sister? Cordelia, isn t it?

Correct, he said and felt his spine straighten.

What is she like?

His sister was difficult to explain. Once he might have said she was funny and accomplished, but those days were long ago. What could he say about his sister now, to counteract the gossip Gabby had obviously heard about how he treated her? Oh, my sister might be mad. No, that would never do.

But given her connection to Lady Windermere, there was every chance he d see Gabby again and again and be subjected to her constant questions. And it bothered him that she might believe the gossip as well. He did not want this particular young lady to think the worst of him.

Gabby seemed the type to be kind, and perhaps Cordelia might like her enough to actually talk with her one day, were they ever to meet. Given her connection to Lady Windermere, it couldn t hurt to drop a hint of what the real situation was, and, if fate might ever lead to an introduction, it would disprove the gossip with proof.

And if it did not go well, then Gabby would have all the answers she could ever need about his supposed cruelty toward his sister.

But not even Esme could get an interview with Cordelia lately. Not unless she dropped by unannounced. That was the only way Cordelia spoke to anyone outside of him and the servants.

He debated a moment, and then moved a little closer to Gabby to whisper, Your cousin asked to speak with me tomorrow about a matter of some sort. Come with him in the morning and meet Cordelia yourself, if you can. I ll expect you both at ten o clock for breakfast.

I should like that very much, Gabby said instantly, though her brow creased with confusion the next moment.

He d no more time for conversation with the debutant tonight though. Other guests were already looking his way, and a few brows were being raised at their prolonged discussion. He must mingle before tongues wagged in earnest—even among friends.

He excused himself as the current set ended, found an unpartnered woman keen to dance for the next, and devoted his attention to conversing with her instead.

As they took to the floor, he felt a pang of guilt to see Gabby standing so forlornly beside her guardian. And he realized he d much rather have danced with her again tonight instead of the woman he was with. But with an injury, of course, Gabby couldn t dance with anyone.

He went through the motions of the dance blindly, and when he looked up again, Gabby was surrounded by a pair of bachelors.

It seemed his attention to Gabby still convinced others of her worth for conversation, at least. He suspected it would continue to happen the more he met with her. Men flocked to what other men found desirable, after all. A pity they could not choose women based on merit alone. But they looked for beauty first and intelligence last. Gabby Kimble seemed to possess both in abundance.

When he finished his set and parted ways with his dance partner, he positioned himself on the opposite side of the room from Gabby. Watching over her since her guardian seemed quite popular with the unmarried ladies tonight. Despite not dancing, she appeared to be having a marvelous time, and it was clear she had no trouble conversing with other gentlemen.

Sebastian had not enquired about the extent of Gabby s dowry, but, with her connection to the Windermeres, surely, she could do much better than Viscount Brookes.

The pair of bachelors exchanged a glance over her head that suggested they were interested in the debutant—and not in a good way.

He was moving before he realized it. Moving toward Gabby with thoughts of protecting her from the lascivious pair. He stopped himself short of joining them, but the pair noticed his scowl and made excuses to leave her rather suddenly.

Sebastian had paused beside the refreshment table, so he made a request of the servant and discovered Lady Pendleberry was serving only Negus punch. Not a particular favorite of his, but he drank it anyway. When he finished, he had to decide where he should go next. He felt restless and strangely drawn to return to Gabby s side.

He was saved by the hostess. Lady Pendleberry stopped in front of him, scowling. You re not dancing. Let me find you a partner.

I m no longer in the mood to dance, he told her. In truth, he d not intended to stay this long at all. He d planned to already be at his club and halfway through a bottle of claret by now, talking about investment or politics to anyone who cared to join him.

He d lingered because of Gabby.

Perhaps supper will put you in a dancing mood again, she suggested. Or do you only desire a certain young lady s conversation tonight?

I enjoy conversation with ladies of all ages, he promised. Tell me of your children. I believe your youngest will be making her come out next year.

That is not the conversation you want to have tonight, Lady Pendleberry whispered, and then winked. I ve known you too long to believe you re still here because of my ball.

He could have denied it, but Lady Pendleberry did know him very well. He was interested in Gabby, but it was not the time or the place for that. He risked making a spectacle of himself and disappointing her.

He bowed to his hostess. Thank you for a wonderful evening, Lady Pendleberry, but you must excuse me.

Oh, Mamble. Don t run away yet.

I promised Cordelia I would not be out too late tonight, he said, fibbing greatly. If he arrived home early, Cordelia probably wouldn t see him, anyway. But he would prefer to return home rather than the alternative of walking across the room and speaking to Gabby again. Good evening.

Good evening, your grace. Give my love to Cordelia when you see her in the morning.

I will, he said before strolling away. He glanced back once before he reached the threshold of the room. Gabby had come to the notice of yet another bachelor. She did not need him.

But then their eyes met across the dance floor, and he saw her disappointment that he was leaving clear as day.

He might have stayed, but he didn t trust his interest in Gabby Kimble. He did not like that he couldn t trust himself around her.