Page 8 of Miss Kimble Bites Back (Revenge of the Wallflowers #28)

CHAPTER EIGHT

Sebastian paused before the drawing room doors the next day and cautiously glanced inside, curious to know what he d find. Cordelia had been up at first light, flitting about the house, and was now arranging flowers for her first ever at-home since he d inherited his title.

It was obvious she was nervous.

He was too.

If today went well, it might mean many more intimate gatherings with other women could take place in his home. If it went badly, Cordelia might never recover her confidence, and he would not see Gabby again, most likely.

He did not want that.

He affected a nonchalant air, though, as he sauntered into the room and clapped his hands together to get his sister s attention. Today had to go well. Ready?

Not quite, Cordelia warned, adjusting a little figurine on the mantel a quarter turn. She was looking remarkably elegant today. Her rose-pink modest gown was simple enough for the occasion of meeting a potential new friend, while reminding everyone of her position in society. Her hair was upswept in an older style she d favored, and there was even a hint of color on her cheeks again. There now. That has bothered me for a very long time.

He laughed softly. Has it now?

Indeed. Mother never let me change anything, Cordelia confided, with a rueful laugh.

Well, she s not here to stop you doing anything anymore, he promised before dropping a kiss on her brow for added reassurance. You can go on making changes if you like. This is your home.

I know, and I want everything to go perfectly today, Cordelia announced, her grin expanding as she surveyed her realm.

If there s any lack, it will not be on your part, he promised, intrigued by her high expectations for the morning.

Gabby was something of a mystery still, but he could hardly expect her to be disappointed at being received by a duke s beloved sister for a second time.

The knocker sounded, and he turned about, automatically straightening his cravat and pulling down his waistcoat. He was nervous about seeing Gabby, and about what might have happened after he d left the ball last night. Just how many undeserving swains had approached Gabby to dance because of his renewed attentions this time?

Had Brookes sought her out?

The man she d wanted to wed when they had first met.

He forced his uncertainty aside as the butler announced the Kimbles, and his heart did the tiniest of flips at the sight of Gabby gliding gracefully into the room.

She was simply dressed for her morning call. Her dark hair was pinned at the back of her neck, but a few stray curls had escaped to curl around her face and slender throat. He wanted to brush them back, so he had an unobstructed view of her skin.

Pleasantries were exchanged, the weather commented upon, and then Cordelia coughed. He turned to her in alarm, but she only smiled. You are excused, brother.

He gaped a moment before remembering he d summoned Kimble to discuss Gabby with him in private. Indeed. Come along, Kimble. Let s not bore the ladies with our business.

We would not be bored by you, your grace, Gabby answered. But we ladies have important matters to discuss.

He inclined his head, secretly pleased with her response. She was smart and no wilting wallflower. But the priority today was Cordelia.

Kimble seemed to make a point to bid Cordelia adieu.

In the hall, he caught Kimble s eye. I appreciate you both coming.

Gabby was excited by the invitation, Kimble began. She has been worried she might have upset your sister. She is very keen to know your sister better and make amends for her mistake, Kimble said. I m sure you must understand why.

Sebastian frowned at the man. I don t follow you, I m afraid?

Her father, Kimble said, and then sighed. Ah, Esme didn t tell you how I came to be Gabby s guardian then.

He d not truly questioned Esme about her cousin for fear the woman might have read too much into his enquiries. What about her father? he asked.

On the surface, Maxwell Kimble was a proud and happy man. Married, with a child he adored. Respected by all. But there were times when a black melancholy would descend over him. When his wife died, those black periods recurred with greater frequency.

Gabby knew about it? Sebastian glanced back to the open doorway and beyond, where Gabby now sat with Cordelia.

Gabby saw it all, until the end, Kimble explained.

Sebastian s stomach pitted and rolled. How did her father die?

Kimble held up one hand. In his sleep, during a rare happy period in his life.

Sebastian exhaled in relief. But he didn t want Gabby exposed to the ongoing tragedy that was his sister s withdrawal from the world. He wet his lips. Perhaps encouraging my sister and your ward toward friendship was not a good idea.

Not at all. They are utterly different people and circumstances. Gabby likes Cordelia very much. I saw that from the start, and once she makes up her mind to befriend someone, there is no stopping her from giving them her heart and loyalty, Kimble explained, one brow raised. Leave the ladies to it. They will either get along or they will not.

Yes, true, he said as he studied Kimble. I must say you seem to have taken on the role of guardian very well. I can t imagine it was easy to suddenly have the responsibility of a young cousin. For me, it was a struggle with my older sisters when I inherited. Suddenly being in charge of both.

I like to think of it as I ve been blessed. Gabby largely takes care of herself, and she has always enjoyed running my household. The only time I ve seen her truly nervous was the morning you came to call after your first dance.

Sebastian raised a brow at that. Was my reputation so fearsome?

It s always the unknown that unsettles her. You are a duke, and I wonder what you really want with her even now. She has only a small dowry, a bit of land, and a tenuous connection to Lady Windermere.

Indeed, Sebastian agreed. He gestured for Kimble to take a seat close beside the fire. I have been thinking about what you said to me, about planning for the future.

It is always a good idea, Kimble murmured. Especially for a man in your exalted position.

You are not the only one to suggest that lately, he said bluntly. I would like us to come to an understanding.

Kimble studied him for a long moment. No.

Sebastian was taken by surprise by the firmly voiced decline. You don t even know what I was going to ask.

Kimble pursed his lips. It is readily apparent that despite your invitation to me, it is Gabby who s here to be approved of. I won t have her led on like this.

Sebastian shifted in his chair. I can t, won t , commit myself to any woman who thinks ill of my sister.

Gabby is the last person who would do that, Kimble said, eyes narrowing suddenly. But it is you who perhaps thinks the worst of my ward.

Sebastian tapped the arm of his chair before he spoke. People have been unkind about Cordelia.

To you as well, painting you as a tyrant. Her gaoler. Calling you cruel, Kimble suggested.

I will admit that hurts, he said.

You are a duke. The ill-informed should never bother you, the man chided.

Sebastian studied Kimble again. If I may ask, how old are you?

Older than I look, he said with a shrug. Older than your sister by at least a year, I think.

Oh, he said, noticing that Kimble brought up Cordelia again. She had become a point of reference in all their conversations.

I want her to be happy. It is vital to me that my sister never again feels herself lacking. My parents treated her as chattel. Sebastian pursed his lips. And I know what I want now, but I m not sure of your wards interests.

The man frowned. Why would Gabby, or any woman, not be interested in becoming a duchess?

In me , he countered. As you surely must know, she has long had her heart set on another.

Kimble s eyes widened. Who?

Sebastian winced. I d rather not say. But you can imagine it makes a man hesitate.

Yes, indeed it would, Kimble agreed, and then stood up to pace the room. Sebastian left him to it. Kimble knew his ward far better than he did yet. But he did not know about her infatuation with Viscount Brookes, it seemed.

Kimble suddenly spun around to face Sebastian. What are your intentions toward my ward?

Marriage in the end, but only if her heart is not otherwise engaged.

A sensible precaution, Kimble agreed, nodding. Very well, you have my blessing for a pursuit but…disgrace her, and you will live to regret it.

Sebastian stood. I am a man of my word, but I do not appreciate threats.

A woman s piercing scream echoed through the house.

Kimble spun around. Cordelia?

The man sprinted for the drawing room and left Sebastian to follow.

When Sebastian arrived, Kimble was on his knees beside Cordelia, where she lay across the couch.

Gabby seemed equally as lifeless, bent awkwardly over the arm of her chair. Sebastian went to her first, touching her face and holding a finger under her nose to check for the breath of life. Gabby?

Gabby squinted at him through one eye. Did you think I was dead?

What?

Dead? Did you believe us murdered?

He took a step back and glanced across at Cordie, who seemed not to have moved from her prone position. Kimble had his head bowed over her still. Of course not.

Well, I damn well did, Kimble cursed, climbing to his feet and jerking Cordelia upright. You must never to do that again!

Cordie put her hand on Kimble s arm, and Sebastian suddenly realized the man was trembling—with rage. Or was it fear? I asked her to act with me. It was my idea to shriek. I had no idea the sound would travel to you.

Sebastian put his hand over his heart, which still raced from the fright he d just suffered. Kimble, I do apologize for the misunderstanding.

Kimble s gaze never left Cordelia s face. Would you care to explain? he growled.

Forgive my sister, Kimble. When she was a girl, she professed an interest in treading the boards. She once claimed she could act out a death scene better than those at the theater. My parents, of course, forbid her those little theatrics.

It s only a harmless little play, Bennett, Gabby whispered.

To Sebastian s surprise, Cordelia continued to whisper to Kimble, and even ran her hand up his arm in a soothing gesture.

Finally, Kimble nodded.

Gabby drew closer. He did not take that well.

Sebastian glanced down at her. Neither did I. I ve just lost five years of my life out of fright, thinking I d lost you, he warned. She was horribly convincing.

She smiled brightly, though. Horribly?

Hmm, well yes, he admitted. He glanced across the room to his sister. You chose today of all days to dust off another forbidden desire of yours? he called out.

Cordelia glanced his way and smiled, but her hand remained on Kimble s arm. I wanted to run away from home once, too. I might still do that for the right reason.

Sebastian laughed at the hollow threat.

Kimble s back stiffened, though, and he mumbled something to Cordelia that Sebastian couldn t hear.

Sebastian regarded the pair through narrowed eyes. Something was going on between Cordelia and Kimble right under his nose…or had gone on before. It would be best if you and Gabby continued your acting another day.

I d like that, Gabby gushed. We could add others later, too. My good friend Miss Ellis would love to join us for a little play. She often takes the male grumpy roles very well, although Bennett would be a better choice right now, don t you think?

Cordelia frowned at the mention of including others but did not immediately decline the idea of enlarging their group.

So, it is settled then, he said, clapping his hands together. There will be acting, but could we not reenact death scenes again?

Cordelia crossed the room and kissed his cheek. No death scenes for at least a month to give poor Sebastian s nerves time to prepare.

And Mr. Kimble s, too. Thank you for your consideration, sister dear. He glanced at his guests. Well, this has been an eventful morning.

Indeed, Kimble murmured.

Although the last thing he wanted was for Gabby to leave, he didn t want to press his luck with Cordelia s anxiety. His sister was changing in her company, though and so rapidly, he didn t want anything to go wrong.

The morning visit isn t over yet, little brother Cordelia said firmly.

Sebastian was surprised but pleased by her asserting her authority over him. Well, then, we gentlemen should leave you to plan out the next shock for us in secrecy, I suppose, he said, scratching his head.

Cordelia laughed, a sound he d not heard in a very long time. Oh, why don t you both join us, Sebastian? I m sure you ve said all you needed to Mr. Kimble this morning.

Yes, please join us, your grace, and cousin, Gabby agreed, smiling at them in a way that warmed Sebastian s heart to be included.

All right, he promised, watching as Cordelia approached Kimble again and asked him a question about his time in Town.

I like her, Gabby whispered, sneaking up to stand close. She s so funny.

She used to be, he murmured, keeping an eye on Cordelia and Kimble a moment longer, but then he turned to Gabby. She s more herself around you than with others who have known her for years.

Perhaps it is because I know no different?

That could be true, he agreed, but it did not explain Bennett Kimble, or Cordie touching his arm, which she was already doing again. He could put a stop to it, but he had noticed it was only Cordelia touching the fellow, not the other way round. Or it could simply be because you are entirely likable.

That is not it, Gabby countered with a laugh. If I was entirely likable, I d have gentlemen eating out of my hand this season.

He didn t want to ask, but he couldn t stop himself. No luck with Brookes, then?

No. Her expression grew sour. It seems I have a rival for his affections, and one that I never expected, too.

I m sorry to hear that. What will you do?

Gabby shrugged. What can I do? I cannot make anyone love me.

Sebastian bit his lip. Gabby was easy to love. Brookes was an even greater fool than Sebastian had believed. You could always begin a nasty rumor about your rival.

Tempting, except that I liked her very much, Gabby protested.

Ah, well, if you were desperate for a marriage with him, you could always seduce him?

She looked up at him steadily. I would not do that with him or anyone just to have a ring on my finger.

No? Sebastian felt a smile twitch his lips. Recently, I ve given thought to the merits of abduction and seduction.

Gabby laughed. Have you?

It would be a way to circumvent a rival and secure the match of our dreams.

Gabby s face clouded with worry. Perhaps it might, if I were desperate.

And you re not?

I don t think so, she said, looking up with a quick smile. I wouldn t want to force a man into a marriage with me. I d like him to like me. For myself.

I m glad to hear it. He glanced up and noticed Cordelia and Kimble had moved toward the front of the house and were standing very close with their back toward them, talking quietly together. But I m sure it wouldn t be a hardship to be married to you.

He sensed rather than saw Gabby take a tiny step toward him. You re too kind, she whispered.

And you are too tempting for your own good, he admitted, glancing her way—and then, unwisely perhaps, given they were not alone, he stole a quick, soundless kiss.

When he lifted his head, Gabby was rather pink in the face, but she did not chide him for taking liberties. In fact, she was watching him rather closely now, but then her gaze widened and flew to the far side of the room, where her guardian stood.

They are a little distracted right now. Sebastian cleared his throat. Could I tempt you to something else, Miss Kimble?

She gasped; her face turning a brighter shade of pink.

Tea but in the library, he suggested with a smile. I hear you are a great reader.

From whom?

Lady Windermere mentioned your fondness for the written word. I m surprised I never heard you speak of it before.

It is not wise to mention intelligence when hoping for a husband, Gabby admitted sheepishly.

That depends on whom you tell, he answered with a wider smile. He faced the pair across the room. Mr. Kimble, Cordelia. I ve promised to show Miss Kimble our library. We will be just over there taking tea instead.

Kimble nodded. We ll join you in a moment.

Cordelia agreed.

Together, Gabby and Sebastian slipped from the room.

He leaned down. I think we could have slipped away without even telling them and not be noticed.

I think you may be right, Gabby agreed, glancing over her shoulder. I ve never known Bennett to be so smitten by a lady before.

They have history, Sebastian warned. History I knew nothing about, I might add.

He was here for her season, Gabby whispered back.

What else did he say about her?

Nothing. He said nothing at all. That s why it s so obvious they were involved somehow once.

Sebastian grunted. As much as I respect your guardian, I don t believe my father would have approved of the connection then. The expectations for my sister s season were unreasonably high.

Gabby turned on him suddenly. Would you have approved of him if it had been your decision?

I learned young to stay out of the way of my older sisters . I would not have stood in their way then, he promised, placing his hand. Cordelia has free choice in all things now, I assure you.

Gabby grinned. You re a romantic at heart.

He drew closer to Gabby. I know it is unusual among the ton , but I have always believed in love before money or titles when choosing a spouse.

She was so close, and he reached out and allowed his hand to skim her hip and then caress up to her waist and back again. Gabby s eyes widened, but she kept her gaze on him. Her stare was direct, but not afraid.

Sebastian moved one step closer to give her derriere a gentle squeeze. Gabby jolted, but she never looked away from him once. In her eyes now was a glimpse of excitement and newly awakened desire. He caressed her bottom a little more, and her lips parted with a soft moan.

He withdrew his hand quickly as Kimble and Cordelia swept into the room.

When Gabby stated outright that she d given up her pursuit of Brookes, she d find herself on the receiving end of a much more ardent pursuit from him. But she had not yet. He would wait until her feelings about his rival were expressed more clearly.

He turned his attention to Kimble and Cordelia. They made a handsome pair, but he would not involve himself in their affair—if such a thing was even the case. Cordelia had never taken well to impertinent questions from her younger brother. And Kimble, well he was turning out to be full of surprises, but he was a man who seemed to keep secrets well.

Cordelia announced she d ring for tea and turned away, Kimble following her like a string joined them together.

He smiled to himself as hope stirred in his heart for a brighter future for his older sister, too. She deserved all the happiness the world had to offer.

Then Sebastian jolted as his bottom was pinched.

It was brief, and he turned quickly to look at Gabby over his shoulder. She held a book in one hand and her eyes were wide on the pages, but nothing else in her expression hinted she d done anything out of the ordinary.

Yet, he hadn t imagined it.

Gabby had made a bold move toward him—and it made his pulse race with wicked anticipation for future encounters.

She walked past him, book in hand, but a nervous giggle escaped as she hurried to another bookshelf. Sebastian followed, drawn to follow a woman whose good opinion and laughter he craved more and more each day.

I could spend years trying to read all of these, she murmured, glancing at him over her shoulder.

She could too, but only if Sebastian might have her whole heart in return.