Page 9 of Miss Kimble Bites Back (Revenge of the Wallflowers #28)

CHAPTER NINE

I cannot bear this, Gabby complained to Daisy as they stood on the sidelines at yet another ball. Gabby had been dancing all night for a change, and this was her only free set of the evening to speak with Daisy at any great length.

News had spread about her second visit to Lady Cordelia, and people regarded her with greater curiosity now. Everyone wanted to know about Lady Cordelia and her situation and Gabby discovered she had an unsettling number of new female friends. Aside from confirming Cordelia s good health and freedom, Gabby refused to reveal anything more personal than that.

Lady Windermere and a few other important women had looked upon her approvingly from nearby, too, as they heard her dismiss any outrageous claim made against the Duke of Mamble as evil hearsay and outright slander.

And then, one by one, the gentlemen she d danced with at previous balls had drawn closer, too. First Lord Triscot, then Lord Paul Holtby, and even Lord Henry Foxwood, too, had asked her to dance with them.

As the evening wore on, Gabby began to suspect she d passed some kind of test and was now fully approved by the ton . A pity the Duke of Mamble was not here to see it and enjoy the night with her, though.

Daisy leaned close. She has forgotten us.

But she was our first friend in London, besides each other, of course. What did we do to turn her away from our company?

I don t know, Daisy said, worrying her lip.

Well, I cannot spend the rest of the season wondering about that. Can you?

I don t think you ll ever let me forget, Daisy teased. But, no, I agree. I would like an answer, too.

It was an irritation to Gabby that a perfectly nice young woman was giving them both the cold shoulder for no good reason. Justine had been their friend and confidant. It was an uncomfortable sensation to see her ignore them, and they could hardly avoid running into each other. They were always attending the same events; they shared mutual acquaintances and mutual goals of finding a husband this season. There had to be a good reason for why things had changed.

Gabby squared her shoulders. Let s get this done now, tonight.

All right, but please, let s not make it too obvious what we re doing, Daisy pleaded, looking about the room. She hooked her arm through Gabby s. I don t need to give my guardian another reason to scowl at me.

Why was he scowling tonight? Gabby asked.

I may have mentioned I purchased silk stockings today, Daisy said with a careless shrug.

He has never liked it when you spend your allowance, Gabby noted, patting her hand.

It wasn t that I spent the money, but that I showed him I was wearing my purchase tonight, Daisy replied, and then she laughed wickedly. His eyes rolled toward the ceiling so fast, I thought he might have fainted clean away for a moment. He s been scowling ever since.

I wish I had been there, Gabby said, imagining such a scene.

It was a moment I will not forget for the rest of my life, Daisy promised.

They circulated through the room, speaking to anyone with whom they had an acquaintance, and eventually found Justine and her sister more or less alone.

Gabby cleared her throat a few times until the pair looked over their shoulders. Good evening, Justine. Lady Whitlow.

The older woman inclined her head, but Justine stiffened when her sister moved immediately away. She smiled at them, but it contained none of the warmth of days gone by. Good evening, Miss Kimble. Miss Ellis.

It is lovely to see you again, Justine, Daisy gushed. What a wonderful evening it is.

Indeed, it has been wonderful, Miss Ellis , Justine said firmly. Her smile remained in place as she said it, but her eyes traveled the room as if she was bored or looking for an escape.

Gabby wet her lips. We are so glad you were invited tonight.

Why would I not attend this ball? Justine asked, giving Gabby a pointed stare. My sister is a viscountess while you have a tenuous connection to the ton at best. Besides, I love to dance.

You are very graceful, Gabby said, because it was true, and then drew closer to Justine. Justine, is something the matter?

Justine s face froze, and her smile grew even more rigid. Nothing has changed for me. I am enjoying the delights of the season as much as any debutant. I have been much engaged elsewhere.

Too busy to talk to us even at balls such as this? You never speak to us anymore. Not like you used to.

Justine stared at them both for a moment and then glanced behind her. She nodded as if answering someone, and then turned back. I m afraid you must excuse me.

But Justine, Daisy began. We…

You would do well to prepare yourself for further disappointment, Justine warned with a nod.

Well, former friend, it seemed now. Justine had not even tried to pretend they were still friends.

Gabby sighed as Justine returned to her sister, and the woman whispered in her ear before leading her away. They went immediately to talk with Lord Brookes, and after a few moments, Justine threw them a smug smirk that she had been the one who had claimed Lord Brookes attention rather than Gabby.

Daisy understood that look, too, and cursed softly. The nerve of taunting you. I bet she planned to steal Lord Brookes from you all along, and her sister helped her do it.

Weeks ago, the threat of a rival would have bothered Gabby a great deal more. Tonight, all she felt was a great sadness pressing upon her heart. If Justine had even hinted that her preference for a husband had changed, things could have been so different today. She would like to think they might have remained friends even if Justine had captured Lord Brookes heart. Gabby would never begrudge a friend their one true love, if that is what Justine felt for the viscount now.

Or perhaps she merely wanted a title. Something Gabby wanted a husband for.

She had wanted someone to love more than anything, and for them to love her back.

But suddenly Gabby saw the Duke of Mamble standing across the room at last, watching her, and her concern about Justine evaporated. A sense of profound relief and excitement filled her to see the duke finally appear at another ball. She had never once misunderstood that man s interest in her. She knew, bone deep, that he was not toying with her affections because he was bored.

He wanted her. Just her.

There had been a promise in his eyes from the start.

She wet her lips. Daisy, I have to tell you something important.

What is it? Daisy whispered, a worried frown appearing on her face.

I don t actually admire Lord Brookes as much as I once thought I did, Gabby admitted, blushing as the duke s continued stare made her long to cross the room to talk to him. I m not in the least bothered by Justine setting her cap for him.

I m very pleased to hear it, Daisy whispered. It is not healthy for women to compete for the attentions of the same man, especially good friends.

I agree, which is why I want to ask you outright who you favor. You ve never even hinted, and I can t bear to lose another friend so dear to me.

You ll never lose me over a man, Daisy began, hugging her arm, but then glanced behind her. Eventually, she shook her head. That is to say that I don t know what I feel about any gentleman I ve met in London yet, so there is no rivalry between us.

So, you ve not set your heart on winning a titled husband this season?

I d never say never, Daisy answered after a long moment, and then looked up at her, horrified. Why? Please don t say you admire my guardian! As a guardian, he is terrible, but as a husband he d be utterly impossible.

No, of course not him. He s much too stern for anyone who likes to laugh, she said, but then Gabby took a deep breath. Would you ever want to become a duchess?

Me? A duchess? No. But then a sly smile curved Daisy s lips, and she looked over at Mamble, who was still watching them from afar still and making no attempt to hide his interest tonight. But I suspect you might be.

Gabby bit her lip to hide the telling smile she struggled against as she admired Mamble in return. She was overwhelmed by how she felt about him now. This was not some girlish infatuation that had taken her over. It was more subtle than that, and far more compelling. Something would happen between them. It was only a matter of time.

She glanced in the Viscount s direction once more, briefly, and confirmed the lure of him was utterly gone from her being and shook her head. She locked her eyes on Mamble. She knew which gentleman she preferred now. Which man she d like to be seduced by, too. I like the duke very much.

Daisy s hands flew to cover her lips. Then what are you doing still standing here with me for? Go get him.

She would love to do just that—except Mamble had turned away and was heading out of the ballroom. He couldn t be leaving!

Fearing he d misunderstood her glance toward Lord Brookes, she turned to Daisy quickly. I have to talk to him. Cover for me?

Daisy frowned. Cover what?

My disappearance from the ballroom, for as long as you possibly can. If Bennett asks, tell them I ve torn a hem, and it might take a while to have it mended.

All right. Daisy grabbed her hand and squeezed her fingers. Good luck.

Gabby glanced down at her hem, winced as if noticing it was damaged, and then hurried from the room, leaving Daisy to explain to her guardian where she d gone.

Mamble was moving slowly down the hall, and she followed without hesitation. When he slipped into a chamber, she hastened to join him. He stood in what looked like a private study and was entirely alone. Gabby shut the door softly behind her and locked it for good measure.

Mamble s head cocked to one side, clearly hearing her arrival.

Gabby moved toward the duke. Your grace, she said, but her voice sounded odd to her ears. Husky and breathless and very unlike her own.

I m not interested, he drawled. Go back where you came from, madam.

Gabby was not to be deterred by his instant dismissal. He assumed she was someone else again. She knew just what to say to begin this conversation. I m not a maid, my lord, but someone who wishes to say how ardently I admire you.

Is that so? He spun around, and his expression of pleasure gave her courage to continue.

Yes. There was no point in hiding the truth. They were alone together again, and she was too bold. But she really liked him, and it was too late to turn back her feelings. Your grace, I wish to tell you that from the first we met, I have longed to know you better.

There was silence for a long moment, and then he folded his arms across his chest and regarded her sternly. I believe you said almost the exact same thing about someone else not so long ago.

Gabby nodded. They were recreating their very first conversation. Only this time, she hoped for a far different outcome. I did, and yes, I knew you were not Lord Brookes when I walked through that door tonight.

And there are still a thousand reasons why I am grateful to be spared that fate, the Duke of Mamble said, then his eyes narrowed at her. Are you sure?

Yes. You are the only gentleman on my mind, she admitted with a shy smile.

He kept a distance, finger tapping his lips. You once looked at a man with a title as if he was something to bite into, too.

I did no such thing, she protested again, fighting a smile. And the way you stared at me tonight was quite provocative. One would think you want to devour me .

He drew closer. I do. Were you really surprised I would stare at you tonight? He looked her up and down and then smiled at her in the very same way he had the first time they d met. He kept undressing her with his eyes, and Gabby enjoyed the sensation of heat his scrutiny provided. You re a rather tasty morsel, Gabby. I am very tempted to take a bite of you tonight.

Gabby s face blazed hot, as did the rest of her. She understood better now all that it could mean between a man and a woman to talk this way. She easily imagined Mamble s teeth grazing her neck and his kisses making her moan out loud.

She was better prepared for an encounter with him now than she had been at the beginning of their acquaintance. The duke was outrageously bold and knew how to say just the right thing to turn her head and yet he did nothing improper beyond that in public. Underneath all his bluster, he followed the rules of polite society. He had not rushed her into his arms but teased her until she had wanted to be. How could she not have fallen for such a man? Will you say such things when we re engaged?

His lips curved into a smile. I imagine I would. I gather, we are of the same mind about the possibilities between us at last. If you were not, you still have a chance to run. I would understand.

I don t want to run away from you, she whispered.

His hand rose to cup her face. I heard you ve become my defender, attempting to right the wrong the gossiping hoard have against me. A kitten with claws soon to become a dragon of the ton , perhaps.

I had to say something in your defense. You re not the man they describe, she whispered. You are good.

Not always good and neither are you, he warned. His bare palm was so warm against her cheek that she leaned into his touch. You followed me for a kiss, didn t you?

I followed you because…Yes, I want, she began, and would have said more, except Mamble pressed his thumb over her lips.

Gabby mine.

Gabby could not stop the smile that burst from her then. Mamble had captured her heart, and she seemed to have caught him, too, though she had not heard him say he loved her.

Lord Mamble s thumb was still pressed against her lips, and before she knew it, her tongue darted out to taste him again.

His eyes flared, and a wicked smile curved his lips. You need to stop doing that, he whispered as his thumb dragged slowly off her bottom lip. You d be shocked by the thoughts that fill my head right now. But I like that in a woman. Boldness and passion.

Gabby lowered her eyes a little. Passion was something she had yet to experience.

He bent until their eyes were on the same level again. Gabby s heart raced as she stared into the duke s knowing blue gaze. She was not afraid of what came next between them. It would be as extraordinary as meeting him. Mamble gently drew her into his arms, holding her close, and breathed deep. Are you ready now for a wolf like me, Gabby?

She grinned. Are you sure you re ready for me ?