Page 33 of Wedded to the Deviant Duke (Duke Wars #2)
CHAPTER 33
T he entirety of last night’s affair was told, in full, during a very late breakfast at Egerton Hall. Christian wove a fantastic tale out of it, gesturing wildly while occasionally popping chunks of fresh fruit in his mouth. Charlotte was positively enraptured, with Louise sitting beside her husband, hand-in-hand, occasionally offering a raised brow or bemused grin.
Thalia found it difficult to listen—she’d hardly touched her own bowl of porridge, the strawberry slices having long since sunk to the bottom—and instead found her attention solely on Gabriel. Every so often, he’d offer a slight scowl or a roll of his eyes at some exaggeration Christian made, though he made no indication of interrupting the narrative.
“You should have seen his face after Gabriel took him down,” Christian cackled. “I’m certain the little marquess lost a tooth during that skirmish.” He stabbed his fork into a link of sausage, gesturing toward Gabriel with a wide grin. “Truth be told, I’d half-expected the plan to have only involved knocking him out.”
Gabriel shrugged lightly, his hand finding Thalia’s before setting it against his leg. Thalia’s face lit up, and she hoped feverishly no one would take notice.
“I cannot believe I missed that,” Robin groaned, having polished off his second bowl of porridge before pulling his still-full plate closer.
“I’m not the one who told you to wade in sewage,” Gabriel reminded him lightly.
“No, but you–!” Robin caught his sister’s seething glare, filling his mouth instead with a huge bite of sausage.
“Well, I’d say it all came together quite nicely,” Louise beamed, taking a gentle sip of tea. “Though, I must say, I’m eager to hear how you’ll be helping to fix my bathroom, Duke of Stonewell. And there were quite a few linens I had to throw out after last night’s escapades.”
A tinge of embarrassment covered Robin’s face as he shoved a forkful of eggs into his mouth.
“Don’t worry,” Gabriel assured. “I have a few thoughts as to how Mr. Sutton can pay you back.”
Again, Robin looked ready to argue, only to be shut down by Thalia’s stare. “You could start a fire with that look,” he grumbled, taking a huge swig of juice before snagging a stray cut of toast.
Thalia chuckled lightly, offering a glance Gabriel’s way. His expression immediately defaulted into its typical cold and stone exterior, though she could still detect a hint of a smirk beneath it. He was very much proud of himself, and he had every right to be so. If anything, Thalia was thrilled that she was privy to his true emotions, however fleetingly they lasted.
“As much as I enjoy all your banter, I’m afraid Thalia and I have business to attend to.” Gabriel offered his hand beside him, to which Thalia graciously accepted. “Would you be so kind as to join me? We agreed to coordinate our outfits last night, and I want to ensure we make the perfect statement at Madeline’s get-together.”
“Of course, Gabriel.” Thalia rose after him, glued to his side as Charlotte flashed the widest grin her way.
“Oh, tell me this isn’t a look into my future,” Robin bemoaned.
“Hush, you,” Charlotte admonished. “Do not ruin this for me; it’s been quite literally years in the making!”
* * *
The evening approached far quicker than anyone anticipated, and for some reason, Gabriel found himself quite nervous. It made no sense; Thalia had been the one to invite him in the first place, and he already knew what she would be wearing. There was no reason for him to be so anxious, and yet, he found himself pacing at the bottom-most step of Stonewall manor.
“Quite pacing, would ya?” Robin groaned from beside the carriage, still fidgeting with his tie. “You’re making me feel all jittery.”
“Hush, you,” Charlotte admonished, slapping his hands away as she quickly tidied his appearance. “He’s allowed to be nervous for his first real outing with Thalia.”
“Neither one of you are being particularly helpful,” Gabriel hissed.
Robin offered a shrug in reply, still trying to mess with his collar as, once more, Charlotte slapped his hands away. “Why did I get dragged along to this, anyway?”
“Because I still need a proper chaperone,” Charlotte reminded him. “And this way, Gabriel and Thalia can spend the entire night together, without having to worry about us.”
“Worry about you, maybe,” Another pained yelp escaped Robin as Charlotte slapped his hands.
“Honestly, stop fussing with those buttons. You’re as bad as Gabriel was at this age…” Charlotte’s chatter fell to the wayside as Gabriel stared up at the front door. He’d forced himself to stay rooted in place, producing his pocket watch as he watched the hand tick by. He wasn’t keeping time, though; he could hardly keep focus as it was. He just needed something to stare at, something to fixate on. The seconds added up to a minute, and he turned the watch onto its back, staring at the engravings along the back.
Find the time .
His father’s initials were barely legible after all these years, and Gabriel found he’d been holding his breath. Maybe this had been a mistake. They didn’t have to appear as a proper couple; Gabriel was certain he could run upstairs quickly and change, match himself to his sister’s daffodil-themed attire. He could just be Gabriel Harding, Duke of Stonewell, chaperoning his sister as she attended her friend’s Seasonal event.
“Get whatever machinations you have out of your head,” Charlotte demanded.
Gabriel glanced over his shoulder, giving his sister an incredulous stare. “You know, we should really discuss how disturbing it is that you can seemingly read the minds of–”
“Ooh, Thalia!” Charlotte clapped excitedly, cutting her brother off with a loud gasp. “You look positively divine! I knew purple suited you entirely too well—you’re going to be the absolute envy of everyone!”
Gabriel followed his sister’s glance, immediately standing as he fully took in Thalia’s appearance. She stood hesitantly at the top of the stairs, the evening hues and candlelight perfectly accenting the soft lilac shade of her gown. Its flowing skirt billowed at the slightest shift of her hip, with carefully-detailed lacework around the ample curves of her bodice.
A rectangular window tastefully presented the fullness of her bosom, and the way her hair had been done—decorated with a number of small, lavender florets—left small curls and dark strands to help shape the soft features of her face. She offered a shy smile towards the Hardings, and in that moment, Gabriel wanted nothing more than to sweep her off her feet and take her to his room.
“So?” His sister pressed against his side, her eyelashes fluttering and her smile as smug as could be.
Gabriel exhaled slowly, reining in his thoughts before speaking. “Like watching the perpetual blooming of a flower. You are ethereal, Thalia Sutton; I daresay I won’t be able to compliment you as you so deserve.”
Even from this distance, Thalia’s face grew rosy. “The mere fact you wish to stand beside me is compliment enough… Gabriel.”
Gabriel’s smile turned to a grimace as Charlotte squealed loudly beside him. He shot her a glare, to which she bid a hasty retreat towards her carriage, Robin in tow. His attention turned back to Thalia, having since descended the stairs to meet him fully. He extended his hand, and in moments, Thalia’s gloved fingers interlaced with his own.
“Let’s not keep her waiting much longer,” she said.
“Oh, I don’t know,” Gabriel mused. “I was considering letting them stew for a while. At least until I’ve had my fill of you, first.”
Thalia’s laughter rang like a bell, and she gracefully stepped off the stairs and into Gabriel’s embrace. “Feeling territorial, Mister Wolf?”
His arms tightened around her waist, a slight growl added to his tone. “Perhaps I am, little rabbit. Perhaps I am.” He leaned in close, catching Thalia’s lips in a brief, but wanting kiss. She was left breathless as he pulled away, that familiar spark of intrigue crossing her eyes as the moment stretched out between them.
“Another week,” she whispered softly.
Gabriel offered a bemused look in return.
“I was considering ways to thank you,” Thalia explained. “As our previous deal has become entirely unbalanced. I thought, perhaps… I could offer another week as a guest in your manor. One not burdened with schemes and plans of ruining a man’s reputation.” Briefly, her gaze drifted towards the ground, but those emerald-green eyes of hers soon found their way back to Gabriel. “A week to… properly get to know one another. To… give chance for opportunities of courtship.”
“You wish me to act the suitor properly this time,” Gabriel teased.
“I wish you the chance to…” Thalia hesitated.
“To…?”
Once more, her eyes met his. Once more, they were but a hair’s breadth away. But the spell broke with a loud swinging of a carriage’s door, and Gabriel turned to find Charlotte’s head poking out, impatience fully on display.
“You two are awful, do you know that?” she whined, cheeks puffed and arms crossed against her chest. “Were you going to have me wait for hours on end?”
Gabriel’s laughter rang out this time, and he—regrettably—pulled away from their close proximity. “Suppose we shouldn’t keep them waiting.”
“Suppose we shouldn’t,” Thalia agreed.
* * *
Madeline’s event took place amidst her garden space, and Thalia found it even more whimsical than the home’s interior. It became strikingly obvious where Charlotte had gained inspiration for Stonewell’s own layout, with mossy stones and ivy-covered lantern posts acting as a border for their walkway to the garden proper.
Low-hanging trees created the illusion of secretive hideaways, with a wide assortment of flowers and produce that tempted passersby to partake in.
At the center of the party sat the crown jewel of the garden; a beautifully-crafted pond, featuring a small waterfall and thrumming with the gentle sounds of crickets and frogs hidden between the shadowy spaces. A few candles had seemingly melted on top of the stones that kept the pond in place, and the lights followed the twist and bends of a small stream that cut through the rest of the garden.
“Organized chaos,” Thalia mused aloud.
The trio turned eyes the moment they entered, and Thalia was tempted to hide herself behind Gabriel’s intimidating frame. But the duke would have no part, purposefully adjusting himself so Thalia was on full display. She thought, at first, the guest list would be quite small, as Madeline had seemed the type not to engage in the endless climb of society’s ladder.
But much to Thalia’s surprise (and, perhaps, embarrassment), the garden was quite the lively affair, and she spotted a number of well-known members of the Ton in attendance.
“I told you,” Charlotte whispered, arm wrapped around Robin’s. “The absolute envy of all.”
The soft thrill of stringed instruments grew louder as the trio moved throughout the party, eventually finding themselves amidst a number of clothed, circular tables decorated with individual tea trays for guests to enjoy. This particular spot of the garden had been neatly trimmed and filed down for ease of travel, and many couples had already taken advantage of the space with a flurry of activity from dancing.
And there, across the way and amidst the largest table, sat the woman of the hour herself, politely engaged in small conversation with whatever guest happened to place themselves before her. Thalia immediately recognized the older gentleman sitting beside her as Mr. Beaumont, who seemed just as rigid when it came to socially interacting with guests.
“The two of them truly are related,” Gabriel commented lightly.
“I’m sure they’d much rather be having a quiet night in the library together,” Charlotte giggled.
Thalia shot both Hardings a chiding look. “Gracious, but I could say the same for you two. The Harding family; well known for speaking whatever happens to cross their minds.”
Both Charlotte and Gabriel suddenly found the scenery more interesting to look at. Robin chuckled, clearly glad to not be on the receiving end for once, and Thalia sighed lightly, leading Gabriel by the arm towards their gracious hosts.
“Good evening, Mr. Beaumont. And thank you again for your gracious invitation, Madeline; your garden is a sight to behold.”
Madeline’s blush was outshined by her father’s beaming pride.
“She was born with her mother’s green thumb, that’s for certain. And it’s a delight to see you once more, Miss Sutton! As well as your entourage,” he added, rising to give Gabriel a shake of the hand.
“Good evening to you, Mr. Beaumont,” Gabriel said.
“And this is my brother, Robin,” Thalia introduced, stepping aside to allow Charlotte to pull him reluctantly forward.
Mr. Beaumont’s smile brightened, and he shook Robin’s hand with great interest. “Charmed, my boy! I see you have your sister’s eye for detail; you’ve been staring nonstop at this ring of mine, yes?”
Thalia made a slight face, Robin only able to offer a weak smile in reply. “It’s…real gold, right? But the gem’s not quite right for diamond… maybe moissanite? A bit over a carat in weight?”
Mr. Beaumont’s brow rose. “Impressive! Thalia, your family proves to be more fascinating by the second. We’ll have to talk later, Mr. Sutton; I’m very interested in your opinion on a few pieces I have inside the house.”
“Madeline, you look like an angel!” Charlotte immediately rounded to table to embrace her friend, and Thalia found herself in agreement. While it was common for the debutante to wear white at her Seasonal event, Madeline’s open robe was especially well-made.
The “robe” itself appeared to be made of a more sheer material, complementing the opalescent gown beneath. Her fair hair had similarly been adorned with glimmering pearls, and even her spectacles appeared far more regal than previous pairs.
“Thank you,” Madeline said. “But I can’t take full credit. Louise was a big help in choosing the fabric.”
“Oh, but Louise always has such wonderful taste.” Charlotte’s head swiveled, her interest clearly piqued. “Has she arrived yet with Christian?”
“Louise actually came a touch earlier,” Mr. Beaumont explained. “Before the majority of guests arrived. Poor dear was feeling rather faint today. Something about an upset stomach.”
Robin suddenly looked far more interested in the refreshments table, and Thalia’s smile strained somewhat. “That’s a shame. We’ll have to visit her and see what can be done to help ease her troubles.”
“That sounds like you’re volunteering me for chores!” Charlotte gasped.
“Would you not volunteer yourself to aid your cherished friend in her time of need?” Gabriel asked innocently.
“Oh, well, we would, of course, but,” Robin quickly pulled on Charlotte’s hand, dragging the pair free from the conversation as he made a dash for the refreshments table proper.
“A-ah! Sorry, he’s my chaperone this evening!” Charlotte called out. “Have to stay by his side—you understand!”
It took everything Thalia had not to roll her eyes. And given Gabriel’s strained look, he was holding in his own admonishments toward his given sibling. “Well, let’s not take too much of the Beaumonts’ time, then. I’m sure there’s plenty of other guests still in need of greeting.” She offered a curtsy Madeline’s way, who replied with a grateful nod and a deeper curtsy of her own.
“Oh, but before we leave,” Gabriel interjected. “I’d like to arrange for a visit sometime, Mr. Beaumont. Thalia has recently come across a number of properties, and I believe she would find your expertise in managing boarding schools quite helpful.”
Thalia’s face warmed as Mr. Beaumont’s expression brightened considerably.
“Is that so? Well, congratulations, Miss Sutton! I would be delighted to share my wisdom, though I can’t promise much. I certainly have no proper background or education in the matter, but I’ll offer what my experience has brought to me.”
“That alone would be of great help,” Thalia insisted. “Thank you ever so much, Mr. Beaumont.”
With one more round of handshakes, hugs, and curtsies, the trio departed from the presence of their host, their spot quickly filled by another group of guests.
“I hadn’t realized Madeline had such a prominent standing in society,” Thalia said.
“It’s more so her father that holds that title,” Gabriel explained. “Madeline has made it a goal of hers not to stand in the spotlight, but that’s a bit difficult when your father helps to manage some of the most esteemed schools in London. Eton, Winchester, Westminster—I believe he was recently appointed on the board for Harrow as well.”
Thalia gasped, catching her balance on Gabriel’s arm. “But, when we first met, he spoke of such a simple desire. Boarding schools for those in the country, helping those less fortunate and in need of a second chance..?”
“Oh, he would much rather do all that,” Gabriel reassured. “But you can do so much more with money lining your pockets. The man's quite good at persuading the purses of the more influential families.”
“That’s why he often isn’t seen at home,” Thalia finished.
Gabriel nodded. “He’s constantly traveling between districts to ensure his high standards of education are being met.”
Thalia found herself suddenly quite dizzy. “But, he appears so… so…?”
“Salt of the earth?” Gabriel offered. “Yes; it’s quite a useful tool in his arsenal. He really should be spoken to as ‘Lord Beaumont’, but like his daughter, the idea feels a bit too grand for his taste.”
And now, such influential people were to visit Thalia over tea. It all honestly felt too good to be true. She glanced about the party, feeling quite lost as to what to do next. Charlotte had been by her side for such a majority of her visit, it was strange to have her absent. Though, she seemed fully dedicated to keeping Robin entertained, showing off a number of strawberry-themed sweets as he happily added them to his plate.
“Well, it seems the younger siblings are fully occupied,” Gabriel’s voice dropped to a low whisper, breath heavy against her ear as a shiver of pleasure ran up her spine. “What say we pick up where we left off last during Orion’s Hunt?”
A coy smile crossed her lips, and Thalia playfully pushed against his chest. “Five minutes?”
Gabriel smirked. “I only need three to catch you, Thalia Sutton.”