A Gentleman Never Tells(100)

“Gabrie,” Brent said softly, “you need to go to your room and get out of your wet clothing.”

She shook her head and rubbed behind Brutus’s ears. “I’m not leaving him until I know he’s going to be all right.”

“Be sensible, Gabrie,” Brent said. “If you catch a chill, you won’t be able to look after Brutus.”

“You are just as wet as I,” she said without looking up at him.

“But I am a strong man, and you are a gentle lady. I will stay right here and not leave Brutus until you return. Mrs. Potter will stay too, right?”

“Of course. I will do anything.”

Gabrielle shook her head again. She glanced at Brent and appreciated the concern he had for her and for Brutus. Unwanted tears pooled in her eyes but somehow, once again, she kept them from spilling. “I’m not leaving him. Don’t you understand I’m afraid he might die while I’m away, and I couldn’t bear it if I wasn’t here with him?”

“Oh, dearie,” her aunt said in an unusually soft voice. “Here, at least get out of that soaked pelisse and step out of those wet shoes. You, too, Lord Brentwood. This is not the time to stand on ceremony. Out of that wet coat you’re wearing so your shirt can dry. You’re both going to catch a chill. Hand them to me, and I’ll hang them before the fire.

“Mrs. Potter,” Brent said, handing her his coat and waistcoat, “why don’t you have someone prepare her hot chocolate with a little brandy in it? That should warm her up quickly, don’t you think?”

“Indeed, it will,” Auntie Bethie said in a stronger voice. “I’ll see to it right now.”

“No, Auntie, please,” Gabrielle said, handing off her soggy pelisse. “I really couldn’t put anything in my stomach right now.”

“All right, dearie, we’ll wait a little while.”

“Oh, Gabby, there you are,” Rosabelle exclaimed, hurrying into the room. “I thought I heard you calling me. I didn’t think you would ever get home. Where have you been?” Rosa skidded to a stop beside her aunt. “My lord.” She curtseyed to Lord Brentwood and quickly turned back to Gabrielle. “I must talk to you alone. I have something to share with you that you simply won’t believe. Let’s go to my room.”

Lord Brentwood rose and said, “Lady Rosabelle, now is not a good time for your sister. Brutus is not well. Perhaps you could hold off with whatever you wanted to talk to her about until she can see to Brutus.”

Rosabelle’s gaze darted from Lord Brentwood down to Brutus. She frowned. “Oh, my, yes, of course.” She backed away. “He doesn’t look good, does he? What’s wrong with him?”

“We’re not sure,” Brent said.

“It appears he’s sick.” She stared down at Brutus. “I don’t think he’s breathing.”

Gabrielle sucked in a loud breath, wanting Rosa to go away. She couldn’t deal with her right now.

“He is breathing,” Brent said tightly.

“Oh, well, I’m sure you know about that better than I do. I’m just going to leave you alone, Gabby. You know I simply can’t bear situations like this.”

“Rosa,” Auntie Bethie said, “I was just going out. I’ve decided which house I’m going to lease, and I need to let the owners know. Why don’t you go with me to make all the arrangements?”

“Yes, Auntie, I believe I would like that. We’ll talk later, Gabby, after Brutus is better.” Rosa quickly fled the room.

Gabrielle looked up at her aunt and mouthed a “thank you.”

Her aunt turned to Brent and said, “You’ll be here with Gabby, won’t you, my lord? I think it best if I get Rosa out of the house for a while.”

“So do I,” Brent agreed. “And don’t worry, madame, I’m not leaving Lady Gabrielle.”

“Good. I’ll tell the staff you’re not to be disturbed, and I’ll entrust her to your care.”

Gabrielle heard her aunt leave the room, but she couldn’t take her attention off Brutus. Beneath the blankets, she could see his breathing was slow and labored. She wanted him to rise and look at her. She wanted him to bark, sniff, and lick her hand as playfully as he had when a puppy, but all he did was lie there so still. She would give anything to help him right now. She wanted to give him back his youth, to turn back the clock so he could be the fierce protector he once was, but all she could do was stay by his side and stroke his head.