A Gentleman Never Tells(108)
“Of course, I agree we will have to make some changes in the contract, but I think we’ll be able to work everything out satisfactorily, don’t you?”
Auntie Bethie came rushing back into the room. “Rosa’s bed hasn’t been slept in. Here’s a note addressed to Gabrielle.”
She handed the note to Gabrielle, and she opened it and read aloud:
“I wanted to talk to you yesterday because you are at times so sensible about things that make no sense. But you were too consumed with your precious dog, and later when you came to my room, it was too late to talk. I had already made my decision to accept Staunton’s offer to elope and take the decisions about our lives out of our fathers’ hands. We can’t trust our fathers to allow us to marry, so we must do this on our own. Be happy for me, Gabby. This is what I want. I will see you when I return.”
A peace settled over Gabrielle. This was what Rosa wanted, and Staunton had admitted to Gabrielle that he found passion in Rosa’s arms. How could she be unhappy for them?
“That child has always had a mind of her own,” Auntie Bethie said.
“Here,” the duke said, pushing his half-empty glass toward Auntie Bethie. “As long as you’re still here, you might as well fill my glass again.”
“With relish, Duke. Now that I’ve decided to move to London, I will often be here.”
“What? What do you mean, Elizabeth? You know I won’t allow that.”
“What about a new marriage contract?” the earl asked.
“Yes, yes, we’ll get to that in a moment,” her father said.
Gabrielle and Brent smiled at each other. “Let’s take a walk in the garden, shall we?” he said.
“I’ll lead the way,” she answered, knowing Lord Austerhill and her aunt would keep her father busy for a long time.
As soon as they stepped outside and Brent closed the door behind them, he pulled her into his arms and kissed her. The air was cold, but his lips and embrace were warm. She felt heavenly.
When he broke from the kiss, she said, “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about Rosa. I didn’t want—”
“Shh.” He silenced her with another kiss. “There are only two things I want to know, all right?”
She nodded.
“Do you love me?”
Gabrielle smiled. “Yes.”
“Do you want to marry me as soon as I can get a special license?”
“Oh, yes,” she said, entwining her arms around his neck.
“That is all I need to know, my love. Now kiss me again.”
Brent claimed her lips for his own, and Gabrielle thrilled to his touch.
Epilogue
I am my beloved’s and his desire is toward me. Come, my beloved.
—Song of Solomon 7:10-11
“Gabrielle?”
She felt light, feathery kisses on her cheek, her forehead, and her eyes. Was she dreaming?
“My sweet love. It is time to wake.”
Gabrielle opened her eyes only for a second and then closed them again and turned over. She wrapped her arms around her husband’s neck.
He kissed her long and thoroughly. “Are you ready to wake up, my darling wife?”
“No, not yet,” she said, keeping her eyes closed. “Perhaps you should kiss me some more.”
“I promise I will later, but not right now. Sit up. I have something for you.”
She opened her eyes and stretched her arms up in the air. “You are already dressed?”
“I had an errand that needed to be done first thing this morning, and while I was out the mail coach came. You have a letter from London, from your sister’s address.”
“Oh, from Rosa? She’s finally answered one of my letters.”
Gabrielle sat up in bed, brushed her hair away from her face, and straightened her long-sleeved night rail across her shoulders while Brent settled himself on the edge of the bed beside her.
Taking the letter, she opened it and read aloud:
“Dearest Gabby, I have the most wonderful news to share with you. I am expecting a babe. I knew you would be thrilled for me and Staunton. When are you coming to visit so we can talk?
Your loving sister”
Excitement filled Gabrielle, and she looked up at Brent and smiled. “Rosa is going to have a child.”