A Gentleman Never Tells(39)
“I recognize that name. The Brentwoods are twins, right?”
“Yes, but they also have an older brother who is a viscount. Anyway, I was walking Brutus, and he had his dog. The short of the long story is because we were seen together in the park, our names are now being linked together.”
Rosa’s brows drew together in confusion. “Linked together as in possible matrimony?”
“Yes, there is that possibility for my immediate future.”
“So that is why your wedding to Staunton was canceled?” Her brows drew together as if she was confused and then suddenly widened in shock. Her mouth fell open. “You were with another man while still engaged to Staunton.”
Gabrielle lifted her chin and said, “It wasn’t a planned meeting but, yes, that’s what happened.”
“Gabby, how could you do that to Staunton?”
A rueful chuckle passed Gabrielle’s lips. She would have loved to say, “Because, my dear, I saw Staunton kissing you.” But she couldn’t find it in herself to be that cruel and tell Rosa everything that happened that morning was because Gabrielle had seen her and Staunton in a passionate embrace.
“And now I know you and Staunton love each other, I see how it has worked out for the best. Don’t you agree?”
“Yes, of course.”
“So don’t be bothered if you hear rumors about me and Lord Brentwood. We are handling everything quite well.” Gabrielle rose to her feet and inhaled deeply. “Now, Auntie Bethie and I are going to Lady Windham’s party tonight. I would love it if you felt up to joining us.”
“A party tonight? Oh, no, I couldn’t. Please don’t ask it of me. I’m ghastly tired, as I haven’t slept in days.” Her eyes welled with tears again.
“All right, but if you don’t feel like attending the party, at least come help me decide what I should wear.”
“How can you do it, Gabby?”
“What?”
“Be so strong. Be so sensible about everything. I would never go in public again if my wedding were canceled or if I thought there would be rumors about me.”
“At first, I didn’t want to go, either. Auntie Bethie told me I had to treat the canceled wedding as if I were riding a horse. When a horse throws you, you are supposed to immediately get back on and ride him. She said I must go out again, and the sooner the better. I know she’s right. I would be much happier to just stay inside or flee to the country until next spring, when I could start all over, but that would only put me running away from my problems, not facing them. I don’t want to run away from anything.”
As Gabrielle said those words, she realized for the first time they were true.
She had made a horrible mistake in kissing the viscount, but she wasn’t going to let that one lapse in judgment keep her from going forward with her life. Her father had left London, so she could no longer work on persuading him that she and Lord Brentwood shouldn’t marry. That left Lord Brentwood, whom she hoped would be an easier target than her father.
Since he would be at Lady Windham’s tonight, she would put her plans into action. She had only a few weeks at most to convince him she was not the lady he wanted to marry.
Eight
Do not look back in anger, or forward in fear, but around in awareness.
—James Thurber
A nervous fluttering attacked Gabrielle’s stomach as she entered Lady Windham’s house with her aunt later that evening. The spontaneous jitters had nothing to do with her dreading cold stares or unflattering comments whispered about her or her broken engagement. This wouldn’t be the first time she was the topic of conversation. People felt a certain familiarity that came with being the daughter of a powerful duke. Some were not only comfortable but believed they were justified in talking about her. Gabrielle had never minded.
Her fluttery feeling was because she knew she would see Lord Brentwood again tonight. She had paid special attention to her appearance, selecting a long-sleeved, high-waisted velvet gown of the palest pink that went perfectly with her golden-colored hair. A single strand of pearls circled her neck, and a delicate teardrop-shaped pearl dripped from each ear. Her hair was swept up into a loose chignon and circled by a band of pearls.
Lord and Lady Windham’s house was bright with the yellow glow of candles and oil lamps. Their home was one of the largest in Mayfair, and any event hosted by them was a grand affair. They spared no expense with food, drink, or the guest list whenever they gave a party. The house was buzzing with the constant strum of lively music, raucous laughter, and the chatter of conversations.