A Gentleman Never Tells(64)

Her eyes brightened as if she’d just had an amazing thought. “Oh, I do. They are real.”

He laughed. “And I’m sure one or two of them visit you from time to time, and yes, after we are married, your ghosts can continue to visit you.”

She folded her arms across her chest and gave him an annoyed look. “You are laughing at me.”

“Yes,” he said, and with great effort he wiped the smile off his lips. He cleared his throat, and they started walking again. “I don’t see how there could be a connection between our two dogs. Snellingly’s dog ran away from him at his house in Mayfair, not here in Hyde. If there is a large wild animal roaming the park, as some believe, I’m sure someone would have spotted him by now, especially if he was roaming the streets of Mayfair, too.”

“I suppose you’re right. I just don’t want you to give up hope of Prissy’s return, my lord.”

I must. Starting now.

His brows drew together as he looked down at her with an exaggerated frown. “I didn’t hear you say my lord, did I?”

She gave him an apologetic smile. “Excuse me, Brent.”

“Much better,” he said as they started down the slope toward the blanket and carriage. “I don’t want to give up hope, but it’s been almost three weeks now.”

“I don’t consider three weeks such a long time,” she argued.

Brent glanced over at her. “You don’t? What if Brutus had been missing for more than two weeks? Would you consider it a long time then?”

She wrinkled her nose at him, and it was so engaging, he laughed.

“All right, yes, I suppose I would think three weeks were forever.”

“I’ll keep the notice running in The Times for now, but other than that, I’ve done everything I know to do. It’s time.”

She kept her gaze straight ahead for a few moments and then turned to him and asked, “Will you be at the Cuddlebury’s party next week?”

“I don’t know. I was thinking perhaps I should stay out of the social scene for a while.”

Her brow furrowed. “Why? As my aunt would say, the disappearing act won’t make the rumors about us and your brothers go away.”

“I wasn’t thinking about that at all. I was thinking about Staunton. I fear if he approached me again and wanted to fight, I wouldn’t have the good sense to walk away a second time.”

“Meaning you would never let him hit you again without retaliating.”

“That’s exactly what I mean, Gabrie.” For some damn reason, Brent felt Staunton deserved throwing that one punch, even though it was never Brent’s intention to kiss another man’s fiancée.

Gabrielle gave him a nod of understanding as they made it back to the blanket. She picked up her bonnet and settled it on her head. “I’ve made up my mind.”

He gave her a quizzical look. “About what?”

“About what I would like for us to do at our next outing. Remember you said I could decide. You aren’t going back on your word, are you?”

He found it odd she thought he’d go back on his word. “No. It’s your choice. What would you like us to do?”

She buttoned her pelisse. “I think you should join me, Auntie Bethie, and Rosa for church on Sunday.”

“Church?” Brent was certain he was unable to hide his surprise. He didn’t suppose he minded going to church with her; he just hadn’t done it very often in recent years.

“Yes, Auntie adores singing in church. She has such a strong and beautiful voice.”

Gabrielle smiled so prettily at him, his stomach did a slow roll and then tightened. He picked up her short cape and settled it around her shoulders, taking his time tying the satin bow. What he really wanted to do was indulge in his desire for her and pull her to him and kiss her again.

“I don’t doubt Mrs. Potter has a beautiful voice, but it’s been a while since I’ve been to church, Gabrielle.”

“Oh, but I go to church every Sunday, Brent, and after we marry, I would expect you always to go with me.”

Something about how hard she was trying to convince him made him think the opposite of what she said was true. He was getting the same feeling he had when he realized she was only pretending not to know how to dance, fibbing about madness in her family, and that she had a nasty temper. He didn’t know why she was playing this game, but for now it seemed harmless enough.