A Gentleman Never Tells(76)

“There aren’t too many people who would go against a duke. I’m sure if he asked them to hold the space for him, they will.”

“Yes, that’s the problem. I thought perhaps because your father was in shipping you might have knowledge of existing space that wasn’t being held for the duke.”

Sir Randolph picked up his glass and sipped, keeping his gaze on Brent the entire time. After he set his glass down, he said, “I might.”

Encouraged by that, Brent asked, “Do you think it might be available for my brothers to lease?”

The old man’s crafty brown eyes never wavered, and his hands stayed steady. “I could check into that for you.”

“And if there were such space, would my brothers have to know you had anything to do with finding it for them?”

“Not as far as I’m concerned.”

Brent relaxed a little. “And how might they go about finding this space?”

Sir Randolph picked up his drink thoughtfully and took a slow sip. “I’ll see that someone finds them.”





Fifteen



He is most free from danger, who, even when safe, is on his guard.

—Publilius Syrus

Chimes dinged and bells clanged as Brent, Gabrielle, and Mrs. Potter walked down the church steps on a cloudy midday Sunday. A slight breeze added a chill to the gray day. Brent settled his top hat on his head, and the ladies opened their parasols, even though there wasn’t a slice of sunshine to be seen anywhere in the sky.

“It was a lovely service,” Gabrielle said, “don’t you think?”

“Absolutely,” her aunt answered quickly.

“What about you, my lord, what did you think?” Gabrielle asked him.

He glanced over at her and, with a smile, said, “I thought it divinely inspired.”

Mrs. Potter laughed heartily as they strolled down the walkway toward the row of carriages and drivers waiting for their owners. “In case you don’t know, Gabby, that means he was utterly bored to tears.”

“Nonsense, Auntie,” Gabrielle said with a sly smile. “Every time I looked over at Lord Brentwood, his eyes were closed, and I saw no tears whatsoever. He must have been praying.”

“Praying! Ha!” Her aunt belted a hearty laugh. “If he was praying, he was asking the Good Lord to let the service be over quickly!”

“Auntie, I’m sure that’s not true.”

Brent chuckled. He found Mrs. Potter charming and her ribald comments witty. “My eyes were closed only when I was sleeping,” Brent said.

“I’ve noticed that a lot of gentlemen always seem to doze when in church,” Gabrielle’s aunt said.

“But I never closed my eyes while you were singing, Mrs. Potter. You have a lovely voice.”

Mrs. Potter’s dark brown eyes sparkled with humor. “Thank you, my lord. I do love it when a handsome young gentleman flatters me.”

Brent stopped in front of his landau and reached for Mrs. Potter’s hand. “It wasn’t sweet talk. It’s the truth. Should I have my driver put the top on the carriage? It doesn’t look as if the day will get any warmer.”

“Oh, no, not for me,” she said. “I’m sorry to say I won’t be joining you and Gabby today, so you must keep the top off.” She turned and pointed farther down the street. “Muggs is right over there. I told him to wait for me when he dropped us off this morning.”

Concern etched its way across Gabrielle’s face. “But Auntie Bethie, you wanted to go to the fair. You’ve been looking forward to it all week.”

“Of course I have, and perhaps I’ll have the chance to go another time, but not today. I don’t feel good about leaving Rosabelle alone for so long, especially since she isn’t feeling well.”

“Oh,” Gabrielle said. “You’re right. I should skip the fair as well, and go home with you.”

“You will do no such thing, young lady,” Mrs. Potter admonished. “Don’t be silly. It doesn’t take two of us to watch over her. Besides, I don’t think there is anything seriously wrong with her, and I don’t believe you do either. It’s certainly nothing a little time can’t cure. You two run along and enjoy yourselves. I’ll take care of Rosa.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Potter; that is exactly what we shall do.”

“You will check on her often, won’t you?” Gabrielle asked her aunt.