A Gentleman Never Tells(77)

“More than she would want, for sure.”

Keeping his distance from Gabrielle’s parasol, Brent reached for her hand and helped her step into the carriage.

“Don’t leave her alone for one second, my lord,” Mrs. Potter said. “There are always unsavory characters at fairs and carnivals.”

“You have no cause to worry about that. She shall not leave my sight.”

“Good. I’ll expect you back before dark.”

“You can count on it,” Brent said.

Brent looked at Gabrielle. Her gorgeous blue eyes sparkled despite the dreary day. She wore a beige dress sprigged with tiny blue flowers. Her black cape and matching bonnet were trimmed with a white-and-black–corded braid. He couldn’t help but think how damn lucky he was that the lady who caught him in a parson’s mousetrap was the most beautiful and fascinating lady he’d ever met.

Brent wouldn’t have minded Mrs. Potter going with them. She was a fascinating lady, too, and always in a good humor. But if Mrs. Potter had gone with them, there would have been no chance he could kiss Gabrielle’s delectable lips. He smiled to himself as he climbed onto the carriage and settled himself beside Gabrielle. Yes, he wasn’t the least unhappy the lady had decided to spend the afternoon with her other niece.

Brent gave the driver the signal to go as he tucked a blanket around Gabrielle’s legs. The first thing Brent noticed was she was not sitting as close to him, because the seats were longer in the much-bigger landau than they were in the curricle they used a few days ago. He missed feeling the warmth of her skirts. The second thing he noticed was her beige parasol with the fancy blue trim wasn’t as big as the one she carried on their last outing, so hopefully his hat would remain on his head. He had lost two very expensive hats because of Gabrielle. The first was ruined the morning he met her, when it was stepped on by her footman after he wrestled Brent to the ground, and the second on his last outing with her. It was hard to believe it was now more than a month ago since he met her.

The driver guided the two mares out of the queue in front of the church and into the busy traffic as Gabrielle waved good-bye to her aunt. Sunday was the one day of the week when most Londoners didn’t work, and there were always a lot of carriages, wagons, and horses on the streets.

“I see your lip has healed once again,” Gabrielle said as the driver fit the landau in between a black shiny barouche and a low chaise.

Brent scooted a little closer to her, relaxed against the back of the seat, and said, “Yes, at last.”

“You know what they say, don’t you?”

He glanced at her. There was a twinkle of mischief sparkling in her eyes. “No, what do they say?”

“That things come in threes. So that means you can expect one more cut on the lip before the next new moon.”

He hoped not. He didn’t want to lose another hat either. “I do believe I have heard that, Gabrielle, but I can assure you I won’t take kindly to whoever takes a swing at me the next time. And from now on, I’ll be doubly wary if anyone taps me on the shoulder from behind.”

“Then I’ll make sure it’s not me.”

He smiled at her. “You are in no danger from me.”

Her eyes softened. “I have no fear of you, Brent.”

“Maybe that is true.” He quirked an eyebrow at her. “I noticed you don’t have your bodyguard with you today.”

“My body—” She stopped and laughed. “Oh, you mean Brutus.”

Brent tried to remain serious when he said, “Yes. I suppose he gets bored and falls asleep in church, too.”

Gabrielle picked up on his teasing and continued it with, “Oh, yes, I had to stop bringing him because his snoring would drown out Auntie Bethie’s singing.”

They laughed, and Brent found himself slipping a little closer to her once again, and he made sure his thigh rested against hers. It pleased him that she didn’t shy away from him.

“If I didn’t know better,” Gabrielle said, “I would think you are happy my precious dog is not with us today.”

“To that, I’ll only say that Brutus and I are becoming friends. I’m looking forward to seeing him when I attend the piano recital in your home on Thursday evening.”

“I’m glad you’re coming, and I know Brutus will be happy to see you, too.”

With a deep contented breath and a smile, Gabrielle turned away from him and looked at the sights along the streets as the carriage rolled along at a lively pace.