The Duke Identity (Game of Dukes #1)(75)

Feeling a sense of kinship, she confided, “I don’t know these people well either.”

“And yet you are swarmed by admirers.”

“Only because the Strathavens and Actons were kind enough to take me under their wing.”

“You are being modest,” Ruthven said. “You are as lovely and unique as that necklace you are wearing.”

“It belonged to my grandmama,” she said with pride.

She could feel Althea watching over her tonight. Guiding her past pitfalls and toward success.

After the dance, Ruthven returned her to her friends. Tessa noted a newcomer to the group; it was difficult not to. Petite and curvaceous, the lady had bright red hair and was dressed as some sort of yellow bird, an extraordinary quantity of feathers and ruffles on her gown. The duchesses were hugging her with unbridled delight.

“There you are, Miss Smith,” Emma said, beaming. “We just ran into our dear friend, whom we haven’t seen in ages. Miss Theresa Smith, meet Gabriella, Mrs. Garrity.”

Tessa’s nape stirred. Zounds, it couldn’t be that Garrity…could it?

“How do you do, Mrs. Garrity?” she said cautiously.

“I’m very well. And do call me Gabby, everyone does. I must confess, I’m ever so relieved to be out of the nursery. That is where I spend most of my days, you know. Not that I’m complaining. Well, perhaps I am a little, aren’t I?”

Confronted with the flurry of words and big blue eyes, Tessa could only manage, “Um…”

“Oh dear, I’m talking too much, aren’t I? It’s a terrible habit of mine to chatter when I’m nervous,” Gabby said guilelessly. “It was bad before, just ask dear Emma and Polly, but I fear it’s gotten worse now that I’m with the children all day. I’m simply starved for adult conversation—”

“If that’s the case, Gabby, dear,” Emma (thankfully) cut in, “why haven’t you come to call? You’ve turned down my last several invitations.”

“I’ve been a dreadful friend—that is, if you still consider me a friend. I wouldn’t blame you if you didn’t.” Remorse was written all over the redhead’s pretty face, which was rounded and sprinkled with golden freckles, so that even her look of despair was somehow charming. “I’ve wanted to see you, but it’s been one thing after another. Between the children and the new country estate, Mr. Garrity is very particular about how it is to be renovated, not to mention Papa’s health not being what it was—”

“Take a breath, dear.” Polly patted Gabby on the shoulder. “Or several breaths.”

The lady gulped in air.

“Neither time nor distance will change our friendship,” Emma said gently. “I meant only that we’ve missed you.”

“I’ve missed you. Ever so much.” Gabby bit her lip. “I don’t know how the two of you do it.”

“Do what?” Emma asked.

“Everything.” Gabby waved a hand. “Be a wife and mama and still have time left over for anything else. And Emma, you even do detection work.”

Detection work? Tessa’s ears perked. Blood and thunder, that’s something you don’t hear duchesses doing every day.

“I only take on the occasional case,” Emma said. “And no one can do everything.”

“Even with oodles of servants and Mr. Garrity’s clearly detailed schedules, I can’t seem to manage very well,” Gabby said glumly.

Polly’s forehead pleated. “Mr. Garrity gives you schedules?”

“To help me organize my day. That way, I don’t forget anything. He’s ever so thoughtful,” Gabby said, her eyes dreamy.

Tessa saw the duchesses exchange a look that suggested they might use a different adjective to describe Mr. Garrity and his schedules.

“Is your husband here tonight?” Emma said.

Gabby’s red curls bounced against her cheek as she nodded. “He prefers we stay at home, but we’re here tonight because he had business to discuss with some clients.”

Emma’s brows rose. “Here at the masquerade?”

“Everyone is in need of money, and the ton is no exception. Mr. Garrity’s influence is quite far-reaching these days. Why else would Cits like us be invited to so elevated an affair?”

Gabby’s shrug revealed a streak of pragmatism beneath all that effervescence. And left no doubt that her husband was indeed that Garrity: the one who might be plotting against Grandpapa. Was it a coincidence that Garrity was here at an event that De Witt was invited to? Tessa stiffened as another possibility struck her. Could there be a connection between Garrity, De Witt…and Ransom?

Apparently misreading Tessa’s reaction, Gabby said in a rush, “Beg pardon, that was vulgar of me to mention money, wasn’t it? Being the daughter of a banker and the wife of a moneylend—a man of business, I mean, I forget we aren’t supposed to talk about such things. I meant no offense.”

“I’m not offended,” Tessa said truthfully.

Gabby’s relieved smile gave her a twinge of misgiving. She couldn’t help but like the redhead; it would be a pity if her husband turned out to be an enemy of the Blacks.

A footman dressed in smart livery approached and bowed. “Mr. Garrity wishes to depart. He is waiting for you at the carriage, Mrs. Garrity.”