Page 51 of Wedded to the Deviant Duke

“I haven’t returned from war, you know!” Thalia scoffed, arms crossing against her chest. “I wouldn’t mind stretching my legs a bit.”

“You could stretch your legs on Stonewell ground,” Gabriel offered lightly, but the veiled danger underneath wasn’t lost on her. He was telling her ‘no’.

“I can’t simply hide away from yesterday’s embarrassment,” Thalia said. “The sooner I get myself back into society’s eye, the better my reputation will stand. Besides, both women have proven themselves to be lovely individuals. I expect nothing less, though,” she added with a slight smirk. “Given their part of your inner circle, Charlotte.”

Charlotte beamed, ego clearly stroked and chest puffed out proudly.

“Well, I do have a knack for identifying honest folk. Oh, let us go, Gabriel! It wouldn’t be that long of a trip; Madeline’s hosting a sewing circle at her home, and I have no doubt Louise is there as well.” She squealed, clapping excitedly as she added, “They’re probably making little hats and booties and mittens for the baby! Please, Gabriel, please?”

Gabriel visibly gritted his teeth, and for a moment, Thalia wondered if this would be the first time he exercised his influence against them. But, after a moment, he let out a light sigh and waved the two away, popping a strawberry into his mouth.

“You aren’t taking any of mine, then. And I’m not helping you pick any new ones.”

“That’s rather un-gentlemanly of you,” Thalia teased.

“Yes, how dare you make your sweet, sweet sister pick strawberries all by her lonesome!” With a huff, Charlotte stood and gathered herself, marching off towards the bushes with nothing but the hem of her dress outstretched.

“Charlotte Ann Harding, don’t you dare use your dress as a basket!” Gabriel snapped.

“Ooh, let her be,” Thalia laughed. “I know an old family recipe to remove difficult stains.”

“Do you, now?”

Thalia’s cheeks burned at Gabriel’s suggestive tone. She turned back to face him, a strawberry pinched between his fingers as he offered her a bemused grin. She eyed his expression, then the strawberry, and with little thought, she launched forward and snatched it between her teeth.

“H-Hey!”

Thalia couldn’t help but squeal in delight at Gabriel’s genuine surprise. She did her best to get away, only for his arms to grab her waist and hoist her upright. Her own panicked cry fluttered into laughter between them, him rolling her back across the blanket, splayed out, hands pinned across. He stared down at her, breathing heavy, and she couldn’t help but note the predator spark in his eyes.

“Awfully daring, putting your hands so close to a wolf’s jaw,” Gabriel growled softly.

“Suppose this rabbit doesn’t mind getting bit,” Thalia replied, breathless.

For a moment, she allowed herself to be looked over. Allowed that hunger in his eyes to swirl, to hold that control over Gabriel for a brief, wonderful moment.

The anticipation was unbearable, her legs squirming beneath him, and she wanted nothing more than for him to bite her around the neck. But a rustling from the brush pulled them upright, a call from Charlotte to get moving spurring her back to her feet.

“We’re not done just yet.” Gabriel’s voice was rough, curt; he was just as disappointed as Thalia was.

“Of course not,” Thalia replied, trying her best to keep herself upright on still-quivering legs. “That was just a taste, after all.”

* * *

Charlotte had, in fact, been incorrect about Louise. When the pair arrived and settled into the parlor, it was only Madeline herself who greeted them. “She did wish to visit,” their hostess explained. “But, she was feeling unwell.”

Charlotte made a spectacular face. “Thalia, remind me never to become a mother myself. It sounds simply awful.”

“I would reserve your judgement until you find someone for yourself,” Thalia chuckled. “By then, you may very well be singing a different tune.”

“Doubt it,” Charlotte huffed.

Madeline offered nervous laughter herself, shifting both baskets of strawberries more securely into her arms. “Well, thank you again for the fruit. I’ll make sure to bring a bit of whatever I make.”

“You know me far too well,” Charlotte beamed.

“Thank you kindly, Madeline,” Thalia said.

Madeline offered a small smile, her eyes suddenly lighting up. “Oh! Before I forget…” she darted behind the door, returning soon after with two, beautifully-made cards decorated in florals. “I wanted to invite you two to my Seasonal event. I’m…surprised how many have already confirmed their presence, and having a few familiar faces will make it so much more bearable.”

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