Page 60 of Wedded to the Deviant Duke

Why was he doing this to her? Why couldn’t he go back to that glimmering-eyed predator during Orion’s Hunt? Why couldn’t they be strangers once more?

“I… hope to get a chance to wear them soon.”

Gabriel nodded, taking a step back before donning his coat once more. “I had planned to take you and my sister to an art gallery.”

“I would like that. It would be a nice opportunity to… be seen in public together.”

Silence hung between them after that, and Thalia’s fingers drifted against her neck. It was so choking between them, so lifeless; and he stared at her with those haunting, dark eyes, as if the night sky itself had wanted to share some intimate secret with her. Whatever starlight might’ve been was gone, now; it was for the best.

“Then…” Gabriel gestured toward the door, and Thalia opened it with a gentle twist. He nodded her good night, passing by without so much as a glance. She closed the door once he fully left her room, and only then did her legs finally give out and the tearful sobs came in full, miserable waves.

I wish I could run from you more, she thought.Do anything to lengthen this chase between us.

Before it all came to an end in a little more than a day’s time.

CHAPTER27

Thalia’s fourth morning at Stonewell Manor began with a gloomy overcast. Breakfast was brief and void of conversation, save Gabriel’s invitation to accompany him at the art gallery.

“I have no choice but to attend, as is expected from a duke,” he explained over a cup of tea—the only thing he’d touched from the table’s grand spread. “But both you and Charlotte are welcome to stay at home, or attend to other matters of interest.”

Thalia glanced across from her, Charlotte slumped in her chair and lifelessly stirring a bowl full of porridge. “I had some time last night to write a few invitations for my party,” she said. “I’ll pass them out at the gallery.”

“I agreed to attend with you last night,” Thalia added. “Charlotte, would you help me pick a dress from my new collection?”

Charlotte immediately stood, relieved to have an excuse. She quickly rounded the table and looped her arm through Thalia’s, giving her brother a dirty stare before leading them out the dining room.

“Still cross with him?” Thalia asked.

“Aren’t you?” Charlotte inquired.

Thalia offered a tired shrug. “I only have today and tomorrow left. Why waste it being angry when I can spend it making nice memories with you, instead?”

Charlotte's frown softened, a note of compassion tinging her tone. “You’re far too good, Thalia Sutton.”

Thalia hardly felt so herself. “Just, promise me you won’t remain cross with your brother for long.”

“All right. But only because you asked.” Charlotte paused, a thought visibly crossing her face. “Speaking of brothers, I’ve hardly seen Robin as of late. I wonder what mischief he’s been getting up to?”

“He’s quite talented in that regard,” Thalia chuckled, doing her best to ignore the anxious pang in her chest.

Robin had gotten on just fine without her; there was no use in worrying just yet. Not that she had anything else to occupy her mind, now; she’d been very clear and firm last night, and Gabriel seemed more than receptive. There would be nothing further between them, and she would ensure it stayed that way.

To the best of her ability.

* * *

The gallery was slightly delayed, as many of the art pieces had been put on display outdoors. Servants worked quickly to erect standing tents, as the sky only grew darker with each passing minute. Thalia glued herself firmly to Gabriel’s side, matching his slate-gray suit with a silvery-blue, open-robe style dress.

The interior layer had been decorated with petite, lacy flowers, gathering in greater quantities at the hem of her skirt for a fuller, more eye-catching design. And truly, she held the attention of many as they wove through the crowd, yesterday’s incident in the Ton far from their minds.

“Gracious me, my Lady! That dress is positively ethereal!” Lady Worsley approached with a gasp, a far smaller entourage trailing behind. “I had no idea your suitor had such wonderful taste.”

“Miss Sutton chose this dress of her own accord,” Gabriel corrected.

Lady Worsley’s smile strained, and Thalia did her best to hide a smile. Even now, she was taken aback at how upfront he was with his support for her. Even after their conversation last night, Gabriel played the part of suitor beautifully.

“Your Ladyship, are those invitations I spot in your hand?” Lady Worsely asked, clearly desperate to change the subject.

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