Page 1 of My Darling Rogue
CHAPTER1
1841
Beaumont
The country estate of the Earl and Countess of Ravenswood
Gabriel Rose cursed the sky.The earth. The moon and sun. God and gods. It did not matter. He cursed them all for the hand Fate just dealt him.
“Lady Celia Buchanan and her mother will soon arrive,” Sebastian Cain, the Earl of Ravenswood, said with a grin. “Can you control yourself with the object of your obsession in such close proximity?”
“What do you mean by that?” Gabriel’s response was almost a snarl.
Sebastian chuckled. “Do you think I’ve not noticed how you stare at her? How you have trailed in her wake around the edges of every social gathering this past year? I know full well your interest in her. What I don’t understand is why you’ve not acted upon it.”
As the earl’s man in all things requiring assistance, and as one of his closest friends, Gabriel knew it was useless hiding the truth. Sebastian was incredibly astute, which was to Gabriel’s detriment on this subject. But Sebastian was also discreet. Any knowledge regarding Gabriel Rose and his interest in a certain young lady would never become fodder for the gossip mills.
But Sebastian’s insistence on discussing the matter was problematic. Gabriel realized he’d failed in concealing the unfortunate attraction he carried for Lady Celia Buchanan.
“You may forget my humble origins, Seb, but I cannot. Any interest I have in Lady Celia, or any lady for that matter, must remain unspoken. Her father would never allow it, and I daresay her brother would muster an attempt on my life because of it.”
“Nonsense. Tristan Buchanan is far too enamored with his new wife to pay heed to his sister’s activities, or her admirers. This is your chance, my friend. Do something about your Lady Celia. Something other than lurking in the corners and admiring her from afar.”
Gabriel tamped down his rising irritation. This was a conversation he never envisioned having with Sebastian, but little dissuaded the earl when his mind was set on something he deemed important.
“I know women seek your company,” Sebastian pointed out. “From all social standings.”
“Perhaps. But this particular one would not welcome the attention of a bastard. You know this.” Gabriel crossed one leg over the other as he settled back in the leather-tufted chair. In one hand he held a glass containing a splash of Ravenswood’s finest brandy.
“Oh, stop acting as though you carry the plague. You know as well as I that the matter of your birth does not hold the same weight as it might have in the past. There are plenty of bastards in society. Some even wind up with pretty wives, if not wealthy ones.” Sebastian held his glass up and toasted Gabriel. “Catch Lady Celia and you’ll have secured two in one.”
“Those bastards are at least acknowledged by their fathers,” Gabriel shot back. “Mine provided an education and the most basic of care when I was a lad, but that was the extent of his willingness to claim me as his son.”
Sebastian regarded Gabriel with piercing scrutiny. “While true your father is unknown, the fact he was a nobleman counts for something. You’ve far more standing than you realize. And if you are indeed interested in Lady Celia, you should pursue her. Before she is wrangled into marriage with someone unworthy.”
“I amsomeone unworthy, Sebastian.” Gabriel took a sip of the brandy, savoring its rich flavor. “Your persistence in elevating me beyond my station is a noble endeavor. Useless, but noble. And you know I’ve no wish to wed. I can only hope you will not pursue the matter. Or, God forbid, set Lady Ravenswood to the task.”
Sebastian laughed at that somber declaration.
“Ivy will be heartbroken. After all, Her Ladyship is an excellent matchmaker. Gabriel, you will not lurk in the shadows during this event. I insist you join the festivities the same as my other guests. And instead of pining after Lady Celia with moonstruck eyes, you will press your suit as the other gentlemen most assuredly will. She’s certainly a challenge, but I’m confident you’ll capture her attention.”
Gabriel considered the earl. He was a most stubborn man. Annoyingly so. And also his closest friend. After Sebastian saved his life they’d become family. Gabriel was devoted both to him and Ivy, the Countess of Ravenswood. He’d sworn he would serve them for as long as he was needed.
It was the unique situation he’d been born into. As the bastard son of a nobleman and an actress of the opera, Gabriel straddled both worlds. He blended just as easily in a ballroom full of pompous lords and silk-clad ladies as he did in a whorehouse populated by murderers and thieves.
“Ah, Gabriel. From the moment I fought alongside you behind that French brothel, I’ve known you as a man of honor, honesty, and fortitude.” Sebastian smiled, his tone gentle but stern. “These characteristics are far more valuable than titles or land holdings. I challenge anyone to dispute your worth.” He sighed heavily. “I feel our friendship holds you hostage. The vow you made has held you here longer than I ever expected. You should not spend a lifetime tied to me. It’s time you sought a wife. Time you put aside your oath and find happiness within your own home. Find contentment with a family you may call yours. Everyone deserves that. I dare say bastards deserve such gifts far more than the average man. And if Lady Celia is not the woman you see spending a lifetime with, then you must find someone whodoesmake you happy.”
Gabriel found it difficult admitting Celia Buchanan was precisely the woman he wished to claim for his own.
If only she wasn’t so far out of reach.
“You are quite mad, my friend.” Gabriel sighed. “Does Lady Ravenswood realize how mad her husband truly is?”
“Of course, she does. Who else would demand I speak with you on this subject?” Sebastian replied cheerfully. “She and I share the same affliction, apparently, because she first pointed out how your eyes never stray far from Lady Celia. And that the lady’s gaze seeks you out as well when she believes no one watches.”
“Now, that, I know is a lie.” Gabriel laughed heartily. “The lady in question has no interest in me. True, I’ve aided her a few times in past months, but we’ve hardly said two words to one another. She views me as little more than a servant. Perhaps even less.”
Although he laughed at the possibility of Celia Buchanan ever accepting him as a suitor, Gabriel admitted the idea filled him with a longing he could not ignore. He’d give his soul to have all obstacles of class and background erased between them. To be seen as an equal, one fit to pursue the lady he desired, accepted based on his character and deeds.
