Page 36 of My Darling Rogue
“Tamp down your excitement for the moment, my lady. I’ve yet to accept the marquessate. It’s too much of an unknown. Too much responsibility.” Gabriel shook his head. “And God’s blood. When I think of the duties required by Parliament of any lord, I become nauseous.”
Ivy’s beautiful features glowed with encouragement for her friend. “Nonsense. If Ravenswood can manage it, you can as well. Perhaps even better for you do not possess the same hot temper as my husband. Besides, my understanding of Parliament is that it is simply a gathering of men who harumph, argue, and pat each other on the back for their accomplishments. While we must keep your secret for the moment, I have every confidence you will take on this responsibility. And excel at it.”
“I’ve never wanted anything from my father. Now, everything is suddenly mine. I’m trying to process all of it.”
Ivy sobered. “I imagine it is difficult reconciling your feelings for the old marquess and this opportunity. It will help having people surround you who care for you.” She was quiet for a long moment, then carefully asked, “You still intend on informing Celia?”
“I’m searching for her now but have had no luck.” Gabriel sighed, raking a hand through his hair. “Perhaps she has already retired?”
“Oh no, she’s not gone to bed just yet! She’s down on the terrace lawns with a few other guests. They’re engaged in a bit of competition.”
“I’m afraid to even ask for an explanation.” Gabriel groaned.
“Nothing too scandalous.” Ivy grinned. “They are catching fireflies. When the game ends, whoever has the most in their jar receives a forfeit from the person of their choice. The fireflies are released unharmed.”
Gabriel felt a twinge of annoyance. “I’ll hazard a guess this game is yet another one of Lady Celia’s ideas?”
Ivy laughed. “It is. And it’s quite beautiful. If you hurry, you may still take part in collecting the little creatures. Perhaps win a forfeit of your own. My lord.” That last was added in the most teasing of manners and Gabriel’s jaw clenched as he stomped away.
He heard laughter and giggles as he approached the terrace overlooking the mansion’s rear lawns. A mix of men and women raced back and forth under the light of the Chinese lantern. They carried nets and scarves, swinging them wildly through the air.
If Celia was one of the ones dashing about the wide expanse of lawn with a damned injured ankle, Gabriel decided he most certainly would haul the lady over his knees and give her ass more than a few swats.
He spied her almost at once.
She was seated in a well-lit portion of the lower garden terrace. From a low bench near the central fountain, she watched the others as they captured the illuminating insects. She did not look at him when he sat beside her.
“You dislike bugs. Why have you organized such a game when this is the case?” Gabriel asked, genuinely puzzled by this girl.
“Did you know it’s believed fireflies light up as a way of attracting other fireflies? It’s some sort of ritual.” Celia ignored his question. “Attracting a mate is the ultimate goal.”
“How fascinating,” he said dryly. But the curve of her neck was far more intriguing. The shell of her ear infinitely enthralling. He could not help himself. He reached out and trailed a forefinger along the sweet line of her jaw and fantasized about tracing the contour with his tongue.
Celia’s eyes briefly closed. Then she sat up straighter, smoothing her skirts in a brisk, businesslike manner. “Was your summons to Lord Ravenswood’s study a matter of great importance?”
The question reminded Gabriel of the momentous change in his life. “Potentially.”
Celia turned further toward him. “That’s a very cryptic statement. What does it mean?”
“May we speak in private?” Gabriel countered.
The lights from the torches placed around the boundaries of the lawns lit her face, highlighting the smooth planes and deepening the color of her eyes to nearly ebony black. A curl escaped her coiffure to brush her jaw, and she pushed it back into place with an impatient movement.
“Is this not private enough?” she asked.
“No.”
His one-word answer creased her brow.
“We are alone, Mister Rose. No one can overhear whatever it is you feel you must say.”
“I do not want to chance being interrupted,” he shot back.
“Hmmm,” Was her reply.
She stood, surprising him as she addressed the lords and ladies still running about like crazed rabbits across the green lawn. “Let us take the count, everyone!”
Those participating in the game came forward carrying small jars filled with the glowing green-yellow lights of the fireflies. Gabriel was not happy to see Lord Harvey among the participants. The man’s expression hardened, obviously perturbed to see Gabriel as well.
