Page 78 of The Baron Takes a Bet
“Can you? How interesting.”
Holly had to stifle a laugh as he crossed the threshold. He was impossible to argue with sometimes, particularly when he was determined to do something his way. But Holly had to give him credit. She had never felt so secure as when she was withhim, which was indeed a testament to the sort of person Gavin was. He did not brood, nor did he treat her or her family with a heavy hand. He was thoughtful and gentle, though he could be mischievous occasionally, just as he was at that moment.
Gavin walked around the edge of his bed and dropped her gently onto the counterpane. Holly’s gaze fell on the stack of black books lining the wall beneath the window for a moment. John’s journals.
Gavin followed Holly’s line of sight and sighed when he realized what she was looking at.
“Have you started to read them yet?” Holly asked as Gavin began to undress.
“I flipped through a few, but the earlier ones are not very interesting,” he said, shrugging off his coat and then vest. “I’ve actually been looking for some specific information.”
“What information?”
“Something your brother mentioned.”
“Oh?” Holly said. “What about?”
The corner of his mouth pulled up, though his gaze didn’t meet hers.
“Something about how my uncle mentioned that we should meet. Jasper said John brought it up last summer.”
“Really?”
“Yes, but so far I’ve only found something pertaining to last year’s house party. The former Duchess of Combe showed up unannounced?” He shook his head as he began to crawl onto the bed. “It’s not exactly exciting.”
“That happened last summer,” Holly said, scooching back. “You must read further back.”
“Further back? Why?”
“Because,” Holly said, suddenly unsure.
Should she tell him her theory?
“Because why?”
She shook her head. She wouldn’t tell him what she had learned that day, about John wanting custody or her theory that he might have been more generous with his allowance than Gavin had been led to believe. Not when she still wasn’t sure she had the whole story.
“I only knew John for a portion of his life and I must confess, I’m terribly curious about his early life,” she said as Gavin advanced. “I think you should read them and tell me about it.”
“You’re welcome to read them yourself.”
Holly shook her head, an idea forming. Hesitantly, she stepped back up and looked directly into his hazel eyes.
“I want you to read them,” she said softly. “And tell me what’s written.”
Gavin tilted his head, watching her with a curious, sultry stare.
“Is this about those supposed wicked stories he wrote?” he asked, and Holly nodded. Whatever she could do to get him to read them. Gavin smirked. “Very well. Then I’ll start them tonight.”
Pleased, Holly leaned forward, kissing him. His hand came up and held her mouth to his, and Holly became breathless.
Chapter Seventeen
The excitement atthe start of the social season was unlike any other, particularly the day of the debutante ball. It was as if all of London was teeming with enthusiasm and possibility. Holly had kept herself busy for most of the day, writing letters and whatnot, but Katrina had been skipping and dancing around the house. She reminded Holly of a bee, buzzing from room to room, counting the hours before it was time to get ready.
Gavin had decided to visit Mr. Armstrong that morning to rescind his and Holly’s request for an annulment, but when he returned to Bairnsdale Terrace, he explained that the lawyer hadn’t been in his offices.
By one o’clock, Katrina couldn’t wait any longer and insisted that she begin to prepare herself. Even though the ball would not be being for several hours, they were to be presented in court before the soirée began. Holly assisted her sister in her preparations and made sure Katrina was meticulous before dressing herself.
