Page 93 of In Search of a Husband
“Gabe?”
Finn exited the inn and stood in front of him, his arms crossed.
“What’s this about then?”
“I think they came for Kate.”
“But ye dinna wish for her to leave, do ye?”
He inhaled, drawing the smoke into his lungs. He couldn’t bring himself to look at one of his oldest friends.
“And Elsie is with them?”
“Go away.”
“No, I willna. Because what I dinna understand is why ye’re still here. Figured ye’d be racing after them at the castle. If her parents arrived seeking out Kate, that doesna mean Kate will leave with them. She’s a stubborn lass.”
“I canna tell her to do something she doesna want to do.”
“That’s right. That’s our Katie.”
“OurKatie?”
“Yer no’ the only one who’s in love with her, Gabe. Hell, the whole village is in love with that stubborn Englishwoman.”
“Aye, well…” He rolled his shoulders, restless. He hadn’t had a boxing match in months, and that was what he needed. Chasing after Kate wouldn’t change her mind. Let Elsie help everyone settle at the castle, and he could discuss whatever needed to be discussed in the morning when he had a level head.
“Ye’re about to make a bad decision.” Finn held out a hand toward him, offering to help Gabriel to his feet.
He chuckled, biting down on the cigar and clasping onto Finn’s hand. “Do I ever?”
“Almost never, but I’m pleased yer with me when ye do.”
“Find me someone to fight. Maybe Hamish Buchanan. Or the Campbell brothers. Then gather everyone outside.”
“Ye’re sure about this?”
“Hardly, but why start caring now?”
“Gabe, ye do care. That’s why ye’re here. Ye’re afraid about Kate.”
“I canna make Kate do anything she doesna wish.”
“Ye must ask her first.”
“I dinna have to ask because I was tupping the help, Finn.”
“Ye’re lying to yerself if ye think that’s true.”
“Someone to fight,” Gabriel barked. He stretched his arms wide and moved his neck from side to side. There weren’t many the size of Gabriel, but he wished for someone who threw a fierce uppercut to knock him out. Maybe when he came to, he’d find this all a dream.
CHAPTER 25
Kate barely slept,and she paced her bedroom now as the sun gently warmed the cool autumn sky. Waiting.
Gabriel hadn’t sought her out last night. He hadn’t returned home at all. Her parents had waited for an hour before her mother complained of a headache. Elsie had done what a good host would do and found them a comfortable room and sent up a tray of food and tea. And she had done the same for the marquess before retiring for the evening, leaving Kate. The castle was far from empty, but it had been the loneliest Kate had felt since she arrived here. And she still hadn’t received an answer from her parents as to why they had come, or why, more importantly, the marquess was with them.
Ben stretched, wobbling as he ambled to peer out the window. She picked up the old stinky cat and held him close, surprised to hear the purr rumble from him. As he pressed his head against her chest, she rested her chin on top of his head, staring out at the forest surrounding the castle.
