Page 12 of Ravishing Among the Roses
Edmund nodded, biting his cheek to hold back the little smile that threatened to break out. Gabriel had done it. He’d organised the sessions for his Christmas charity function. Edmund was so proud of Gabriel that he almost didn’t notice the way His Grace surveyed the room and switched from a sneer into gracious host.
“My father, the previous Duke Of Galforth, began those gardens and you are correct, they are a magnificent collection. We open them to society during the spring, by invitation only for those who wish to gaze on their wonder,” His Grace said in an expansive voice which welcomed everyone listening. And then he leaned in closer to Bennington and whispered.
“It would be a terrible shame if anything were to happen to them.”
Edmund felt that threat as if his brother had broken all his bones. A physical wound would be easier to heal than to stand here and listen to society whisper about how they might be fortunate enough to get an invitation, how they might gain favour with a Duke, and none of them knew what His Grace had really been saying.
“As you say, Your Grace.” Bennington bowed. “Come along Thwaitepiddle, we have much to prepare ahead of this momentous event.”
And that was how Edmund ended up following Bennington out of the stiflingly hot room with a chill sweat covering his body. They marched all the way to the front door, gained their coats from a servant and were soon seated in Bennington’s carriage.
“Is he always like that?”
“Like?”
“Charming with an undertone of nastiness. I’d heard rumours and of course I see him in Lords often enough, but I hadn’t thought him to be any different to the other selfish Dukes until I met your nephew at Kelmscott’s house.”
Edmund couldn’t articulate how he was feeling so he just shook his head slowly. The threat to his roses had been stated in public and no one, not even himself, had said anything.
“And you, I can’t make you out. Gabby Doll has a high opinion of you.”
“Who?”
“Gabby Doll, my entertainer. You met her with the headdress and she muscled you out of the room.”
“Gabriel?” Edmund blinked.
“Yes.” Bennington tilted his head slightly. “How is that you know Gabriel by that name and not her stage name?”
“I think that’s my business.”
Bennington laughed. “And I’ve already been in your business too much tonight. Isn’t that what you are saying?”
Edmund sighed, because yes. “Look, my brother is obsessed with his reputation. He is incredibly angry that his heir has not acquiesced to obey him, and there are consequences for all of us. Did you notice how he threatened to destroy my roses?”
“He did?” Bennington frowned, and then his eyes opened. “He did. By God, I was so caught up in how he took my compliment of you and made it into an exclusive invitation to society which will have them all tripping over themselves to pander to him so they can say they are special enough for an invitation to Galforth House that I missed that.” His eyes narrowed. “You need to do the lecture.”
Edmund nodded his agreement and then the carriage came to a stop.
“Come inside the club, you look like you need some refreshments.” Bennington winked. “And Gabby Doll is performing.”
For the first time this evening, Edmund enjoyed a little flicker of hope. He had a friend in Bennington, and so he let himself smile as he followed Bennington inside The King’s Book Club.
Chapter 9
At the end of his performance, Gabby usually walked through the room, talking to people and encouraging them to stay longer at the club, but tonight there was one man sitting along at the edge of the room that he needed to see. He tried not to run, tried to do his job on the way, but the pull towards Edmund was too great.
“Good evening.”
Edmund looked up with those dark brown eyes filled with agony and hope. “Bennington calls you Gabby Doll.”
“It’s my stage name.”
“Should I call you that?”
“Gabby Doll is for work. Mama calls me Gabby, my Aunt Mei calls me Gabriel. I’m not particularly careful about names. Call me whatever you want.” He was a fool because he wanted to hear Edmund cry out his name as he came. He wanted it to be the only name on Edmund’s lips, and all it had taken was one glance at him tonight and he knew this was the man he wanted for the rest of his life. This one strong man who appeared to have every privilege and yet stayed under his terrible brother’s thumb to protect his roses. Gabby couldn’t help but be curious, as if that was all there was to it.
Edmund swallowed. “Gabriel. Why did you leave me?”
