Page 48 of A Duke's Lustful Riddle
Gabriel’s eyes widened at Alastair’s words. There was no way he had heard him correctly. He had now officially begun to try to court Gemma without asking him.
Alastair wanted to take Gemma out in society, and to the opera. That would mean he was officially making his move to bring Gemma into his life.
“Lady Gemma is ready for you, Lord Langley,” Mrs. Harrow announced as she opened the doors to the front hall.
Gabriel and Alastair nearly bumped elbows entering the hall. They followed Mrs. Harrow inside and to the drawing room where Gemma was sitting, drinking tea.
“Lord Langley,” Gemma said, standing up. “This is a surprise.”
“I couldn’t wait to see you again, Lady Gemma,” Alastair responded. “I was hoping, if you were available tonight, that you would accompany me to the opera?”
Gabriel seethed with jealousy as he watched Gemma’s smile grow and she nodded enthusiastically.
“I would love to,” Gemma allowed a playful grin to play across her face. “It has been some time since I have seen an opera. The late duke did take me to one opera and I found it quite enjoyable. Another trip would be such a treat for me.”
“Good, the opera starts at six, I shall be back to escort you, Lady Gemma. Mrs. Harrow, fetch Gemma’s chaperone and let her know about our plans,” Alastair spoke as if he owned the place.
Gabriel, motivated by jealousy, spoke out. “I will be Gemma’s chaperone tonight, as I do love the opera.” He waited to see how his proclamation would be received by Alastair.
Gemma’s eyes widened as Alastair’s brow furrowed accusingly. It was a double response that Gabriel took in fully with pleasure.
“If you must, Your Grace, feel free to join us,” Alastair said, not meaning a word. His eyes conveyed a great deal of irritation reserved only for Gabriel.
“Great, then the three of us shall go to the opera later. I will make sure we are ready as we will meet you there.”
Alastair departed with a charming smile to Gemma and a disapproving glance towards Gabriel. Gabriel followed the man out and stopped him midstride. “Lord Langley, a moment if you would in my study.” Gabriel held his arm out for Alastair to proceed before him.
“What can I do for you, Your Grace?” Alastair stared Gabriel down as if he could bury him with just a look.
“I’m not sure if you are new to social etiquette, but as her guardian, I insist that you make a formal request to court Gemma, if and when that time comes. I will be the say in who she courts, do you understand, Lord Langley?” Gabriel let the sarcasm drip from his words, watching the lord’s eyes for his reaction.
“Quite understood, Your Grace.” Alastair did not attempt to hide his ire with the duke. He turned on his heel and stalked out of the manor.GoodGabriel thought,Maybe this will slow things down till I can figure out what to do about my predicament.
Gabriel felt a wave of cowardice as he pondered whether he should confess his feelings to Gemma and stake his claim or let Alastair court her.
They would make quite the entrance at the Opera House, indeed.
He went back to the drawing room, unaware of the storm that was about to break.
***
Gabriel entered the drawing room and Gemma turned on Gabriel immediately. “What was that?” Gemma’s voice punched out of her with full force.
“What was what, Lady Gemma?” Gabriel pretended to play dumb which angered her all the more.
“You volunteering to be my chaperone. You kiss me then want nothing to do with me and now you want to interfere as my chaperone with Lord Langley?”
Gabriel took a step back as if Gemma had slapped him across the face.
Gemma had a wide range of emotions boiling inside of her. She was done with the games, the hot and cold responses, the push and pull of emotions. She wanted answers.
“I only suggested a chaperone because it is clear that Lord Langley is trying to court you and as your guardian, I wish to observe the potential courtship for suitability.”
Gemma was not buying a word that Gabriel was saying, but at his words she felt as if she had been pierced in the heart. She tried to force back the tears that were pooling in her eyes.
“You are insufferable! Why are you doing this to me, Gabriel? Can you not see the havoc that is playing on my heart and my head?” Gemma shouted at Gabriel before exiting the room abruptly.
She didn’t look back at him, not even when he called her name.
