Page 8 of A Duke's Lustful Riddle
“You’ve been to Spain?” Hugh asked, and Felicity nodded. “I’ve always wanted to go to Spain, do tell me everything.”
Gabriel watched with curiosity as Hugh and Felicity went off into their own whispered conversation. He could see visible sparks between the two of them. Sparks that would hopefully distract Hugh from prodding more into Gabriel and his role as duke. Indeed, Lady Felicity could be just the ticket to taking attention away from him.
Left on his own, Gabriel couldn’t help but let his gaze travel to Gemma. Her beauty was once more a wonderful sight to behold.
She had a warm smile on her face as she watched Hugh and Felicity talk. It was as if she approved of the two of them getting to know each other so well.
“Lady Gemma, how have you been? I know we saw each other in the hallway earlier, but you have grown so much since we last saw each other.” Gabriel said, giving Gemma his full attention.
Gemma took her eyes away from her best friend and turned toward Gabriel with a cold stare.
“You have been gone a long time and people do tend to grow older.” Her tone had a bit of chill which did not go unnoticed by Gabriel.
Gabriel smiled at the sharp tongue. Not only has she grown in beauty, but in wit as well. She had a great spark within her, to be certain. He felt a little guilty about how curt he had been with her earlier at the mention of the dinner party. He would blame it on the horrible trip from France to the estate.
“That is very true. However, I am most curious about the convent. How did you find the experience? Did you feel as though you received a suitable education?”
Gemma tilted her head at Gabriel. “I haven’t been at the convent in years. I suppose one can learn a lot about oneself in such regimented surroundings.”
Gabriel knew that Gemma had attended a well-known convent as a young girl and was not sure when she had stopped. It could have been around the time his father took her in, but Gabriel had not been around during that time. Back then, he had been willing to do just about anything in order to avoid his father.
“That is good to hear. Do you still want to be a historian?” Gabriel paused after the question and waited politely for Gemma’s response.
Gemma smiled and opened her mouth to answer before being interrupted.
“Now what would a Lady do as an historian?” Hugh asked, even though no one had addressed him. He grumbled a bit at such a ludicrous idea.
“When I was younger, I loved history, and I still do, but no, I do not want to be a historian,” Gemma admitted.
“Well, what do you want to do then?” Gabriel asked, leaning in towards her. She felt herself begin to feel light-headed as she gazed into Gabriel's eyes.
Gabriel didn’t know why, but he was eager to hear her answer. He knew it would be something bright and unique just like Gemma. Her mind had been a growing treasure and welcoming place for her study of history.
“To be married, of course,” Felicity piped up. “Isn’t that what all women want?” A quick giggle escaped from her mouth.
“Indeed, you are right,” Hugh said. “You two will find great men of character, I have no doubt about that.”
Gabriel didn’t know why, but his gut tightened at the thought of Gemma being married. It was not as if they were a couple themselves. So why the disheartenment?
Was there someone in her life that Gemma wanted to marry? Such a thought immediately brought more angst to Gabriel’s mind.
Before he could fall further into his own thoughts, dinner was announced and brought out to each guest, drawing sounds of delight and wonderment.
The group ate and talked little while they indulged in the meal. The murmured compliments indicated just how pleased each guest was with their food.
After dinner, the group moved into the drawing room where Felicity gravitated towards the grand piano in the corner of the room.
“What a stunning piano,” she murmured and sat down to brush her fingertips along the ivory keys.
A classical song began to resonate throughout the room, drawing the guests in with its playful notes. The crowd listened attentively as Felicity’s fingers flew across the keys.
Hugh sat down on a chair to the right of the piano and soaked up the music as Gabriel and Gemma took a seat on the couch in the middle of the room.
“She is wonderful,” Gabriel said to Gemma.
“She is indeed. She has been playing since we were children,” Gemma explained, her eyes glued to Felicity as she watched her friend move her fingers along the ivories.
Gabriel kept his eyes on Gemma as the song continued.
