Page 22 of A Duke's Lustful Riddle
The trio entered the ballroom, and Gemma’s eyes widened. The ballroom was decorated to the brim with gold. It would appear that was the theme for the evening. Everything glittered and shined brightly as every lantern and candle glinted off the golden surfaces.
The ballroom wasn’t as big as the one at Ashbourne Estate, but it was a good size for the amount of people in attendance.
Gemma looked around to see if she could find someone to talk to and her eyes instantly fell on her dearest friend, Felicity, who was standing in the corner of the ballroom.
“If you will excuse me,” she softly intoned and took her leave of the group.
She approached her friend, ditching Gabriel and Miss Beaumont rather quickly, indeed.
“Felicity, you look wonderful,” Gemma said as she made her way over to her friend.
Felicity was wearing a pale-yellow gown that brought out her brown eyes as she blushed at Gemma’s compliments.
“Oh, Gemma, you do warm my heart with such a pleasant compliment. I must say that I am still feeling rather shy even in such a beautiful dress.” Felicity shifted nervously from one foot to the other foot, glancing around the room.
Gemma smiled at her best friend. Felicity was even sweeter when she was nervous.
Gemma was pleased to know she wasn’t alone here.
“Who is that woman with Gabriel who is staring at us?” Felicity asked.
Gemma rolled her eyes. For a brief moment, she took leave of her senses and spoke rather harshly.
“My new chaperone, Miss Beaumont.” Gemma nodded politely back at both Gabriel and Miss Beaumont.
“Why isn’t Gabriel chaperoning you?” Felicity asked.
Gemma had wondered the same thing but knew she could not voice it out loud. Especially to Gabriel. She shrugged casually.
“I am glad that he hired someone. He has been rather stern and authoritative since he arrived,” Gemma explained. “He is acting rather odd as of late.”
She really did not mean the first part. She would have rather enjoyed spending more time with Gabriel even if that meant more awkward interactions that she did not understand. She supposed spending time with Miss Beaumont will have to do.
“Well, is she nice?” Felicity regarded the woman from afar.
“From the little we’ve talked, yes, but I am avoiding her. I am thankful she didn’t follow me over here, but the feeling of her eyes is bothersome. I was clearly not consulted about having a chaperone for the season.” Gemma kept her curt tone of voice lowered.
The two ladies changed the topic and laughed together as they chatted against the wall. Gossip regarding which ladies in attendance were desperate for marriage and who were not, became their entertainment.
Gemma chuckled and nodded carefully to Felicity. “As long as we have to be here, we might as well try to enjoy ourselves, Felicity. Soirees and events of the season are what we must participate in.” The went off in search of bubbly and sweet treats.
Chapter 11
“Gemma looks well,” Hugh said to Gabriel as he adjusted his jacket. “It was a most excellent idea to get her out for the season. She was far out of practice after her last attempt, without question.”
Gabriel followed Hugh’s gaze as he saw Gemma and Felicity talking between themselves in the corner of the room.
Gabriel would never admit it out loud, but the sight of Gemma tonight made his heart stop. She was a vision in purple, and it was quickly becoming his new favorite color. The dress fit her shape perfectly.
“She clearly doesn’t want to be here but alas, she must,” Gabriel said.
“Who are you talking about?” A gentleman spoke as he approached the duo.
“Who are you?” Gabriel asked, turning his nose up at the stranger. Unsure why this man was interrupting their conversation.
Hugh introduced the new guest. “Baron Langley, may I introduce you to the new Duke of Ashbourne. He recently returned from his travels to run his family’s estate.”
Baron Langley, Alastair Cooke, was a smaller man with thick eyebrows and brown hair. There was nothing special about him, but Gabriel followed his gaze and saw him looking toward Gemma and Felicity.
