Page 21 of A Duke's Lustful Riddle
Gabriel’s touch had ignited a fire within her, a burning desire that left her breathless. Something about Gabriel was reaching deep into her soul and twisting her emotions in a new way that was leaving her confused but intrigued.
As the pair gazed into each other's eyes, Gabriel blinked and withdrew his hand as if she scalded him. What utterly confusing signals this man was giving her! Gemma frowned and was none too pleased.
He took a huge step back. Distancing himself from Gemma. This was just ridiculous now. What was he playing at?
She was not the kind of woman that would tolerate being pulled back and forth in such a manner. The duke appeared to have had a substantial shift in his demeanor.
The warmth in his eyes was replaced by the familiar cool stare that Gemma had gotten used to during his initial arrival at the estate. It was as if he could switch to being another person entirely. This development was not suitable to a woman like Gemma one tiny bit. She had no time for such games.
Gabriel cleared his throat before saying, “Miss Beaumont has arrived.”
“Who is Miss Beaumont?” Gemma asked, feeling blindsided by the sudden change in the air unsure where this conversation was going to go.
“There is a soiree tomorrow. Lady Alice is throwing the first event of the season, and she will be attending with you,” Gabriel explained. “She is to be your chaperone throughout the season.”
Gemma nodded but all she could hear was the deafening silence of the lost moment. The warmth and passion coursing through her veins turned to ice as she realized he had just assigned her to a social event without even securing her consent.
The next day, Gemma looked at herself in her mirror as she took in her dark purple gown. She was going to be attending her first social season event in two years. Gemma hadn’t been to a season event since her debut, which was a complete and utter disaster. Gemma didn’t show her face for months. Even now, she wished she could hide under the duvet for the entire season.
The event was not going to be her most favorite of occasions. The dress was not her favorite, either. What a bother this evening would be for her.
Gemma felt a growing disdain for the late duke’s son. Gabriel seemed very focused on getting her out and among other men. She contemplated again the terribly confusing signals that this man kept giving to her. He was past the age where such games were even remotely acceptable.
A knock on the door interrupted her thoughts.
“Lady Gemma,” Mrs. Harrow called out. “It is time to make your leave.”
Gemma went to the door and smiled at the older woman. At least, she was being sent off by her lovely Mrs. Harrow.
“You look beautiful, Gemma, like a true lady,” Mrs. Harrow complimented Gemma. “Your natural beauty will put everyone at ease at this soiree.”
Gemma touched her hair to make sure that her hairstyle was intact before lowering her hand and waving Mrs. Harrow away.
“I am being forced to attend this soiree against my own will.” Gemma’s voice was clipped and strained. “It is bringing great heaviness upon me.”
“Lady Gemma, you are sure to find a husband this season.” Mrs. Harrow nodded and smiled. “It will not be a challenge for you.”
At that, Mrs. Harrow turned and led Gemma downstairs towards the carriage they would be taking to Lady Alice’s soiree.
As Gemma got in the carriage, she saw that Gabriel was already inside as was an older woman.
“Gemma, this is Miss Beaumont, your chaperone for tonight and the rest of the season,” Gabriel said without a hello as he avoided making direct eye contact with Gemma.
“Hello, Lady Gemma, it is a pleasure to meet you,” Miss Beaumont said with kind eyes. There seemed to be no real reason to rebuff this kind woman. After all, it was Gabriel that had set her up with Gemma.
Gemma relaxed slightly at her kind tone, but she was very unhappy about the situation. It was proper for her to maintain politeness.
“And you as well, Miss Beaumont,” Gemma said, staring at Gabriel, waiting for him to look at her.
The carriage started moving, and Gemma tensed up. Her hands formed into fists as they took off. She remained calm, taking even breaths so as to not get overwhelmed, but she could not help but think of her parents. She steadied her heaving chest.
As the ride went on for twenty minutes, Gemma finally relaxed as they pulled up to the soiree.
The soiree was bustling with people, especially ladies, as it was the first event of the season.
Gemma felt out of place but knew she must have looked okay as she could feel the eyes of the other guests on her. A touch of nerves settled on her. Some of the guests she remembered from her debut and the urge to turn heel and dash back to the carriage was stayed by the sharp stare she received from Gabriel.
She would hold her head high and attend this soiree with the very best of intentions. She remembered her training from the first outing and would not give a repeat performance of the grisly debut.
