Page 37 of A Duke's Lustful Riddle
Gabriel was beginning to hate the idea of a ride and picnic until Gemma looked him right in the eye. His chest constricted and Gemma smiled softly at him, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear before turning back to look at Alastair.
The look ignited a flame inside Gabriel’s chest. Surely, it was a clue as to her real feelings?
Gabriel wondered why he had taken so long to arrive at this quite obvious conclusion. He felt sheepish at his own stubbornness. Here he was, clearly deeply attracted to this woman who might actually feel the same way about him.
“This place is beautiful,” Felicity said. “It has such an air of peace to it.”
Gabriel took in the small pond in front of them that was below the ancient oak tree.
The sun was high in the sky and the light reflected off the pond and created a sparkling vision of beauty.
“It is, indeed. How have I never been here before?” Gemma asked Gabriel.
He shrugged, knowing he had not been around for the majority of her time at Ashbourne Manor.
Gabriel set down the picnic basket as Hugh laid out a few blankets for everyone to sit down on.
“Here let me help you,” Alastair said, taking Gemma’s hand as she sat down.
“Thank you,” Gemma responded.
Everyone started conversing about the latest drama and events.
“I heard you and Gemma are going to Sagewood Estate this evening,” Alastair started. “Do give the Earl and Countess my kindest regards.”
Gabriel glared at Alastair, wondering how everyone seemed to know about the dinner he was invited to. As usual. Word traveled quickly in social circles, much too quickly. He had not had a moment to tell Gemma.
“Gemma and I were just talking about that earlier,” Felicity added. “Lady Vivienne has made quite the mark this season and she is beautiful and demure, as well. She would make any gentleman proud to be with her.” Felicity’s words had an invisible effect on Gemma.
“That she is,” Alastair agreed. “But I heard her sights are set on a certain duke.” Alastair aimed a smirk in Gabriel’s direction.
At Alastair's words, Gemma and Gabriel exchanged a glance as Gabriel’s back stiffened.
Gabriel liked Vivienne well enough, but his heart was with Gemma.
“I am not sure you heard right,” Gabriel said.
“Really?” Hugh questioned, eyebrows raised. An awkward silence floated around the group.
“Lady Vivienne is a fantastic woman, but I am not sure I am looking to wed this season,” Gabriel explained, receiving a chastising look from Hugh, well aware of their previous conversations.
Gemma’s face took on an ashen quality as if she were suddenly quite unwell. What an absurd declaration to make.
Gabriel meant it. Hugh wanted him to find a wife and so did everyone else it seemed but if Gabriel couldn’t be with Gemma, there was no one else he wanted to be with. Of course, he kept this all to himself. This was not the right time to go into such matters.
“Well, I am looking to wed, as are most of you I am assuming,” Alastair said, hope filled eyes on Gemma.
“I hope to find a husband but if it doesn’t happen this season that is okay. I want to marry for love,” Felicity spoke, glancing sideways at Hugh.
Hugh had a huge grin on his face but kept his eyes on the ground. He ran his hand through his hair nervously, upsetting every strand.
Gabriel had endured quite enough talk about marriage. It seemed everyone in their group was interested in each other, so he abruptly changed the topic. He would gladly talk about anything else, including the weather, to shift the talk away from marriage.
“How did everyone enjoy the ride here?” Gabriel asked.
“It was splendid,” Felicity said. “Hugh was telling me all about this new business book he is reading, and it is quite interesting.”
Hugh turned toward Felicity and whispered something only she could hear. Felicity giggled and the two appeared to be engrossed in their own bubble.
