Page 63 of A Duke's Lustful Riddle
“You cannot say that. Not anymore.” Gemma spoke tersely to him.
Gabriel sat back stunned.
“I do not think we should talk anymore,” Gemma said as she turned her head to face the window.
Gabriel sat there still staring but instead of with awe he was staring with eyes of regret.
He had caused this rift between them. He had hoped a proposal would change things, but it just made everything even more complicated. Ah, what a man he was—complicating things all the more than ever before.
Gabriel followed Gemma’s request and stayed silent the rest of the carriage ride, but he knew he had to make a big statement tonight to make things up to Gemma Whitmore, the sun to his eyes.
They rode in silence for ten minutes before they pulled up The Duke and Duchess of Wedgewood’s estate.
The estate was almost as big as Gabriel’s, but he had more land than they did. He couldn’t help but make comparisons every time he was invited to a different estate.
The manor stood at three stories high, just like Ashbourne Manor but this manor was a rustic red color which stood out among the other tan and brown manors that Gabriel had seen before.
Gemma got out of the carriage first and rushed inside, Gabriel hot on her heels.
“Your Grace, and Lady Gemma, we are honored to have you here with us tonight,” The Duke of Wedgewood greeted them.
“Thank you for the invitation, your estate is immaculate,” Gabriel said.
“You are too kind, Your Grace,” the duchess replied.
Gabriel beamed at the couple before leading Gemma further into the ball.
“I am going to find Felicity,” Gemma said as she pulled away from Gabriel.
Gabriel grimaced but did not chase after her. Gemma could use a friend right now and maybe Felicity would talk some sense into Gemma.
“Where is Lady Gemma off to?” Alastair said as he and Hugh approached Gabriel.
“To find Felicity, do you know where she could be, Hugh?”
Hugh turned bright red at Gabriel’s question before stuttering out, “She is by the punch bowl.”
Gabriel followed his gaze as he saw Felicity wearing a deep shade of purple, talking to Gemma.
“Gemma looks like a bride tonight,” Alastair said. “Whoever she ends up with will be one lucky man.” Alastair’s tone said he was the one who would be the lucky man.
Gabriel’s brow furrowed at Alastair’s tone. He did not like the way the man was looking at Gemma, nor did he like the way it sounded as if there was hope in his voice.
Gabriel knew what Alastair was. A conman who wanted to marry a rich woman to pay off his debts. The only way to stop a man like Alastair was to shut him down quickly with a finality that left no room for discussion. An added bonus was that Gabriel would get to do this publicly, with the hope of embarrassing the man to the point he would leave and never return.
“I actually have an announcement to make.” He winked at Alastair.
With that, Gabriel strutted over to Gemma’s side.
“Lady Gemma, we have news to share.”
Gabriel took Gemma’s hand in his before picking up a glass and tapping it lightly with a fork.
The noise caught the attention of those surrounding them and with people turning, everyone else started to share.
“Ladies, Gentlemen, I will not take up much of your time, but Lady Gemma and I have an announcement to make.” He gave a sidelong glance at Gemma and smiled before turning back to the crowd. “We are engaged!”
Gabriel heard intakes of breaths as well as shouts of congratulations at the news. A frenzy of gossip among the guests could be heard.
