Page 11 of Miss Kimble Bites Back

Justine said later that he’d asked her to dance when Gabby had been absent from the ballroom. That must have been when she’d slipped into the library, looking for a chance to talk to him in private, and found the Duke of Mamble instead.

A mistake that was perhaps not quite in her best interests when it came to catching Brookes’ notice. Many might have considered her compromised. She would be if anyone learned she’d tasted the duke’s bare fingertip, too.

She blushed even now, astonished by her own actions toward a gentleman she’d heard nothing good about.

Their butler, Tibbs, announced her third dance partner, Lord Triscot, had arrived. He came bearing lilacs, which Gabby admired and reluctantly set aside. Triscot was whip-thin and smiled a lot as he greeted her cousin. Bennett knew the man from long before Gabby had become his ward.

Triscot turned a beaming smile her way. “How are you today, Miss Kimble?”

“I am very well, my lord. I trust your mother is in good health?”

“Indeed, she is, and sends her warmest regards.”

“Do pass along mine as well to her.” Gabby leaned a little toward him. “I have it on good authority that you might have purchased a new mount recently.”

“That good authority could only have been my dear mama,” he replied with a resigned sigh. “I tell you, be glad not to have a mother who can never keep a secret.”

Gabby winced. “Was buying a new mount meant to be so great a secret?”

“No, but now she’s told you, I’ve nothing left to say on the subject,” he complained, rubbing at his brow.

Gabby smiled quickly. Lady Triscot was a kind woman, but talkative. Gabby had met her several times since coming to London. “She was interrupted before she could launch into a full description of the animal.”

“That must be a first.” Triscot grinned again. “Nineteen hands, black as night but with a settled temperament that makes him easy to ride. A rarity in a stallion.”

“He sounds wonderful,” she enthused. “I must confess I’ve ridden nothing but plodding short horses. Sixteen hands at most. I lay the blame squarely at my guardian’s feet.”

Triscot laughed, but then rubbed his brow. “Then he has done his duty well to protect you from misadventure,” he murmured. “I’ll have to invite you and your cousin to join me for a ride one day soon.”

Gabby glanced over at Bennett for his reaction to that almost invitation. He merely nodded. “Gabby will do well on any mount once she becomes used to being so far from the ground.”

“Despite my cousin’s claims, I am not afraid of heights,” she argued, determined Triscot thought well of her.

“That must have been some other ward of mine, shrieking and stuck up a ladder, clinging to the rails for dear life—” Bennett’s words abruptly cut off. “I say, Triscot, are you well?”

“A sudden headache,” Triscot promised with a shake of his head. Bennett and Triscot spoke of horses and riding, and a date was set for the pair to go the next week. Triscot took his leave not long after, claiming he was headed back to bed until his sore head passed.

Another gentleman called and took his place, then another, and another.

Bennett began to chuckle after the last one left. “And you feared awkwardness. You handled those gentlemen as if they called on you every day.”

“I thought it would be nerve-racking, but men do like to talk about themselves if encouraged. What would you suggest except asking about their most recent purchases?”

“I suppose you could have complimented Triscot on his dancing, except he stomped on your foot, I believe.”

“He did, but he apologized immediately.” In truth, her best dance partner had been the Duke of Mamble. He had not made a wrong step, and she’d felt herself floating when she was in his arms. Triscot had stumbled about and there was a strong scent of spirits on his breath late last night, which likely explained his sore head today.

A knock sounded, and after a moment, the butler stepped inside, carrying flowers. “These were sent by a Mr. Brown, along with a note for Miss Kimble.”

Gabby took the note first and broke the seal to scan the page. “I regret a prior appointment prevents me from calling upon you this morning. Please accept my sincere apology and wish to call on you tomorrow instead.”

Gabby exhaled and passed the note to her cousin to read. “I liked him. He made me laugh.”

“Well, that is all that is needed in a husband besides a weighty pocketbook,” Bennett teased. “Brown will be here tomorrow, never fear. He is renowned for never breaking his word.”

“Well, that is very much to his credit,” she murmured, and then took the flowers from Tibbs, who had remained holding them still. “Thank you, sir.”

She had liked Mr. Brown, but there had been none of that sudden spark she’d experienced when she’d laid eyes on Lord Brookes, or even the Duke of Mamble.