Page 41 of Miss Kimble Bites Back

Gabby had blushed through those entire conversations, because there were so many ways to pleasure a man or woman when they loved each other.

“I can’t wait to be a bride,” Daisy said as she stood before the mirror in Gabby’s new room, admiring her reflection in the full-length mirror.

“To anyone in particular?” Gabby asked, throwing her a teasing smile. “Or just anyone brave enough to take you on?”

“I’m still hopeful for a love match like yours and Mamble’s,” Daisy said with a heavy sigh.

Daisy was sweet and gentle on the surface, but she had developed a bit of a temper, especially when her guardian kept getting in her way. She needed just the right man to sweep her off her feet and out from under Lord Throsby’s thumb. It was either that or wait for Daisy to reach her majority in a few weeks and find her future husband without his interference.

Bennett appeared at the door at last. “It’s time.”

“Yes,” Gabby agreed, standing up and heading for the door. “My future is waiting.”

Bennett bowed. “Yes, duchess.”

She frowned at him and then kissed his cheek. “I’m still Gabby to you, dear cousin.”

“Still my responsibility for a few more minutes, too,” he noted. He glanced at Daisy. “Would you mind giving us a moment, please?”

“Of course. I’ll wait outside the drawing room doors for you both,” Daisy said before rushing off downstairs.

Gabby looked at Bennett. “Is something wrong with your room?”

“No. The room here is perfect,” he promised, but then winced. “But I fear I cannot stay here much longer.”

“I see no reason for you to leave,” Gabby said, grabbing his arm. “After all you’ve done for me over the years, bringing me to London and being so understanding about Sebastian. I want you to stay with us. We want you to live here with us.”

“I’ll only be in the way,” he said. “I’ve already discussed the matter with Sebastian, and he understands my misgivings. You are newlyweds and need time alone. You’ll barely notice I’m gone.”

Gabby gripped his arm a little tighter. “Is this about Cordelia?”

“It’s about me,” he promised. “But I think you haven’t heard that Lady Cordelia will be returning to the countryside, too, this afternoon. I’m so proud of you, Gabby. Your mother and father would be so proud of you as well. They never imagined this could be your future, but it’s time for me to live my own life again. I’m going home.”

Gabby’s eyes filled with tears. “No.”

Home was a world away from Gabby’s new life as a duchess.

“It’s time,” he assured her with a soft smile. “You don’t need me to boss around anymore. You have Mamble for that.”

“But who will look after you?”

“I’ll have you know I did a passably good job looking after myself before you landed on my doorstep. I’ll be fine, Gabby,” he promised, tugging her toward the stairs. “But if it eases your mind, I put notices in the paper for a housekeeper last week, and I’ve already found a good one. She comes highly recommended by Lady Windermere herself.”

“Well, that is a weight off my mind, but I still don’t want you to go, or Cordelia. Promise you’ll reconsider or come back for a visit soon,” she begged. “You must write.”

“I promise I will,” he told her, and then marched her down the stairs of Mamble House. “Though I know your letters will be far more exciting than mine could ever be.”

“I don’t know about that. I still want to know about you and what you’re doing and who you meet. The first thing of course is to tell me all about your new housekeeper. I expect a full description of the woman.”

“I will,” he promised with a smile, but by then they had reached the drawing room doors.

Daisy handed her a posy of wildflowers and nodded. “He’s waiting for you.”

Gabby bit her lip. “Is she here?”

Daisy shook her head quickly. “I wouldn’t think Justine would dare show her face after the rude way she treated you. She’s not been seen very much at all since Lord Brookes married her sister. I do believe she’s been thoroughly put in her place. Still, such a betrayal turns ones stomach. However, choosing ambition over friendship never turns out well for anyone.”

“I had hoped she might still come…” she started but then shrugged.