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“Your Grace,” Charlotte echoed, curtseying.

“Lady Charlotte,” the duke replied. “It is a pleasure to meet you. Perhaps you would be so kind as to get us some refreshments while I apologize to Lady Eleanor for my tardiness.”

“Yes, of course,” she said before hurrying off to get them some champagne.

“You look very beautiful tonight,” the duke told her. He watched for her reaction. The last time he had made a positive comment about how she looked, she had lost the ability to talk.

“Thank you, Your Grace,” Eleanor replied softly, finding her voice this time.

“How are you feeling about the evening?” Gabriel asked.

“I will be fine,” she told him.

“Yes, but how are you feeling?” he pressed.

“I feel as if every eye in the place is on me, and that makes me feel nervous.”

“Because you are with me,” Gabriel winked playfully. “And also because of how stunning you look.”

“You look very handsome too,” Eleanor said quietly, looking away from him.

“No, I do not, but I appreciate that you know I look good. We should both be pleased to have an attractive partner by our side.”

“Chaperone,” Eleanor pointed out. “We are not partners.”

“Semantics,” Gabriel said, shaking his head.

Just when I start to see what Atlas sees in you, you remind me that you are impossible to be around.

“Ellie,” Charlotte squealed when she returned with three glasses of champagne. “You will never believe what I just overheard.” She handed one to Eleanor.

“What?” Eleanor asked.

“Lady Smithson and Lady Whelks were talking by the balcony, and they said that with the Duke of Ravenshire by your side, you are sure to be the Diamond of the Season.”

“She already is the Diamond of the Season,” Gabriel cut in. “You only have to take one look at her to understand that.”

“Oh, undoubtedly,” Charlotte agreed. “I also heard whispers of a relationship gone wrong in the past, and that is why His Grace is around to protect you.”

“The dancing will begin soon,” Gabriel told Charlotte. “If you lead the way, we can walk with you to your chaperone, if you wish.”

I want the Diamond of the Season all to myself.

“That won’t be necessary, Your Grace.” She pointed to the right. “My aunt is just over there.” Charlotte handed one of the two glasses in her hands to the duke. “Ellie, I shall catch up with you later.”

The two women kissed each other on the cheeks before Charlotte left them.

“You didn’t need to send her off so quickly,” Eleanor complained.

“And you don’t need to listen to idle gossip when you wish to enjoy your first ball.” Gabriel looked past Eleanor to watch the young man approaching. “Let people talk, and ignore the rumors flying around. We are here together because Nathaniel wanted us to be. Although I would agree that you are the most eligible and interesting woman here tonight.”

Eleanor’s eyes brightened at the compliment, and then her eyes narrowed. “You mean because I am with you.”

“Your first suitor is upon you,” he replied.

Eleanor turned around to face the well-dressed young man. As she did, Gabriel stepped forward to be by her side.

“Lady Eleanor,” the young man said. His gaze moved to Gabriel, and he bowed slightly. “Your Grace.” He focused on Eleanor once again. “I am Lord Tunberry, son of the Viscount of Dewberry. Might I have the honor of a dance tonight?”