Page 30

Once more, Sebastian’s gaze turned to Eleanor. “I don’t need to, either, but my burden is to carry that load. What is a man to do?”

Eleanor didn’t titter along with her mother and Lottie. The lord was amusing and confident without being overbearing. He contrasted with the stoic duke; they also differed in that Gabriel had kissed her.

Eleanor turned as Gabriel stepped closer to her, standing shoulder to shoulder, and she saw the look in his eyes. It was a look he had directed at her previously, but not this time. Gabriel was looking at Sebastian.

“Enough of this small talk,” Sebastian told the group. “I very much hope that you three fine ladies enjoy everything Hyde Park has to offer.”

“I fully intend to have as much fun as possible,” Margaret told him.

Eleanor rolled her eyes but held off on scolding her mother this time, or she would spend all her days telling her mother off.

“A lady after my own heart,” Sebastian commented. “I knew as soon as I looked at you, Lady Ashworth, that you would be trouble. You have that look in your eyes.”

Margaret brought her hand before her mouth as she laughed again, and made a show of looking away and pretending to be offended.

“Perhaps we might talk less about ladies getting into trouble on such a fine day,” Gabriel warned.

Eleanor glanced out of the side of her eyes at Gabriel, who still stood with his shoulder pressed to hers. She was both fearful and intrigued that Sebastian might continue and Gabriel would put him in his place.

“Of course, Your Grace,” Sebastian laughed nervously. “I shouldn’t talk of getting into trouble with the amount of trouble we got into during our school days.”

“Oh, we must hear all about that,” Charlotte gasped.

Eleanor didn’t add to the conversation, though she very much wanted to hear about Gabriel getting into trouble. He was the type who could cause trouble if he wanted to, but she didn’t see him as the sort to be naughty.

Although he had kissed her.

“If the pair of you wish to remain eligible, perhaps you don’t want to engage in such talk,” Richard said with a knowing smile. “You might have dodged the headmasters and prefects, but word still gets around. I can tell some stories if you wish.”

“The ladies don’t want to hear such things,” Gabriel told him.

“I don’t know about that,” Margaret commented.

Lottie held her hands clasped tightly, eager to hear the stories. Eleanor also wanted to know what the two men had gotten up to in their younger years, but she kept her expression neutral.

She tried to keep her thoughts pure, but all she could think about now was Gabriel getting into trouble, and that perhaps she could be a part of that trouble.

These thoughts are not conducive to doing as is asked of me and finding a suitable husband. There should be no trouble or nastiness during my debut Season.

“I know when I am not wanted,” Sebastian said with a twinkle in his eyes. “And I am also fortunate enough to know what I am wanted for. I can see in the three ladies’ eyes just how much they want a juicy tidbit about His Grace, but I am far too much of a gentleman to gossip so freely. You will have to get the information from His Grace himself.”

“It has been too long,” Gabriel admitted gruffly. “I have no intention of divulging such nonsense from the past, but it would be nice to reminisce about the good times we had back then. Will you join me for a drink sometime?”

“It would be a pleasure,” Sebastian said with a wide grin.

Gabriel obviously likes Sebastian.

“Then I shall organize it soon,” Gabriel said.

“I look forward to it, Your Grace.” Sebastian gave a curt bow. “For now, I shall take my leave. I plan to get into trouble this afternoon, and I don’t wish to involve anyone else. My ladies, it was a pleasure to meet you all.”

Again, his eyes lingered on Eleanor more than any of the others. Then he reached out to pet Atlas on the head, but drew his hand back when the dog barked at him.

“Hmm,” Sebastian said, trying to sound lighthearted. “It’s clear where his loyalty lies.”

“So it seems,” Gabriel agreed.

Sebastian nodded to the three ladies, and then finally took his leave.