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They spent some time talking about the good old days. Richard chimed in with stories he had heard about them at Eton, and they compared the real versions to the ones they had told.

Gabriel didn’t have a lot of spare time in his life, especially when he was overseeing Eleanor, but he was glad he set aside some time for his old friend. The cognac lifted his spirits, but the reminiscing buoyed them even more.

Two hours into the trip down memory lane, the topic of conversation changed.

“Are you really overseeing Lady Eleanor during her debut Season?” Sebastian asked.

“I am,” Gabriel replied.

“I heard some talk of it, but I didn’t believe it was actually true. So, what is it? Some ruse to claim her as your own?”

“Not at all.” Gabriel ran his tongue around the inside of his lower lip. “I am doing a favor for a friend. See? I have other friends as well as you.”

“She really is the most captivating debutante of the Season.” Sebastian licked his lips.

That didn’t sit well with Gabriel, even though it was a compliment. An unease grew in his stomach at the mention of Eleanor.

“I believe I will court her,” Sebastian announced as if that settled the matter.

“You forget I am her ward this Season,” Gabriel smirked. “You don’t believe I will let her court anyone, do you?”

“I am not just anyone,” Sebastian countered. He held his glass of cognac in his hand, halfway to his mouth.

Gabriel bristled. “There will be a number of gentlemen interested in Lady Eleanor, of course, and ultimately it is her choice. With my guidance.”

“Then, it is settled,” Sebastian continued. “I shall visit her in her home and bring her a gift. If she wishes to see more of me, then so be it. It is her choice, and not yours.”

“Nathaniel entrusted me with his beloved sister.” Gabriel felt an urge to fight his friend over the matter. “He has entrusted her care to me, and I will ensure she makes the best decision this Season. Perhaps she won’t even take a husband this year.”

“Hmm,” Sebastian muttered. He looked over at Richard, who observed the two men without intervening, and then toward the fire crackling on the other side of the room.

Gabriel grew increasingly irritated. “What does that mean?”

“It’s curious,” Sebastian countered. “You have become remarkably protective of her for a man who claims no interest in her.”

Gabriel sat forward. “I don’t have any interest in her, but she is under my protection.”

“Protection?” Sebastian raised an eyebrow. “Am I dangerous to her?”

“I will see that she acquires the best suitor.”

“Then we are in agreement,” Sebastian claimed. “I only want the best for Lady Eleanor, and I am the very best. You know that as well as anyone. If you are not claiming her for yourself, then I deserve a chance.”

“I know your failings, Fairfax. A little more modesty is needed for such a fair lady, and you are neither the very best there is, nor modest.” Gabriel took a swig of his cognac.

Sebastian clapped his friend on the back, then downed the rest of his drink. “This Season will be fun. And this was a pleasure, of course. However, I have other places to be and other people to see. I shall see you soon, Your Grace.”

“Mmm,” Gabriel replied.

Sebastian stood and said goodbye to Richard before leaving the small room.

Gabriel felt the tension left in the air, and he knew his uncle wanted to comment on it.

“Do you not wish Lord Fairfax to court Lady Eleanor?” Richard finally asked.

“I only wish to find her the best suitor before Nathaniel returns.”

“You know Lord Fairfax better than I do,” Richard commented. “You don’t believe he will be a good match?”