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“Be careful,” the duke continued. “Many men welcome you because of your beauty and your family name, but don’t mistake charming words and expensive gifts for genuine affection.”

“I shan’t,” Eleanor admitted.

Are you talking about everyone or Lord Fairfax in particular?

“I know many young ladies,” Gabriel continued, “who fall in love with the first man they meet because they are unused to the attention.”

“I shall try to withstand the power that a man might have over me with his dashing looks or expensive gift,” Eleanor said witheringly, placing her hands on her hips.

“You needed to step out because this was already overwhelming for you, and we are only at the beginning of the Season,” Gabriel spoke plainly with no hint of insult. “I have seen it before, and I will see it again. Do not be surprised if you fall hopelessly in love before the month is out.”

Eleanor straightened her back, her hands still on her hips, and she widened her stance slightly as if the duke might try to knock her over at any time. He snorted and then let out a bitter laugh.

“You need not worry about that, Your Grace. I have no intention of tripping over myself and falling for the first man who brings me flowers.”

“I didn’t—” Gabriel started sternly, but Eleanor continued to talk over him.

“I am not as naive as people think, and I have no intention of falling in love with just anyone, no matter how handsome they are or how expensive the gift. That doesn’t impress me a bit.” Eleanor stomped one foot on the ground.

“I grew up watching two people trapped in a marriage they didn’t want to be in; a marriage built on duty rather than love. I know the reality. Marriage is painful at worst and unreliable at best. If the choice were entirely mine, I would not marry at all.”

“You would not marry at all?” Gabriel asked.

Eleanor had never seen the duke looking unsure of himself, but the comment took him aback.

“I would not,” Eleanor confirmed. “Unfortunately, society offers women few alternatives. Marriage is another duty I must fulfill, just as you are fulfilling your duty to my brother. There is little difference. My only hope is that I find a kind and respectable husband. Someone I can live beside peacefully. If you would help me with that, I would greatly appreciate it.”

“That is what you want in life?” Gabriel asked.

“Yes,” Eleanor replied immediately. “Love will only lead to disappointment. I don’t need to be mixed up in such things.”

Gabriel stared at her as they stood together in the garden. She could see the look of pity on his face, and she wanted to plead with him not to feel that way. She was not as naive as most of the women of the Season. She knew what she needed, and she intended to get it.

“I apologize for the kiss,” he told her softly.

Eleanor was caught off guard. She had not expected him to apologize for that, nor did she see the need for him to do so. It didn’t change anything between them, even if she had been thinking about it.

“You have enough to worry about this Season, without me claiming your lips. I should not have taken that liberty.” He shook his head sadly. “I misjudged you, Lady Eleanor.”

Eleanor had the sudden urge to run back the way she had come and climb the oak tree to the very top. She could see it in his face. He regretted the kiss. It was one thing to apologize because he thought he might be muddling her feelings or making her life more complicated, but she had spent some time aching for another kiss, and it was a thrill to dream of another one. To find that it meant so little to him and that he regretted it entirely was hurtful.

“You need not apologize for the kiss, Your Grace,” Eleanor managed. “It was obvious to me that the kiss meant nothing. I mean, how could it? If you were to apologize to every young lady you kissed, I am sure you would be apologizing all the time.”

“Is that what you think of me?” Gabriel boomed. He furrowed his brows, his eyes darkening beneath them.

A ferocity brewed deep in his soul, and it emanated from him, almost pushing Eleanor back. She was weakened by his glare.

“It is not my place to think anything of you, Your Grace,” Eleanor continued. “You are here to help me, and that is all. Perhaps Lord Fairfax would make a fine husband.”

Eleanor regretted saying that as soon as the words came out. She had said it only to rile him up.

“You can choose whomever you please for your loveless marriage as long as they are kind and trustworthy, right?”

“Yes, exactly,” Eleanor snapped. “My marriage will mean nothing, just as the kiss meant nothing. I am glad we are finally on the same page.”

“I only kissed you to stop you talking,” Gabriel seethed. “It was the quickest way to end the argument.”

“Then I don’t dare argue with you again in case you have the urge to kiss me once more.” Eleanor wore a sweet smile on her lips to mask her embarrassment, but as she stared the duke down, she expected him to grab her and kiss her again.