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If he didn’t put himself in that same position again, he wouldn’t run the risk of kissing her again.

* * *

Eleanor had been excited to go to her second event of the Season, and one of the most prestigious, but as soon as she arrived at Lady Whitmore’s garden party, she found herself surrounded by eager gentlemen. They were like a swarm of buzzing bees, each vying for her attention.

The ball had been magnificent, with the dancing and champagne, but the aftermath, with the visits from the numerous lords and the gifts they brought, was tiring.

Now, it felt as if she were going through the same thing again, only in a different location.

And His Grace was nowhere to be seen.

Eleanor could not tell the gentlemen to leave her alone, and she didn’t expect Charlotte to either. Her mother already had a glass of champagne in one hand and a canapé in the other, and was conversing with a small group of ladies.

With each coach that arrived, she expected Gabriel to step out, but each one left her disappointed. He’d arrived late to the ball where she had debuted at the start of the Season, but he wouldn’t be considered fashionably late anymore given how tardy he was now, only rude.

Why has he not come yet?

All Eleanor could do was plaster a polite smile on her lips and nod along as the gentlemen spoke to her.

Thankfully, some respite did arrive, not in the form of the duke, but with Lord Fairfax. It was a relief to see a familiar face who could be by her side as gentlemen approached to talk with her.

“Lady Eleanor!” he gushed on seeing her. “What a pleasure to see you again. I hope you appreciated the present I brought for you among all of the other mundane gifts.”

It was a jab at all the surrounding gentlemen, many of whom had visited that day.

“I very much appreciated the gift,” Eleanor replied.

“I am glad.” Sebastian placed a hand on his heart before taking Eleanor’s elbow. “Allow me to get you a refreshment.”

Instead of going off and returning with a glass for her, he led Eleanor with him to the refreshments. That also removed her from the gents who were courting her on that beautiful afternoon.

“I would have brought you some art to enjoy, but I fear word has gotten around, and I am now banned from all of the galleries in London.”

Eleanor laughed at his joke.

“I hoped to run into you here today,” Sebastian admitted. “I knew you had to be here when Lady Whitmore sent me my invitation. Although I am surprised not to see His Grace here.” Sebastian looked around. “Did something happen?”

“Perhaps he didn’t get an invite?” Eleanor questioned.

“That matters not,” Sebastian told her. “Everyone expects His Grace at their events, and an invitation is rarely sent out. He chooses the event, not the other way around.”

“You’ve known His Grace for a long time,” Eleanor observed, hoping to find out more about him.

“I have, but let’s not talk about him. He is spoken about enough by far too many people.” Sebastian took two glasses of sparkling wine from the passing tray and handed one to Eleanor. “I would much rather talk about you, Lady Eleanor. What is it about you that I need to know?” Sebastian raised his eyebrows quickly.

Eleanor smiled. “I don’t know if there is anything you need to know about me. I am much like any other lady.”

“Now, I very much doubt that,” Sebastian replied. “I don’t believe there is any lady who can claim to be your equal. I can see it in your eyes that you are looking for love, and you should not settle for anyone in that matter. You need the very best.”

You have misjudged me, haven’t you?

“And I suppose you are the very best?” Eleanor asked.

“I wouldn’t claim that myself, but I’m sure if you ask around, they will tell you that I am. I am not one to boast about such things, as I’m sure you’re fully aware.”

“Hmm,” Eleanor mused.

Sebastian smiled and clinked his glass against hers.