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“We should find your mother,” the duke said.

“Yes,” Eleanor agreed.

Fear plagued her heart. She was now worried that she wouldn’t be able to control herself around Gabriel. They had argued and fought constantly, but she still wanted to kiss him. She needed to feel his lips on hers again.

But she couldn’t take such risks.

CHAPTER 16

Gabriel was surprised when Charlotte Pembroke came to visit him with her lady’s maid. When he received the news in his study, he asked the butler to show them to the receiving room. He had no business with Charlotte.

Once the arrangements were made, he went to the receiving room to find out what Charlotte wanted. He found her pacing, but as soon as he arrived, she stopped and faced him. The lady’s maid stood by the window, side-on to them both.

“Lady Charlotte,” the duke said. “What can I do for you?”

“It’s Eleanor,” Charlotte said. “I’m worried about her.”

Gabriel’s heart beat faster. “Has something happened to her?”

“I don’t know,” Charlotte admitted. She bit her bottom lip in concern. “I know Eleanor better than anyone, but I don’t know what she’s going through right now. I don’t know if it was something someone did to her, all the attention from her suitors, or something else. She mentioned something about not wanting to change into someone she’s not, and when I left her, she was in tears. I’m normally able to console her, but I couldn’t this time. I don’t know if you can snap her out of it. I know she responds to you, and well, I thought you should know.”

“Yes,” the duke said, stroking his chin in thought. He felt the anger welling up in his chest at the thought of Eleanor being inconsolable. He knew he had to do something, but he was not sure he was the right person to do it. “I don’t know if I will⁠—”

His eyes widened, and he almost smiled despite the despair of the situation.

“Leave it with me,” he told Charlotte. “I know just the thing.”

* * *

Gabriel stepped into Blackridge House and was so warmly welcomed by Margaret that he wondered if something bad had happened.

“I’ve come to visit Lady Eleanor,” Gabriel said. “I heard that she wasn’t doing too well.”

“Yes, she’s as mournful as if someone just passed. You are very sweet to come and make sure she’s well. I’m sure she’ll be delighted to see you.”

“I’m not so sure about that, but I’ll take my chances.” Gabriel smiled politely. “Where can I find her?”

“She’s in the library,” Margaret said. “I did what I could to calm her, but you know how daughters can be with their mothers.”

“Of course,” Gabriel said. “I shall call in on her.”

“Thank you, Your Grace. We couldn’t be more thankful for your help this Season. I don’t know what Eleanor would do without you, especially as I have been so terribly busy.”

Gabriel smiled politely and left Margaret to go to the library.

He carried a box in one hand, being careful not to tilt it. It had taken him a moment after Charlotte had described Eleanor’s state, but as soon as he remembered, he knew what he had to do.

If she cries... bring lemon cakes. Not flowers. Not poetry. Lemon cakes. Trust me.

That was exactly what he carried in the box he had picked up on his way to Eleanor’s residence. He wasn’t sure how many he would need, as Nathaniel hadn’t left that instruction, so he brought six to be safe.

When he reached the library, the door was closed. He knocked with his free hand.

“Please, I have no energy for visitors,” Eleanor moaned from inside.

The melancholy in her voice was apparent.

Gabriel knew he could plead his case from the other side of the door; he knew how stubborn Eleanor was. She didn’t want any visitors. But he couldn’t leave without at least trying, so he pushed the door open and entered the room.