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“And what if I’m here for another reason?” Gabriel smiled.

And then he almost rolled his eyes.

Can we be done here so I can go home?

Eleanor stood silently for a moment. The look in her eyes told Gabriel that she wanted to fight and push back, but to do so would mean her engaging in more banter with him about things unsuitable for a young, single lady.

“Then let’s talk about the Season so you can leave, Your Grace,” Eleanor suggested.

“Excellent,” Gabriel stated, a little disappointed that there couldn’t be more banter from her. “You can dress as you wish, as long as it is proper; you can go to events of your choosing, as long as I am available to chaperone you, and you can talk to any man you wish, as long as I approve of the gentleman.”

“Yes, well… What if we disagree about that?” Eleanor asked.

“Do you believe that I can’t discern a reputable gentleman from a cad?” he asked. “Do you think I have no knowledge of the London scene and the families who attend? Do you think I can’t sniff out a scoundrel or a rat?”

“Well, I never said any of that, did I?” Eleanor challenged.

“I find that most times, it is not about what is said, but about what is left unsaid.”

Gabriel found himself thinking about what he had not done, and he had to stop his eyes from moving to her lips again.

“Then I shall say what I think, so there is no confusion,” Eleanor started.

Gabriel almost cut in right then. She was as impertinent a woman as he had ever come across, and she might have a mind of her own, but he was the one in charge of her and not the other way around. Still, he was not sure what she had to say, so he remained silent. If they couldn’t get on, Nathaniel would be better off finding someone else.

“I won’t be reporting my every movement to you,” she said.

“Nor did I ask you to,” Gabriel replied.

“I do not need you to chase away any gentleman who dares to talk to me,” she continued.

“I already made my position on that quite clear,” Gabriel countered. “Do you wish to converse or even dance with cads, rogues, and scoundrels?”

“Of course not.”

“Then I stand by what I already told you.”

“And I don’t need your approval for every single thing I do,” Eleanor huffed.

“And you shan’t get it,” Gabriel stated, taking a step toward her. “You may, however, face my disapproval.”

He took another step toward Eleanor, slowing the distance between them. She leaned back a little, wanting to back away, but trying not to show any weakness. Gabriel thought of the folded note tucked away in his pants pocket, and had half a mind to have someone go down to the kitchen and fetch him some lemon cake.

And the next time she opens her mouth, I will stuff a piece in and stop her from talking.

Before such inappropriate thoughts took root in his mind, he took control back of the situation.

“Lady Eleanor, you are a fine-looking woman.” He didn’t need to invent that to try and put her at ease. When she wasn’t blustering and arguing, and her cheeks were a calm rose and not the color of port, she was very agreeable.

For the first time since she had entered the room, Gabriel saw a little behind the mask she put on. Her eyes widened and closed again quickly, and her lips twitched with a nervous smile at the corners. If she weren’t already beet-red, she might have turned that color.

“A great many men will wish to claim your hand, and I have no doubt you will be inundated with dance invitations and more,” Gabriel continued. “The first Season is overwhelming for any woman. If your brother were here, you would be in good hands. Your mother wishes to see the Season for herself, it seems. If Nathaniel trusted your mother, he would have left you in her trust. Instead, he has entrusted me, and I will do my duty. You are a fine woman, and you deserve a good man.”

Eleanor looked down at the floor. One foot moved from side to side, balanced on the toe. “Why did… I mean, with the trouble this has caused you, why didn’t my brother… With you being unwed, and⁠—”

Gabriel had the urge to save her from herself. She had gone from self-assured and fiery to bashful, and he knew exactly what she was getting at.

“You wonder why he didn’t ask if I would take your hand?” Gabriel asked.