Rules for Reforming a Rake(13)
“Indeed, it was not. I insist on making amends. May I have the honor of a dance with you at Lord Hornby’s ball?” Gad! Had he just asked this innocent for a dance? He’d only meant to mutter some contrite words and be on his way. He hadn’t meant to prolong their association beyond this uncomfortable chat in his grandmother’s parlor. She had to refuse him. He wanted her to refuse him.
He sighed, knowing he was trapped. She would accept him, for women always did. Always. When she did the inevitable, he’d endure with manly grace. How bad could one dance with this incompetent snip of a girl be?
She tipped her face upward to meet his gaze, her eyes an intense and fiery blue. “I don’t think so. Please don’t ask me again. Ever.”
***
“You’re in foul temper, Lord Dayne.”
“Go away, Your Grace.” Gabriel had just settled for the evening in a dark leather chair in the smoking room at White’s, a stately room paneled in dark mahogany and filled with brightly polished tables, crinkled leather sofas, and comfortable wing chairs. He was still stewing over Daisy’s refusal and in no humor for a pleasant chat with Ian.
Gabriel glowered at his friend in the hope he’d take the not so subtle hint to go away. Ian ignored both his comment and his dark scowl, instead taking a seat beside him. “Is there a reason for your ill humor?” he asked, casually lighting up a cigar. “Here, have a stiff drink. It’ll help warm you up.” Ian reached over and grabbed a whiskey off the tray of a passing servant. “By the way, you’ll like Veronique’s friend.”
“Who?”
“My mistress’s friend. Her name is Desiree, and she has red hair, sultry gray eyes, and a limber body that will render you speechless. It’s all arranged. You’re to meet her tonight. She’ll warm you up if the whiskey doesn’t.”
“Can’t wait,” he said without a trace of enthusiasm.
Ian arched an eyebrow. “You don’t have to meet her if you don’t wish to. I know a dozen other men who would give their right arms to take her under their care.”
“I just said I’d do it, didn’t I?” He forced a smile. “And I’m looking forward to it.”
“My, my. Seems the Farthingale girl has you quite turned upside-down. Well, it’s to be expected now that she’s grown into a beauty. Did your military training protect you from her onslaught?”
Gabriel shook his head and sighed. “What makes you think I met Daisy?”
Ian laughed. “You have the unmistakable look of panic in your eyes. You know, the look a deer gets when it realizes it’s about to be shot. I warned you, didn’t I? Now it’s too late. Tell me everything.”
Bloody hell. Had he spent years fighting Napoleon’s army merely to protect a country of busybodies? “There’s nothing to tell. The girl and I are not on speaking terms.”
Ian set his cigar in a nearby ashtray and leaned forward, his gaze sharp and assessing. “But you were on speaking terms at one time.”
Gabriel grumbled something indistinguishable.
“I heard you saved Daisy’s cousin from a team of thundering horses. Also heard Daisy was most appreciative.”
He grumbled again.
“Is that an affirmative? Never mind. What happened afterward? I know you remained at your grandmother’s for quite a while.”
He glared at Ian, annoyed by the interrogation. “Why don’t you ask your spies? They seem to be quite thorough in their reporting.”
“But it would be so much more interesting to hear the details from you. Ah, but you’re not the sort to kiss and tell. Too bad. I’ll have to watch the two of you at Falmouth’s party and see how you behave toward each other.”
“Daisy won’t be attending,” he said tightly, her look of disappointment still vivid in his mind. “Seems her gown won’t be ready in time.”
Ian’s eyes widened as though he were caught by surprise, and then he shook his head and sighed. “Your cousin Graelem warned me this might happen. He and Laurel invited Daisy to stay with them in order to protect her from that chaotic family of hers, but she refused, claimed to be needed at home. Apparently, she keeps the household running. If you ask me, she seems to be doing a terrible job of it.”
Gabriel clenched his teeth to curb his anger. He knew Ian was purposely goading him and refused to rise to the taunt. “She does an excellent job under the circumstances.”
“I see.” Ian took a sip of his own drink just delivered by a steward. “So, have you kissed her?”
“No, and I have no desire to. However, I will gladly kiss the sultry Desiree should she be willing.”