Page 49 of Winning Her Duke

For once, Lydia didn’t argue or protest. She simply looked at Gia and gave a curt nod. “Harold, please have them bring the carriage around.”

Her father shot into action walking ahead of them.

She caught sight of Hale who watched in concern as she tugged Lydia along. Just as they made their way to the door, Hale managed to push his way through the crowd to cut them off in the foyer.

“Gia? What’s wrong? You’re pale.”

“She doesn’t feel well. Please excuse us,” Lydia snapped and Gia was grateful for the way the countess kept Hale at a distance. It didn’t stop the tears she’d been holding back from falling down her cheeks as she turned away from him and left the house.

She was being dramatic. She hadn’t learned anything tonight she hadn’t already known, but for once, Hale had made her feel worse about her situation instead of better. Knowing no one wanted to marry her was acceptable.

Knowing he didn’t—while no real surprise—hurt her considerably.

Chapter Fourteen

Hale stood in the foyer minutes after Gia had left, unable to swallow. The pain he’d seen in her eyes had burrowed straight into his chest making it difficult to breathe. She’d been hurt to the point of tears and if he was not permitted to help her, he would seek vengeance instead.

Turning sharply, he made his way back into the overheated room and sought his prey limping off toward the back balcony.

The man was no sooner outside before Hale grabbed him by his scrawny arm and dragged him down the few stone steps that led to the dim garden.

“Ow.” Lord Rhinehart yanked himself free of Hale’s grip and stumbled to the ground, staining his fancy breeches.

“What did you say to her?” Hale demanded.

“Say?”

“To Miss Gia.”

“I didn’t say anything. She nearly maimed me though.” He got up and brushed the grass from his clothing. “She said she was feeling ill. I offered to escort her outside to get some air. That is all, I swear it.”

Exactly what every other cad had said to her. Their ruse to get her alone.

“Hear me and tell the other slimy bastards who think to escort Miss Gia to the gardens in the future. She is an innocent. A lady. Trifle with her at your peril.”

“Slimy bastards? Do you mean like you?” For a man of such slim stature, Lord Rhinehart surprised Hale with his courage.

“Whatever I may or may not be is only of concern to you in as much as that I do not dally with innocent ladies. And you will cease trying to get Miss Gia alone in the gardens. Is that understood?”

“Or you’ll call me out?” He chuckled. “For a half-Italian bit of mutton?”

Hale’s fist flew before he’d consciously decided to hit the man. Rhinehart dropped like a stone, getting the other leg of his fancy breeches stained in the process. The man was beyond hearing, but Hale answered for his own benefit.

“Aye. I will call you out for her honor.”

*

Lydia came in carrying a tray of chocolate.

“I thought you could use something warm to comfort you.”

“Thank you.” Gia took a sip and offered a smile before setting the cup aside.

“Do you wish to talk about it?” Lydia perched on the edge of Gia’s bed waiting with a hopeful look on her face. The countess had gone out of her way to offer guidance, understanding, and friendship while Gia had been living in her home.

Gia shook her head and then nodded. As much as she didn’t want to hurt again, she understood the importance of draining a wound of poison so it could heal.

“The men think I’m some wanton seductress because of who my mother was. My father told me of their courtship. I know it was rushed, but that was because they couldn’t wait to be together.”