Page 83 of Courting the Wrong Duke

William settled into the chair opposite him. “She attends a literary and painting gathering on Baker Street this evening.”

Gabriel sat up so quickly the book slid forgotten onto the carpet. “A gathering?”

“One devoted to literature and painting.”

A slow smile spread across Gabriel's face. “Well.”

William recognized that expression immediately. “I don't care for that look.”

“You never do.”

“You are planning something.”

“I am considering my options.”

“You have none.”

Gabriel ignored him completely. “If Miss Hartwell intends to spend the evening discussing literature, I believe I am already admirably qualified.”

“For once, I cannot argue.”

“Excellent.”

William folded his arms. “And painting?”

Gabriel considered the matter with complete seriousness. “I shall admire whatever everyone else admires.”

“That sounds hazardous.”

“It is called adaptability.”

William laughed. “You'll require more than adaptability.”

“I require only an invitation.”

“You do not possess one.”

“A regrettable detail.”

“A rather significant one.”

Gabriel dismissed the objection with a careless wave of his hand. “That is tonight's problem.”

William leaned back in his chair, shaking his head. “I almost pity Miss Hartwell.”

“You will pity me considerably more if she refuses to speak to me.”

William suspected that outcome remained the more likely, though he kept the observation to himself.

After another few minutes of increasingly implausible plans for infiltrating an invitation-only gathering, William finally rose to leave, abandoning Gabriel to whatever scheme presently occupied his imagination.

William returned to Aldermere House to find the entrance hall unexpectedly busy. Footmen crossed the marble floor carrying traveling trunks while the butler supervised the loading of a waiting carriage.

He had scarcely stepped inside before he caught sight of his brother descending the staircase, already dressed for the road. “I thought you were not leaving until tomorrow.”

“Neither did I,” the duke replied. “Circumstances changed.”

Before William could ask what circumstances, the duchess appeared behind him, dressed for travel as well.