Page 5 of Never Love a Duke

“Miss?” A small child tugged at Mirabelle’s skirts. “Do you have some wraps? My mother’s leg has been burned.”

“Take me to her,” Mirabelle commanded gently and followed as the child raced off.

Just as she left, a woman appeared at his side, “You can either fight her or you can join her. But you won’t be able to stop her.”

“Is that a challenge?” he asked.

“I’m simply stating facts. I live with her, so I know what she’s capable of.”

Gabriel knew what she was capable of as well, that’s why he’d chosen to fight her. If she could so carelessly toss a woman to the wolves, then he would advocate with even more ardor. And he was battling it because no one else seemed to care. He had the means to make a difference, and he wouldn’t give up the fight no matter what.

“Wait,” he put out a hand to stop the woman from leaving, “where are you going?”

“I’m going to help at Rosemere Manor. This is one of those times in life where there’s one distinctly best answer. We need to work together.”

And while he wanted to disagree with the woman, he found he couldn’t.

“What’s your name?”

“I’m Iris.”

“I’m coming to help.”

“Glad to hear it,” she said as she stooped to help a man to his feet. He had clearly hurt his ankle but was still hobbling toward his horse.

Everyone needed to work together during this crisis. Well, that was a twist on Gabriel’s usual modus operandi.

But it was exactly the reason why Gabriel found himself shoulder to shoulder with Mirabelle at Rosemere Manor hours later, restraining a man about to have his shoulder reset. And it was precisely the reason why his arms were entwined over Mirabelle’s as sweat poured down both of their foreheads. And it was also that particularly noble reason why she was hissing at him to keep his hands still, while it was also the odiously treacherous reason why he couldn’t stop his body from protecting hers when the man’s hand shot up and outward, effectively punching Gabriel in the face.

Chapter 4

“What are you smiling about?” Iris playfully poked Mirabelle in the shoulder. “You know it’s been a tragic day, don’t you?”

“It’s been one of the worst days in recent history, but thankfully all’s well that’s ending well. So long as we can sort out what’s going on with Mr. Linton. He’s had three incidents at his jewelry shop. They can’t all be a coincidence.”

“You’re right. At least two of those attacks seem targeted. We’ll have to find out what’s going on.”

“Not tonight, though.” She gave Iris a hug. “We have enough to worry about for one night. How’s Violet doing? I’m so glad they’re back and that they were able to apprehend Timothy.”

“It is an indescribable relief to know my sister is safe, though Alex hardly let me in the room. Said he was tending to her on his own.” She blew out a raspberry sound.

“Sounds scandalous,” Mirabelle teased.

“In all this chaos, no one will notice. Besides, those two are bound for marriage.”

“I’m so happy for you. Both of you. All of you.” A tight squeeze of jealousy rivalled the squeeze of a hug she gave Iris.

“You’re not upset with us all for joining the spinster sisterhood at Greene House and then abandoning you?”

“If you put it that way…” she propped her hands on her hips and feigned a scowl, “but I don’t see it like that. You all fell in love. You, your sister, Lucy. You’re not abandoning me. Our circle of friends has just increased. How is it that I now have three dukes to call upon should I need any assistance?”

“When would you ever call on anyone for assistance, Mirabelle?” She tucked her arm in Mirabelle’s. “Speaking of which, you should try to find some rest. Knowing you, you’ll be up half the night checking on your patients.”

“I’m just going to take a few minutes to read—”

“Of course you are,” Iris laughed. “But do find some time to rest, Mirabelle. Even the strongest ones need a break sometimes.”

Mirabelle watched her friend disappear down the hallway before heading toward the library. It was late. She was exhausted. But there was that silly smirk creeping up on her again.