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“Eleanor,” Gabriel said, pinning her with his gaze.

It was the first thing he’d said to her personally, not through some other form of communication, since the kiss, and there was concern in his voice. He wanted to know that she was fine and not being bothered, and Eleanor felt her knees weaken with the knowledge that he cared about her to some extent.

The thought disheartened Eleanor, even if it was the right course of action.

“Lord Fairfax came to ask me to dance, and we got onto conversing about books,” Eleanor said.

“Ann Radcliffe, I suppose,” Gabriel stated, his eyes now on Sebastian.

If Eleanor had been drinking, she might have spat out her drink. “You know that I read Radcliffe?” she spluttered.

“It is my duty to know as much about you as possible,” Gabriel replied. “Nathaniel entrusted you to me.”

“Oh,” was all that Eleanor managed.

Gabriel was still staring at Sebastian. There was no anger on the surface, but Eleanor knew Gabriel well enough to know that it was bubbling below the surface. Still, the look obviously made Sebastian uncomfortable.

“I shall take my leave,” Sebastian said. “It has been a pleasure, Lady Eleanor. I look forward to taking the first dance with you.”

“Thank you, my lord,” Eleanor replied evenly. “I shall talk to you later.”

Sebastian left the small group.

“Oh, my goodness,” Charlotte gushed, clearly ready to talk more about Fairfax.

Eleanor flashed her friend a look that said: This is not the time or place to do that.

It was because Gabriel was right there and she didn’t want to antagonize him further, but also because Eleanor didn’t need to play up Lord Fairfax. He was a good man, but he wasn’t…

“Do you need your refreshment topped up?” Gabriel asked.

“Oh, no, we are fine,” Eleanor said, quickly looking at Lottie’s full glass. “Yes, we are fine.”

“Good,” Gabriel growled. “Then I shall leave you until the next gent accosts you.”

Eleanor hadn’t been accosted by Sebastian, nor did she expect to be accosted by any other men, but she didn’t correct Gabriel.

She only watched him walk away from them, back toward his uncle.

She watched his broad shoulders, remembering how the muscular frame beneath his clothing felt in her soft grasp, and aching for him to turn around and stride back over to take her and kiss her again right there and then, no matter who was watching, or what it would do to her.

“Are you feeling well?” Charlotte asked.

Eleanor was awoken from her daydream. “Yes, I’m fine.”

She turned from the duke.

It’s better that he keeps his distance. I’ve let this happen twice now; it can’t happen again. I can’t face that hope for more with him or feel the same devastation as the last time. I can’t let myself feel anything for him, or I’ll surely fall. I must save my feelings for another. Any other.

CHAPTER 19

Gabriel stood with his uncle and watched Eleanor. That was his duty. He had to ensure she was safe during events.

And she is supposed to have fun. She looks like she is having fun with Sebastian.

“You’re quiet,” Richard told his nephew.

“Aren’t I always?” Gabriel asked.