In Bed with a Rogue

She crossed her arms, closing off to him before he’d even had a chance to solicit her assistance. Not that he blamed her. He was behaving like an arse.

“Forgive me, Lady Ellis. I am not here to dredge up old grudges.” He gestured toward a chair. “May I sit, please?”

She pursed her lips. “I suppose, so long as you aren’t here to cause trouble.”

“I promise trouble is the furthest from my mind,” he said, then smiled because part of him was pleased to see her again. At least his doubts could be laid to rest. “You look happy. It pains me to say, but it seems I was wrong about Ellis.”

The softness returned to her face, and she claimed a chair so he could finally sit as well. “I should be the one asking forgiveness. I never meant to—”

He lifted a hand to signal her to stop. “I am quite well.” If she said she hadn’t meant to hurt him, he would feel compelled to tell her she hadn’t. He’d been fond of Gabrielle—she had seemed a pleasant means to an end—and he would have treated her very well, but he hadn’t loved her. And compared to how blissful she appeared now, she hadn’t loved him either.

She folded her hands in her lap.

“There, now isn’t that better?” He relaxed against the seatback. “Just two old friends having a nice chat?”

“Perhaps you’re old,” she said with a saucy toss of her head and the hint of a teasing smile.

He laughed, feeling more at ease.

“Do you want to tell me the real reason you have called, Sebastian?”

He took another sip of his drink to stall. She would want explanations, and he wasn’t certain how to explain his curiosity about Lady Prestwick.

Obsession is more like it.

Gabrielle sighed. “I do not have all day.”

“I need you to speak with your mother. I would like an invitation to Lady Eldridge’s annual ball this week.”

Her mouth formed a silent O.

“Since your mother is Lady Eldridge’s closest friend,” he said, “I had hoped she might speak with the countess on my behalf.”

“And you think Lady Eldridge’s ball is the best time to reintroduce your sister to Society?” Her wrinkled brow revealed her reluctance to help. “If I may be so bold as to make a suggestion, perhaps a smaller venue would be more tolerable to Miss Thorne. Large crowds make her nervous.”

“I want to go,” he snapped.

He closed his eyes and took a slow, deep breath to contain his temper. He didn’t need advice from someone who’d met his sister only a handful of times, but he did need Gabrielle’s help. Opening his eyes, he forced a half smile. “As I was saying, the invitation is not for my sister.”

Gabrielle’s frown deepened. “Why, in God’s name, would you want to attend Lady Eldridge’s ball? You called her a busybody.”

He gritted his teeth. Leave it to Gabrielle not only to remember things he said weeks ago, but also to remind him. He could see he would get nowhere unless he told the truth. “Lady Eldridge has a cousin visiting from Scotland. I made Lady Prestwick’s acquaintance at the theatre recently, and I would like to further the association.”

She leaned back in her chair and steepled her fingers in a manner her father used to practice. “The Widow Prestwick.” She emphasized the word widow as if that alone explained his interest. Did his former fiancée truly believe he would come to her for help in seducing a woman?

“Her marital status is one small part of who she is.” Not that he really knew much more about her—other than she was adept at protecting herself and had a penchant for midnight strolls in the rookeries—but he wanted to know more. And it had very little to do with wanting to tup her, although that would be acceptable too.

“I’m sorry, Sebastian. Whoever you wish to know better is none of my concern. I think it is wonderful you have an interest in Lady Prestwick. Mama has said such nice things about her.”

He scowled and Gabrielle chuckled.

“I will speak to Mama this evening. I’m certain she will be able to persuade Lady Eldridge to invite you.” She bit her bottom lip, her merriment fading.