Free When Love Is Enough by Laura Landon Page B

to affairs at which he was to be the guest of honor. He’d refused them all. To give that privilege to the Duke of Chisolmwood turned his stomach.
    "Come now, Talbot. The decision cannot be that difficult. Just think of the good that can come of it."
    Gabriel considered his decision for a long moment more, then slowly lifted his gaze until his cold glare locked with Chisolmwood’s. "Attending your gathering will involve a great deal of my time. Time that is very precious to me."
    The expression on Chisolmwood’s face turned to shocked surprise. "And what do you estimate one evening of your time to be worth?"
    Gabriel paused then finally answered. "One note."
    Chisolmwood’s surprise turned to disbelief. "I have several notes. Are you talking about one in particular?"
    "Yes. The largest one."
    "Gabe—"
    Gabriel shot Harrison a squelching look and he quit his objection. If he had to yield to the duke’s demand, and he did, and if he had to contribute to Chisolmwood’s prestige and influence, and that’s what would happen if he attended his gathering, then it would bloody well be a benefit to someone. And that someone would be Harrison.
    Gabriel turned his glare back to Chisolmwood. "Is my presence worth that much?"
    Chisolmwood’s loud bark of laughter shot through the tension in the room. He focused his gaze on Gabriel and smiled. "It’s possible I underestimated your determination, Major. I will schedule the affair to be held in two weeks time...if that meets with your approval."
    Gabriel nodded. "And the note?"
    "Will be handed over to Lord Etherington upon your arrival. Now, if you will excuse me, I have several appointments to keep. Lady Lydia. Etherington. Major."
    An uncomfortable silence settled over the room as none of the men would be the first to drop their gaze from the other. Lydia forced the issue.
    "Let me walk you to the door, Your Grace," she said with a smile on her face that Gabriel thought seemed a little unreal. Chisolmwood broke Gabriel’s glare and held out his arm for Lydia to take.
    The minute the door closed he sank back against his chair and closed his eyes. His head throbbed and his leg ached. He wasn’t used to fighting any battle with the disadvantage of being confined to a chair while his opponent towered over him. Bloody hell.
    "You didn’t have to do that."
    Gabriel opened his eyes to find Harrison staring out the window. He had his back to the room. His hands hung at his sides in angry fists.
    "You think I did it for you?"
    Harrison spun around. "Who else?"
    Gabriel didn’t even try to stamp down the anger roiling inside him. "I did it for me . Even though it was only money, at least the bastard had to give up something. If I’m lucky, some day I’ll have it in my power to take away something of real value."
    Gabriel dropped his head back and closed his eyes. "Now, leave me alone so I get some rest. I have two weeks to build my strength."
    He waited until the door closed behind Harrison then reached for the bottle on the table beside his chair and took a swallow.
    Then he took another.

CHAPTER 7
     
    Gabriel sat on a stone bench beneath one of the trees in the garden at Etherhouse and inhaled a deep breath. Although winter was far from over, the crisp, clean air gave him a sense of freedom he’d missed since he’d returned. He needed the fresh air to clear his mind. To put things into perspective.
    The Duke of Chisolmwood’s event was tonight. He intended to leave Etherhouse first thing in the morning and go to the small flat Austin had found for him. It was time. Since Harrison and Chisolmwood had walked in on them two weeks ago, nothing had been the same.
    Being near Lydia was torture. He wanted her more than he’d wanted her before. Loved her more today than he had a year ago. And she would soon marry the Marquess of Culbertson.
    He raked his fingers through his hair in frustration then grabbed the two canes Harrison had given him. He had to get through this one last