my fatherâs will. I intend to make sure that doesnât happen.â
With supreme effort, Gil controlled his rage. If he said anything else, this conversation could escalate into a most unpleasant scene, something Adam would enjoy to no end. Gil clamped his jaw tight and focused his gaze out over the couples dancing.The fact that Adam assumed him so low as to manipulate James in order to inherit his money hurt Gilâs pride. Did everyone else believe the same thing? If so, maybe coming back had been a mistake on all counts.
Gil turned to find James headed toward him, flanked by a shorter man with two ladies behind. Though the man looked somewhat familiar, Gil could not recall having met the women before.
James clapped Gil on the shoulder. âGilbert, allow me to introduce you to Arthur Hastings.â
The stout man with a handlebar mustache stepped forward to shake Gilâs hand. âA pleasure to meet you, Gilbert. Sorry we couldnât make the dinner. Another engagement, Iâm afraid.â
âItâs good to meet you, too, sir.â
Mr. Hastings stepped aside, and a tall woman with soft brown hair smiled at Gil.
âThis is my wife, Dorothy, and my daughter, Aurora.â
Gil greeted the older woman, then stopped short at the beautiful young woman beside her. With a cloud of golden hair and startling blue eyes, Aurora Hastings was breathtaking. He bowed over her hand. âA pleasure, Miss Hastings.â
She blushed to the roots of her hair. âLikewise, Mr. Whelan. Iâve heard so much about you.â
âAll good, I hope.â He winked in an attempt to dispel her obvious embarrassment, remembering what James had said about her request to meet him.
âHeavens, yes. Brianna has nothing but wonderful things to say about you.â
âYouâre a friend of Breeâs, then?â
âMore of an acquaintance. We worked together on the Christmas play at the church.â
Mr. OâLeary nudged him from the side. âWhy donât you ask this lovely young lady to dance, Gilbert? Iâm sure she doesnât want to sit with us old folks.â He boomed out a hearty laugh.
âOf course. Would you care to dance, Miss Hastings?â
âIâd love to.â
He led the way to the middle of the room, where several other couples swayed to the music. Gil held out his arms, and Aurora placed her gloved hand in his. Soon they were gliding in time to the melody. She was a tiny thing, barely reaching his shoulder. He prayed he wouldnât trample her toes. Thankfully, the song ended soon, but as he slowed to a smooth halt, he caught Briannaâs frown over Henryâs shoulder. She didnât seem at all pleased to see Aurora in his arms. He dipped his head at Brianna with a grin.
âExcuse me, Miss Hastings. Thereâs someone else Iâve promised a dance to.â He bowed over her hand once again, ignoring the disappointment on her lovely face, and made his way to find Brianna.
Flushed from dancing and from watching Gil with Aurora Hastings, Brianna took a seat on one of the chairs and pushed a drooping curl off her forehead. Sheâd thought Colleen would be the only thorn in her side tonight. Now she had Aurora to contend with, as well.
Out of the corner of her eye, she became aware of Henry hovering at her side, as he had all evening. If only heâd leave her alone for five minutes.
She flashed him a smile. âAll this dancing has me parched. Would you mind getting me something to drink? The refreshments are in the dining room.â
âOf course.â He gave a slight bow. âDonât go anywhere.â
She let out a huge sigh of relief as he retreated through the crowd. Many more guests had arrived after dinner for the eveningâs entertainment. She hardly recognized half the people here.
A shadow fell over her chair.
âGood evening, Miss OâLeary. May I have this dance?â The familiar
Becca Jameson and Paige Michaels