Free One Rogue Too Many by Samantha Grace Page A

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    He sighed and slowly turned on his heel. Perhaps someday he would cease frightening the wits out of her. But this evening he needed to turn his attentions toward charming another young lady.
    He had given consideration to his conversation with Gabby that afternoon and came to an alarming realization. She truly thought he had asked for her hand because that was what an honorable gentleman would do if he compromised a young woman.
    He could try discussing it with her, but invariably he would say the wrong words. That was always the case when it came to speaking his heart. In truth, a part of him still feared the rejection he’d known as a boy, so he held on to his thoughts and feelings tightly.
    No, talking might only complicate matters. Instead, he would do what he did best. He would show Gabby how much he loved her. His quest tonight was something he should have done long ago. He was going to court her in the way she deserved. And once he’d won her heart, he would set his mind on how to win over Annabelle.
    ***
    Gabby recalled countless times Anthony had dined at her family’s table without incident, but tonight one disaster seemed to follow another. First, she had looked up as she was reaching for her lemonade only to discover him staring at her and she tipped over her glass. Next she had dribbled gravy on her newest gown.
    And now…
    “Oh, dear!” Mama said, her eyes wide with fright. “She’s choking.”
    Gabby tried to suck in a deep breath, but coughing racked her body.
    Anthony and her brother sprang from their chairs, but Anthony reached her first.
    “Can you speak?”
    She couldn’t stop coughing long enough to answer.
    “Egads! She is choking.” He spun her around and banged his palm against her back. Hard.
    “S-stop,” she tried to say, but the next blow knocked the air from her lungs, then set off another round of hacking that seemed to originate from her toes.
    More bone-jarring blows followed until Gabby turned on him, having caught her breath at last. “Stop pounding me, you jackanapes! I am not a rug in need of a beating.”
    Lizzie smothered a giggle with her hands.
    “Gabrielle,” their mother scolded, sounding rather scandalized. “That is no way to thank Lord Ellis for coming to your rescue.”
    Anthony’s face had changed to scarlet and Gabby immediately regretted her harsh words. He had only been trying to help, even though she might later bear bruises for his good intentions.
    She forced a smile, hoping it didn’t translate into a grimace. “Mama is correct. That is no way to show my appreciation. I beg your pardon, my lord.”
    He sketched a bow. It seemed he wanted to say something, but he snapped his mouth closed and resumed his seat across the table.
    “Now, Gabby,” her sister-in-law Vivian said as she resettled her napkin on her lap, her blue eyes twinkling with good humor. “If you didn’t like the lamb chops, you needed only to say so.”
    Everyone around the table chuckled, Gabby included. Vivian was a nice addition to the family and had a talent for diffusing tense situations.
    “You’ll forgive me for not asking for seconds, then?” Gabby teased.
    Her brother winked at his wife, likely thinking he was being covert. Gabby smiled and returned to her dinner. It was good to see Luke happy at last.
    Thankfully, the rest of the meal passed without any other catastrophes, and oddly, she felt more at ease. She was even able to meet Anthony’s gaze without feeling she might jump out of her skin.
    At least until the last course was cleared from the table and her brother’s gaze landed on her.
    “Gabrielle, Lord Ellis has requested an audience this evening. Perhaps you could show him to the drawing room and allow him a word.”
    Lizzie gasped beside her and Katie gawked from across the table.
    Gabby’s heart clogged her throat. What had Anthony said to Luke to explain his complaisant attitude? She looked to her mother, sure Anthony’s request for a private audience