Free One Rogue Too Many by Samantha Grace Page B

had scandalized her, but Mama offered an untroubled smile in return.
    Anthony cleared his throat. “Your Grace, if it pleases you, perhaps it would be best if you were present as I address Lady Gabrielle.”
    Luke’s eyebrows shot up and an odd look passed between them. “Very well, but rest assured my sister speaks for herself.”
    Anthony nodded sharply. “And I will abide by her wishes.”
    Gabby’s feet felt fashioned of iron and her legs like taffy as her brother escorted her to the drawing room. She glanced over her shoulder at Anthony following behind them, silently praying he hadn’t said anything about that day at Ellis Hall. She couldn’t bear the thought of her family knowing she had disgraced them once again. He smiled reassuringly and her pulse slowed a smidge.
    She and Luke sat beside each other on the settee while Anthony remained standing.
    “Earlier today I asked for your brother’s permission to marry you, and he was correct in withholding his consent.”
    Gabby shot a glance at her brother, but his expression revealed nothing. She didn’t know how her brothers did it. Everything she felt showed on her face. It was quite unfair.
    “In my zeal to become your husband,” Anthony said, “I forgot an important step to any union. A proper courtship.”
    Luke’s frigid posture melted and the beginnings of a smile showed at the corners of his mouth. But Anthony wasn’t looking at her brother. He was watching her.
    Pleasant warmth expanded in her chest.
    “Therefore, my lady, I would very much like the opportunity to woo you as you deserve with flowers, rides in the park, and sweet words. May I have the honor of courting you, Lady Gabrielle?”
    He wanted to court her, just as she had dreamed of many times. How could she refuse him?
    She considered teasing him for his clichéd ideas on how to woo a woman, but in truth, she would welcome every overused romantic gesture recorded if it came from him. She wanted flowers, odes to her composed. She wanted trips to Gunter’s and sweet nothings whispered in her ear during the waltz. Most of all, she wanted to feel as cherished as the women who had come into her brothers’ lives, even if deep down she worried she didn’t deserve that kind of love.
    Anthony sighed, reminding her that he was awaiting her answer.
    “Yes, Lord Ellis, you may court me. But don’t think I will make it easy on you. If you insist upon wooing me, I expect you to be committed to seeing it through to the end.”
    Luke chuckled and patted her hand. “That’s my girl. Well, Ellis. Do you agree to her terms?”
    He nodded, a wide smile plastered across his face. “I do.”
    “You may begin tomorrow.” Luke stood and offered her a hand up. She allowed her brother to escort her to the set of double doors but drew to a halt.
    “May I see Lord Ellis out?”
    “Don’t linger. There is no understanding yet.” Her brother patted her shoulder before leaving her in the foyer with Anthony.
    Wesley brought his hat and cane forward, then discreetly retreated to another part of the house. She knew the butler wouldn’t go far, but she appreciated the small amount of privacy afforded them.
    Anthony offered his arm, and when they reached the front door, he held her hand.
    “Thank you for the flowers,” she said. “They are lovely.”
    “I wasn’t sure you had received them.”
    “I did.” Gabby looked down at the marble floor and contemplated the rust-colored veins. She felt unreasonably shy all of a sudden. The urge to ask why he insisted on courting her was on the tip of her tongue. He could have forced the issue if he truly wanted her by revealing what had happened between them at Ellis Hall.
    A soft touch on her chin encouraged her to meet his gaze. His blue eyes shimmered with warmth. “I owe you an apology, Gabby. You deserve to be courted, and I missed that important piece. I don’t blame you for not wanting to marry me.”
    “I never—” It was true her desire for him