Free Claimed By Chaos by Abigail Graves Page B

stayed as Gilles had asked. Gilles felt as if he was caught in the middle. He wanted to protect his brother from someone he loved as much as him, Mirabelle and Lucien and he wanted Giselle to stay with the family, she needed them. Part of Gilles hoped that the two of them would marry, it would be a perfect situation. Alastair would have someone and Giselle would be safe and part of the family. Gilles knew there were serious obstacles and he couldn't imagine how it could work between the two of them. He tried to remind himself that he and Elise had faced obstacles. Perhaps Alastair would find a way to overcome Giselle's objections and could adapt to her personality. Maybe they were both different with each other. Gilles wished that he didn't find it hard believing any of those things.
    Eventually, Mirabelle and Lucien appeared. Both were disheveled and flushed.
    “Sorry! We had something we needed to discuss.” Mirabelle lied as she dropped on the couch next to Giselle who made a solid effort at not rolling her eyes or smiling.
    “Now that you're here…” Alastair looked at the two of them pointedly. “We can get started.” He settled into a chair and waited for Lucien to pour himself a drink and sit. “I think we all agree that Mirabelle's idea that I should court Giselle is a good start.” He looked around and everyone nodded, except Giselle.
    “I don't like it but I accept that it’s the best way forward.” She announced. Alastair narrowed his eyes at her for a moment.
    “Your objection is noted. As we don't have any better ideas, we’ll move along.” He gave her a moment and continued after she nodded in agreement. “I suggest that we remain at Winthorpe for at least two weeks, hopefully the ton will settle and it won't be as overwhelming when we return.” Mirabelle snorted.
    “I doubt that but it can't hurt. I'd put off going back if it were me. We’ve discussed the matter and Lucien and I will return shortly after the two of you. I'm going to send word on ahead to Madeline that we'd like to host a ball, sort of an unofficial engagement celebration. It will signal that both families are looking forward to welcoming Giselle, thus granting you more freedom to be in each other's company and it will put off more suitors. She can start preparations right away.” Giselle had grown steadily more upset as Mirabelle talked. By the time she was finished she was nearly seething.
    “Are you two mad?” She gasped. “You would open the whole family to ridicule once the engagement was ended. And if my work with the War Office became known, you would all be tainted.” She shook her head vigorously. “Not to mention, it's a lot of trouble to go to on my behalf, to impress hundreds of people that won't be pleased regardless of what we do. No. I've already agreed to go about with Alastair despite my misgivings but I won't go out of my way to earn their favor or approval.” Giselle crossed her arms and looked around.
    Gilles almost groaned. She thought she’d had the last word. Alastair stared at her and Lucien actually groaned as he pinched the bridge of his nose. Mirabelle cocked her head and smiled gently. Gilles would have been curious to see how the whole thing would play out if he wasn't in the middle of it. For a moment, Gilles started to think that he might not have to worry over Giselle and Alastair, that it would be Giselle and Mirabelle that would cause the divide.
    “I realize that you don't have a brother, Giselle.” Mirabelle said softly. “But if you think that there is any way that I would not have a ball to celebrate the fact that Alastair had finally found someone worthy of him, you're quite out of your mind.” She dared Giselle to argue. And she did.
    “I could understand if there was something to truly celebrate but we’re talking about a fake engagement!” She countered.
    “Whether you two marry or not, I think there is much to celebrate.” Mirabelle looked at Giselle pointedly.