“Did you come here to jest and insult my home, or are we going to discuss business?” Still battling with thoughts of Evelina, there was a tinge of annoyance in Gabriel’s voice.
Theodore raised his eyebrows in surprise and wonder at the slight change in atmosphere. But thankfully, he did not ask.
After flashing a wicked wink, he placed the papers on the small table, and they delved into a discussion about their business. Gabriel was glad profits remained stable, and the men managed to hash out the hitches in the day-to-day operations.
“Aside from the waste that is your suggestion to acquire two more carriages to post mail, I think everything is settled,” he commented as Theodore shuffled the papers once more.
Theodore let out a chuckle. “You know, Dunmore, your sincerity remains ever a rarity in our circles,” he sighed and leaned back into his chair.
“I merely like to be a perfect example—someone certainly has to be.”
The men erupted in laughter just as a housemaid quietly entered the drawing room, her footsteps light against the polished wooden floor. She expertly placed a tray laden with delicate pastries on the mahogany table between the Dukes.
Theodore’s eyes lit up at the sight of the crumpets, and he wasted no time in snatching one. “In all frankness,thisis the reason Ido not mind visiting and having to see your devilish face.” He grinned, a twinkle of mischief in his eyes as he took a bite.
Gabriel raised a curious eyebrow and snorted.
“The pastries, of course!” Theodore laughed, waving the crumpet in the air and eyeing the maid.
“Ah, and are you certain it’s just the pastries you’re sweet on?” Gabriel teased, a smirk playing on his lips as he poured himself a cup of tea.
“Hmm.” Theodore nodded as he savored another crumpet. “Indeed, my dear friend, you ought to hold on to your cookandall the mares before I whisk them away to Thornfield,” he remarked with a grin, his tone light and jovial.
Gabriel let out a loud laugh at this.
Though Theodore was well-known for his fondness for the ladies, he was not a rake, and they both knew it.
Gabriel let out another laugh of disbelief as his friend winked at the maid. “You’d do well to keep our friendly competition away from my staff.” As the maid prepared to leave the room, a sudden thought flashed through his mind. “Has Miss Balfour wrapped up today’s lesson?”
The question left his mouth nearly immediately, his voice tinged with trepidation.
The thought of Evelina wandering around his home left him on edge. He wondered if it was the idea of her perceptive gaze finding more ammunition to solidify and strengthen her agenda against him. After all, she’d managed to label him neglectful of Eliza merely for his choice of art.
The maid, with a respectful curtsey, replied, “The lesson is still ongoing but will conclude shortly, Your Grace.”
Gabriel nodded in acknowledgment, a faint furrow creasing his brow as he considered whether or not to engage with Miss Balfour before she left his house once more.
However, sensing Theodore’s curious gaze, he quickly composed himself, shelving the thought and clearing his throat before addressing the maid again. “You may go now.”
He gave a subtle, dismissive nod.
“Hmm…”
Before Theodore could question him, he cleared his throat once more, a quick glint in his eyes as he deftly steered the conversation in a different direction.
“So, do you happen to know how long Cedric continues to plan to be away? It seems like an eternity already, does it not?” His tone was lighthearted and teasing, aimed to lighten the mood.
Theodore shrugged. “I have no clue where the man has disappeared to this time.” He threw his hands in the air. “He had been gallivanting in the west, and last I heard, he’d made a turn towards the south.”
Gabriel’s lips curled into a playful smirk. “Well, he is your cousin, after all. One would think you’d be the first one to have some news on his travels.” He paused for effect. “Or are you suggesting that he does not continuously regale you with tales of his escapades?”
Theodore, feigning offense, scoffed and raised a skeptical eyebrow. “I am not the Earl of St. Vincent’s paramour for him to send me frequent missives.”
Gabriel chuckled at his remark. “Seems to me that you are not abiding by the law of being your brother’s keeper,” he snorted. “Or in this case, your cousin’s keeper.” Pointing an accusatory finger at him, he added, “Which certainly does not absolve you. I will have you know, that’s just as sinful.”
Theodore barked out a laugh. “Well, prepare yourself for holy damnation as well then, Duke.” When Gabriel raised an inquisitive eyebrow, he gasped playfully. “Do not tell me you did not realize.”
Gabriel raised his eyebrow higher.
