A Gentleman Never Tells by Amelia Grey Read Free Book Online

picking up his glass again. “Aptly put. Now leave me, Gabrielle, I’m tired of this subject, and I have work to do.”
    Gabrielle studied her father. It was clear she wasn’t going to change him, but she could change herself. No, she had changed. She wasn’t sure what had happened to her when she saw her sister and Staunton together, but she wasn’t the same person anymore. She knew she’d done the right thing in keeping scandal away from Rosabelle’s name, and now she had to keep from ruining Lord Brentwood’s life, as well. Even though he had been kind enough to indicate he would marry her if her father insisted, she held out hope that he would come to his senses and help her convince her father that marriage between them wasn’t necessary.
    With no fear of reprisal, she said. “I want to be present whenever you talk to Lord Brentwood.”
    Not bothering to look at her, the duke harrumphed again and said, “Absolutely not.”
    “It’s my life, Papa.”
    He looked up at her. “Which you have turned into total chaos, along with mine. I’d say you’ve done quite enough.”
    “Still squealing like a wild boar caught among the briars, Duke? It looks as though I got here just in time to help Gabby before you blow up like a hot air balloon.”
    Gabrielle whirled to see her favorite aunt standing in the doorway with her hands on her hips, a black travelling cape on her shoulders, a fancy feathered hat on her head, and cotton gloves on her hands. At the sight of her beloved aunt, Gabrielle felt as if a burden lifted from her shoulders, and she smiled.
    “You know,” her aunt continued, “that my dear sister would have never allowed you to talk in that tone to one of her daughters.”
    The duke grunted. “I see you still haven’t learned the art of knocking and being announced, Elizabeth.”
    “Never saw the reason to, after my sister told me I would always be welcomed in her home. She said the door was always open to me, so why shouldn’t I just walk right in?”
    “Because you are usually butting in where you’re not wanted,” the duke said.
    “Auntie Bethie,” Gabrielle exclaimed excitedly and rushed toward her aunt. “I’m so glad to see you! I was hoping you would come soon.”
    “Lovely to see you, dearest,” her aunt said as they hugged and kissed each other on their cheeks. “You do get more beautiful every time I see you.”
    “Nonsense, Auntie, let me help you with your cape.”
    Gabrielle’s father had three sisters, and while Gabrielle enjoyed seeing them all, she had never adored any of them the way she adored her mother’s only sister. Mrs. Elizabeth Potter was petite in size, but her loud and gravelly voice made her sound as boisterous as most men. Her nose and chin were sharp, and her eyes were as dark brown as the chocolate she liked to drink. She had a shock of golden-red hair that never seemed to fade or show gray. No doubt that was because of a secret solution she bought from the same apothecary where she bought her fountain of youth cream that she put on her face every evening before retiring. Gabrielle didn’t know why her aunt bothered to tint her hair. It was usually hidden beneath one of her many outrageously designed hats.
    “You do remember that my wife passed on more than a dozen years ago, don’t you?” Gabby’s father barked. “Or have you gotten so old that your memory doesn’t serve you well anymore?”
    “Don’t be such a tyrant, Papa,” Gabrielle said. “I’m thrilled Auntie Bethie is here.” Gabrielle took her aunt’s cape and laid it on a chair by the door.
    “You would be,” her father murmured, “but I’m not. She dotes on you and treats you as if you were a piece of the finest china.” He looked over at her aunt and said, “I don’t even know why you are here.”
    Auntie Bethie ignored him and smiled at Gabrielle as she handed over her drawstring reticule. “I’m here for the wedding, of course.”
    Gabrielle blinked and opened her mouth