are not marrying, nor have women in mind, this is not worth discussing,” Gabe said, in his mind finishing the subject.
“But it will arise. Lord only knows why, with your reputations, but women are enamored by you, as they tell me frequently, therefore it is my belief you will start falling in love at some stage over the next few years.”
Gabe was frowning now. “Love is not for us.”
Abby rolled her eyes. “And you have decreed that is to be the case, so it will be?”
“Are you making fun of us?” The frown turned to a scowl.
“No. I’m trying make you more aware. One day one of the women who throw themselves at you will likely be caught.”
“Charming.”
“But I will leave it there for now, and only add—”
“Of course there is something to add.” Michael sighed.
“I am no longer a child and one day will want to marry and have my own household and family.” Both of them paled.
“I wish you were,” Gabe muttered. “You used to simply hang on our every word adoringly.”
“And look where that got you. All of you are arrogant and conceited.”
“No, please.” Michael raised a hand. “Don’t hold back on our account.”
“Just try a little harder to be less protective,” Abby added.
“I have promised that we will try, but you must give us time.” Gabe frowned. “You must also talk to us about the men who interest you, Abby. We know more than you, and I will not have you falling prey to some fortune hunter.”
“A man like Daniel Dillinger is not right for you,” Michael added.
Looking at her brothers, Abby didn’t think they knew of her encounters with Daniel and had plucked his name randomly from the list of men they did not see as suitable for her to talk to. She hoped it was simply a matter of their encounter with him being still fresh in their minds. She would take no chances however, and ensure they suspected nothing.
“As I barely know the man, I don’t see how I could confirm or deny those words.”
“He and his brother are hard men and not from our world,” Gabe added.
“The world that is inhabited by those of noble birth only, do you mean?”
Michael looked uncomfortable. Gabe’s expression stayed the same.
“And yet, I’m quite sure I met the other Mr. Dillinger one evening with his wife, who I believe is a duke’s sister?”
“There are always exceptions, but you will not be one.” Gabe had a hard, unyielding look in his eyes. “As that path is a difficult one.”
“And I am too weak to traverse it? Or you will be too ashamed to call me sister?”
“Abby, you have said Dillinger means nothing to you, and yet your words would suggest otherwise,” Gabe said.
She’d been a fool to use Daniel’s brother as an example.
“And what if Zach falls in love with a woman who is not of noble birth? Will you allow that?”
“I have told you why I feel as I do, but as you have told me that Daniel Dillinger is nothing to you, I fail to see why we are continuing with this discussion.”
“I am attempting to make a point, Gabe. You cannot have these rules and expect that one day they will not be challenged.”
“Dillinger is not for you.”
“I think after your performance at the Smitherton flower show, there is every likelihood that should he see me, he will run the other way.”
“The right man will come along, Abby.” Michael tried to ease the tension in the carriage. “He will love you as you will him.”
“I don’t want undying love. Respect will do, and the rest will come. But I want a man with his own thoughts who will not be bullied by you lot.”
“Damn, and we want someone for you we can control,” Michael said, but Abby did not laugh as Gabe did.
“There is another matter I wish to discuss with you both,” she said.
They looked wary again.
“I want Dimity to come back and continue my piano lessons.”
“No.” Gabe folded his arms. “She is not a good influence over you.”
“And you are?” Abby snapped back. “For pity’s sake, Gabe, she is my friend and in need of money.”
“How do you know she is in need of money?”
“I met her today at the flower markets.”
“Was that a coincidence?” Michael asked.
“No, it wasn’t.” Abby was done with lying to them, at least on this subject.
“You deliberately set up the meeting with her today?” Gabe looked surprised.
“Why do you continually underestimate me? After all, I am of