made a vow then and there that she would never regret a future with him. He just had to work out how to secure that before her brothers tore him limb from limb.
Chapter 29
Abby had slept surprisingly well, which she put down to the alcohol, emotion, and making love to Daniel.
“So, did you and your fancy man talk?” Dimity was finishing packing their things.
“We talked, and I thanked him for speaking to Gabe as he did.”
“You were gone for quite some time. I fell asleep waiting for your return. Are you sure you just talked to him?” Dimity teased.
“Yes.” Abby turned away to fuss with her hair so her friend did not see the color in her cheeks.
“And?”
“And I think we came to an understanding, but now we must go down or Gabe will start pounding on the door yet again.”
“Very well, but I will hear more about this rendezvous in the stables later.”
Daniel was in the parlor when they arrived, and Abby swallowed the smile that wanted to fill her face. Her body had twinges it had never experienced before, and her breasts felt different, which was odd. They’d always been just there on her chest before. This was all because of him.
Maybe she’d not reacted well last night. After what they’d shared and the day she’d endured, she’d pushed him to declare himself. Fear, Abby thought, that had made her behave as she had, and yet didn’t Daniel have the right to be unsettled also? He’d made it clear that her birth was a major obstacle to their future, but he’d also said he cared for her and that he wanted to speak with Gabe.
That thought settled warm and steady inside her chest. She needed to speak with him about that, as she knew her brother better than anyone and could help him approach Gabe. But for now, she must behave as if nothing had happened between them.
To be held against his chest, to feel his hands on her had been everything she’d hoped it would be. She’d wanted more, and when he’d given that to her, she’d understood what all the poems of love spoke of.
There had been pain, but also so much more. To be that close to the man she loved… yes, she had acknowledged that, in the early hours of the morning as Dimity snuffled softly beside her.
Was she now a hussy for what she’d done? For wanting the touch of a man… not just any man, but Daniel. To make love to a man she was not wed to. She didn’t care; she loved him, and they would one day be together. She held that thought close.
“Good morning, Gabe, Mr. Dillinger.” Abby nodded as Daniel beat Gabe to holding out her chair. His fingers touched her back, and she knew it was deliberate.
Did he, like her, feel different in the cool morning light?
“Lady Abigail.” She saw nothing in his eyes to suggest he was feeling anything other than looking forward to his morning meal. Yet Abby knew he was good at hiding his emotions.
He appeared as he always did, handsome and vital, dressed in a brown jacket and waistcoat. His necktie was folded sedately. She noted the dark smudges beneath his eyes that yesterday had put there.
His body she knew was hard, shoulders muscled. Feeling a flush of heat, she looked down at her plate to compose herself.
“How are you feeling this morning after your illness yesterday, Mr. Dillinger?”
“Much improved, thank you for asking, Lady Abigail.”
Last night, he hadn’t been so formal. Last night, he’d had his hands on her and whispered his need into her ears.
“Mr. Dillinger is riding to Devon as are we. Therefore, I have asked him to accompany us.”
“Pardon?” Abby couldn’t believe her brother had said those words.
“He has saved your life twice, sister. I trust he will do so again if required. I have also informed him of what I believe was behind the attack on you that day.”
Like Daniel, Gabe once again looked his elegant self this morning. Yesterday, it seemed, was behind them all.
“You cannot expect Mr. Dillinger to change his plans for us.” She felt Dimity’s eyes on her but didn’t return the look. She wanted his company but didn’t want to appear too eager.
“He is not changing his plans. As I have said, he is going to Devon also.” Gabe’s tone was reasonable, and yet Abby didn’t feel reasonable. She felt different today, as if the world she’d woken in yesterday was in some