Realm 04 - A Touch of Grace by Regina Jeffers

Author:Regina Jeffers [Jeffers, Regina]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2012-07-17T07:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fourteen

Although he certainly had his vices, Gabriel had never considered himself as depraved. That is until he had entered Lord and Lady Brant’s home some eight and forty hours prior. He had thought the Havertys censorious, but they were amateur critics compared to the Brants. It was not as if the Brants were Evangelicals and steeped in religion; they were simply stringent in their living. His hosts, for example, served only one glass of wine with supper.

“A man must keep his wits about him,” Lord Brant had declared the first evening of the gathering. Instead of port and cigars for the men after the meal, his host had strong tea served with a large dose of very strict opinions.

Multiple times, Gabriel had bitten back the retort that had sprung to his lips. He had thought he might require several decanters of brandy to tolerate Lord Brant’s company. Instead, he had traced aimless circles on the rim of his wine glass. He had told himself he would survive this boredom, marry Miss Haverty, take her to Gossling Hill, and then never subject himself to Brant’s company again. But just in case, he had sent Mr. Sanders to the village to secure several bottles of liquid courage. Twice today, he had refilled his flask from the bottles his valet has snuck into Gabriel’s chambers.

Last evening, he would have preferred a game of cards to the parlor games Lady Brant had organized, but it seemed cards, especially those that involved wagers, were the devil’s making. The Brants’ attitudes went a long way in explaining why less than a dozen of the ton had accepted the viscount’s hospitality.

“May I refill your tea, Lord Godown?” Miss Haverty had asked with a shy smile. Gabriel wondered if she was as innocent as he first thought or whether she had practiced pleasing mannerisms, just as she had practiced how to pour tea without spilling even one drop. She was a conundrum he was not certain he wished to unravel.

“No, thank you,” he said cordially. It was not the lady’s fault she had been saddled with parents who lacked sensibility. “I believe I have had enough.”

“Would you join us for the games, my Lord?” she said politely.

Gabriel forced a smile to his lips. “Only if I might convince you to address the Brants’ instrument first. You truly have a remarkable voice.” He had not flattered the woman. When he had first heard Miss Haverty play and sing, he thought it angelic. If he could importune her to entertain them regularly, then he might form affection for her. He certainly did not want to spend hours being intimate with a woman who possessed no admirable qualities other than a comely countenance. He would build upon those things he enjoyed about the girl.

“If you insist, my Lord,” she said meekly.

Gabriel lowered his voice. “Miss Haverty, I would have you play and sing because it brings me joy. But I would forego those pleasures if you find doing so makes you uncomfortable.

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