A Cantata of Love (The Code Breakers 4) by Jacki Delecki

her first suitor.
    “Shall I bring tea, my lady? And shall I summon Lady Gwyneth?” Morley, likely an ex-soldier, was well trained in his role as butler.
    “Tea would be lovely, but don’t bother interrupting Lady Gwyneth. Lord Kendal won’t be staying long.”
    Morley bowed. “Yes, my lady.”
    Pouring tea and observing the social ritual would help her cope if he brought bad news.
    Gabby secured the pins holding the top knot of her curls and tugged on Lady Gwyneth’s day dress that pulled too tightly across her chest. Although Gwyneth was taller, Gabby was endowed with the full bosom of her Grandmamma Bonnet. Gabby had the wrong shape for the slim lines that Josephine de Beauharnais had brought into style.
    “Mademoiselle Gabrielle.” Michael bowed.
    He was dressed in a blue fitted coat and buff pantaloons that emphasized his strong, lean legs. The perfect gentleman’s attire for an earl. Although dressed appropriately, he looked as if had been pulling on his collar, and his hair was windswept, not fixed with pomade like other gentlemen. The close-fitted tailoring of his clothes looked too constraining for his exuberant energy.
    “Lord Kendal, a pleasure.” It was a pleasure to bask in his warm, beaming smile. “Please, will you join me?” Gabby pointed to a chair across from the settee. “Thank you, Morley.”
    The butler nodded and closed the door.
    Once the door was closed, Michael rushed to the settee and seated himself close to her. He took her hands into his, ignoring all rules of her proper behavior and all manners of propriety. “Gabby, I’ve been so worried about you. I couldn’t stay away.”
    She tried not to respond, but the heat of his strong, calloused palms seeped into her and his fresh, out-of-doors scent soothed her jagged, lonely feelings.
    There could be no secret visits between them after today, now that she was going into society. For one brief moment, she would enjoy the safety of his touch. She squeezed his hands back before she released them. “Lord Kendal. I hope you are well.”
    His words came out dashed and impatient. “How can I be well when all I can think about is you and what you must be enduring?”
    Gabby couldn’t breathe. She wanted to lean into him and pour her heart out. She wanted to be held and comforted by him. She wanted to go back to their time in France and enjoy the moments of simple pleasure when her future was hopeful and anything was possible between them. She stared at him, wanting him to feel the love and affection she felt.
    “I want to help you. Protect you from any distress from your incredible loss.”
    Of course he wanted to help. He was a good man, but she wasn’t his responsibility. It was only a slight chance of fate that brought them together. She couldn’t allow herself these feelings. It was too dangerous. And although she would never admit it—too dangerous for her fragile heart.
    “You have more news of my brother?”
    “Oh, Gabby, please don’t shut me out, not when we’re alone like this.”
    She regretted pulling away; he was a dear friend and much more to her. But anyone close to her could be in danger. Napoleon and his men didn’t care who they hurt. She didn’t want Michael or his family harmed. She would never forgive herself if anything happened to the people he loved.
    “But that’s the point, we aren’t supposed to be alone like this.”
    She watched his hopeful look fade.
    “Please, only this brief moment. After this visit, we must separate and keep the charade up in society. I wouldn’t do anything to jeopardize your safety.”
    Gabby felt the stinging burn behind her eyes. He was as bereft as she, victims of their forced separation and the roles they must play. She couldn’t pretend she didn’t know how alone and sad she would be after losing his companionship. She couldn’t look away from his fervent stare.
    “For one moment, I want us to be the two simple people who unexpectedly came together in France, before