Despite loving him-or even because of it-might she think to set him free of the chivalric bonds she imagined compelled him by marrying Chillingworth instead?
Over the heads of the other dancers, Gabriel considered Alathea, and knew he couldn't risk it. She felt friendly toward Chillingworth. The earl could be charming when he wished and was, after all, a gentleman in the same mold as he. And Alathea was an earl's daughter. It would be a felicitous match all around.
Except for one thing.
Turning to Chillingworth, Gabriel met his gaze. "If you're imagining rectifying your lack of an heir through an alliance with the Morwellans, I suggest you think again."
Chillingworth stiffened; the look in his eyes suggested he could barely believe his ears. "And why is that?" he asked, his tone steely, his aggression poorly masked.
"Because," Gabriel said, "you would die before you laid so much as a finger on the lady in question, which might make getting your heir a trifle difficult."
Chillingworth stared at him, then looked away, resuming his previously noncombative stance. "I can't," he murmured, "quite believe you said that."
"I meant every word."
"I know." Chillingworth's lips quirked. "How enlightening."
"Just as long as you keep it in mind."
Chillingworth looked to where, the dance having ended, Alathea was strolling on Falworth's arm. Both he and Gabriel stepped out to intercept her. "I'll think about it," Chillingworth replied.
Alathea could not believe how easily Gabriel tracked her through the crowd; she and Lord Falworth had barely begun to stroll before he loomed from the throng. She was, consequently, especially delighted to see Chillingworth by his side.
"My lord." She gave Chillingworth her hand and smiled with real appreciation as he bowed. "I hope you note I took your comments to heart. I could do nothing about the number of guests, but there are many waltzes scheduled tonight."
Chillingworth sighed. "What manner of torture is that, my dear? I assume that, as usual, you have no waltzes free."
Alathea did not miss his sidelong glance at Gabriel. "Unfortunately not."
"However," Chillingworth continued, "unless my ears deceive me, that's a country dance starting up. Might I beg the pleasure of your company?"
Alathea smiled. "I would be delighted."
The dance was one that left them paired throughout. Chillingworth conversed easily on general topics. Alathea answered lightly, off the top of her head, her thoughts, as always, sliding back to Gabriel. She'd lost sight of him when the dance got under way; he was no longer where they'd left him. She wondered where he was, and what he was doing.
At the conclusion of the dance, she laid her hand on Chillingworth's sleeve. He led her from the floor, straight to Gabriel, who was waiting at the other end of the ballroom from where they'd parted.
Alathea resisted an urge to raise her eyes to the skies. Drawing her hand from Chillingworth's arm, she positioned herself between them, ready to jab an elbow into either of their ribs should they infringe her conversational standards.
Somewhat to her surprise, neither did. Chillingworth seemed careful, watchful. Gabriel was his usual arrogant self, the reality uncloaked given it was only Chillingworth, whom he patently regarded as an equal, with them. Then Amanda, escorted by Lord Rankin, joined them. A minute later, Amelia glided up on Lord Arkdale's arm.
"This is such a lovely ball, Lady Alathea." Amanda beamed her delight. "I'm enjoying myself hugely." The minx batted her long lashes at Rankin, who, all unknowingly, glowed.
"It's a crush-a positive crush," Amelia chimed in. "There are so many here." She smiled at Lord Arkdale. "Why, I've never had the chance to chat with Freddie here, before."
"I hope," Alathea cut in, preempting Gabriel, "that you're wise enough to take full advantage of the possibilities offered."
"Oh, indeed," Amanda assured her. "Our dance cards are full. We've danced every dance with a different gentleman."
"And spent every interval with still different gentlemen," Amelia added. Both girls softened the news of their deliberate inconstancy with a ravishing smile at their escorts. Neither gentleman was sure whether to preen or not.
"Incidentally, Gabriel, we haven't sighted Lucifer."
Amanda fixed her angelic blue eyes on her cousin's face. "Is he here?"
"He was."
"He must have discovered something terribly interesting. Or someone," Amelia ingenuously announced.
"I saw Lady Scarsdale, and Mrs. Sweeney, too. She was wearing vermillion-a hideous shade. I don't think Lucifer would be with her, do you?"
"Perhaps he's with Lady Todd. I know she's here…"
The twins continued artlessly speculating on Lucifer's current obsession. Their escorts were totally bemused. Gabriel was not, but neither was he willing to deflect their attention. Alathea bit her lip, and let the twins have their revenge.
Under cover of the girls' bright chatter, Chillingworth touched Alathea's arm. Turning, she encountered a slightly rueful expression in the earl's eyes,
"I fear I'm going to desert you, my dear, and leave you captive to this bevy of Cynsters."
Alathea smiled. "They are a riotous lot, but the twins, you see, are celebrating a family victory."
For an instant, Chillingworth's eyes held hers, then his gaze flicked to Gabriel, presently exchanging barbs with Amanda. Chillingworth looked questioningly at Alathea. "Cynster, too, I think?"
Alathea didn't know what to think-and even less what to reply.
Chillingworth relieved her of the problem by bowing. "Your servant, my dear. If you ever find yourself in need of help, know you have only to ask."
He then nodded elegantly and stepped away, disappearing into the crowd.
Puzzled, Alathea watched him go, then turned back to Gabriel and the twins.
The next dance was a waltz.
Without so much as a by-your-leave, Gabriel, his temper sorely tried by the twins, closed his hand about Alathea's and drew her onto the floor. His arm came around her, holding her close. Their gazes met.
She grinned, but said not a word. She relaxed, following his lead without conscious effort. Scanning the room as they twirled, she saw no indicaiton of any problem; their ball was in full swing and all was well.
She was about to refocus on Gabriel's face when Lady Osbaldestone's flashed past. The gleeful expression in her ladyship's old eyes reminded Alathea of the approval of Lady Jersey, Princess Esterhazy, and the others. How many more had had their eyes opened tonight, their censorious minds alerted?
"This is dangerous-you and me." She looked at Gabriel. "We're going to end as a high treat for the scandalmongers."
"Nonsense. Who's been disapproving?"
No one. Alathea pressed her lips together. After a moment, she said, "I'm too old. The entire ton is expecting you to marry-they won't approve of your marrying me."
"Why not? It's not as if you're in your dotage, for heaven's sake."
"I'm twenty-nine."
"So? If that doesn't worry me, and you know damned well it doesn't, why should it concern anyone else?"
"Bachelors of thirty do not customarily marry spinsters of twenty-nine."
"Probably because most spinsters of twenty-nine are that for good reason." Gabriel caught her eye. "You're that for a completely different reason-a reason that is no longer valid. You've done what you needed to do-you've set your family back on their feet. You've held the fort until Charlie can take over, and trained him to do it." His voice lowered. "Now it's time to let go and live the life you should have lived. With me."
Alathea remained silent, not sure she could trust her voice.
He continued, "I haven't detected the slightest hint of disapproval-quite the opposite. The senior hostesses all knew your mother-they're thrilled at the thought of you marrying at last. Along with the rest of the ton, they've never understood why you didn't marry. To them, the notion of your marrying me is highly romantic."