Chapter 6 #3
“There’s a lot for someone to consider before marrying me, or even dating me.
Trust me, I’m aware of it. But I want someone who will help me carry that responsibility.
I know it would mean giving up some dreams, maybe all of them, but there will be new dreams. And, contrary to what people think, it’s not a completely confining way of life and there is a loving family in the middle of it. ”
Feeling another cough coming on, she reached for her water and bought time by taking a few sips before she spoke.
“We barely know each other. Maybe sneaking in here gave you a glimpse into my life, but I know nothing about yours. You say you want me, but I still don’t believe you.
I think you’re intrigued by me, because I don’t put up with your bullshit like everyone else does. ”
He smiled at that, his teeth peeking out from under his mustache. She had a fleeting reminder of how that mustache had felt when he was kissing her thigh, but pushed the memory away.
“I’m sick of being a doll.”
He stopped smiling.
“Sick of being on display, pretending to be rich while, in reality, our house is crumbling around us. Sick of being hurt by people who are supposed to love me. Sick of being sick basically on my own. I just want some fucking peace. Maybe that’s selfish. Maybe it’s—”
He took her hand and squeezed it. “It’s not selfish. I do understand.”
Outside, there was a long whistle, followed by two short ones. Gabriel stiffened and turned his head towards the window, then sighed and turned back to her.
“I need to go. But I’d like you to consider something before we meet again.”
At her raised eyebrows, he smiled.
“Yes, we will meet again, though I won’t surprise you here again, I promise, unless you invite me to do so.”
He leaned forward, took the glass out of her hand and set it aside, then brought her hand to his lips. When he kissed the back of it, his mustache tickled her soft skin and his lips caused tingles that traveled down her hand into her arm.
“I want you to consider all these men you’ve met, and whether you think any of them could truly be partners for you.
You know as well as I do that high society is full of narcissists, who only want more power or more proximity to power.
There are sincere people of course, but none that I have ever considered marrying. Until you.”
She inhaled sharply. “Are you…proposing to me?”
“No. Would you like me to?”
Her terrified expression made him laugh, then she shushed him in case her mother heard.
“Apologies,” he continued more quietly. “I’m merely asking you to consider the men you’ve met and whether you think they would truly be there for you as you need and want them to be. Would they bring you water when you’re sick?”
She glanced at the glass, then back at him. “Maybe not,” she conceded. “But I also doubt they’d break into my room and watch me sleep like a pervert.”
His face went serious again. “That’s where you’re wrong. They would come in here. The difference is that they wouldn’t be nearly as respectful as I’ve been about it. Do you understand?”
She swallowed and past memories of another man started to bubble up in her mind, but she pushed those back too.
“You should start locking that window.”
“Diana uses it.”
“I had a word with Diana while you were hiding under your covers.”
“I was not hiding.” Her protest sounded feeble, even to her. “What did you say to her?”
“I told her she needed to do a better job helping you and make your life easier, not harder, and that included not using your window to sneak in and out of the house.”
She snorted. “She wouldn’t have liked that.”
“On the contrary. She seemed to like that I was looking out for you.”
“Are you? Looking out for me, I mean?”
“Yes, I am, and I’ll prove it to you.” Another set of whistles came from outside. “But not tonight, unfortunately.”
“You said you’d like to learn more about my life, so why don’t you come to the palace? I’ll show the reality of royal life.”
She glanced at the door, then whisper-yelled. “I can’t go to the palace! If people see, they’ll think we’re…you know!”
“I didn’t say I’d be the one inviting you. I’ll ask Agnes to extend you an invitation. It wouldn’t mean anything then.”
“Are you really that na?ve?”
He shook his head and sighed. “Well, I suppose some people would read into it, but Agnes often invites women over for tea or to help with various projects. We’re currently planning a state dinner for the French president’s visit, and she’s leading the charge. I’m sure she could use your help.”
“I don’t know anything about state dinners or how to organize one.”
“You’re wrong. It’s not so different from managing high society events.
Accept Agnes’s invitation and you’ll see for yourself.
” He leaned forward and kissed her forehead.
“In the meantime, you’ve got a fever so please get some rest. Incidentally, my sister is attending that tea party your mother mentioned.
I’ll mention that to her as well. If she sees you there and you’re still unwell, she’ll ensure you get home again. ”
“She’ll manipulate the situation you mean.”
He merely smiled, then his smile faded into something serious again. “I really do like you, you know.”
He kissed her hand again, then pressed it against his cheek. She felt soft skin and stubble and mustache and warmth. He kissed her palm before letting go.
“Until next time, my dear.” With that he swung back out the window.
She scrambled up and to the window to watch him, but by the time she got there, he had already vanished from view.
She turned away, then turned back to close the window and locked it. Then shut the blinds too.
A few moments later, just as she was slipping back into bed, there was a soft knock on her door. Without waiting for a response, it opened and Diana stepped in and shut the door behind her. “You’ve got some explaining to do.”
She sighed, then coughed, and reached for her water again. If only she had a lock on her door. Yet, she supposed a chat with her sister was a small price to pay for her silence. “Please get me some more water first, then I’ll answer your questions.”
With a broad, triumphant smile, Diana grabbed the glass and slipped out.
Gen only hoped Diana didn’t pester her all night. She really was quite tired.