“I—” Ralston stopped, his mind racing. Did he love her?
One side of Benedick’s mouth kicked up as he watched the thoughts play over Ralston’s face. “You shall have to do better than that when she asks you, old man.”
“I would make her a good husband.”
“I do not doubt it.”
“I’ve the money, the lands, the title to do it.”
“If I know Callie, she doesn’t care about any of that.”
“She does not. Which is yet another reason why she is legions better than I deserve. But you should care. So I am telling you.”
Benedick’s rich brown gaze locked with Ralston’s firm one, and understanding passed between them. “I appreciate it.”
“Then I have your blessing?”
“To marry her? Yes, but it is not my agreement you must secure.”
“I shan’t force her. But in order to convince her, I need some time with her. Alone. I should like it sooner rather than later.”
Benedick took a sip of scotch and watched Ralston carefully. Noting the frustration in his eyes, the tension in his form, the earl took pity on the man whom his sister was running ragged. “If Callie is half as distraught as you appear to be right now, she is in the library.”
Ralston’s brows snapped together. “Why would you tell me that?”
One side of Benedick’s mouth kicked up. “Suffice it to say I don’t like the idea of my sister even half as distraught as you look. Try the library. I shan’t bother you. But, dear God, don’t get caught by my mother, or there will be hell to pay.”
Ralston smiled halfheartedly at Benedick’s jest. “I shall try my best to keep a low profile, but, to be honest, your mother demanding I make it right might be the best way to secure precisely what I want.” He stood, squaring his shoulders as though he were about to do battle. Looking down at Benedick, he said, “Thank you. I promise that I shall consider it my life’s work to make her happy.”
Benedick tipped his glass at the marquess in acknowledgment of the vow. “As long as you make it your day’s work tomorrow to secure a special license.”
Ralston nodded his head in solemn confirmation that he would marry Callie as soon as humanly possible and left the room, crossing the darkened, quiet foyer to the door of the library. He set his hand to the door handle cautiously and took a deep breath to calm his racing pulse. He’d never been so on edge; so concerned with the outcome of a conversation; so willing to do whatever it took to get what he wanted. And yet, here he was, certain that the next few minutes would be the most important of his life.
He pushed open the door, his eyes immediately finding her in the dim light. She was curled in one of the large leather chairs positioned by the fireplace, her back to the door, one elbow propped on the arm of the chair, holding her chin as she stared into the flames. He noticed the swath of blue satin that spilled over the edge of the chair to just barely brush the floor; she was still in the lovely blue dress she had been wearing at the ball earlier in the evening. She sighed as he closed the door quietly and approached her, noting the column of her neck, the soft skin that ran along her collarbone and down to the trimmed edge of her gown. He took a moment to stand behind her, admiring her relaxed form, as she said, “I really don’t want any company, Benny.”
He didn’t say anything in response, instead moving stealthily around the edge of her chair and seating himself on the ottoman that she had pushed to the side when she had sat down. She turned her head as he sat, her breath catching as she sat straight up and put her feet to the floor.
“What—what are you doing here?”
He leaned forward, his elbows on his knees, and said, “I tried to stay away. But there are some things I must say.”
She shook her head, eyes wide. “If you’re caught…Benedick is in the other room! How did you get in?”
“Your brother let me in. He knows I’m here. And, I am afraid, Empress, that he is on my side.”
“You told him?” She was aghast.
“I did. You gave me little choice. Now, be quiet and listen, for I have much to say.”
Callie shook her head, not trusting herself to stand firm in her decision if he showered her with pretty words. “Gabriel—please don’t.”
“No. This is both of our lives you’re playing with now, Callie. I won’t have you making decisions without all the information.” She tucked her feet up under her and the image of her, curled into a little, sad ball, tugged at Gabriel’s heart. “You love me. Don’t you feel that you owe it to yourself to hear what I have to say on the matter?”