“Oh lord, will you look at all those people.” The deck was full of guests. It made Abby queasy to think she would have to be wedged among them until they docked.
“You sound like it’s not going to be fun?”
“How can it be, pressed to all those bodies?”
“You’re wasting your time if you are hoping I will support your bid to go to Devon, by the way. My vote lies with Gabe. London is the best place for you right now, Abby.”
“I want to leave.”
“Don’t try to tell me you don’t like these functions.” He made a scoffing sound that had her wanting to thump him, but as she was supposed to be a lady, at least out of the house, she could not. “The dresses, the flattery, how could you not?”
“You’re an idiot,” Abby muttered, “who can see no further than the end of your nose, like those other fools you call brothers. Not everyone is enamored by false flattery.”
“Those fools who care for you?” he said in a tone that suggested he’d like to wrap his fingers round her neck and squeeze. It had always been like this between them. Closest in age, they could go from conversation to argument in a matter of minutes. “The brothers whose only thoughts and concerns are for you?” His words were a low growl.
“Concern does not smother a person, and neither does love. I cannot break a shoe ribbon without one of you knowing about it.”
“Are you suggesting we don’t love you?” He glared at her. “While it is sometimes hard, as you are an extremely challenging woman, we will always do so.”
Abby clamped her lips together as they approached the other guests.
“Is this about that Dillinger?” He shot her a narrow-eyed look. “Because he’s been popping up far too frequently of late, and usually when you are near.”
“What?” Strange how just the mention of Daniel had her heart racing. “This has nothing to do with him, a man I barely know, I might add. It is pure coincidence that I have encountered him lately. There is also the fact that he saved me from the knife attack.”
She felt Zach’s eyes on the side of her face.
“He is not the man for you.”
“So you and the others have said… more than once.”
“Well, he’s not.”
“Because he is not of noble birth? Shame on you, Zachriel, for your snobbery.” Abby kept her tone light.
“I am not a snob. It is you—”
“Good evening, Lady Blake. I cannot thank you enough for the invitation,” Abby said with false enthusiasm, cutting off her brother’s next words. “My brother and I have been looking forward to this event. In fact he was just stating that he is joyous to be in the company of you and your daughters.”
Zach placed his hand on the one she had on his arm and squeezed her fingers hard.
“Indeed, we are so excited, my lady.” Zach bowed. “My sister was just speaking in glowing terms of your knowledge and wisdom for those like herself who are navigating society without the benefit of a female relative to guide them.”
“How flattering.” Lady Blake smiled at Abby. “Of course, I am more than happy to take her under my wing. Mistakes can easily ruin a reputation.” The woman gave Abby a pitying look, as if she had already committed some heinous sin.
“My brothers and I cannot thank you enough.” Zach bowed again, and Abby wanted to kick him. “If you will excuse us.”
“I hate you,” she whispered.
“You love me,” he said, patting her hand. “I am your favorite brother.” Leaning down, he kissed her cheek. “As you are my favorite sister.”
“Lady Blake will now simper all over me every time we meet.”
“It’s for you own good. She is held up as an exemplary figure for many in society to follow. We will never marry you off if you don’t try harder.”
She was so angry at that statement, it took her several seconds to find her voice.
“Those words will poison you if you don’t let them out.”
“I will never be able to marry, as you never let a man near me!”
“No need to shriek, Abby, I am right here.” He patted her hand again, and she swallowed down the words she wanted to throw at him.
“Be very wary where you step from now on, Zach. I have a long memory. If you will remember the frog incident.”
When they were children, she’d caught five frogs and put them in his bed after he’d stolen her favorite book and hidden it. She’d waited two months to exact that revenge, knowing how much he hated frogs.
“I’ll just leave you here with the lovely Blake sisters,” he whispered in her ear. “Ladies.” He bowed. “If you will excuse me, please.”
Fuming, Abby watched him walk away.
“Is this not exciting, Abby?” Mary took her arm, and together they stood at the railing watching the lights flicker on the bank. Darkness would fall soon, and they were heading toward Vauxhall Gardens, where they would moor and the guests who wished it would be rowed ashore.
Drawing in a large, steadying breath, Abby exhaled slowly. No one could annoy you quite like a brother.
“And will the rest of your family be in attendance when we reach Vauxhall Gardens, Lady Abigail?”
Philippa Blake was determined to secure one of Abby’s brothers as a future husband. Gabe, to be precise. She was pretty, blonde, and everything a young lady in society should be. Abby found her shallow and was equally determined she not succeed.
She would be scandalized if she knew that Abby had left her house unchaperoned to visit the Duke and Goose. Or that she’d spent time alone with Daniel. Her brothers would be apoplectic.
“I had so hoped they would join us on the boat,” Phillipa mewed. She was hungry for a marriage and had pursued a friendship with Abby from the start, but there was nothing genuine about it as
