“Do what again?”

“Lose your bodice! Do you still have that particular gown?”

“I expect so,” Gabby said, chewing on her lower lip. “You mean that I should—”

“Exactly. Put on that gown, and then when Quill retires to his study, follow him. Position yourself in front of him and take a deep breath.” Sophie giggled. “If he doesn’t lose his self-control, he’s not the man I take him for.”

Gabby shook her head, but a smile was pulling at the corners of her mouth. “You don’t know Quill. He never does anything without thinking it out first.”

“Ha!” Sophie replied. “He’s a man. Men believe they have brains, but it’s a known fact that if their lower regions of the body are in use, their upper regions are incapable of activity.”

“I’m in mourning,” Gabby pointed out.

“No one will know what you wear in the privacy of your own home. Tell Quill that you are tired of black.” Sophie stood up and shook out her skirts.

“Oh, now I can see a little curve!” Gabby cried, fascinated.

It was Sophie’s turn to grow pink. “I hope you have just as exciting news for me on the morrow.”

Gabby gave a nervous little laugh and then followed the duchess to the door. “You’re a dear, you know,” she said suddenly.

“I shall do an imitation of my mother,” Sophie announced. “Fiddlesticks!” And she was gone.

Chapter 19

CODSWALLOP HELD OUT his silver tray. “Lord Breksby has called, my lady. His lordship has indicated that his visit is urgent, and he would like to see his Lord Dewland and yourself. The gentlemen await you in the library.”

Lord Breksby didn’t waste a moment. “Lady Dewland, I am sorry to bother you, but developments have necessitated that I speak to you again about the Holkar heir.”

Gabby sat down, biting her lip. Quill stood at her right shoulder, ready to support her if the news was bad. And he had a sharp sense that it would be.

“It appears that Kasi Rao Holkar’s father is now dying, and he must begin his training to take over the throne,” Breksby stated.

“Kasi is not capable of ruling a country,” Gabby protested. “He cannot yet count to ten. He will never be able to make the sort of decisions that are required to hold together the Holkars!”

“That remains to be seen,” Lord Breksby said. “Naturally, if we discover that the boy is a simpleton, the English government will not support the actions of the East India Company.”

“Kasi…I suppose one could say that Kasi is a simpleton,” Gabby replied. “He is not quick in thought.”