Tessa shot him an exasperated look but scurried off as Celia glanced around the large, noisy room with great interest.

“Obviously, you’ve been here before. Tessa is a good friend, it seems.” Celia’s gaze returned to clash with his. The chocolate depths of her eyes glittered with an emotion that might have been jealousy. “Should I be concerned about other barmaids?”

Gabriel’s mouth twitched in a smile. “She’s not a friend. But I did share a few nights with her, if that is your concern.”

He did not miss seeing the hurt he’d caused his wife. Her eyes watered and her chin trembled the slightest bit before she tossed it higher.

“I’m not an imbecile, Gabriel,” she flung at him. “I’m quite aware you slept with the girl. She just devoured you with her eyes as if you were a meal.”

“A long time ago,” he finished quietly for her. “Celia, it was a very long time ago.”

Her lips tightened. “It must have been quite memorable.”

Gabriel took a sip of the ale. “For Tessa, perhaps. Not for me.”

Tessa returned just then with the glass of wine. Setting it down without so much as a glance spared for Celia, she focused her attention on Gabriel.

“Will you be needing two rooms then?” The girl’s tone was seductive while reeking of familiarity. And she moved so close that her upper waist brushed against Gabriel’s shoulder. She then made a great show of bending over to check his mug of ale, her breasts on display in the low-cut gown.

“Just one,” Gabriel replied. “It’s already arranged.”

Celia’s temper was rising. The look she gave the barmaid was nothing short of murderous. Gabriel could not help the thrill of pleasure coursing through him at the thought of Celia’s possible jealousy.

“Oh. A room for the lady, of course. We’re terribly busy, as you can see.” Tessa’s tone was smug. “But you’ve no need to sleep in the stables, Gabriel. I’m sure accommodations may be found, same as last time.” Her giggle left no doubt as to her invitation. “You were quite satisfied with them, as I recall.”

“Why should my husband be required to spend the night in the stables?” Celia asked, ice dripping from her voice. “Or anywhere other than with myself?”

Gabriel bit back another grin. He would not allow this to go too far, but he was wildly curious about this side of his new wife.

Tessa’s attention turned to Celia, her jaw slackened with confusion. “Husband? Gabriel married you, did he?”

Celia stood slowly, staring the other woman down as though she might leap across the table and begin a brawl. The interaction between the two women was drawing attention. Other patrons nudged each other, nodding in Celia’s direction with hungry, curious stares.

“Tessa!” The innkeeper shouted from the other side of the room. “You’ve other tables, girl. Get these ales and leave Lord and Lady Rosenthorne be.”

Tessa’s eyes widened. Her gaze bounced between Gabriel and Celia. “Lord Rosenthorne?”