He barely remembered bolting up the stairs, holding her body against his as if he could protect her from whatever caused her pain.

While the doctor’s examination left him with the peace of mind Celia had not fainted from an unknown physical ailment, Gabriel could not ignore the fact something had happened.

The question was: what triggered it?

Gabriel dismissed the upstairs staff milling nervously about on the second-floor landing. Even Katie, Celia’s maid, was dismissed before he reentered the master bedchamber.

It was gratifying to see Celia still abed. She wore her traveling dress, although the hat and gloves had been removed. Even her hair remained twisted into a modest bun. During his absence, she’d moved and now sat propped against the headboard, numerous fluffy pillows piled high behind her. Her dark chocolate brown eyes followed him as he shut the door and then leaned against it with arms crossed over his chest.

“I’m glad you are feeling better,” he murmured.

Celia returned his stare. “I did not need the physician. I told you it is common for women to faint. Perhaps I overheated or did not eat enough lunch.” She shrugged. “Even the coach ride could be to blame.”

“Hmm,” was Gabriel’s reply. He considered that for a few moments then came closer, arms still crossed as he studied her. “Have you ever been to Rosenthorne Hall before?”

Celia shook her head. “It’s well known that your father rarely entertained. In the years since my coming out, no events have taken place here. Why do you ask?”

Gabriel knew he was missing something important when it came to this fainting business, but he could not reason it out. “I thought perhaps something about this place triggered a memory of something terrible. Or even sad.”

Was he wrong in thinking perhaps her face paled just a little bit more? There was a secret here, but damned if he could uncover it.

She let out a shaky laugh. “I hope you will not call for a doctor every time I sneeze, for heaven’s sake. I don’t know if I would like becoming one of Doctor Franklin’s regular patients, although I understand why some women would.”

Gabriel’s mouth tightened. “Did you enjoy your examination by the good doctor?”

Her eyes narrowed at the unmistakable note of jealousy in his tone. He couldn’t hide it.

She shrugged. “You called for him, husband. Remember?”

“So I did. I trust you recall my warning regarding certain situations?”

Celia flinched, and while Gabriel felt a pang of regret for reminding her of his violent tendencies, he wasn’t sorry that it was true.

“Even more egregious than your flirtation is your impudence. Certainly not very marchioness-like, wouldn’t you agree?” His hand reached out, brushing aside a tendril of hair that fell across her smooth brow.

When Celia sighed, Gabriel sensed her gratitude that the subject had changed. He should investigate further into why that was, but the spark in her eye intrigued him more.

“I know I must work very hard at being a marchioness you will be proud of, Gabriel.” Celia’s chin tilted up in that familiar gesture he recognized so well.