“You may forget my humble origins, Seb, but I cannot. Any interest I have in Lady Celia, or any lady for that matter, must remain unspoken. Her father would never allow it, and I daresay her brother would muster an attempt on my life because of it.”

“Nonsense. Tristan Buchanan is far too enamored with his new wife to pay heed to his sister’s activities, or her admirers. This is your chance, my friend. Do something about your Lady Celia. Something other than lurking in the corners and admiring her from afar.”

Gabriel tamped down his rising irritation. This was a conversation he never envisioned having with Sebastian, but little dissuaded the earl when his mind was set on something he deemed important.

“I know women seek your company,” Sebastian pointed out. “From all social standings.”

“Perhaps. But this particular one would not welcome the attention of a bastard. You know this.” Gabriel crossed one leg over the other as he settled back in the leather-tufted chair. In one hand he held a glass containing a splash of Ravenswood’s finest brandy.

“Oh, stop acting as though you carry the plague. You know as well as I that the matter of your birth does not hold the same weight as it might have in the past. There are plenty of bastards in society. Some even wind up with pretty wives, if not wealthy ones.” Sebastian held his glass up and toasted Gabriel. “Catch Lady Celia and you’ll have secured two in one.”

“Those bastards are at least acknowledged by their fathers,” Gabriel shot back. “Mine provided an education and the most basic of care when I was a lad, but that was the extent of his willingness to claim me as his son.”

Sebastian regarded Gabriel with piercing scrutiny. “While true your father is unknown, the fact he was a nobleman counts for something. You’ve far more standing than you realize. And if you are indeed interested in Lady Celia, you should pursue her. Before she is wrangled into marriage with someone unworthy.”

“I am someone unworthy, Sebastian.” Gabriel took a sip of the brandy, savoring its rich flavor. “Your persistence in elevating me beyond my station is a noble endeavor. Useless, but noble. And you know I’ve no wish to wed. I can only hope you will not pursue the matter. Or, God forbid, set Lady Ravenswood to the task.”

Sebastian laughed at that somber declaration.

“Ivy will be heartbroken. After all, Her Ladyship is an excellent matchmaker. Gabriel, you will not lurk in the shadows during this event. I insist you join the festivities the same as my other guests. And instead of pining after Lady Celia with moonstruck eyes, you will press your suit as the other gentlemen most assuredly will. She’s certainly a challenge, but I’m confident you’ll capture her attention.”

Gabriel considered the earl. He was a most stubborn man. Annoyingly so. And also his closest friend. After Sebastian saved his life they’d become family. Gabriel was devoted both to him and Ivy, the Countess of Ravenswood. He’d sworn he would serve them for as long as he was needed.