“I’m not sure,” Ivy replied, sliding an arm around Celia’s waist and squeezing it with affection. “A most unusual conversation occurred this morning between Ravenswood and Gabriel Rose. They were in the antechamber of our room. So I could not help but overhear.”

Celia’s heart thumped faster. Surely, Gabriel would not boast of the incident in the library.

“It was a very hushed conversation but involved keeping a close eye on Lord Harvey.” Ivy frowned as she continued the story. “Ravenswood mumbled something about the man’s audacity, and Gabriel mentioned your name as they moved into the hall. I could hear nothing at that point. When Ravenswood returned, I asked what had occurred. He would say nothing on the subject other than that it would be handled by himself or Gabriel. He would not say anymore, even when I pressed for details.” Ivy scowled in disgust. “He simply kissed me on the forehead and bid me a pleasant day with our guests. The man can be extremely vexing sometimes.”

“I do hope Lord Harvey has not been overly zealous in his pursuit, Celia,” Sara said with a concerned smile. “We all know how single-minded some gentlemen can be.”

Ivy gave a good-natured roll of her eyes. “I should know better than anyone. Sebastian was most persistent when convincing me I should marry him. He could not be dissuaded, although I fought him at every turn. Thank goodness he succeeded in his endeavors. I cannot imagine life without that stubborn man. But let us return to the problem. Why should Gabriel concern himself with Lord Harvey? More importantly, how does Celia factor into their conversation?”

Both women turned to Celia, waiting for some manner of explanation.

“I know as much as the two of you. Harvey has been no more of a pest than usual,” Celia smiled calmly as she appeased their curiosity. “As for Mister Rose, I’ve scarcely had the opportunity to converse with him during our time here. Indeed, I hardly know the man, so I cannot fathom any interest he might have taken in me.”

But somehow, I found the opportunity to use the hardness of his body for my personal pleasure.

The unbidden thought flashing through her mind sent a guilty flush of remembered satisfaction throughout Celia’s body. Laying a hand to the warmth of her cheek, she stepped back from the windows. “Goodness, isn’t it rather warm in here?”

Ivy’s turquoise gaze hardened with understanding. Reaching for Celia’s hand, she gave it a quick squeeze. “If Harvey has overstepped, I swear to you, Celia, I will see that it doesn’t occur again. That is, if Ravenswood doesn’t handle the matter first. I’ll not have my dearest friends harassed and hunted by unscrupulous gentlemen at my house party. No matter how well connected they might be.”

Celia gave a soft laugh, intent on steering her two friends away from such a dangerous subject. “I assure you, dearest, the man has done nothing so terrible as to merit your wrath. Or Sara’s. Set this aside and let us continue with our plans for a pleasant afternoon in the village.”