“You dislike bugs. Why have you organized such a game when this is the case?” Gabriel asked, genuinely puzzled by this girl.

“Did you know it’s believed fireflies light up as a way of attracting other fireflies? It’s some sort of ritual.” Celia ignored his question. “Attracting a mate is the ultimate goal.”

“How fascinating,” he said dryly. But the curve of her neck was far more intriguing. The shell of her ear infinitely enthralling. He could not help himself. He reached out and trailed a forefinger along the sweet line of her jaw and fantasized about tracing the contour with his tongue.

Celia’s eyes briefly closed. Then she sat up straighter, smoothing her skirts in a brisk, businesslike manner. “Was your summons to Lord Ravenswood’s study a matter of great importance?”

The question reminded Gabriel of the momentous change in his life. “Potentially.”

Celia turned further toward him. “That’s a very cryptic statement. What does it mean?”

“May we speak in private?” Gabriel countered.

The lights from the torches placed around the boundaries of the lawns lit her face, highlighting the smooth planes and deepening the color of her eyes to nearly ebony black. A curl escaped her coiffure to brush her jaw, and she pushed it back into place with an impatient movement.

“Is this not private enough?” she asked.

“No.”

His one-word answer creased her brow.

“We are alone, Mister Rose. No one can overhear whatever it is you feel you must say.”

“I do not want to chance being interrupted,” he shot back.

“Hmmm,” Was her reply.

She stood, surprising him as she addressed the lords and ladies still running about like crazed rabbits across the green lawn. “Let us take the count, everyone!”

Those participating in the game came forward carrying small jars filled with the glowing green-yellow lights of the fireflies. Gabriel was not happy to see Lord Harvey among the participants. The man’s expression hardened, obviously perturbed to see Gabriel as well.

For the next few moments, there was some back and forth over who had the most fireflies in their jar. Eventually, the conclusion was reached that both Lord Harvey and Lady Jane Bostick were tied for the honor.

“I claim a forfeit from Lady Celia,” Lord Harvey crowed.

Gabriel almost growled.

“I am not playing the game, Lord Harvey. You may only claim a forfeit from those participating,” Celia said.

Lady Jane piped in, “I claim my forfeit from Lord Harvey. Perhaps he will do the same and the game has a satisfactory conclusion.”

Lord Harvey scowled before realizing it was a very ungracious gesture on his part. “That would be agreeable, Lady Jane. When the fireflies are released, we will fulfill the forfeit, if you wish.”

“I’d like that, I think,” Lady Jane said shyly.

“Gather down in the center of the lower lawn,” Celia declared. “Lady Jane, you may be in charge of the release.”

The players of the game all began talking amongst each other, and Lord Harvey took Lady Jane by the elbow to lead her down onto the lawn. Within a few moments, Celia and Gabriel were alone once more.