He needed a good place to hide her. Not a single divan in this room was high enough to crawl beneath and a quick search would mean discovery.

“Here.” Gabriel pushed on a wall panel. It swung open with a slight groan, revealing a space just large enough for a person to stand. A secret passage led from there to an opening just beyond the kitchens. It was a holdover from Beaumont’s long and storied past, with only a select few aware of its existence.

“My goodness. What a clever thing,” Celia marveled before her brow creased in a frown. She stared at Gabriel with frank suspicion, then back at the space. “Hide? In there? Whatever for?”

“Because, unless I miss my guess, Lord Harvey will return soon with witnesses to your ruination. Now, either you go in there, or I do. Make your choice, Lady Celia, but know should I go into that space, they will find only you here. And while I’m aware of your behavior of granting men the honor of kissing you, you must admit the dangers of your current situation.”

Celia’s chin lifted in a challenging manner. “A woman should not be forced into marriage simply because she allowed a few harmless kisses, Mister Rose.”

Gabriel inclined his head in mocking deference. “That is true, but in your case, it will hardly matter. At this late hour, dressed as you are and alone with that man, there will be no talking your way out of this misadventure.” He barely suppressed a groan when she began worrying her bottom lip between her teeth. Bloody hell if he wasn’t dying for a taste of the same kisses she granted other men caught in her orbit. “A hasty trip to the altar with a groom ecstatic to have caught you is your future if you don’t do as I say. Make your choice, my lady.”

An expression of dread crossed Celia’s lovely features at the mention of a groom. Her skin paled until it glowed like cream in the firelight. Indignation quickly faded as the dire situation impressed upon her. “Yes-yes, of course. You are right, but sir, you see, I am rather uncomfortable in dark places. I don’t think I can possibly—”

“Lady Celia, this is the second time I have rescued you from this particular gentleman. Both occasions have taken place at night so I find your discomfort suspect. I don’t believe I’m remiss in thinking you’ll be damnably more uncomfortable wedded to that boor. Or, perhaps you prefer being caught alone with myself?” Gabriel’s brow raised in question as Celia hastily shook her head in contradiction. “I thought not,” he said in grim satisfaction while shoving Celia into the space. “Now, be quiet. I’ll let you out once I deem it safe.”

Celia’s chin tilted as she handed Gabriel the broken candlestick. “You may use that on Lord Harvey should you find it necessary, Mister Rose.”

“I doubt there will be further bloodshed,” Gabriel replied in a dry tone. “Remember, not a peep out of you.”