"I am not angry," he said very softly. "I am only very very glad that you are back where you belong." Pinned by the raw emotion in his eyes, Cassie could not look away. But his thumb merely brushed the fullness of her lower lip, then was gone.

His gaze fell to their son. "Have you given any thought to what we might name him?"

Feeling hereft but determined not to show it, Cassie bit her lip. "Actually," she said very low, "I do have a name in mind." She did not confess that she had never doubted she would bear him a son. "I have always liked the name Jonathan... and I thought perhaps Stuart for a second name ..." She held her breath and waited. For the life of her, she was not certain what Gabriel's reaction might be.

"Jonathan Stuart." He murmured the name experimentally, and then his expression grew incredibly warm. "I like that, sweet. Jonathan Stuart he shall be."

Her heart brimmed. In all her days, she did not know when she'd known such happiness, such contentment. Perhaps Gabriel had been right to bring her back. He loved his son -- of that she had no doubt. And the knowledge filled her with a joyous peacefulness. Even if he never came to love her, pride in their son was something they would share forever...

She could ask for no more.

Chapter 23.

It was a week before Cassie was allowed to leave her bed. She protested her confinement heartily, but either Gabriel or Gloria made certain it was enforced. In truth, she did little more than eat, sleep, and nurse Jonathan. Soon she began to regain her strength and color.

Deep in her heart, she knew Gabriel had been right to bring her back to Farleigh, for now that she had held her child in her arms, she wanted everything for him. On her own, she could never have provided for him as Gabriel could. Nightly she gave thanks to the Lord, for Jonathan would have so much that she had never had. He would never be hungry. Never lack for a roof over his head. But she was determined that he would also grow up knowing he was loved and wanted ...

She had resisted at first when Gabriel suggested hiring a nurse, but falling to Gabriel and Evelyn's persuasive arguments, Cassie relented. She did insist, however, that the choice of help remain solely in her hands.

Although both women Cassie interviewed, at the recommendation of Edmund's reliable sources, were no doubt eminently capable, in Cassie's mind, they were both stiff and crusty and decidedly glacial. She wanted someone warm and vibrant, who was unafraid to laugh -- someone Jonathan could trust as well as love. In the end, she chose a big raw-boned girl from the village. Alice had sparkling brown eyes and a warm, ready smile. With eight younger brothers and sisters, she also had a wealth of experience with babies. Even Jonathan appeared to like her. He had cooed and promptly fallen asleep in the crook of her arm, quite content as his mother conducted the interview. Cassie suspected that Edmund did not particularly care for her choice, but she was confident she had chosen well.

But where Gabriel was concerned, there was still so much unresolved tension between them. Though his manner was not precisely cold, and he was always faultlessly polite, Cassie was tormented. She loved him so! And she craved some outward sign that he cared for her, at least a little ...

But time only ripened the distance between them.

As the days turned to weeks, Cassie's heart cried out in anguish. She wavered between hurt and indignation, hope and yearning. Not once had he returned to her bed, though Dr. Hampton had tactfully made it clear to both of them there was no need to abstain any longer.

But Gabriel had made no sign that he wanted her in that regard. Cassie was secretly devastated. Had she sight of her misshapen, pregnant body killed his passion? She was newly slim, with the exception of her breasts, which were noticeably fuller. But perhaps Gabriel no longer desired her. She ached to think she had lost even that!

In the midst of her agitation, Christopher came to call one bright afternoon in late June. Gabriel was not there, but was out tending to estate business. Cassie invited him to stay in the hopes that Gabriel would return. While they took tea in the drawing room, Christopher tickled Jonathan beneath the chin and exclaimed how he'd grown since he'd last visited several weeks earlier. After Alice took the baby upstairs, Christopher glanced at his watch, then arose.

"It's time I took my leave. I've lingered long enough and it appears Gabriel may be some time yet."

Cassie walked with him outside. They stood at the top of the wide stone stairway and waited for a groom to bring his horse. Christopher slipped his hands into his pockets, then turned to Cassie, his expression faintly sheepish.

"Actually, Cassie, I have some exciting news I thought to share with you and Gabriel."

"Well," Cassie said lightly. "Since Gabriel did not have the good grace to appear, you shall just have to tell me."

Christopher chuckled. "Very well, then. Do you know the old manor house along the lane north of here?"

"I do indeed! I pass it when I ride to Warrenton. It's truly a shame no one lives there! Why, it would be quite lovely if only it had the proper care and were not so neglected."

"I am quite inclined to agree, though I daresay that will very soon be rectified."

Cassie blinked. "What! Do you mean that you... . why, Christopher . . ."

He laughed at her astonishment. "Yes, Cassie, it's true. You see before you the new owner. In fact, I will spend this very night there."

"Oh, Christopher, I'm so pleased!" She exclaimed her delight, but couldn't resist teasing him. "Hmmm. Does this mean you have given up your wild, wicked ways in order to become a gentleman of leisure?"

His grin was infectious. "I must say, with Gabriel settling down so admirably which only a year ago no one would have considered even remotely possible, I suppose anything could happen!"

Cassie's heart beat a little faster. Was it true, then, that Gabriel was content? Oh, if only she dared hope..."Now that you have acquired a country house, Christopher, you lack only one thing."

"And what might that be?"

"A wife to tame you!"

To her surprise, his smile withered. "I would like nothing more," he said, and it was almost as if he spoke to himself. "But that is the one thing that will never be."

His ruddy features were somher. A wistful, almost melancholy sadness had entered his eyes. Cassie frowned.

"Why do you say that, Christopher? You are young. You are handsome. I cannot imagine why a young lady would refuse if you chose to pay court to her."

He was silent for a moment. "It's not in the refusal of the lady in question that the problem lies." With that cryptic statement, his gaze flitted north, to his newly acquired manor house ... and Warrenton.

Cassie caught her breath. Comprehension dawned with a rush. "Why, it's Evelyn, isn't it?" She answered her own question. Of course it was. She recalled how often she'd seen them together in London -- dancing. Sometimes just talking ... perhaps it had started even then.

"Christopher, you and Evelyn!" She laughed her delight. "Why, that's wonderful!"

A twinge of pain flitted across his face. "No, Cassie. >It's impossible."

"But why? Doesn't she love you?"

He hesitated. "She does," he admitted finally. "I bought the manor house so that I could be near her, at least until she marries."

Cassie was horrified. "If you love her, you cannot let her marry someone else! Why don't you simply declare yourself?"

He sighed. "Her father is pompous and of the old guard, Cassie. It's common knowledge he will not be satisfied unless she marries both a fortune and a title -- an earl at the very least. I am only a lowly baronet, unworthy of his recognition. Were I to declare myself, Warrenton would make certain I never saw her again."

Cassie's heart went out to him. "Oh, Christopher, how sad for you both. But you cannot give up hope, not yet. Evelyn still has no serious suitors, nor does she desire any." "She will not forsake her duty, Cassie. She will not dishonor her father's wishes by going against him." He paused. "And I will not dishonor her by asking such a thing of her." Cassie bit her lip. A part of her whispered he was right, yet she dared not admit it to him. Instead she touched his sleeve.

"Do not give up," she said softly. "Perhaps there is still some way the two of you can be together. Perhaps a solution can still be found." On impulse she reached out and laid her hands on his shoulders, kissing his cheek before she bid him goodbye.

The memory of Christopher's visit still dwelled in her mind as she made her way upstairs. She peeked into the newly decorated nursery where Jonathan lay sound asleep in his cradle. Her gaze was troubled as she moved further down the hall to her room.

She stood at the windows for a long time a slender hand parting the curtains. Beyond the rolling expanse of lawn the purple haze of twilight clung to the treetops. She sighed, seeking to come up with some way to help her friends, to ease their plight. Christopher and Evelyn were both so dear to her heart. If only something could be done to sway the duke of Warrenton, so he might not ruin his daughter's only chance at happiness!

Perhaps Gabriel could persuade his father to talk to Warrenton. The two still rode and hunted together often. She seized on the possibility, determined to put it to him at the first opportunity. Her mind so grossed, she turned.

She gave an abrupt start, for suddenly there he was, standing not three feet before her.

"Gabriel!" Her laugh was rather shaky. "My word, you startled me! I did not hear you come in."

Apparently he had just returned from his errands. He had not yet changed, and still wore boots and riding clothes. The width of his shoulders completely eclipsed her view of the door, and all at once the room seemed absurdly small. The fact that he was dressed all in black, coupled with the riding crop held between gloved fingers at his side, lent a curious air of menace to his demeanor.

Perhaps not so curious after all.

The cast of his jaw was grim and forbidding. He spoke no words of greeting, nor did be smile. Instead he fixed her with an unwavering gaze of piercing intensity.

"Gabriel?" A faint alarm began to pound along her veins. "Is something wrong?"

"I saw you, Yank. I saw the two of you before he rode off."

Cassie gaped. "Who? Christopher?"

"The very same. So tell me, sweet. Do the two of you deceive me under this very roof?"

Though his tone was mild, his eyes were blistering. Cassie shivered. It spun through her mind that he was jealous. And while a part of her fairly reeled with elation, she was furious that he could think so little of her -- and of his en friend!

She squared her shoulders, striving for as much dignity as she could muster. "Nothing has changed Gabriel. You have not changed, for I have done nothing to deserve this. You insult me by implying that I have -- and you insult Christopher as well."

Across the hall, Jonathan began to cry. Gabriel spun around, his intent clear. Cassie was only half a pace behind.

They were in the nursery now. Cassie spoke up quickly, just as Gabriel reached the cradle. "Here, let me -"

"I'm quite capable, I assure you." He was curtly dismissive.

Cassie stood back as Gabriel's dark hands slid gently beneath Jonathan's small body. Though she had once been convinced such a thing would be impossible, Gabriel's love for his son was unquestionable. A pang twisted her heart. Why couldn't he spare even a measure of it for her?

As always, Jonathan quieted the instant he was picked up. Tucked in the crook of Gabriel's elbow, he gazed at his father with complete and utter trust. Gabriel traced a dark finger down the front of his muslin gown. He chuckled softly when Jonathan seized his finger, carried it to his mouth, and sucked strongly. But the infant voiced his annoyance quite loudly when he realized no food supply was forthcoming. He began to wiggle and squirm, turning his head toward Gabriel's chest.

An elegant brow arched high. "I'm afraid this is something I cannot do for you, Jonathan." Hard gray eyes swiveled to capture hers. Without a word he laid him in her arms.

Cassie settled herself in the chair that overlooked the courtyard. Jonathan's cries had begun to gain in pitch and volume. He rooted frantically against her, anxious and demanding. She rocked him in her arms, trying to soothe him. Her breasts tingled as her milk began to come in. Oh, damn ... damn!

Gabriel spoke the obvious. "He 's hungry, Yank."

The soft line of her lips compressed as she glanced up at him. She wished he would leave her alone to feed her son, and to that end, she let her glare speak for her.

He merely smiled -- oh, a demon's smile! -- she thought indignantly as he stepped behind her. His hands flashed into her line of vision. She stiffened in shock when he sought out the drawstring of her bodice. A deft, sure tug from those long, strong fingers and her breasts spilled free.

For a mind-splitting instant, his fingers lay hard and warm on the curve of her naked flesh. Then Jonathan latched onto her nipple with eager greed.

Cassie bowed her head low and sought to confine her attention to Jonathan. He was a good, sweet-natured baby who cried only when he was hungry or wet. Nor was he sickly, as she had feared he might be. His belly had grown round and firm, his little cheeks plump. But the peace and contentment that usually slipped over her as she sat and nursed him was glaringly absent.

The disquiet was stifling. Jonathan suckled noisily, the sound loud to Cassie 's overwrought nerves. Gabriel stood behind her, stark and remote. Cassie was achingly aware of him. He had been present numerous times before when she'd fed Jonathan, yet now his regard made her feel vulnerable and exposed as never before. He was an expert at bridling his feelings, while suddenly it seemed hers were strewn in every direction! When she switched Jonathan to her other breast, she discreetly tried to tug a blanket up over her exposed flesh and Jonathan's head. Gabriel's hand closed over hers, stopping her cold.

The battle began in earnest.

At length he moved to where she could see him. His eyes were glittering. "Such a devoted mother," he observed mockingly. "A shame you are not such a devoted wife."

"Oh, for pity's sake!" Jonathan had begun to fall asleep at her breast. She had to settle for a heated whisper when she longed to storm at him furiously. "Christopher came to see you, to tell you he bought the manor house near Warrenton!"

"So now he will be our neighbor -- how convenient for the two of you."

Now that Jonathan had finished, it appeared there was to be no reprieve. When Alice appeared, Gabriel plucked his son from Cassie's arms and handed him to his nurse. At the door, he stood and awaited her. Cassie smoothed her skirts and tipped her chin high as he took her arm, knowing she had no choice but to accompany him.

In the hall, she tried to free herself of his hold. His grip on her arm merely tightened.

Only after he'd guided her into her room did he release her. He closed the door and crossed his arms over his chest, then continued as if there'd been nary a pause in their conversation.

"I saw you kiss him, Yank. A touching scene, I must say."

Cassie drew a deep, jagged breath. "On the cheek, Gabriel ... that is all, I swear. It was a kiss meant to comfort -- no more!"

Gabriel could not withhold the doubts that crowded his mind. They were bound, by more than just the son they shared. And he could not forget the fervor with which she had claimed she hated him. No matter how sweetly she smiled at him, the knowledge was always there, like a needle beneath his skin.

"Indeed. Tell me, sweet. Are you still so unhappy that I made you return to Farleigh?"

Gabriel did not miss the fleeting shadow that crossed her lovely features. A vile anger swept through him, dark and brooding.

Very Deliberately he began to shed his clothes. His jacket was tossed across the arm of a chair. "You comfort Christopher. You tend Jonathan. Well, I am your husband and I fail to see why I am not accorded the same consideration."

Oh what arrogance! She felt giddy and hot, yet her hands were ice-cold. She pressed them together before her, shaken and uncertain by the tempest she sensed in him.

His shirt landed atop his jacket. "I would disrobe if I were you, Yank. If you do not, it will be my very great pleasure to do it for you."

The sight of his naked, hair-roughened chest made her mouth go dry. "Gabriel," she cried, "you must believe me! It was a kiss on the cheek between friends. Nothing compared to what we have shared!"

By now he was naked. "No? Show me the difference then."

Cassie swallowed. Her chest was so tight she could hardly breathe. She shook her head lest she give in to her weakness, to him.

His hands were on her bare arms now, warm and disturbing. Far more disturbing was his arousal -proudly, rigidly erect. Though she tried not to look she could not help it.

"I repeat, sweet, if I am to believe you, then you must persuade me."

"No!" She drew a deep, burning breath. "Not like this -- not when you're so cold and angry!"

Within seconds her clothing was cast aside, leaving her as naked as he. "Stop!" she cried. "I - I will not come to you willingly!" She pounded his chest as he tumbled her down on the bed. "Do you hear me, I will not!" And yet her arms came around him, whether to push him away, or pull him close, she did not know ...

Furious that she would refuse him, something snapped inside Gabriel then. A crimson mist swam before him that obliterated all thought, all reason. He drove home in one fiercely burning thrust, an iron blade of steel ... through dry, tender tissue unprepared for his thrusting invasion.

Her body jerked with the power of his entry. Though she tried to choke it back, her cry of hurt rent the air.

Imbedded to the hilt inside her, Gabriel went utterly still.

The stricken sound ripped into him like the tip of a lance. He levered himself up on his elbows to stare at her. Her eyes were wet and swimming with tears. Even as he watched, they brimmed and overflowed.