Gabriel gave her a curious look.
“Are you alright? You’ve been out of sorts this morning. Did something happen last night?”
Dorothy glanced at Frederica, but the look from her friend said that she hadn’t said anything. She had promised to keep this away from everyone else, including Gabriel. Part of Dorothy wanted to tell him, but she decided against it; no matter how relieved she was that she hadn’t married someone she had never met, it was still humiliating to have had an engagement end as it did. It wasn’t really for Gabriel to know.
She managed a bigger smile.
“Don’t worry about me. I didn’t sleep very well last night.” She jumped as thunder rolled so loud it felt like it was overhead. “Goodness! That was louder than I was expecting.”
“I think that means we’re going to get rain anytime soon,” Frederica said, looking up at the sky. She squeaked a moment later. “There’s rain coming. I felt a raindrop.”
“What are we still doing out here, then?” Gabriel demanded. He grabbed Dorothy’s hand. “We’d better get inside before we get rained on.”
Dorothy barely had any time to say anything before she was dragged along, nearly falling to her knees as Gabriel set off at a quick walk, almost at a run. She clutched her shawl, but her hat flew off and disappeared somewhere behind her. Beside her, Frederica clutched onto her hat and squealed.
They were on the terrace when the heavens opened completely, and the rain came down. Dorothy gasped as the cold water hit her, icy on her skin. She barely had time to react before Gabriel opened the door and tugged her and Frederica into the house. Another roll of thunder sounded, followed by a flash, and Gabriel peered out as the rain came down harder.
“I don’t see us going outside for a while,” he commented. “Even when it stops, it will be very muddy everywhere.”
“That’s a shame,” Frederica sighed, taking off her hat and shaking the water from it. “I was hoping to go for a longer walk than that.”
Dorothy felt the same. Anything was better than being in the house knowing she could end up bumping into Dashwood. She grimaced as she felt her dress sticking to her body. God, it was cold.
“I think Frederica and I need to go and change. We’re going to catch our death of cold if we don’t.”
“I think that’s a good idea for all of us,” Gabriel agreed, taking off his hat and running his hand through his wet hair. “I certainly need a change of clothes after that.”
“We’ll be as quick as we can.” Frederica grabbed Dorothy’s hand. “Come along, let’s go. We can beat him back downstairs in no time.”
Before Dorothy could respond, she was being tugged along by her friend. She looked back at Gabriel, who was watching them go. Even when she looked away, Dorothy could feel his eyes on her as they disappeared down the hall.
“I think Gabriel finds you attractive,” Frederica whispered as they went up the stairs.
“What?” Dorothy almost tripped up the stairs. “What are you talking about?”
“He’s been looking at you a lot this morning. A bit longer than he should.” Frederica giggled. “I think you have an admirer.”
Dorothy let the words sink in. That didn’t make sense in her head, and she couldn’t comprehend it.
“No, you’ve got to be wrong about that. Gabriel and I have known each other for a long time, but we’re just friends. Nothing more.”
“Even friends can look at each other differently,” Frederica insisted. “Besides, you’re looking for someone to court you with the potential to be your husband, aren’t you? Gabriel has known you a long time; he’s kind and gentle and finds you attractive. Add to that, he’s very good-looking.”
“Frederica!”
“What? I can say that about him, can’t I? It’s merely an observation.”
Dorothy didn’t know what to say to that. Sure, Gabriel was a good-looking young man, and he was a gentleman. He knew how to make her laugh, and he was light-hearted. Perfect for conversation, and he actually listened to her. But there was nothing there. No spark to say he was attractive to her. She could appreciate his good looks but didn’t feel anything towards them.
She wasn’t sure what she was looking for in a future husband, but surely there had to be something crackling between them, so to speak. There had to be something strong between Gabriel and herself, yet there was nothing. It was absent.
Dorothy shook her head.
“I don’t think that’s going to happen.”
“Why not? I think he would be perfect for you.”
“Are you trying to match me with Gabriel, Frederica? I won’t appreciate it if you do.”