Gabriel didn’t know how to respond to that, so he said nothing. But it touched him that the duke had cared enough to at least name him.
“But that is not why I called you here today. I told you I would give you back your estate’s mortgages. I had my solicitor draw up all the necessary documents.” The duke patted a thick envelope that lay on a table by his elbow. Picking it up, he offered it to Gabriel.
“I have not fulfilled my side of the bargain yet,” Gabriel said with a frown, making no move to take the envelope.
The duke made an impatient gesture with his hand. “This is not part of the bargain. I told you I would give you these, regardless. Please, take them. Allow me to make things right.”
How could he deny the duke’s plea? As much as his pride was smarting, he recognized the duke’s need to make amends was greater. He slowly reached out for the envelope. It was thick and weighty.
“Thank you, sir.”
This was more than a gift. It was his real inheritance. His head spun with plans and things that needed to be done.
“I will have to go to London soon. To give these to my solicitors. Maybe now the bank will lend me the money I need.”
“No need. I told you I’d give you the money.”
“And I thank you, but I don’t want charity. This is more than enough. I will take care of the rest.”
There was some regret on the duke’s sigh. “Will you leave for London soon, then?”
“I think it’s best. There’s much to do, and the sooner I am able to commence work on my estates, the better for all the people involved.”
“What about Hannah?”
Ah! At last, they were on the crucial subject. Was he asking if he had made progress on that front? It was still damnably uncomfortable to speak of such matters. It went against every gentlemanly instinct he had.
Evading the unspoken question, he said, “She could meet me in London. Do you think she would be amenable to a trip to Town?”
“Why don’t you ask her? I’m sure you can persuade her.”
“You don’t object?”
“Why would I? It suits my purposes.”
Gabriel studied the older man, but the duke’s expression was unreadable.
“I will do that.”
“Gabriel?” All levity had left the duke’s tone. “I know you have been wooing her. The idea has merit, but... don’t wait too long. I don’t know how much time I have left. I would like to meet my heir before I depart this world.”
Gabriel felt an involuntary tightening of his chest. “I am not trying to delay matters, sir. But these things take time. We need to feel comfortable with each other before we...” He trailed off, unable to say it.
“I understand. And I approve. Just... be careful with her heart, will you?”
Gabriel stilled for a few heartbeats. “Have you considered, sir, that my heart may be in as much danger as hers?”
“YOU ARE LEAVING? SOsoon?” Her eyes were bewildered and a tad hurt.
“I must. There’s much to do, and I have neglected my duties for several days.”
“I understand.” She looked down, a tendril of wavy blonde hair caressing her neck.
He wanted to take it between his hands and test if it was as silky as it looked. He wanted to put his mouth where the wayward curl had been. He took a deep breath. All in good time.
The obvious disappointment in her voice mollified his emotions. She seemed as loath to part company as he was, which was promising.
“I will go to London first, as I have some business matters to conduct there. Would it be presumptuous to ask you to join me there?”
