“If that’s the case, we’ll know soon enough. Sophie can’t keep a secret to save her life.”
His mother sat on the loveseat and patted the spot next to her. “Whatever is going on, I will not allow our family to be the cause of a scandal.”
Gill sat. “I’ll keep an eye on Kat.”
“Not too close,” his mother warned. “I must admit she’s prettier than I expected. Her blue eyes are stunning.”
“Not my type.” He did agree about her eyes, though, and she had a nice smile, too. “I’m immune to American women, remember?”
His mother touched his shoulder. “Clarissa wasn’t the right one for you.”
For so long, he’d disagreed whenever anyone said that to him, but time had allowed his heart to heal. He saw the situation more clearly. “I know.”
His mother gave a gentle squeeze. “Your princess bride is out there, my son.”
Maybe so, but he was in no rush to find her. He didn’t want to be forced to marry for the sake of his country. He wanted to marry for love like his sister was doing. “Whoever she is can stay far away for now.”
“Yes, she can.” His mother sounded unusually supportive given the subject matter. “Your great grandmother once told me ‘Love that is true, always remains.’ There’s no rush.”
Warning bells sounded in his head. This was a complete turnabout from how his mother normally spoke about him finding a bride. He eyed her warily. “You don’t sound like yourself. Why the change of heart?”
“I may be queen, but one royal wedding at a time is all I can handle. Another might push me over the edge.”
He laughed, but if anyone was capable of having an ulterior motive, it was his mother. “The planning must be a nightmare if you feel this way.”
“Not a nightmare, per se, but the duchess is complicating matters. She wants to be involved in every detail. Her ideas are so…so American.”
“She’s American.”
“But she married a duke and should forget the traditions where she came from. Your dear father, God rest his soul, did.”
Gill wondered if his mother had given his father a choice in the matter. She’d always been strong-willed and opinionated, but his father had adored everything about her.
“Poor Sophia.” His mother shook her head as if some tragedy had befallen her daughter. “She’s such a sweet girl, but she needs to stop saying yes to the duchess’ demands.”
Of course, his mother wouldn’t admit to making any demands herself. Gill nearly laughed. He’d bet she’d long surpassed the number of requests made by the duchess.
“You’d rather Sophie say yes to whatyouwant.”
“Of course,” she said, her tone matter of fact. “My ideas are the best ones.”
This was one situation where he didn’t envy his sister.
His mother stood, and so did Gill.
“I need to speak to Isaac about the seating arrangement for tonight’s dinner.” She headed toward the door. “I want that American on the opposite end of the table from you.”
“Don’t be too blatant.”
His mother glanced over her shoulder at him. “I doubt the woman would notice.”
Gill had no doubt that anything got by Kat. “She will.”
A finely arched brow shot up. “And you know this how?”
“She was sharp when she was younger. She’s a veterinarian now. Clearly, she’s not stupid.”
“Perhaps, but she only arrived yesterday, and we’re onto her. How smart could she be?”
