“So I thought.” She steepled her fingers on the desk.
He held Isabella’s hand again. “Isabella agreed to marry me, by special license, and within the week.”
Aside from her eyes becoming two narrow slits, Grandmama didn’t show any emotion. “Absurd. You are the Duke of Gloucester.”
Isabella lowered her gaze. “I promise I’ll do my best to learn my duties as a duchess, and I hope you’ll guide me.”
Grandmama’s expression softened a little. “There’s no need to hurry.”
“It’s our wish.” He wouldn’t hear any objection to his choice. “I hope you’ll be as happy as I am for the news.”
“What about Patrick? He’ll want to be here with you.”
Isabella shifted her weight.
“I can’t ask Patrick to return here in a hurry and risk offending von Gruner after his invitation. We’ll lose Maiden Hill for good. At the same time, I don’t want to wait months for him to be here. He’ll tour the Continent before travelling to London. So no. I don’t want to wait. We’ll throw a ball when he’s back.”
Grandmama rose, looking like an executioner. “As usual, you present me with afait accompli.”
They shared one of their long, harsh stares.
“I do.” He injected as much determination as possible into his voice. Not only did he not want to be preached to by Grandmama; he didn’t want her to mistreat Isabella either.
“Then there isn’t much else to say.” Grandmama angled towards Isabella. “Welcome to our family.”
He doubted Isabella felt welcomed at all.
