After another quiet moment, Amelia frowned thoughtfully. “Then… why did you tell her you would marry her?” she asked, tilting her head as confusion replaced despair.
Gabriel released a weary sigh. “Because I wanted her out of my house,” he replied, rubbing the back of his neck. “If I had refused outright, she would have remained here all night making threats.”
Amelia listened intently. Gabriel began pacing before the hearth, his hands clasped behind his back.
“More importantly,” he continued, “I needed time.” He glanced towards her. “Time to remove her from our lives permanently before she can begin spreading gossip.”
Amelia watched him silently.
“Tomorrow evening,” he finished, “she believes she is meeting a man prepared to negotiate.” His expression hardened. “She is mistaken.”
Understanding slowly dawned across Amelia’s face. “You were buying time,” she murmured.
Gabriel nodded once. “Exactly.”
She smiled faintly despite everything. “That was rather clever.”
One corner of his mouth lifted. “Please do not tell Valerie,” he replied.
A soft breath escaped her. Even after everything that had happened, hearing her relax eased something inside him. She truly possessed an extraordinary gift. Somehow, she carried light wherever she went. He wondered whether she realized how completely she had transformed Anderton Manor.
Gabriel’s smile faded as practical matters returned. “Amelia,” he said quietly, stepping closer once more, “would you remain here with the children while John and I deal with Helen?”
She answered without hesitation. “Of course,” she said firmly. She placed one hand over her heart. “I shall protect them as though they were my own.”
Emotion tightened his throat. He believed every word she spoke. “Thank you,” he replied simply. Their eyes met again. For one reckless moment, he wanted nothing more than to gather her into his arms and forget every problem awaiting him outside these walls. Instead, duty prevailed once again.
“You should rest. I am going upstairs to change into my riding clothes,” he said gently.
Amelia blinked in surprise. “Now?” she asked, glancing towards the clock.
Gabriel nodded. “There is no time to waste,” he replied, already moving towards the door. “I shall change out of these infernal evening clothes and leave immediately.”
She frowned with concern. “Tonight? It is very late already.”
Gabriel paused with one hand upon the door handle before glancing back over his shoulder.
“Tonight,” he confirmed. “Helen has stolen enough years from this family already.”
Amelia looked as though she wished to argue, yet instead she simply nodded. “Then… be careful,” she said softly.
His heart lurched again. He stepped back towards her, gently squeezed her hand one final time, and allowed himself the smallest smile. “I intend to return, and you shall be here when I do,” he said quietly.
“That is an order, is it?” she asked, managing a fragile smile of her own.
“Naturally,” he replied. “You are becoming alarmingly fond of ignoring my rules, so I must make myself very clear.”
She laughed through her lingering tears. “Only the unreasonable ones.”
Gabriel inclined his head. “Then I shall endeavor to create better rules.” He released her hand before he lost the will to walk away. Without another word, he left the study and climbed the staircase two steps at a time.
The corridor outside the nursery remained brightly lit despite the late hour. Three maids, including Trixie, stood faithfully outside David’s door exactly as Amelia had instructed. They immediately straightened when Gabriel approached.
“Your Grace,” Trixie said, dropping into a curtsy.
Gabriel gave them an appreciative nod. “Thank you,” he said sincerely. “You may retire now.”
The maids exchanged relieved smiles. “Is everything all right, Your Grace?” Trixie asked cautiously.
