Page 16 of Gabriela and His Grace

“Of course. I’d have to care to lie, Whitfield,” she said, batting her eyes up at him.

“Ouch.” He clutched at his chest.

Although she tried to stifle it, a giggle slipped out. “As if I could ever possess the power to truly hurt you.”

Before he could toss back a response, a throat cleared across the table. Sebastian looked up to find Mr. and Mrs. Conner regarding them.

“I forgot that you two are closely acquainted,” Mrs. Conner said, slowly stirring her soup.

“I wouldn’t say we’re closely acquainted—” Sebastian began.

“His Grace is good friends with my brother-in-law,” Gabriela hastened to explain.

The older couple followed Sebastian’s and Gabriela’s rushed explanations with avid eyes.

“You’re referring to Gideon Fox, are you not?” When Gabriela nodded, Mr. Conner’s gaze turned shrewd. “He’s made quite a name for himself in Parliament. I’m sure he’s been able to use his connections to help you keep tabs on what’s happened in Mexico since you’ve been gone.”

“His contacts within the Foreign Office have been quite informative.” The corner of Gabriela’s mouth curled. “I’m sure His Grace has contacts within the Foreign Office, as well as both houses of Parliament, and beyond. If only he would use his great privilege to support worthy causes—”

“Like, say, urging the Crown to support Juárez’s resistance,” Mr. Conner interjected, flashing a knowing look at Sebastian.

“Precisely,” Gabriela said primly.

Sebastian fought the urge to run his finger under his collar. “I confess that in the five years since I’ve officially taken up the mantle of Whitfield, I’ve yet to vote my seat. The machinations of Parliament have always seemed so incredibly tiresome.”

“It is a tiresome task I know many women would happily take upon themselves, and excel at, were they permitted to,” Gabriela pointed out, her brows high.

“As you said, it is a privilege.” Sebastian held up his hands to stave off additional retorts. “I have no defense. Perhaps upon my return to England I can finally see to my duty, if only to save myself your ire.”

A deceptively sweet smile touched her lips. “You should use your privilege to help those pushed to the margins, be they man, woman, or child. To protect those in danger. You can make the halls of Parliament listen.”

Angling his chin, he snagged her gaze with his own. “And what issues would you champion? The occupation, of course, but what else, Miss Luna? If I recall correctly, your women’s group sought universal education.”

“That is but one of the many worthy issues I would advocate for, in addition to a married women’s property law.” Gabriela’s shoulders sank. “One of the hardest parts of leaving England was saying goodbye to the friends I made within my women’s group. We had made strides to join with other like-minded reform groups to organize a petition to submit to Parliament demanding the right to vote.”

“You would have been a fierce proponent for it,” Sebastian said sincerely.

Color touched her cheeks, but she did not smile. “I envy your position of power, sir. Your easy access to intelligence. What a relief it would be to have some sort of regular insight into my family’s safety. To be able to fight for their freedom in a tangible way.”

Sebastian didn’t know what to say, especially as shame twisted in his gut. He’d always been aware of the power of his birthright, even when the dukedom’s coffers were near empty, but he’d never considered all the ways it protected him. Sebastian had very little family to care about until recently, and he certainly never cared about his father’s well-being. The late duke had been an absent parent. But his mother had always ensured Sebastian knew he was loved and cherished. After her passing, there was no one to care about his safety and yet he’d never felt vulnerable…until recently. He could only imagine the fear he’d experience if James and David were in danger.

Gabriela didn’t have to imagine. She had attended social events with a smile, behaving as if she hadn’t a care in the world, when in reality her family lived each day under foreign occupation. Their safety and livelihoods balanced on a precarious invisible line. Such resilience and bravery briefly robbed him of breath.

Sebastian did not miss how her lip trembled slightly when she said, “There have been several moments when I have outright feared for my parents’ lives. It’s not an experience I ever hope to relive.”

“I should think not.”

Sebastian only realized he’d spoken when Gabriela laughed dryly. Her expression turned serious, though, and she fidgeted with the napkin in her lap. “I’ve found there’s a special sort of helplessness to being separated from those you love the most. How can you ensure their safety, their happiness, ensure you’re not forgotten, when you’re so very far away?”

“How long has it been since you left Mexico, Miss Luna?” Mr. Conner asked, peering at her curiously even while the waiter took away his empty soup bowl.

“Four years.” Her hazel eyes fixed unseeing on a point across the room. “My older sisters and I were sent away the night after Puebla fell to Napoleon’s troops.”

“How frightening,” Mrs. Conner murmured.

“Indeed, it was. But I don’t remember feeling fear at the time.”

“What did you feel?” Sebastian heard himself ask.