Page 27 of Gabriela and His Grace

“Now why would you be wanting to avoid the lass, Yer Grace?”

Clearing his throat, he said, “We’ve managed to set aside some of our acrimony for each other, and I would hate to resurrect it by being too much in her pocket. We’ll be spending even more time together once we reach Mexico. Better to create some distance to keep the peace.”

There. That sounded perfectly reasonable. Sebastian almost smiled at his well-crafted argument.

“I think it’s because you’ve found she’s just as bewitching as you feared.” With a decisive nod, Brodie turned back to packing the trunks.

Sebastian really should think about sacking his valet.

8

Gabby was home.

The thought sent a rush of elation zinging through her blood, and she clutched her reticule to her chest as she spun about and took in the busy docks around her. Wagons piled high with crates and trunks bumped over the craggy cobblestone roads, dodging pedestrians while food vendors with pushcarts shouted their offerings to the freshly disembarked passengers and sailors. A malodorous scent crept along the boardwalk but was undercut by the salty breeze sweeping inland from the sea.

What delighted Gabby the most about the commotion was that almost every conversation, every shout, was in Spanish. Or Nahuatl. Or Purépecha or another native language. Closing her eyes, she tilted her head back and allowed the Mexican sun to welcome her back with a warm caress to her face.

“I wish we didn’t have to say goodbye.”

Lucia stood a few feet away, nervously clutching her bag. Her dark eyes were wide as she scanned the activities around them, and when she looked back at Gabby, there was more than a dose of fear in her gaze. Without a moment’s hesitation, Gabby stepped forward and wrapped her arms around the other woman.

“I wish we didn’t have to say goodbye, either. I wish you were going with us.” Gabby squeezed Lucia tight. “But if your family proves to be overbearing and tries to marry you off to a man you don’t esteem, I will do everything I can to help.”

“You’ve been very good to me.” Lucia stepped back and smiled, her eyes watery. “If I were to ever have had a sister, I would have wanted her to be like you.”

“That is—” Gabby abruptly pressed her lips together. When she was certain her voice would not break, she said, “That’s one of the nicest things anyone has ever said to me.”

Lucia reached for her hand. “It’s true.”

Gabby shook her head. “I know what a good sister is like because I have two of the best sisters in the world. I hope that one day I’m able to introduce you to them.”

“I would like that very much.” Lucia’s eyes traveled to a spot over Gabby’s shoulder. “It appears my carriage is ready.”

Following Lucia’s gaze, Gabby spied Whitfield speaking with an older gentleman in a broad-brimmed straw hat and a younger man in overalls. The men stood next to the attractive rented carriage Whitfield had procured, and it looked exceedingly more comfortable than the various wagons and hackneys that rumbled down the street.

“It will be a much pleasanter ride in that than it would have been in the conveyance my abuela had instructed my cousin to rent,” Lucia said, relief in her words.

“Your cousin appears relieved at your change of fortune.” Gabby smiled as she took in the man. “The ride to Guanajuato will take several days, so it’s best to be comfortable.”

“We need Mr. Conner and his railway to start laying tracks as soon as possible.” Lucia laughed. “Then we can visit each other more easily.”

Gabby heartily agreed.

The women continued their chatter as they made their way to where Whitfield stood at the carriage with Lucia’s cousin. Gabby’s skin prickled when she met the duke’s eyes. They had yet to speak that day, although she knew they would be spending a good deal of time with each other as they traveled to Isabel and Sirius’s home. The specter of a smile that turned up the corners of his lips gave her hope they could continue their genial accord.

And if Whitfield could greet her graciously—for him, at least—well, she could do the same. As they came to a stop before him, Gabby bobbed a quick curtsy. “Good day, Your Grace.”

One of his black brows winged up, but his glacial eyes sparkled behind his spectacles. “I’m sure it is a good day, Miss Luna, for you’re closer than ever to being reunited with your sister.”

Gabby’s answering grin was crooked, and a bubble of excitement swelled in her chest. “I am more delighted that I can express to see Isabel again. And to see her married. I expect Captain Dawson to be a very good husband to her.”

“Sirius quite lost his head over your sister, so I have no doubt that he dotes on her to an embarrassing degree.” Whitfield watched her over the top of his spectacles when she scoffed. Eventually he turned his gaze to Lucia. “I’m sorry that we must say goodbye, but I hope your trip to Guanajuato is comfortable.”

“And thanks to you, it will be,” Lucia proclaimed. Turning to Gabby, her smile faltered. “I will miss you.”

“And I you.” Gabby bussed both of her cheeks before hugging her again.

Gabby stood next to the duke as they watched Lucia’s rented carriage rattle over the cobblestone streets heading west. She was sad to see her friend go, and hoped Lucia was treated kindly by her abuela and family.