Page 31 of Gabriela and His Grace

Sirius cocked his head. “That is probably because Mr. and Mrs. Luna are unaware that Gabby intended to return. She didn’t wish for them to know.”

Sebastian pulled his chin back. “Whyever not?”

“Because she knew her father would not have consented. Although the end of the war is nigh, it’s not over yet, and I imagine Mr. Luna would prefer not to worry about Gabby or her safety.”

“Even knowing that she was the target of fortune hunters?” When Dawson nodded, Sebastian’s confusion intensified. “I don’t understand.”

Sirius snorted. “Welcome to the world of Elías Luna. I’ve now known him for two years, and he is still very much an enigma.”

Sebastian set down his glass and leaned forward, propping his elbows on his knees. “Did he think Miss Luna would be a distraction?”

“I think Mr. Luna simply wants Gabby to obey. He sent her to London, and he expects her to stay there until he summons her. Mr. Luna doesn’t want to think about her unless he has to. Unless thinking about her benefits him at the moment.” Sirius shrugged. “I suspect he would welcome Gabby’s return when he was ready to marry her off, but until then, I doubt he’s inclined to concern himself with his youngest daughter.”

The idea of the stern Mr. Luna brokering a marriage deal for Gabriela left an unpleasant taste in Sebastian’s mouth. So, too, did the idea of the spirited Gabriela Luna as a docile creature. Of her being ignored. Sebastian had tried to ignore her for the better part of four years, and it had been a Sisyphean task.

“We’re to dine at Mr. and Mrs. Luna’s tomorrow after Mass.” Sirius flourished a hand. “You’ll be able to meet one of the most powerful men in Mexico for yourself.”

“Charming,” Sebastian sighed, before swallowing the remainder of his brandy.

9

Gabby sat side by side with her sister, their hands clasped, in the cozy bedchamber that would be her home for the foreseeable future. The lone window looked out upon a pink trumpet tree ablaze with bright magenta- and rose-colored blossoms, and Gabby spied bees buzzing about its blossoms. Neither of them spoke, and Gabby was thankful for the silence. It allowed her to breathe in Isabel’s familiar vanilla scent and soak in the bright warmth of her presence. Like a hothouse plant that had suffered through the dreariness of winter, Gabby could practically feel herself bloom now that she’d been reunited with her sister.

“I’m so glad you’re here,” Isabel whispered, swiping her thumb over Gabby’s knuckles. “I know it’s going on two years since we’ve seen each other, but it’s felt like ten.”

“Twenty!” Gabby countered, resting her head on her sister’s shoulder.

Isabel laughed. “But you’re here now. Although I’m sorry it took the crass actions of a vile nobleman to force your hand.”

A long sigh fluttered Gabby’s lips. “I was such a fool. Lord Carlisle always seemed harmless enough, but I should have known better. I’d heard the rumors of his insolvency, so I should have been wary when he began paying me more attention.”

“It’s not your fault, querida.” Isabel gripped her hand tighter. “I only wish I had been there to see the wrath Gideon brought down upon the man. Sirius said his anger was palpable even in writing.”

“Gideon’s anger was nothing compared to Ana’s.” Gabby snorted. “I’m certain she would have marched to the earl’s townhome with a torch to demand blood…if she could have found a torch.”

“I can’t say I’m surprised. Ay Dios, how I miss her.” Isabel moved back until Gabby met her gaze. “How is she? Tell me about the baby.”

Gabby was only too happy to talk about their older sister Ana María and the happy life she lived with her husband and daughter. Gabby showed her sister the photographs Ana María had so carefully packed, and put an arm around Isabel as she cooed over the baby niece she’d yet to meet. Gabby squeezed her tight when Isabel shed several tears.

Eventually, the conversation turned toward Isabel’s days in San Luis Potosí, and every word her sister used to describe the life she’d built with Sirius was infused with satisfaction. Isabel’s dark eyes sparkled as she spoke of decorating their new home and combining her library with Sirius’s. She also described her work with the First Lady of Mexico, and Gabby asked a plethora of questions about the current political atmosphere, curious if her ideas on how to aid the resistance would work. Gabby wanted to contribute…she just wasn’t sure exactly how.

Abruptly, Isabel turned about to face her directly, her eyes wide. “So, you and the duke appear to have reached an understanding.”

Gabby scowled. “Why do you say that?”

“Because you’re both here and haven’t bickered with each other once,” Isabel replied, her lips quirked.

Gabby’s scowl deepened, although she wasn’t sure why. Hadn’t Whitfield proven himself to be thoughtful? Attentive? Amusing company? Did she really want to share those new insights with Isabel?

Dropping her gaze to the counterpane, Gabby lifted a shoulder. “Perhaps away from London and the crush of society, Whitfield isn’t as bad as I’ve always believed him to be.”

To Gabby’s relief, her older sister merely arched a brow before changing the subject, and Gabby was thankful.

The following day, Gabby found herself seated next to her sister as they left the parish church where Isabel and Sirius attended Mass. Her fingers were tangled in the skirts of her cotton day dress to keep them from shaking—

“I would tell you to stop fidgeting, but I understand why you’re nervous.”

Gabby’s shoulders drooped, and she forced herself to untangle her fists from her skirts. Just thinking about seeing her parents again after four long years away made her heart pound and her palms clammy. She almost wished Isabel and Sirius attended services at the Catedral de San Luis Potosí, where her parents did, so their reunion could be done before God and all his saints, because Gabby knew her father would not dare to be anything but gracious to her if he knew there were onlookers.