Page 44 of Gabriela and His Grace

“I am.” Gabby tilted her head. “How is it you know who I am but I don’t know who you are?”

Señor Carrasco dipped his head shyly, but Gabby was not convinced he was at all shy. “I may have asked who the stunning woman in the red gown was.”

“Aah,” was the only attention she paid his compliment, because she was much more interested in who he was. “And how did you come to be here tonight?”

“I was invited by Señor Ortiz.” The man took a step closer to her. “He is a new investor in my…enterprise.”

Gabby arched a brow. “Enterprise?”

“My brother, Diego, and I are mining consultants.” Señor Carrasco grabbed two glasses of mezcal from a passing servant and handed her one. “We grew up in Chile in a family of gold and silver miners, and have developed an eye for mining design.”

“Design? How do you mean?” Gabby asked.

“When you mine, you don’t just stick a shovel in the ground and dig, hoping you’ll find something. It takes planning, so you are not wasting resources. Once a deposit is located, how will extraction begin? How should the infrastructure for the mine itself be constructed? What sort of equipment is needed? How many miners can safely work within the mine at any given time?” Señor Carrasco ticked these items off his fingers. “These are just a few of the many considerations that need to be taken into account, and Diego and I are hired to oversee these details.”

“Oh,” Gabby murmured, blinking. “I’ve never really considered everything involved with such an operation.”

“But why would you? I learned the importance of such things because my father, my tíos, my primos risked their lives every time they went into the earth.” The Chilean man’s expression abruptly brightened. “But such things have also brought me here to Mexico, where I can meet interesting and lovely women.”

Gabby just barely managed not to roll her eyes. “Will you be visiting the Camino Rojo mine while you are in San Luis Potosí? My brother-in-law is on the board of directors.”

“Captain Dawson, yes?” At Gabby’s nod, Señor Carrasco nodded. “I met him and his friend, the duke, today at the board of directors meeting.”

Without thought, Gabby glanced to the other side of the room, where Whitfield still stood with her father. She swallowed when her gaze met his, especially because his expression was a marble mask.

Gabby pointedly turned back to Señor Carrasco. “I assume you’re adept at dealing with spoiled Europeans who think they know everything about everything?”

“I’m excellent at managing them.” The Chilean man’s mouth stretched in a grin. “I bet you are, too. A beautiful woman only wears red if she has a man she hopes to charm.”

Gabby fluttered her lashes. “I beg your pardon, señor, but nothing I do is ever for a man’s benefit.”

And with that salvo, Gabby threw back the entirety of her second shot of mezcal.

Señor Carrasco’s laugh echoed around the room. “You took that shot like you know what you’re about.”

“Come now, my mother may be a peninsular, but I am a Mexican through and through.” Gabby grinned. “If you learn anything during your time here, let it be to never underestimate a Mexican woman.”

“I wouldn’t dream of it,” the Chilean said, admiration in his voice.

Fighting the urge to look in her father’s direction—Whitfield’s direction—she lifted her chin. Her father may think to ignore her, but Gabby would make herself memorable tonight because she refused to be underestimated.

• • •

Good God, she was wearing red.

Sebastian had never seen Gabriela Luna in red, yet he was now certain she should wear nothing else.

He and Sirius had arrived at the Ortiz manor house a half hour earlier, and Sebastian felt like he was only now able to catch his breath. His friend had said the evening would consist of an intimate dinner party, followed by cards, dancing, and discussion. However, the atmosphere they arrived to was anything but intimate.

The Ortiz villa was ensconced by a wrought iron gate, with a long cobblestone entrance that the carriages trudged down to deliver their occupants to the residence. Just outside the gate, however, was a gravel street leading to a teeming city square. Vendor booths and wagons were arranged throughout the space, with peddlers selling various textiles and wares, while others offered delicious-smelling foods like empanadas, roasted corncobs, tamales, and tacos. Musicians with violins, guitars, and trumpets serenaded the crowd, and several couples twirled and stomped to the melodies. Men, women, and children of all ages appeared to take part in the festivities, and Sebastian itched to abandon the Ortiz gathering and join in the community fun. He’d have to find trinkets for the boys, because once he told them of the fiesta, they’d never forgive him if he didn’t.

“It is not uncommon for impromptu fiestas to form whenever the upper class host a gathering,” Sirius said, following Sebastian’s gaze to the activities in the square. “Sometimes Isabel and I will steal away from whatever event we are at to enjoy the action.”

Sebastian snorted. “I don’t blame you. Are you sure we can’t join the fun now?”

“Let us put in an appearance before we flee for more diverting entertainment.” Sirius smoothed his hands down his lapels as the carriage slowed. His hand twisted the door lever as soon as it came to a stop. “Plus, I’d like to see my wife,” he called over his shoulder as he bounded down the carriage steps.

“Of course,” Sebastian murmured, shaking his head as he followed his friend. He couldn’t imagine what it would be like to truly miss a woman and desire her presence.