Page 51 of Gabriela and His Grace

Tearing her gaze away, Gabby stared at the landscape. Was that her future, too? Hadn’t she fled London because a titled man had tried to trap her into a loveless marriage? He’d only valued her because of her family fortune, and not for any of the things that made her Gabriela Luna. Had any man ever inquired about her interests? In the things she was passionate about? Had any man ever bothered to look beyond the sarcasm she used as a shield?

If all you see is her beauty, you’re missing the fire, the depths that make her incomparable.

Biting her lip, Gabby buried her face in her hands.

“When do you plan to bring the rest of your luggage from your sister’s house?”

Peering at her mother through her fingers, Gabby frowned. “What do you mean?”

María Elena cocked her head. “I just assumed that since you’ve been here for a fortnight, you should return home officially.”

The icy fingers of dread circled around her neck. “Home? Do you mean Mexico? Or…here?” Gabby twirled her finger, indicating the room around them.

“Here.” Her mother frowned. “Surely you’ll be living with your father and me.”

Gabby was shaking her head before her mother finished speaking. “I wasn’t sure what I was going to do, but Isabel and Sirius said I could stay with them indefinitely.”

María Elena shook her head in confusion. “Your father expects you to live with us going forward. I understand you may want to stay with Isabel, but she’s married and deserves her privacy.”

Gabby knew she couldn’t truly live with Isabel and Sirius long term, but she also wasn’t prepared to return to her parents’ home. Not now…and maybe not ever.

“I know I cannot stay with Isabel forever, but I’ve missed her and am not ready to say goodbye,” Gabby tossed out blithely, even while her fingers twisted in her skirts.

Her mother sighed, but something about her mien gave Gabby pause. “Is there something you’re not telling me?”

One of María Elena’s dark brows rose. “Why do you ask?”

Answering her question with a question did nothing to douse the suspicion firing in Gabby’s gut. “Has Father said something?”

Immediately, her mother dropped her gaze. “He’s made a comment or two regarding you.”

Coming to her feet, Gabby crossed to crouch before her mother, grasping her hand. “What did he say?”

María Elena’s hazel eyes darted between Gabby’s. “He mentioned that several gentlemen have asked after you. Apparently you made an impression with your red gown.”

Gabby pressed her lips together as her mind raced. Did that mean—

“He’s invited Señor Espinoza to join us for dinner tonight. He’s been overseeing the delivery of correspondence between here and Mexico City.” Her mother patted the back of her hand. “He’s a nice young man. Even a little handsome.”

With an exhale, Gabby collapsed back onto the floor, her skirts billowing around her. “So he’s already trying to find me a husband. Does he truly not think I can find one on my own?”

“He doesn’t think you want to, Gabriela.” María Elena tossed her hands into the air. “You return to Mexico without telling us because an Englishman asked you to marry him—”

“Carlisle tried to compromise me!” Gabby exclaimed.

Her mother exhaled a long breath. “I know, and I’m sorry that happened. But perhaps it would have been better had you accepted him.”

Gabby’s head jerked back as if she’d been slapped. “Better? You believe I should have accepted the marriage proposal of a man capable of such horrid behavior? Who does not love and respect me?”

“Mi hija,” María Elena sighed, rubbing her temple, “you’ve had four years to marry for love. Your sisters have. Why not you?”

Recoiling, Gabby stared at her mother with wide eyes. Why hadn’t she married? As if her mother agreed that all Gabby was good for was a marriage bargain. Possibly even a broodmare.

Her breathing grew uneven. “Why even ask about my plans when you and Father have already decided for me?”

María Elena tapped her fingertips against her lips as she considered her. When she eventually spoke, her tone was one of sadness. “Gabriela, you had your chance. But now that you’re home, your father expects you to do your duty. And your duty is to the Luna familia.”

Gabby pressed her tongue to the roof of her mouth, hoping it kept her from crying.