Page 91 of Gabriela and His Grace

“She might not,” the housekeeper agreed, “but you have to try.”

Sebastian repeated those words as he packed the paperwork he might need during his time in London. After speaking with his steward and the foreman overseeing the renovations about the work to be done in his absence, Sebastian made his way to the nursery. The sight of the boys excitedly clutching their knapsacks filled with an assortment of books and toys made his chest a tad lighter.

“Are you ready to visit London?”

James and David nodded, but it was the older boy who said, “We’re going to help you win back the duchess.”

“She’ll have to forgive you when we tell her what a great brother you are,” David added, with the effortless bravado of an eight-year-old.

“I don’t think I’ve been a great husband, though.” Shifting on his feet, Sebastian sighed. “And I’ve not been a good brother. I should have introduced you to Gabriela as soon as we arrived. I’m sorry, boys. I kept you both a secret as if I were ashamed you’re my brothers, when I’m so damn proud.”

The boys stared at him, their brows puckered in consternation.

“You’re truly not embarrassed?” James asked, his blue gaze serious.

“Not at all.” Sebastian crouched down until they were face-to-face. “I’m sorry I ever made you believe I was.”

James nodded while David clasped his hand. “Then we’ll definitely help you.”

Sebastian closed his eyes, allowing himself a moment to soak up his brothers’ love and support. Surely this was what it felt like to have a family.

It was a feeling he was determined to share with Gabriela. If he wasn’t too late.

• • •

Gabby had been at Yardley House for exactly one hour when she was summoned to join the viscountess in her private salon.

Standing outside the room now, Gabby mentally prepared herself for the assault that was Lady Yardley. The train ride to London had been uneventful, which she was thankful for because it allowed her to privately let loose the sobs that tore at her throat and the tears that blistered her eyes. A porter had hailed a hackney for her and Lupe, and she hadn’t thought twice to direct the driver to Yardley House. Although she craved Ana María’s comforting embrace, Gabby was not ready for her sister’s questions. She was certainly not prepared to defend her husband from Gideon’s recriminations, especially when she wasn’t certain Sebastian deserved her defense.

Just thinking his name flooded her with a confusing deluge of emotions…emotions she could not focus on if she was to survive this visit with Lady Yardley.

Inhaling a bracing breath, Gabby sailed into the room and took her customary seat on the settee across from the viscountess’s armchair.

The older woman peered at her impassively before she leaned forward to pour Gabby a cup of tea. She accepted it with a quiet “Gracias.”

Surprisingly, Lady Yardley didn’t immediately launch into an inquiry. Didn’t say anything aside from benign observations about the weather. Gabby was instantly suspicious.

A suspicion that was proven right when the drawing room door suddenly opened and Ana María appeared on the threshold. Her gaze immediately snared hers, and Gabby flinched. Her eldest sister took a seat directly next to her, and reached out to grasp her hand.

“Right, now that you’ve arrived, let’s get started,” Lady Yardley declared, turning her sharp eyes on Gabby. “Why are you here?”

Gabby jerked her chin back. “Well, it’s nice to see you, too.”

The viscountess snorted. “Oh, now you’re concerned with niceties. After you showed up on my doorstep on a random Thursday with no advance notice. Did you really think I wouldn’t have questions?”

“I knew you would,” Gabby grumbled, crossing her arms over her chest. “I had just hoped you would give me more time to get comfortable.”

“Get comfortable?” Lady Yardley cocked a brow. “Will you be staying long?”

“Your ladyship,” Ana María snapped, flashing the older woman a censorious look, “you’re not helping.”

“And what would help, Ana dear?” The viscountess tossed her hands in the air. “Gabriela should be in Gloucestershire with her husband, yet she’s here. In my home. I think I deserve to know why.”

Gabby rolled her eyes. “I thought you’d be happy for me to visit.”

Lady Yardley blinked. “You did? What a darling you are.”

“Escúcheme,” Gabby began, narrowing her eyes on the older woman—