He looked at it for a moment, his expression unreadable. Then tucked it back into his pocket, gently, deliberately.
Her fingertips pressed lightly against her palm, steadying herself.
“Honoria, have you seen enough?” Barrington’s voice broke through the quiet. He turned to Mrs. Bainbridge with an air of finality. “You and I have walked through the ceremony, examined the rooms.There is little more to be decided.”
Mrs. Bainbridge tilted her head, eyes lingering on the altar. “I suppose.” Her tone carried resignation…and a flicker of satisfaction. “It will do.”
Gabriel glanced at Leticia. “My coach is waiting. May I take you to Eastbury Manor?”
Mrs. Bainbridge waved a hand, her voice brisk but warm. “Go on, Leticia. We’re finished here.”
Gabriel offered his arm, his words gentle, deliberate. “After you, my lady.”
The carriage ride from Sommer Castle was quiet, companionable. Outside, the sun began its descent over the hedgerows, casting the countryside in a golden hush.
When they reached her aunt’s house, Gabriel stepped down first and offered his hand.
“Thank you for today,” Leticia said softly, placing her hand in his.
He paused, still holding her hand. “It won’t always be lighthearted. I hope you know that.”
“I do.” She hesitated. “But that doesn’t mean it can’t be meaningful.”
“No,” he said. “It doesn’t.”
They stood looking at each other for several heartbeats. Then Gabriel lifted her hand and kissed the inside of her wrist.
Leticia watched him go, her fingers brushing the edge of her sleeve where his touch lingered.
Erica would have known how to field the attention. How to make it hers. Leticia only borrowed it, and feared what price she might yet pay.
Chapter Twelve
It was ridiculous,really. She had known he was coming. Had even selected her gown with that in mind. Yet when his voice reached her, deep, certain, and impossibly close, the world narrowed to a single sound. Her breath caught, and her fingers fidgeted with the hem of her sleeve. It was nerves, or the weight of what they were building. Yet beneath her ribs, something restless unfurled, a flutter she couldn’t quiet.
It had seemed like nothing. A note written in her aunt’s hand, sealed with the family crest, passed to the footman with quiet instruction. “For Lord Ashcombe,” Lady Eastbury had said. Nothing more. No wink. No smile. Just the tone she used when she had an extra place set at the breakfast table.
Now it was clear. Her aunt had not left this meeting to chance. Relief rose at not having to navigate this uncertain courtship alone. And yet a flicker of wariness threaded through it. Was this her choice, or had her aunt quietly taken the reins again? Still, a part of her was grateful. It meant Gabriel was here, not by accident, but by intention.
And he had accepted.
The morning sun slanted across the floor of the Eastbury drawing room, painting long gold lines across the Aubusson carpet. Leticia sat straight-backed on the settee, her posture immaculate, while inside a low hum of anticipation stirred. She had chosen the soft lavender gown her aunt once complimented, and taken extra time with her hair, subtle acts that were habit, not hope. Yet now her gaze flickeredtoward the clock more than once. Would he look at her as he had in the garden, with recognition, rather than mistake?
Her aunt, as ever, was composed. Not distant but quietly observant, a thread of cool steel beneath the civility.
When the butler announced Lord Ashcombe, Lady Eastbury did not flinch. Instead, she poured the tea.
“Cream, my lord?” she asked, as though this were any ordinary call.
Gabriel entered with a slight bow. “No, thank you.”
Leticia rose and curtsied, catching her breath at the sight of him, impeccably dressed, composed, and reserved. Yet beneath the polish, she saw the man who had stood in the garden and kissed her not with charm, but with feeling.
“Lady Eastbury,” he said. “Lady Salisbury.”
Aunt Margaret gestured for them to sit. “I’m glad you see the value in spending time together,” she said, stirring her tea. “If this engagement is to proceed smoothly, it will require careful coordination.”
Leticia said nothing. Gabriel inclined his head.
