Amelia could not help smiling slightly. “Because you look as though you are about to declare war whenever you enter a room,” she said, gesturing towards him.
Gabriel stared at her. “I do not.”
“You do,” Amelia insisted. “You stride about looking fierce and intimidating while everyone wonders whether they are about to be dismissed.”
Gabriel looked genuinely offended by this assessment. “I have never dismissed anyone for laughing.”
Amelia tilted her head. “No, but I suspect everyone worries you might start.”
Gabriel folded his arms. “You have far too many opinions,” he informed her.
Amelia laughed softly and picked up her glass again. “That criticism has followed me for years,” she admitted. “My mother would be delighted to discover she is not alone.”
Gabriel studied her for a long moment before shaking his head. “I do not understand how you manage to argue with nearly everyone you meet.”
Amelia smiled into her milk. “I do not see it as an argument, Your Grace. I’m merely attempting to provide a fresh point of view on matters,” she replied.
For the first time that evening, Gabriel’s expression softened almost imperceptibly. The moment lasted only a second before he seemed to remember himself and straightened once more. Amelia could not explain why her pulse felt slightly unsteady as she looked at him, and she suspected Gabriel would be equally annoyed if he knew the effect he had on her.
He studied her for a long moment before speaking.
“There is still one question you have not answered fully,” he said, his grey eyes remaining fixed upon her face.
Amelia knew what was coming. “Must we return to interrogations?” she asked with a sigh, attempting a smile.
Gabriel’s expression remained infuriatingly serious. “Why are you hiding your whereabouts from your family?” he asked quietly.
Amelia looked down at her glass and twisted it slightly between her fingers. For several moments, she said nothing at all.
Can I tell him? Will he understand, or will he send me back?
Amelia was growing tired of secrets and lies. At last, she released a slow breath and lifted her gaze back to his.
“Because if they find me,” she said softly, “they will drag me home.”
Gabriel’s brow furrowed slightly. “Why?” he asked.
Amelia laughed, though there was very little humor in the sound. “Because my family has spent years attempting to marry me off,” she replied, leaning back against the counter.
Gabriel remained silent, so she continued.
“The first engagement collapsed before it ever reached the altar.” She offered a small shrug. “The second progressed considerably further.” A faint smile touched her lips. “That gentleman actually waited until the wedding day before humiliating me and walking away, though I cannot blame him for that.”
Gabriel’s eyes narrowed. “He abandoned you at the altar?” he asked.
Amelia nodded once. “In front of half the county,” she replied, folding her arms. “It was a remarkably memorable experience, but in truth, my sister Bethany caused the scandal that made him leave. I thank her for that.”
“And then?” he prompted.
Amelia laughed again, this time with genuine bitterness. “Then my parents immediately found another husband before I could even catch my breath.” She looked directly at him. “A duke.”
For the first time that evening, Gabriel looked faintly startled.
Amelia found the reaction oddly satisfying. “Not you,” she added quickly.
Gabriel’s expression relaxed fractionally. “I am relieved to hear it,” he said dryly.
Is he relieved? Why?
