“Because I required employment,” Amelia said.
Lady Provie regarded her with obvious suspicion. Gabriel leaned back in his chair and folded his arms.
“Most people work because they require income, Aunt. This is no different.”
His aunt shot him an irritated look. “You are not helping.”
David looked between them curiously. “Are you arguing?”
“No,” Gabriel and Lady Provie replied at exactly the same moment.
David narrowed his eyes. “That sounds like arguing.”
The fourth course finally arrived, bringing fruit tarts, cakes, and custard. Amelia bit back a smile when she noticed Gabriel avoiding the desserts despite having secretly devoured her custard.
Apparently, Lady Provie noticed as well.
“You still refuse sweets?” she asked.
Gabriel took a sip of wine. “Correct.”
Lady Provie shook her head and pointed her spoon at Gabriel. “You always were strange.”
Gabriel lifted his wineglass in a mock salute. “Thank you.”
“It was not a compliment,” she informed him, narrowing her eyes.
“I assumed as much.” He took a leisurely sip of wine, entirely unbothered.
Across the table, Valerie pressed her lips together as though attempting to remain composed. The effort lasted only a moment before a laugh escaped her.
The unexpected sound startled everyone at the table, including Valerie herself. Silence followed for a moment as all eyes turned toward her. Then Gabriel smiled.
As coffee was served, Lady Provie leaned back in her chair and surveyed the room thoughtfully. Her gaze lingered on Gabriel, shifted toward Amelia, and then settled briefly upon Valerie and David. “Hm.”
Amelia immediately disliked that sound.
Gabriel apparently shared her concern. “What now?” he asked.
Lady Provie folded her hands neatly. “Oh, nothing.”
That answer inspired absolutely no confidence.
“I merely believe Anderton Manor may be undergoing some changes in the near future.”
Gabriel frowned. “What sort of changes?”
Lady Provie lifted one shoulder elegantly. “Time will tell.”
“Aunt,” Gabriel said in a warning tone.
His aunt simply smiled into her coffee cup. “I find it best not to ruin surprises.”
Amelia exchanged a glance with Gabriel. Judging by his expression, he was every bit as confused as she was. Valerie looked intrigued; David looked entirely lost, and beneath the table, Shadow suddenly leaped into Gabriel’s lap.
The Duke looked down in irritation as the cat purred triumphantly, and despite Lady Provie’s interrogation, despite the gossip, and despite the uncertainty hanging over her future, Amelia found herself smiling.
Whatever changes awaited Anderton Manor, she suspected they would not arrive quietly. And judging by Lady Provie’s expression, the woman fully intended to help them along.
