Page 222 of Courting the Wrong Duke

“I am glad one of us knew,” he said solemnly.

Lady Eastmere narrowed her eyes, and William kissed her cheek before she could reprimand him.

Even Lady Sophronia, to everyone’s surprise, had sent her congratulations. William suspected Rosalind had been more surprised than anyone, though she had accepted them graciously.

Gabriel found William shortly before the ceremony and announced, with the confidence of a man who had not yet actually proposed, that he expected to be married before the year was out.

“If Isabella will have you,” William reminded him.

“She has permitted me to court her, which I consider excellent progress. Unfortunately, she has also decided my Latin is appalling.”

“Your Latin is appalling.”

Gabriel looked offended. “Whose side are you on?”

“In this case, Isabella’s.”

They both turned.

Isabella was approaching from across the room, wearing a gown for once, though the familiar confidence in her stride made William suspect the skirts had done very little to tame her. Gabriel, predictably, forgot whatever defense he had been preparing.

“You look beautiful.”

“I am aware.”

William coughed to disguise a laugh.

Isabella glanced at him. “Rosalind is nearly ready.”

That was enough to tighten something in his chest, a reaction Gabriel noticed immediately.

“Nervous?”

“No.”

“You look nervous.”

“I am surrounded by irritating people. There is a difference.”

Isabella ignored them both. “I have decided where I want the school.”

Gabriel’s attention returned immediately to her. “Have you?”

“There is a property outside London that might suit. I intend to make inquiries once all of this is over.”

“You have been busy.”

“I have been planning this for years.” Isabella hesitated before lifting her chin slightly. “And before you ask, I intend to fund it whether I marry or not.”

For once, Gabriel did not answer with a joke. “I know.”

Isabella studied him.

Gabriel shrugged. “It is your school. I would never ask you to give it up.”

Something in her expression softened. “And if I spend most of my time there?”

“Then I suppose I shall spend a great deal of time at a school for young ladies.”