Page 22 of Unmask Me My Love

“I did, Father. The facts, such as they are, seem to confirm her mother’s tale. The date of Gabriella’s birth matches, Rother’s supposed actions certainly match his character. And Miss d’Aventure tells the story convincingly. I don’t just want to believe her. I do believe her.”

“Because you want to marry her.” The duke chuckled, a grating sound. “I have never seen you so determined about anything, Halford. If I give credit to the girl for nothing else, I will give her that. She’s managed to make you take something seriously for the first time in your life, and that is quite an accomplishment.”

“Does that mean—” Hope fluttered in his heart.

“It does not.” The duke sat back in his chair, arms crossed.

Hal slumped. He should have known better than to believe for one instant that this wily fox would agree to the marriage simply based on Gabriella’s influence on his actions.

“You say Rother has no idea of this young woman’s claim. When will he know?”

“Soon. Lady Celinda is arranging a meeting for Miss d’Aventure with him.” He shrugged. “We will see what the duke has to say then.”

“Do you think he will acknowledge her?”

Again, Hal shrugged. “I suppose it depends on whether or not he believes she is his.”

His father rose and stretched, tossing his monocle onto the papers on the desk and reaching for the decanter. “Then we shall all wait and see what Rother has to say. If he acknowledges her, I will give my consent to your marriage. If he does not, I will not. As simple as that.”

Hal nodded. He’d expected nothing less. “Thank you, Your Grace. I will inform you in either case.” He bowed and grabbed his hat.

“Very good.” The duke poured himself a cognac, reseated himself, and picked up the papers.

With a sigh, Hal turned to the door.

“Halford.”

Hal stopped at the threshold.

“Should Rother deny Miss d’Aventure, I will still require you to marry and produce your heir in the next year.”

“I suspected as much, Father.” Hal rounded on the old man, shooting him a piercing look. “I suppose then you’d better pray to God that Rother accepts her. I should hate like hell to disappoint you, but if Gabriella cannot be my bride, I’ll have none. Cut me off, disinherit me if you like. I won’t live without her.” He strode from the room, the image of the duke’s bulging eyes and slack jaw following him down the corridor and out to his waiting carriage.

Chapter 9

Gabriella sighed for the hundredth time as she smoothed down the lace she was using to trim Lady Chalgrove’s new lutestring gown. The delicate material kept sliding out of her unsteady grasp. Her meeting with the Duke of Rother was now less than an hour away.

She put the garment aside and paced to the window, looking for a specific carriage to arrive. Horace’s note yesterday had given her detailed instructions about what was to occur today. She was to wait for Lady Celinda to call on Lady Hamilton during her at home on Thursday. Lady Celinda would then arrange to take Gabriella to her house where the duke would meet them.

He made it sound so simple, although it must be anything but. Apparently, the duke could only meet with her on Thursday afternoon, a day when Gabriella had little hope of being free. But the note had assured her that Horace and Lady Celinda would get her to the meeting without fail.

Gabriella ducked her head, now very ashamed of how she’d treated Horace on Sunday. Her handsome valet had been true to his word and secured her an interview with the duke, despite their spat and her stinging slap. She had tried to remain angry at him but found it impossible even before he’d made good on his promise. Her thoughts had constantly wandered to him, and she’d relived each moment they’d shared, each kiss. She touched her lips, wanting to feel his there once more. Was this love? If so, it was an unsettling feeling.

The clock over the mantel chimed one.

Gabriella trembled, her gaze glued to the door. She could not stand still. Back and forth, she strode. If Lady Celinda did not appear soon, she would wear a pathway in the carpet. Mon Dieu, what if the lady did not come? She could not bear to go through this waiting again.

Back to the window, and she stopped. A huge open carriage, pulled by a set of matched black horses, had drawn up in front of Lady Hamilton’s townhouse. A gentleman jumped out then assisted a lady to the ground. Callers for Lady Hamilton’s at home day. Which meant her waiting was over. She must be ready to leave as soon as Lady Celinda arrived.

Her bonnet lay on the chair there, her reticule beside it. She had dressed in her best gown, the blue muslin with fine lace medallions of tambour work she’d worn on Sunday. For Horace.

A faint knock at the door sent Gabriella flying across the room, her heart choking her.

“Yes?” she called, her breath ragged.

“Miss d’Aventure? It is Lady Celinda.”

Gabriella dragged the door open. A slim girl stood before her, her blond hair glinting from beneath a pale bonnet, while her white gown, with a very small print and three rows of ruffles, seemed to glow in the streaming sunlight. Gabriella curtsied and opened the door wide.