Page 33 of Unmask Me My Love

Frowning, she tugged sharply on his sleeve and shook her head. “Hush, mon cher. Do not offend Papa. He has only grudgingly given his consent for our marriage.”

“Well, my father hasn’t given consent at all, and I insist we remedy that tout suite.” He smiled down at her, but his eyes were serious. The past days had been a whirlwind of excitement for Gabriella but a trial for her beloved. “We still must have his blessing, or you will be marrying little more than a pauper until my father dies.”

“Have faith, mon cœur. My papa will make his wishes known à ton père. He will not deny me my happiness.” Gabriella returned Hal’s stare until his face softened.

“You have great faith in your father, my love.” He chuckled softly. “I only hope you have as much in me.”

“Have I not done so almost since the moment we met?” Gabriella stiffened. The Duke of Brixham was almost upon them.

“Brixham, well met.” Papa sounded jovial; however, Gabriella had learned in the short time she’d known him that her father was a master at cloaking his true feelings.

Hal’s papa was a very imposing man, with Hal’s height, broad shoulders, and dark brown eyes, though they had none of her betrothed’s warmth. No wonder Hal was concerned about his father’s acceptance of Gabriella. She began to think Hal had not exaggerated his worries over receiving the man’s blessing.

“Good evening, Rother.” The Duke of Brixham glanced from Maman to Gabriella, his face impassive.

Gabriella began to shake, as though she’d just emerged from an icy pond.

Hal squeezed her arm, giving her strength when she most needed it. She could undergo anyone’s scrutiny with Hal by her side.

Papa smiled broadly and turned to Maman. “My dear, may I introduce the Duke of Brixham? He is the Marquess of Halford’s father.” He shot a challenging look at the duke. “This is my wife, the Duchess of Rother.”

“Je suis ravi de vous rencontrer, Votre Grâce.” Maman sank in a deep curtsey. “We have all become most fond of votre fils, le marquis.”

“Delighted to meet you, Duchess.” Brixham bowed, his gaze leaping back and forth from Maman to Hal to Gabriella herself.

Her heart began to beat with the frantic fluttering of a hummingbird’s wings.

His eyes finally came to rest on Gabriella. “May I ask to be presented to this enchanting young lady, Rother?”

“Of course.” Her father motioned Gabriella to him. “Gabriella, may I introduce the Duke of Brixham? He is, as you know, Lord Halford’s father.” Papa’s stern gaze rested on the duke. “This is Gabriella Veronique d’Aventure, my daughter.”

Gabriella curtsied, her heart in her throat. If the duke didn’t approve of her, her marriage to Hal would be so much more difficult. “I am very pleased to meet you at last, Your Grace.”

“As am I, Miss d’Aventure.” His sharp gaze took her in, and Gabriella had to school herself not to tremble. What was the man thinking? Mon Dieu. Would he be appeased because Papa had acknowledged her? Would that be enough for him to approve her marriage to Hal? “You are a credit to your parents.” He turned to her father. “I’ll call around tomorrow afternoon if that’s convenient for you, Rother? So we can get on with the settlements.”

Gabriella released her breath and sent a hopeful glace to Hal, who looked stunned.

“Would two o’clock suit you?” Papa moved closer to the duke.

“Admirably.” Brixham nodded. “I imagine you will be making a formal acknowledgement of Miss d’Aventure soon?”

“We will be attending entertainments throughout the rest of the Season, so the ton will learn of it gradually.”

“Do you think that wise, Rother?” Hal’s father frowned at Papa. “Wouldn’t one grand announcement be better for all concerned?”

“Do you wish me to put it in The Times, Brixham?” Papa’s mouth settled into a firm, thin line. He turned to Maman. “If you will excuse me, my dear? Brixham and I need a moment to talk.”

“Of course, mon cher.” Maman smiled tranquilly. “You must do what is best for dear Gabriella.”

The two dukes immediately headed toward the doorway, already deep in their conversation.

As soon as her father had gone, Gabriella hurried back to Hal’s side. “This is a good thing, is it not, mon cœur?”

“Amazingly good, my love.” He took her arm and wound it through his. “I would not have believed my father would capitulate so easily.” He gazed down at her, the warmth in his eyes making her tingle. “I think he fell in love with you at first sight. Like father, like son.”

“I must agree with Hal, Gabriella.” Her mother came to join them, her eyes sparkling with merriment. “Between your father’s acknowledgement of you and your own loveliness, I think the duke has been bewitched.”

“I am afraid he may be stubborn in his demands for the marriage settlements and dowry.” Hal sighed. “Unfortunately, the circumstances of your birth will give him the advantage in bargaining, my dear.”