Page 18 of Gabriela and His Grace (The Luna Sisters #3)
Sebastian stepped down from the carriage and promptly turned to offer her assistance. In the past, Gabriela would have spurned his gesture with an arch look, but this time, she said nothing, continuing to watch the couple as she slipped her hand inside his.
“He really does love her, doesn’t he?” she whispered hoarsely as she stepped down.
“It certainly seems like it.” Sebastian squeezed her hand briefly before releasing her.
Gabriela grasped her skirts and dashed down the tiled walk toward her sister. Sebastian ambled after her, suddenly feeling as if he was intruding.
As he watched Gabriela embrace her sister, their watery laughs filling the small courtyard, he wished, not for the first time, that he’d had siblings to share the long, lonely days of his childhood with.
Thinking of siblings made his thoughts turn to James and David, and all the ways he would ensure their childhoods were happier than his had been…
An hour later, they sat on a veranda that Sirius called a patio .
Ceramic pots stained in beautiful reds and blues dotted the space, showcasing a plethora of plants Sebastian had never seen before but whom Isabel had been happy to name.
Aloe vera, agaves, crowns of thorns, and prickly pear cacti welcomed guests to the tiled patio with their foreign beauty.
A large raised garden bed lay near the door leading into the kitchens, and Sebastian spied tomatoes, squash, various varieties of onions, brightly colored peppers, and even a stalk or two of corn.
But what really drew Sebastian’s interest were the potted fruit trees that lined the western edge of the patio, blocking the late afternoon sun.
There was a large lemon tree, a smaller lime tree, and even an orange tree, and Isabel had plucked a perfectly symmetrical orange for him to enjoy.
Sebastian tore into the peel while they enjoyed a glass of wine after dinner, and smiled as the juice ran over his fingers and hands.
“You act as if you’ve never eaten an orange before,” Gabriela said. The words were sharp, but a quick glance at her amused expression told Sebastian that she was teasing, and not being critical.
“I’ve never eaten an orange directly off the tree.” He studied a segment in the soft glow of the candelabra, before he popped it into his mouth. A zesty sweetness danced over his tongue and down his throat. “It’s superb.”
“It’s late in the year for oranges, but the yield has been particularly sweet.” Sirius took a sip of his claret. “I’ve eaten more oranges off that tree than I care to admit.”
“He will never have to worry about scurvy,” Isabel added, a smile in her eyes.
The conversation turned to the Dawsons’ new life in San Luis Potosí, where they had been living for only a short time.
Sebastian learned about the history of the region and how the imperialists held the city until Liberal forces had recently pushed them out as they gained the upper hand in many northern strongholds.
He asked questions about Isabel’s work for the First Lady of Mexico, and while he listened with genuine interest, Sebastian couldn’t help but notice the look of pride on his old friend’s face as he gazed at his wife.
Soon, the sisters wandered off so Isabel could show Gabriela her room, leaving Sebastian and Sirius on the patio with the crickets and soft hum of the village around them.
They spoke for a spell about current events in London and the business of politics.
They discussed the bills Gideon Fox was championing…
and then the softening of his character since his young daughter was born.
Sebastian asked questions about the Camino Rojo mine, and being able to do so in person rather than through letters assuaged any concerns he had about the project.
He looked forward to visiting the operations within the next day or two.
Sirius’s mien suddenly sobered, and he swished the remainder of wine around in his glass. “I’m sure you’re wondering about Gabby’s solemn mood in the carriage earlier today.”
Sebastian nodded. While Gabriela’s demeanor had turned cheerful once she was reunited with her sister, Sebastian had not forgotten her melancholy.
“Did Fox, or even Ana María, tell you about why she was returning to Mexico?”
“No.” And Sebastian could not believe he hadn’t questioned it.
He obviously knew that after the French troop withdrawal, exiled Mexicans had been returning home.
But Gabriela seemed to live a full, busy life in London.
Why would she leave it behind? “The only thing Fox said was that there were those in Mexico who will delight in stripping her confidence away .”
“Aah.” Sirius took a gulp of wine and set his glass on the table with a thud.
“To put it succinctly, Gabby was anxious to leave London because her suitors were becoming aggressive. According to letters I received from Fox and Mr.Valdés, they were worried she would be forced into a compromising position. No doubt the rumors of her dowry have made her a target.”
He’d heard the rumors. It had been whispered that the Luna sisters had fled Mexico with a fortune in gold, jewels, and property deeds. It had never been any of Sebastian’s business, but both Fox and Dawson appeared to be living in comfortable luxury with their Luna brides.
Sebastian’s lip curled. “I had no idea Miss Luna was battling such fortune hunters. I wish I had known when I was still in London so I could do something about it.”
Just the idea of a chinless second son attempting to compromise Gabriela in the darkened corridors of a ball made Sebastian want to put his fist through a window.
“I’m sure Fox or Mr.Valdés would have prevailed upon you if they felt they needed to.” Sirius’s blue eyes skated over Sebastion’s face before he turned his attention to the darkened garden. “But that is why Gabby is here now.”
“You’d think she’d be happy to be here, then. She appeared so forlorn in the carriage.”
Sirius cocked his head. “That is probably because Mr.and Mrs.Luna are unaware that Gabby intended to return. She didn’t wish for them to know.”
Sebastian pulled his chin back. “Whyever not?”
“Because she knew her father would not have consented. Although the end of the war is nigh, it’s not over yet, and I imagine Mr.Luna would prefer not to worry about Gabby or her safety.”
“Even knowing that she was the target of fortune hunters?” When Dawson nodded, Sebastian’s confusion intensified. “I don’t understand.”
Sirius snorted. “Welcome to the world of Elías Luna. I’ve now known him for two years, and he is still very much an enigma.”
Sebastian set down his glass and leaned forward, propping his elbows on his knees. “Did he think Miss Luna would be a distraction?”
“I think Mr.Luna simply wants Gabby to obey. He sent her to London, and he expects her to stay there until he summons her. Mr.Luna doesn’t want to think about her unless he has to.
Unless thinking about her benefits him at the moment.
” Sirius shrugged. “I suspect he would welcome Gabby’s return when he was ready to marry her off, but until then, I doubt he’s inclined to concern himself with his youngest daughter. ”
The idea of the stern Mr.Luna brokering a marriage deal for Gabriela left an unpleasant taste in Sebastian’s mouth.
So, too, did the idea of the spirited Gabriela Luna as a docile creature.
Of her being ignored. Sebastian had tried to ignore her for the better part of four years, and it had been a Sisyphean task.
“We’re to dine at Mr.and Mrs.Luna’s tomorrow after Mass.” Sirius flourished a hand. “You’ll be able to meet one of the most powerful men in Mexico for yourself.”
“Charming,” Sebastian sighed, before swallowing the remainder of his brandy.