Page 17 of My Highland Fling
“You haven’t heard the last of this!”he shouted.
Gabrielle didn’t bother replying but sent a silent apology to Ramsay.He hadn’t deserved this publicity, and he wouldn’t understand—not at first.She scowled at her hands before she risked a glance at Tilly.To her surprise, her chaperone’s face held no anger.She seemed pleased, but that couldn’t be right.
“I’m sorry, Tilly.I didn’t mean to get you into trouble.”
Tilly smiled, her blue eyes twinkling in her lined face.“I was wondering if you had a backbone.”
Gabrielle gasped.“What are you talking about?”
“We’ll talk later after you’ve spoken with your parents.”
“I don’t want to marry Gregor.”
“Tell them.It isn’t too late to call off the wedding.”
Gabrielle nibbled her bottom lip, unconvinced.Her parents had listed the benefits of this marriage, and one of them was Gregor would bring money.He was a wealthy playboy, and her brothers had emptied the palace coffers.Her parents expected her to right this problem.Father had been definite on this point and shouted down her objections.The vein in his temple had throbbed, so she’d hurriedly agreed.
She didn’t tell Tilly this but suspected her sleepy-eyed chaperone saw more than she pretended.
Her parents sent for her the instant she arrived at the palace, or rather their man of affairs summoned Gabrielle to her father’s office.
“The king and queen wish to see you on your arrival,” Harold said with a perfunctory bow.
Gabrielle nodded.“I won’t be long.The traveling has tired Tilly, and I’d like to see her settled first.”
“Your parents wish to see you now.”
“I’ll be there shortly.”Usually, Gabrielle would obey, but she and orders were currently estranged.She snapped out her reply in a crisp, precise tone, and before Harold mustered an argument, she took Tilly’s arm and headed for the stairs.
“I’m fine, dear.It’s a short flight from the UK,” Tilly whispered.
“I don’t care.My parents need to learn I’m not their slave.Neither are you.We’re people with feelings, and I’m famished.We should have a pot of tea and a piece of shortbread before visiting my parents.”
“I don’t think my presence is required, dear.”
“Oh, Tilly.I’m positive my parents will wish to scold you for failing to keep me in line.”
Tilly released an unladylike snort.“I’m certain shouting will take precedence.I’ve never known your mother to reproach in a refined manner.Does she understand the word’s meaning?”
It was Gabrielle’s turn to snort.
“You’ve changed, dear.This spunk and attitude are attractive, although I doubt it will impress your parents.”
“Let’s have that cup of tea,” Gabrielle said.
An hour later, Gabrielle and Tilly walked to the other side of the palace, where her parents had their suite.It was also the location of her father’s office.Gabrielle knocked on the closed door and waited for the summons to enter.
The door flew open.
“I informed Harold we wanted to see you immediately.”Her mother’s blue eyes snapped with temper, and her cheeks blazed with red circles.
Gabrielle’s father sat behind his desk, wearing spectacles perched on his nose and perusing official documents.On seeing Gabrielle, he lifted his head.His expression was stony.
Her parents exchanged glances, and although Gabrielle didn’t understand the meaning, her stomach plunged with foreboding.Her father stood.
“Take a seat.”He scowled at Tilly.“Both of you.”
Gabrielle sank onto one of the uncomfortable, upright guest chairs.Tilly took the other, her groan of complaint making Gabrielle grin.
