“It’s my little section of heaven,” I admitted. “If I’m stressed or overwhelmed or upset, I come here. Only Aunt Cat knows it exists, but she doesn’t come here.”

“So why did you show me?”

I dragged my gaze up to meet his. “Because it’s the only place here we can talk without being disturbed. And I would like to do that… without shouting.”

“A very fair request.” His lips twitched, then whatever hint of a smile there was fell. “My position here hasn’t changed, Gabriella. I know what your future holds, and it’s not me.”

“Don’t be a bloody martyr,” I muttered. “Do you not think I have a say in my future? We’re not in the seventeenth century anymore.”

“I know. But I also don’t think you’d do anything to upset your father.”

“You think me insisting on being in a relationship with somebody I care about and who makes me happy would upset him?”

“I don’t know. Perhaps.”

“You’re talking out your arse.”

“I thought you didn’t want to shout.”

“Who’s shouting? I’m not shouting.” I held out my hands. “You know what I think?”

“No, but I gather you’re going to tell me.”

“I think you’re afraid.”

Miles’ eyebrows shot up, and he snorted in derision. “Of what? Your father?”

“No. Of yourself. Of your own feelings.” I folded my arms across my chest. “You admitted last night you have feelings for me and now you’re walking it back, using some outdated, bollocks excuse not to act on them. And it’s because you’re afraid.”

“I’m not afraid.”

“You’re acting like it,” I argued. “What other reason have you got to insist that my father would be unhappy and would marry me off like some European princess for a political alliance?”

He stared at me.

“In all of your assumptions you completely disregard my feelings.”

“I’m saying this because of them.”

“Are you? Or is that a lie you’re telling yourself so you can take the easy way out?”

He shook his head. “I’m not going to discuss this with you right now.”

“You flipping well are,” I insisted.

“No, I’m not. This isn’t going to go anywhere.” He walked towards the gate. “This isn’t a conversation.”

“Because you won’t listen.”

“No, Gabriella, you won’t listen.” He turned and looked at me. “Even taking your father out of this equation, sooner or later, this would fall apart. Maybe not in a year or even ten years, but you’ll realise that you miss this life.”

“I don’t—”

“I overheard your father telling Alexander that he wished you could inherit the estate and the dukedom,” Miles said firmly. “Because this is what you deserve. You love it and work for it and care about it, and he’s right. You deserve a place like this to love and work for. One day, you would realise that and want more.”

“Do you think I’m so shallow?” I asked gently. “To equivalate my worth with my title?”

“No, that’s not what I’m saying.”