“He was the Duke of York then, but yes. Essentially.” He tilted his body ever so slightly. “Your mother was just as strong-willed and independent as you are. I have no doubt she would have carved her own path had I not convinced her that marrying me was the best decision she’d ever make.”

“If you say so.”

He chuckled. “Lord, I miss her every day, you know that?”

I nodded. “I do, too. I wish she were here.” As I had every single day since cancer had taken her from us just before Christmas four-and-a-half years ago.

“As do I. She’d know exactly what to do with you. You and your bloody brother.” He laughed quietly to himself. “Right now, I’m asking myself what she’d tell me to do with you. She’d tell me I’m being ridiculous, and I should let you do as you please, given that you’re no longer a child. That it’s not my responsibility to dictate who you marry.”

I fought a smile. “You’re not going to do that, are you?”

“Of course not. What is my job as your father if not to look out for you?” He shook his head, but I knew from his tone that he was smiling. “What’s your current assignment? The one that makes you resemble a deer in headlights yesterday when I mentioned it?”

I groaned thinking of all the progress I hadn’t made. “We’ve been given a plot of land to cultivate and design however we’d like. I have no inspiration whatsoever, and that sucks because I love garden design and I think I’d like to pursue it further.”

“What if we make a deal?”

“A deal?” I raised my eyebrows. “What kind of deal?”

“There are portions of our estate that are in need of some love.” He finally turned around and met my eyes. “I will have Miles draw out a plot for you that is equal to your assignment. I understand you’re running out of time for your assignment, but I will give you two weeks. In that two weeks, I will refrain from my usual matchmaking and leave you be, but you will create a space that will eventually be part of the public gardens.”

Gulp.

His gaze bore into me. “If you fail, you will meet with men whom I deem to be acceptable suitors for you.”

Double gulp.

“If you succeed…” He trailed off and steeled himself. “I will pay for any and all courses you need to fulfil your dreams, and I will refrain from playing Cupid and allow you to live your life the way you see fit.”

Oh.

That was unexpected.

“Gabriella?”

“I’d take it.” Aunt Cat leaned against the door frame with her arms folded across her chest. “It’s the best you’re going to get.”

I glanced at her. “I have two days to submit a plan for my assignment.”

Daddy looked at me, his eyes shining with laughter. “You’d better get started then, hadn’t you?”