“Nope.”

“Gabriella, you—”

“I’m twenty-seven, not seventy-seven,” I reminded him. “I know you want me to meet someone and get married, but I don’t want to right now.”

“All the eligible young men that are suitable for you will be taken soon,” he said with a pointed look.

“I didn’t realise I was living in Tudor England.” I barely resisted the urge to roll my eyes. “I went out with Steven in college, and it didn’t work out. I can’t imagine it would be any different now.”

“Well, you have an outstanding invitation to the state banquet, and he will be there. It won’t hurt you to attend and mingle, even if you aren’t interested in Steven.” Daddy finished his tea and set the cup next to the sink. “Think about it.”

He left the kitchen on that note. Aunt Cat flipped the page of her paper once more, and I sighed, dropping my head so I was looking at the floor.

“I assume you still haven’t told him you’ve signed up for that horticultural course,” she said without looking up.

“No, I haven’t.”

“You know you’re going to have to tell him. There are only so many times you’ll get away with it before he realises you’re going to the local college. Especially when the course brings you to our own gardens for education.”

I swallowed. I knew she was right. I was keeping two huge secrets from my father—and one even from her—and I was going to have to come clean. “He’s not going to be happy about it. You know as well as I do that he’s stuck in the stone age.”

“He’s traditional.” Aunt Cat finally put down her paper and peered at me over the top of her glasses. “He just wants you to be looked after, Gabi, and in his mind that means you marrying well.”

“I wish he’d realise I can look after myself. Besides, it’s not like I’ll inherit absolutely nothing.”

“No,” she admitted. “Just as me and Elizabeth didn’t when your grandfather died. Of course, Elizabeth had already married into another aristocratic family, but like this estate went to your father, it will go to your brother. The rules are archaic and ridiculous if you ask me, but it’s how things are done.”

No kidding. My brother was six years younger than me and currently on a yacht off the coast of Mykonos, partying it up with all the other future Earls and Dukes who had too much time and money on their hands, while I was here, trying to make something of my life.

“I know you’d be happier with a simpler life, Gabi.” Aunt Cat closed her paper and stood up. “And I think Henry realises it, too. Perhaps you should humour him for a little while—go along with his matchmaking attempts until either he or you find someone you deem suitable to pursue a relationship with.” She paused in the doorway. “After all, my love, he just wants the best for you.”