Gabriel’s hard stare did not waver from Heath. The comment regarding Celia fired up Gabriel’s possessive nature, but when Heath looked his way, it was to give him a benign smile.

“There are many favors owed me, and I anticipate this entire matter will be quickly facilitated,” Gabriel said with a grim smile.

“Excellent.” Lady Darby gave Celia a quick embrace. “Celia? You should stay here while I travel home and retrieve your father for the ceremony.”

Celia had remained silent during this impromptu meeting in Sebastian’s study, and she gave her mother a wan smile now.

“I could go to Tristan’s instead,” she replied almost tonelessly.

Gabriel did not like Celia’s strangely compliant state. It was as though she’d been operating in a daze since the two of them exited the rose garden. Even now her gaze remained averted, unwilling it seemed to meet his own.

No, he didn’t like it. And he liked the idea of her overprotective brother’s involvement even less. Tristan was a friend but sometimes those things did not matter when it came to younger sisters and their ruination.

“Not a wise choice, my darling.” Lady Darby laughed softly. “I’m afraid your brother may react rather badly. Best that we break the happy news once the ceremony is over. I shall have a difficult enough time restraining your father from violence.”

“Do you think they won’t soon learn of this?” Celia asked with a flash of fire in her gaze. “It is the topic of everyone’s conversation at this very moment and will spread like wildfire over the next two weeks.”

“Lady Celia is correct.” Heath took a sip of brandy, waving the glass at the occupants in the room. “You won’t be able to keep this a secret. Just as Gabriel cannot keep his identity a secret.”

“Ivy and I can help manage some of the rumors,” Sara offered. “We shall say this is the result of an ongoing romance. That Celia and Gabriel share a common affection and planned on announcing an engagement soon.”

Gabriel scoffed, drawing everyone’s attention. “No one will ever believe that.”

“Nevertheless, we shall put it out there,” Alan chimed in with a nod toward Celia’s mother. “With your permission, Lady Darby.”

Celia sat up straighter in her chair, chin tilting higher, and Gabriel almost groaned aloud. His new fiancée was almost certainly preparing to blurt out a protest.

“What about my permission?” she bit out angrily. “All this discussion over what my future shall consist of and not one of you has expressed an interest in my opinion of the matter. What if I have no wish to marry Gabriel? What if I should have no wish to marry at all?”

Emotion made her voice crack on the last three words. Lady Darby tsked with sympathy and reached for Celia’s hand.

“There, there, my love. I realize this is not an ideal situation, but it does seem to be the best solution. Besides, I have detected some manner of affection between you and the marquess.”