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There was, however, every sign of a party, and I was not thankful for that

“Thank you,” Aunt Cat said to the driver “We’ll see ourselves inside in a moment My niece needs some air If you could wait a moment, I’d appreciate it”

I did not need any air, but I didn’t appear to have a say in the matter

Aunt Cat took uided ate that would lead to the garden area “Whatever is the matter with you, Gabriella? You cannot attend the party in this mood I’d rather send you home and inform Victoria that you’re unwell”

“I’m fine,” I repeated, my voice softer this time “I just—I suppose I do have a headache, but it’s just stress I’ll be fine as soon as I’m inside”

“If you’re unwell, you should go home”

“Please don’t make me continue to tell you that I’m perfectly okay I—”

She took hold of my hands, and for a moment, she looked so much like Mum like it made my heart clench It was utterly ridiculous because she wasn’t related to her at all, but it was the kindness in her eyes that threw me for a moment

“It’s that boy, isn’t it? The one in the garden”

I laughed quietly and turned away “He’s not a boy, and you know full well his name is Miles”

“Ah, see, that’s where I’ve gotten you There are several young ardens, and you merely identified the most obvious subject for your affections”

“There are no affections, much less subjects for any of them,” I replied “And you are a horrible woman to do that to me”

“You say horrible, I say ‘hoh-reeb-ley,’” Aunt Cat returned, the latter in a terrible French accent that wouldn’t be out of place in a Saturdaycartoon

“Never say that again It sounds dreadful”

She laughed “What’s the matter, hm? I will send you home unless you tell me”

“Look, I just want to go inside, have dinner, show my face, then excuse myself with o in?”

“Gabi—”

“Please”