Gabriel's Promise (Gabriel's Inferno 4)

She hadn’t realized the tension he’d been carrying, for he hid it well.

The director of the Research Office shook Gabriel’s hand as he retreated to his seat. And then the director made a few closing remarks before inviting everyone to a reception in a neighboring hall.

Gabriel made a move in Julia’s direction but was intercepted by the principal, who clapped him on the shoulder.

As the audience filed out and the pri

ncipal continued to engage Gabriel, Julia joined Katherine, Graham, and Professor Wodehouse at the reception.

“Where are you in your graduate program?” Professor Wodehouse asked Julia, as they stood holding their wineglasses.

Julia tasted her wine hastily before she answered. “I’ve finished two years. Next fall, I take my final courses and then I take my examinations in the winter.”

Professor Wodehouse frowned, which really was rather frightening. “You said next fall? What are you doing now?”

“I’m on maternity leave.” Julia’s cheeks reddened.

Wodehouse’s frown deepened. “Good heavens.” He peered around the room. “Where’s the baby?”

“She’s with a friend at the moment.”

“And how old is your child?”

“Just six weeks.”

“Good heavens!” he exclaimed, his eyebrows lifting to his hairline. He surveyed Julia quickly. “My wife wouldn’t have traveled to London six weeks after giving birth, let alone gotten on an airplane and crossed the Atlantic. Now I understand what Katherine meant.” He drank from his wineglass.

Julia glanced at Katherine, who was deep in conversation with Graham a few steps away from them. She was tempted to ask what, precisely, Katherine had said. And she found the temptation too great to resist. “Katherine?”

“Katherine said you were more tenacious than your husband. You know him, obviously, and so you can imagine my reaction to her pronouncement.” Professor Wodehouse looked at Julia approvingly. “I’m beginning to think Katherine is right.”

“Thank you.” Julia’s voice was a little weak, partially because she was trying to figure out if the professor was complimenting her or censuring her.

“So you’re on leave this year and your husband is in Edinburgh next year. I take it you’ll be commuting back and forth?”

“I don’t know.” Julia was carefully noncommittal. She wanted to mention her plan to take courses in Edinburgh and then return to Harvard to take her exams after the lectures were complete, but she remembered she hadn’t spoken to Cecilia about it. Cecilia and Professor Wodehouse were friendly, which meant she couldn’t mention her plan. At least, not yet.

“I’m sure you’re tenacious enough to work it out.” Professor Wodehouse’s expression changed into what could have been a smile. It was difficult to tell.

“Tenacious enough to work what out?” Katherine’s brisk voice interjected.

She and Graham moved closer to Julia to join the conversation.

“Commuting across the pond. Mrs. Emerson is at Harvard while her husband is at Edinburgh next year,” Wodehouse explained.

Both Graham and Katherine looked at Julia.

Before she could answer, Gabriel appeared, having divested himself of his Harvard crimson. “Good afternoon, everyone. Thank you for coming.”

He kissed Katherine on the cheek and shook hands with the others.

“Julianne,” Gabriel murmured. His blue eyes radiated warmth and concern, relief and desire.

Julia wanted to embrace him, to hold him tightly and find safety in his arms. But there were too many peering eyes.

Gabriel moved, taking her hand in his and stroking his thumb across her knuckles.

He lifted her hand to his lips and pressed a lingering kiss against her skin, his eyes fixed on hers.