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longer a child, Gabe. I can handle my own social calendar,” she threw back at him. A frown marred her glorious lips. His anger didn’t stop him from wanting to kiss it slowly away. “Besides, I’ll be utilizing a few members of your female staff to assist me and Aunt Millie will lend a hand if needed.”
    Gabe fully admitted to using some ducal persuasion to see a resolution in his favor when events didn’t go his way. Usually, one well-given Wesbrook stare was all the urging necessary. And if ever a case existed where he needed things to fall in his favor, this was it.
    However, as he steadily locked gazes with Elizabeth, he quickly realized she wasn’t backing down. Bloody hell.
    He glanced at Marcus and it was apparent his friend would be of no help. Elizabeth had won him over. So much for the brotherhood of friendship.
    Foreseeing no other alternative—and many sleepless nights—he lowered his shoulders in defeat but kept his eyes pinned on her. “All right, you may assist with Phoebe, but only until I locate a proper governess. And when this all flops, do not expect me to fix it.”
    Elizabeth’s maid assisted with the packing of her clothes, while Elizabeth mulled over the events of the morning, still unsure of what had compelled her to offer Gabe her services. One moment she’d been standing outside the study; the next, practically begging to care for his child. A child he’d had with another woman.
    What have I gotten myself into? She wasn’t normally impetuous but when it came to Gabe, she often found herself acting first and thinking later. To make matters worse, she knew nothing of the situation surrounding Gabe’s child. How old was she? What kind of nature did she have? Where was her mother?
    Even worse, did he love the woman?
    As she fussed with the last trunk, she sighted her mother’s locket lying amongst various pearls and gems within her open jewelry box. She slowly crossed to the box and gently lifted the locket.
    “Thank you, Jane. That will be all for now. If there is anything else I require, I’ll send for it later,” Elizabeth instructed before her maid slipped out the door.
    Grief, strong and choking, tightened her chest as she tenderly ran her fingers over the delicate etching. Holding the heart-shaped locket, she felt close to her mother. There hadn’t been a day her mother didn’t wear the lovely bauble next to her heart. It had been a gift from Elizabeth’s father. Mother claimed that while wearing the locket, she could feel his love no matter where he was.
    After they’d perished in the accident, Marcus had given the locket to Elizabeth, in hopes it would help ease her through her sorrow. While the accessory helped her stay connected with her parents, she’d never compelled herself to wear it.
    Faced with a token of their affection only strengthened her vow to marry for love. And to someone who returned the sentiment.
    Instead of returning the locket to the jewelry box, she gently lowered it into her reticule. She had a feeling she would need strength from her mother to get through this new endeavor. The next few days might be difficult, but she was equally determined to succeed.
    And it was more than simply a desire to change Gabe’s perception of her. She had something to prove to herself. After she’d become orphaned, people had begun to treat her like glass, afraid she would break with any hardship. Even Marcus tried to protect her from every possible heartache. It was time to show everyone, even herself, she was far from delicate.
    She gave her room a final once-over, as new resolve flowed through her. Ready to take control of her life, she would find the same happiness her parents had shared. If she’d learned anything from their deaths, it was how incredibly fragile life was.
    With renewed purpose, she turned to exit the room just as Marcus appeared in the entrance.
    Lines of worry were imprinted on his face. “Are you sure about this, Lizzy?”
    At his concern,