But she drew back soon enough, still frowning. “Mrs. Hawthorne is not going to be happy.”
He tightened the scarf to cover Jessica’s pink nose and held out his arm. “Time to return indoors before you catch a chill. It might surprise you that I don’t particularly worry about Mrs. Hawthorne’s happiness in the grand scheme of things. It is none of her business whom I marry anyway. I want to spend the rest of my life with Gillian, and I will, if she will have me.”
Jessica winced but fell into step. “Mrs. Hawthorne has been trying to steal Gillian away to her employ for months. The news that you would send her away while I went to live with Rebecca has caused Gillian no end of pain and suffering.”
“I see. Well, as you see, Rebecca was wrong and no one is being sent away.”
“Do you really not understand, Papa?” Jessica stopped him. “Mrs. Hawthorne has succeeded. Gillian accepted the new position yesterday. She’s already packed to leave.”
“That’s impossible. Last night we—” He bit his tongue on the rest of that confession. Last night they hadn’t actually talked about anything important. They’d made mad, passionate love in his bed. He’d lost himself in Gillian because he’d thought it clear that he wanted her desperately and forever.
He turned back to stare at the house. Had he not been understood? That would mean Gillian thought him…an utter scoundrel.
“She would have told me,” he said, but deep down he thought maybe she would not have.
“Well, it is true that she believes you don’t want her around anymore.” Jessica tugged on his hand, dragging him toward the house. “You must tell her right now that she does not ne
ed to go anywhere!”
“I will.” He quickened his steps, and they met Whitfield at the nearest door.
The man folded his arms across his chest, a question in his eyes as he blocked their path.
Nicolas winced. “Where is she?”
“Papa is getting married again, Giddy,” Jessica told Whitfield with a wink. “Mrs. Thorpe will be my new mother. I’m so proud of you! Your plan worked beautifully.”
“What plan?”
“To get you wed.” Whitfield pursed his lips, and then laughed as he pulled several clumps of mistletoe from inside his coat. “I guess I can stop hanging these about the place, now that you’ve seen reason.”
“See that you do.” Nicolas scowled and snatched them up, glancing at his daughter with newfound suspicion. “Did you put mistletoe in my pockets because he told you to?”
“Of course.” Jessica twisted on the spot, grinning. “Who else do you allow to get that close?”
“Gillian. I accused her the first time.” He nodded, and then protested as Jessica gave him a hard shove. He stared at his good friend and daughter, not liking their collusion one bit. “Do I need to keep you two apart?”
“Oh, don’t. Giddy is my dearest friend, aside from Gillian, who will be my mama, which is entirely different.” She pushed him again. “Go!”
“You’re almost too late,” Whitfield warned as he stepped aside. “The Hawthorne’s carriage is already outside, waiting to take her to visit them today. I gave the Hawthornes’ coachman a coin to be slow about turning the carriage round, to give you time. Try the long gallery.”
He thumped his friend’s shoulder. “Keep an eye on Jessica, please.
“I always do,” Whitfield assured him with a wide grin.
Chapter 14
“My dear, you have done wonders with Jessica. I’m so glad I will be able to steal you from Stapleton,” Mrs. Hawthorne exclaimed as they stood before the hearth in the long gallery together while waiting for the Hawthorne’s coach. “I’m sure a month with you can whip my daughters into shape.”
“Natalia’s a lovely girl.” Gillian craned her neck, hoping for a glimpse of her current charge, who was out walking with her father. She wanted one last hug before she left to visit her new situation. “I am looking forward to spending time with them.”
“Now, before we go, I want to make sure you understand that I haven’t paid any heed to Rebecca’s remarks yesterday. I know Jessica has changed for the better since your arrival. And I also know Rebecca’s temperament well. Jessica is much calmer now than she used to be, and my daughter has certainly benefited from the numerous invitations to visit since you came to live here. I’m sure our inclusion was thanks to your influence over the duke.”
Gillian shook her head, heart pained. “I had little influence on the duke’s decisions.” He didn’t listen to her. If he had, he wouldn’t be forcing Jessica to live with Rebecca.
She wished she could escape this kind woman before she broke down and cried her eyes out.
Gillian turned away—but gasped as Nicolas skidded sideways into the chamber, struggling to keep his balance on the highly polished marble floor. He straightened when he saw her, tugged his coat and strode toward her purposefully. Gillian’s heart began to beat hard against her ribs in time with his steps, until she thought she might faint.