A Gentleman's Vow (Saints and Sinners 2)

“Jess.” He said her name softly, because he should not use the diminutive form where a servant might hear. She did not seem very changed at first glance. Her uncovered dark hair was intricately coiled upon her head, her body elegantly swathed in yards of muslin.

A huge smile burst over her face as she stopped before him. Her hazel eyes glowed with happiness, and he bowed as Jess dipped into a perfect curtsy. He drank in her smiles and his heart lightened. Jessica had always been a happy child, and he was glad to see her months away had not changed that. She exuded confidence and good health, as ever.

His eyes dropped to a paper-wrapped package that crackled as she shifted it to her left hip. Jessica was always busy, always involved in some activity for the estate rather than idle mischief. No doubt he would find out about the contents of that package eventually.

“Father expected you to call yesterday, Giddy. So did I. Where have you been, sir!”

Her tone was slightly accusing, and he rushed to explain his absence. “I was late rising today and only just learned of your return. Forgive me, my lady.”

He reached for her hand. There was the slightest hesitation before her bare fingers slipped delicately over his calloused ones. Gideon squeezed her hand and then let her go. “I don’t wish to intrude on the reunion. I can come back another day.”

“And miss all the fun? Never.” Jess laughed. “Mama most definitely wants you to meet her brother while he is here. You will enjoy the stories Mr. Garland has shared about their childhood already this morning. I’ve been laughing so hard my sides hurt.”

He smiled at the mention of the new Duchess of Stapleton, a woman who had been Lady Jessica’s companion the last time they’d all been together. “Mama, is it?”

Jessica nodded decisively. “She’s the only mother I’ll ever know.”

He smiled despite the loss Jess had suffered as a child. She had never known her own mother, but had been raised by her grieving father, quarreling sisters and a string of efficient nurses. “Then we did a good thing last winter.”

Her eyes lit up with pleasure at the reminder of their combined matchmaking efforts for her father and beloved companion. It was an inspired idea, to help the duke admit his feelings had grown for Mrs. Gillian Thorpe beyond those of a mere employer, but it had required Jessica’s assistance and not a little private planning to pull it off. “We did indeed. Father has been made very happy by his marriage.”

Jessica’s smile dimmed slightly, and she set her package aside on a side table. She rested her hand on it a moment but then shook her head. “Come, Mr. Whitfield. His grace is eager to see you.”

Clearly whatever was contained in the parcel was unimportant. Gideon was almost disappointed, but when Jessica hooked her arm through his, Gideon couldn’t remain so as he looked down on her.

Jessica was not particularly tall, the top of her head barely reaching his shoulder. Gideon had watched over this girl—woman, he corrected himself—since she’d been a child, escorting her about when her father and siblings had been occupied elsewhere. She was out in society now. Eighteen at last and obviously quite assured.

He dragged his attention away from her as they stepped into the drawing room together.

The Duke of Stapleton sprang to his feet immediately, a smile as welcoming as Jessica’s beaming across the room. “About time, sir.”

“Your grace, welcome home,” he said, releasing Jessica so he could bow.

“None of that nonsense,” Stapleton exclaimed, rushing up to shake his hand vigorously. “Make yourself at home as you usually do.”

“As you wish,” he said as he hid his relief. He’d never assume he’d always be welcome, but he liked Stapleton very much, even if Gideon was a good deal younger than the duke, though with none of the status of a title to add to his distinction. Gideon studied his neighbor closely, noting his ease and appearance of good health. Stapleton must be pleased by the changes in his life by the look of it, too. He pounded Gideon’s shoulder suddenly with the excitement of a much younger man, and that made him laugh. “It’s good to see you again.”

“Likewise,” the duke replied then gestured beside him.

Gideon turned to the new Duchess of Stapleton, formerly known as Mrs. Gillian Thorpe. “Your grace,” he said as he bowed deeply to the woman the duke had fallen head over heels in love with.

“Dear Whitfield,” she exclaimed, as she moved forward to take his hands. The duchess kissed both his cheeks in welcome. “Our truest friend.”

He grinned, though a little embarrassed by her warm welcome. The woman was positively glowing at him, but she looked paler than she’d formerly been. “I must say, marriage suits you.”

Her eyes sparkled briefly. “So says the man who made my happiness possible.”

He inclined his head. “It was not all my doing.”

He looked toward Jessica, but she’d already moved away. She sat primly on a single chair, watching him from a distance with a happy smile. He returned it, and then turned back to the duchess. “I had a willing accomplice.”

“Oh,

I know only too well the collusion you pair must have managed behind my back. And, no matter who dares to claim credit, I am very grateful,” her grace promised. She gestured to the couple standing behind her. “May I introduce my younger brother, Lincoln Garland, and his wife, Mrs. Hazel Garland? Their children are currently taking refreshments in the nursery.”

“They will empty the duchess’ vast kitchen if we are not careful, and run her poor servants ragged I fear,” Garland added, and then laughed good-naturedly as they shook hands. The fellow was tall, lanky even, and Gideon could see a strong resemblance to the duchess when Garland smiled.

“Welcome, Mr. Garland. Mrs. Garland. How long are you staying with their graces?”