A Gentleman's Vow (Saints and Sinners 2)

That was troubling. His interest in beginning a school might lead people to believe he was pursuing Mrs. Beck, no matter what he said to the contrary. And with Mrs. Napier stirring the pot and believing a match might yet be made, the pair would continue to be gossiped about.

“He wouldn’t deceive me about something so important. It’s not true.”

Natalia sighed. “Good. Frankly, I don’t care for the woman. I like Mr. Whitfield, and I’d hate her to snare the most eligible bachelor in the district. Everyone, and I mean everyone, has tried to catch his eye at one time or another. Some still try even after they’ve married, I heard, too,” Natalia warned with a laugh.

A little ball of worry formed in the pit of Jessica’s stomach. As long as Gideon remained a bachelor, unmarried women would pursue him. The thought didn’t settle well with Jessica. “He is popular, isn’t he?”

“Indeed. An excellent dance partner and quite amusing when he’s not driving off any would-be suitors he doesn’t approve of. I vow, he’s more intimidating than my father ever could be if he were inclined to try it.” Natalia scrambled to her feet suddenly and peered out the window. Jessica’s room overlooked the front drive. “Oh look. There are three carriages headed to the manor!”

“Father only took one out today.”

“I think he is the one leading the procession.” Natalia turned to face Jessica, her face growing pale. “They are moving very slowly. I do hope nothing went wrong today on their outing.”

“Mother!” Jessica flew from the room and down the staircases with her heart in her mouth. Mama hadn’t been completely well for some time but had insisted she was well enough for a short journey. They were so much earlier returning from the outing to Lord Rafferty’s estate than she’d expected that it could only be bad news.

Imagining the worst, Jessica rushed outside to wait on the front steps. Natalia was a little slower, catching up a few minutes later.

Jessica remained on the uppermost step as the family carriage finally paused at the bottom, wringing her hands. The Garlands tumbled out promptly, the children telling her of the fish they’d caught that day. But her father and mother took their time exiting the carriage.

Unable to wait a moment longer, Jessica rushed to the door and poked her head inside. “What happened?”

Father scowled fiercely. “Your sister is coming—and she brought acquaintances from London. Met them in the village after fishing.”

“Rebecca? Again?”

“Now, not a word about Gillian’s condition to anyone.”

Natalia gasped, and father heard her. He wagged a finger at Jessica’s friend, too. “Your lips are to be sealed while Mrs. Warner is in residence as well.”

“Yes, your grace,” Natalia promised, stepping back to allow Jessica’s parents to exit. “Not a word.”

Gillian came close once she was on her feet in the fresh air. Despite the dreadful news, she seemed happy enough. “You missed a wonderful day out, my dear.”

“I’m glad you all had fun without me,” Jessica murmured, forcing her anxiety to dissipate.

Gillian looked over her shoulder, her smile slipping. “I did, and now we must be on our best behavior. Our unexpected guests are almost here.”

Jessica looked too. The carriages were just entering the turning ci

rcle of the gravel drive. “Who is in the other carriage?”

“Lord Newfield and his son, Lord James,” Mother said sourly.

“What?!”

“I thought you said Lord James was soon to be engaged?” Natalia whispered in Jessica’s ear.

“Everyone expected it.” Jessica shrugged. Lord Newfield was here to talk to Father most likely about politics, so he would be no trouble, but Lord James…she’d no idea why he’d come. “I hate how Rebecca always arrives without warning. She hasn’t lived here for a decade.”

“So does his grace. I need to shake off the dust and change before I face everyone.”

Jessica hooked her arm through her mother’s. “I’ll come with you.”

“Perhaps I should go home now,” Natalia murmured. “Mrs. Warner doesn’t really like me.”

“You are always welcome, my dear,” Gillian promised. “Your presence might stop his grace from venting his spleen.”

“Oh.” Natalia paled. “No, I think I should definitely go home.”