A Gentleman's Vow (Saints and Sinners 2)

She smiled up at him. “Are you happy?”

He looked up at her sharply. “Of course not.”

“I meant about the race. You made excellent time today.”

Gideon’s expression changed to annoyance. “I did not best Lord Rafferty today. He forfeited the win.”

She blinked. “How could he do that?”

“The man stopped in the shade to drink before we’d gone half a mile. He never intended to complete the usual course.”

She laughed. “Perhaps Lord Rafferty wanted an excuse to refill your cellars with his wine?”

“It wasn’t a fair race. I cannot accept the winnings.”

She patted his sleeve. “You’re always so concerned with doing what is right. It’s one of the things I love about you, but I’m glad you’re the acknowledged winner. Now you must escort me to the next ball.”

“It isn’t right to hold you to that wager,” he said stubbornly.

She looked at him directly. “Do you not wish to claim the very first dance with me?”

“Yes, but…” His jaw clenched briefly.

The Stapleton housekeeper rushed up to her. “You sent for me, my lady?”

She turned away from Gideon and led the woman back to the housekeeper’s room. “Yes, Mrs. Harrow is feeling poorly. Would you mind tending her for now and would you send for the doctor if you believe her condition warrants it?”

“Yes, my lady,” she agreed.

As soon as the woman had gone into Mrs. Harrow’s room, she returned to Gideon’s side. “No buts.”

His brow furrowed. “Our dance should be late in the evening. After you’ve had a chance to dance with the younger bachelors.”

A shiver raced up her spine at his statement. He was denying himself, and she realized he’d always put himself last. “The first dance is yours, Gideon Whitfield, and if you don’t claim it, I will not dance for the whole of the night.”

He frowned. “But you love dancing.”

“With you,” she promised him, noting his brows rose in surprise. “I love dancing in your arms. You are my favorite partner and always will be. I always feel safe with you.”

He shook his head. “You shouldn’t.”

She looked at Gideon, her heart pounding hard against her ribs. “I wish you wouldn’t try to push me away.”

He looked away suddenly, and her heart ached for him. “I need to tell you something before you hear it from someone else. I have changed my mind about Mrs. Beck.”

Jessica rushed to cover his lips with her fingers. “Whatever you were about to say, don’t do it.” She stared into his eyes grimly. “I know you through and through, Gideon Whitfield. You are a good man. Kind, compassionate, and very gentle. You’re willing to help anyone. But I saw Mrs. Beck today. She sees you as her savior from what I suspect is a terrible situation.”

“What do you know about it?” he asked around her finger.

“Enough to intervene. I will speak to Mother tonight and Mrs. Beck will be helped, financially.”

The air whooshed from Gideon’s lungs. “Thank you.”

“No man should ever marry a woman just to save her from pain someone else is causing her. That is not fair to you, when you deserve so much more.” She dragged her finger from his lips slowly. “Promise me you won’t

ask her.”

He sagged even more. “I promise.”