A Gentleman's Vow (Saints and Sinners 2)

It took her a moment to work out what Rebecca might mean. “You mean you want me to marry Giddy?”

“I wanted you to marry a duke’s son but, as always, my little sister has had everyone wrapped around her finger since her first breaths,” Rebecca stated with a touch of bitterness Jessica had noticed before but never dared point out.

“It isn’t my fault the family doted on me,” Jessica protested. “I would gladly trade places. Everyone had such high hopes for me that it’s suffocating.”

“Better than being overlooked altogether,” Rebecca whispered, almost to herself. She looked up quickly, eyes softening. “You can do no wrong in Father’s eyes, and he will, of course, forgive you for any indiscretion in the end. I assume the duchess is unaware you’ve been encouraging our neighbor?”

“She doesn’t know about last night.” Jessica moistened her lips. “What do you think? About Giddy and me?”

Rebecca sighed and then, lips pursed, neatened Jessica’s hair, pushing strands behind her ears before she spoke. “I’ve nothing to say against him.”

“But he’s older. Twice my age, in fact. Some people might consider that strange.”

Rebecca shrugged. “My husband was older than me, too, so I do not consider it a disadvantage. Marrying an older man can have many benefits, in fact.”

Jessica couldn’t contain her relief at the news. She’d imagined Rebecca would hate the idea of Gideon as her husband. Rebecca had always pushed Jessica toward younger men, especially ones with a title. She caught Rebecca’s hand and squeezed her fingers tightly. “What are they, the advantages?”

“Generally, older men are sensible, long since leaving their wild days behind; frugal, and we both know Whitfield is sensible and is as wealthy as he could possibly be. He can afford a wife, even without your dowry, though he should be encouraged to employ more servants once you are wed.”

“Giddy is not always sensible,” she said, defending him. “He let me kiss him.”

“Sensible in the way he conducts himself in society. I highly doubt him capable of causing a scandal that might embarrass the family at his age.” Rebecca smiled slyly. “And now that I know you have kissed, I’m even more determined that you should marry him. Eventually.”

“Eventually?”

Jessica sank to the music stool, and Rebecca joined her at the instrument. Rebecca laid her fingers on the keys softly and played a sad tune. She had once been the musician of the family. Jessica had longed to play half as well

when she’d been a girl and had always admired her sister’s skill on the instrument.

Everyone said Jessica had surpassed Rebecca at a young age, and she was always first to be asked to play, now she thought about it. Rebecca’s bitterness was understandable she supposed, but still not her doing. She folded her hands in her lap, content to listen to someone with more experience.

After a moment, Rebecca glanced sideways at Jessica but continued to play the sad tune. “Older men do not rush when it comes to marriage. It is one of the challenges you must prepare for. If Whitfield proves resistant, however, I shall have no hesitation to exert a little pressure to bring him to the point.”

“I won’t have you threatening him,” she warned.

Rebecca shrugged. “I highly doubt I will need to say a word if you continue to persuade him to kiss you back. He’ll do the right thing in the end.”

Jessica’s heart began to pound. “That does not sound hopeful.”

“Well, you’ve chosen a worthy adversary.” Rebecca let her hands settle on the keys. “Gideon has certainly had his share of admirers. He’s proved quite adept at avoiding entanglements over the years, even the most blatant ones.”

Jessica’s eyes narrowed. “From whom?”

Rebecca frowned. “Jealousy is an unbecoming emotion in a lady, little sister. You must learn to curb your possessive tendencies when you marry Whitfield. You will meet many people who have a history of friendship with him that you cannot share and may never fully understand. You must always remind yourself that he married you. That must be enough.”

Jessica bit her lip. Gideon had lived another life while she’d been in the nursery playing with her dolls. She had to make a place for herself beside him somehow. “He doesn’t want things to change.”

“Men never do. They like to believe the decisions they make are always their own.” Rebecca smiled. “He will learn soon enough that Lady Jessica Westfall will always have her way.”

Jessica gripped her sister’s arm and hugged her fiercely, grateful that Rebecca approved of the man she loved. “Mrs. Rebecca Warner can have hers, too.”

Rebecca stood suddenly. “Mrs. Warner is far too old for daydreams and late for an appointment. I advise you not to waste any time capturing Mr. Whitfield’s complete attention.”

Chapter 14

Gideon stepped from the shadows and halted Jessica’s flight into the gardens. “I thought I told you not to come outside alone again.”

Jessica rushed to him, flung herself against him and hugged him tightly. “I was hoping to see you alone before I went to bed. I’m so glad you’re here. I want to apologize for earlier. I always expect you to have the answers, but clearly you haven’t.”