A Gentleman's Vow (Saints and Sinners 2)

Gideon gritted his teeth. “Makes me wonder if his first wife expired of excessive boredom.”

“I had the same thought. Newfield is careful to hide his opinions around the women, though. Lord James does, too. I wonder what Mrs. Warner would do to Newfield if she knew what he’d said of her sex.”

“Tempting, but let us not have the summer end with a murder.”

“It’s been years since Becca truly had a good reason to get worked up over a man,” Rafferty chuckled evilly.

Gideon glanced at Rafferty in surprise at his use of a family nickname for Mrs. Warner. Hardly anyone did that anymore. “I don’t believe she’s entirely forgiven you for the last time you goaded her into a confrontation. What did she call you?”

“A degenerate drunkard with no sense of decency.”

“You did climb into the wrong bed in that house party, completely drunk—and naked—and refuse to wake up until morning.”

“The host gave her a softer bed than mine,” Rafferty complained.

“I’ll owe you for this if it turns out well.” He took a deep breath as Stapleton reached them at last. “All done?”

“Yes, I think that should be sufficient,” Stapleton said.

“Yes, yes. Quite a productive outing. You must reconsider my offer,” Lord James suggested.

“What offer?” Stapleton asked.

Rafferty already knew from eavesdropping, but still asked, “Yes, what offer?”

Gideon shook his head, but Lord James was only too happy to explain. “Made him a generous offer for the property. I still think I can persuade him to part with the place. What do you say, Stapleton?”

“I’d say he’s a fool to consider an offer under a hundred thousand pounds, which is what I would offer him if I ever thought he might consider a sale.”

Gideon choked. So did Lord James. It was a ridiculously high amount to suggest for his small slice of the county. “I said no. Quigley Hill is not for sale.”

Stapleton clapped a hand on his shoulder and didn’t let go. He cocked his head at Rafferty. “You lot go on. We’ll catch up with you shortly. I need to have a word with my neighbor.”

Rafferty nodded and encouraged Lord Newfield to walk ahead with him. Lord James frowned, but followed his father across the field.

Stapleton waited until they were gone before speaking. “If you needed money, you should have come to me first.”

“I have more money than I know what to do with. I did not start that conversation, nor ever would,” Gideon insisted. “I am never leaving my home just because the man thinks to buy his way into a marriage. He wants to buy Quigley Hill, but intends to pay me from Jessica’s dowry and no doubt his father’s pocket.”

Stapleton narrowed his eyes. “You realize they came to take Jessica from us?”

Gideon nodded.

“Neither man has spoken to me directly on the subject, but the marquess is dropping hints left and right. I do wish Lord James would just spit it out instead of stringing it along. I’m never giving my daughter to such a lapdog.”

Gideon sagged with relief. Jessica would not be wed to a fortune hunter. She was free, and so was he to do as his heart desired. “So you’d prefer Jessica’s suitors to get straight to the point.”

“Gods, yes. I’ve married off two daughters already. I know who’s worth encouraging and who isn’t.”

Gideon glanced at his feet briefly then back up. Now or never. “I’d like your permission to court your daughter.”

“Yes, that is exactly what I wish Lord James had done in the first place.”

Gideon frowned. “Stapleton. Your grace. I am asking for myself. I have grown fond of Jessica and would like your permission to court her.”

The duke’s brow furrowed. “You cannot mean that?”

“I am deadly serious.”