A Gentleman's Vow (Saints and Sinners 2)

“Oh.” The appeal of an elopement died instantly. “Having my parents at our wedding was something I was looking forward to.”

“Never suggest eloping again,” he warned.

“Yes, Giddy,” she murmured in a tone she hoped conveyed agreement. However, she would not rule out r

eturning to the subject at a later time.

“Do not be concerned, I’m not in my dotage yet,” he promised, and his grin was decidedly wicked.

“No, you are not.” She grinned at him. He seemed very lively when she was in his arms. “Now, where were we?”

He frowned at that. “What do you mean?”

She sauntered forward, adding a little sway to her hips. “I’m old enough to know what I want, and that, my dear sir, is more of you.”

Gideon backed up a step. “We should discuss a plan for the next few days.”

Jessica smiled in triumph as he collided with another wall. “We’ll manage to see each other without anyone suspecting, the way we did at Christmas.”

She placed both hands on the wall either side of Gideon’s shoulders, preventing his escape. He tugged at the cravat around his neck as if he were too warm. “We’ll be on our best behavior until Lord Newfield and Lord James leave. If only we could send Mrs. Warner away, too.”

“Oh, Rebecca will not be a problem. She might even be a help,” she suggested. Jessica pulled his head down and kissed him until it was time to join everyone for luncheon.

Chapter 16

With the issue of her future husband decided upon, Jessica smiled much too much. Her sister suggested she moderate her expression so that Lord James was not encouraged by mistake. Her mother smiled indulgently, and Father asked if she was feeling at all well.

Gideon merely watched from afar, his cravat slightly askew from her earlier handling of him and a knowing smile hovering on his very kissable lips.

Being married to him would be lovely. The more time they spent alone together, the more Jessica’s imagination and hopes soared for the future. She’d had the talk from seven people after all, so she knew what to expect and, combined with her new experiences kissing Gideon, she nearly couldn’t sit still.

She ached where she perhaps ought not to. She had the most incredible urge to cross the room and perch herself on Gideon’s lap. She hadn’t done that since, well…it must be years now. Although she was sure that, once on Gideon’s lap, she would behave in a different manner than she ever had as a child.

“The proposal must become law. Reform cannot wait,” Lord Newfield insisted, banging his fist on the arm of his chair.

Ugh, politics again. Would Lord Newfield never be quiet? Gideon had been willing to read to them tonight, but he’d never had a chance to do more than suggest a book of poetry.

Father shook his head. “No. No. In its present form, the bill will never pass.”

Lord Newfield glowered. “Progress will not be halted by a dozen men determined to keep their monopoly in the north intact.”

Father grew still, and Jessica’s smile slipped. Father opposed the current bill before parliament, but not because he had any pecuniary interest. The proposal was obviously flawed and unfair.

Tension mounted as Father and Lord Newfield engaged in a staring contest.

“Lady Jessica, might I prevail upon you to play the pianoforte again this evening?” Gideon asked suddenly.

“Yes, a fine idea,” Rebecca agreed, her eyes widened—encouraging urgent agreement with Gideon’s suggestion.

“Of course, but only if you will play with me tonight,” she suggested to her sister.

“Yes,” Gideon agreed. “We can all take a turn tonight.”

“Oh, no,” Rebecca and Mother each cried out in protest, causing Jessica to laugh.

Gideon shrugged. “I’m not that bad.”

“Would you excuse us?” Jessica went to Gideon, hooked her arm through his and drew him toward the music room. “I hate to be the bearer of bad news, Giddy, but you are simply awful on the pianoforte.”