A Gentleman's Vow (Saints and Sinners 2)

“Sit down.”

He came back to a chair and waited until she complied, but his tone kept Jessica in a panic. Did he know she’d been with Gideon last night?

“I have had a great many interesting conversations about you in recent days,” he began.

She swallowed. “Oh?”

“Lord Newfield spoke to me about arranging a marriage between you and his son early last night. He indicated that you would be gratified to be his son’s wife.”

“No! I don’t like Lord James at all,” she cried. “What did you say to him?”

“I told Newfield that I would not consider his son’s request until he came to see me himself.”

“Lord James left last night. We think he’s gone to propose to Lady Hannah Alexander at last.”

“His father does not know that.” Father pursed his lips, and then tapped on the arm of his chair. “Do you want to hear about another conversation concerning you?”

What could be worse than Lord Newfield claiming she’d want to be a fortune hunter’s wife? “Yes, Father.”

“Whitfield asked permission to court you two days ago. I said no, of course, even though he confessed he had kissed you. A lesson, he said it was. There will be no more lessons.”

They were way beyond mere lessons in kissing now although she’d never admit it. She tried not to blush harder as she thought of last night and Gideon’s large hands holding her close against his bare skin.

Jessica knew who she was meant to marry. She could not wait to call Quigley Hill home and Gideon her husband.

“Do you understand my dilemma? I have two bachelors interested in claiming your hand in marriage in the space of a week. One I discovered would use any means, even offering to buy Quigley Hill with your dowry, to gain my approval.”

“What?” she shrieked.

“Whitfield refused the sale,” her father promised. “But then in the next breath announced his interest in you, too. Very suspicious timing. I can only imagine you appealed to Gideon for help in thwarting Lord James and to make it appear Lord James had competition.”

She stared at him in shock. “I did no such thing,” she confessed. “Was that why you refused Giddy a chance to court me? You think I would stoop so low as to put him up to it?”

“Whitfield was considered a trusted friend until this week, now I am not so sure I know him at all. How many men can be persuaded to set aside long-held beliefs and upend their life in the space of a week?”

She gaped and sat forward. “You would deny Whitfield your friendship because I kissed him.”

“You defend him?”

“I love him,” she whispered. “I love Gideon.”

“Oh, you love him now do you?” Her father’s brows shot up. “You’ve managed to twist him around your fingers since you were a child. I did not wish to believe your sister’s accusations of a flirtation, but I believe her now. She would not lie about something so important as your future, and I saw you together in the music room. To think I trusted you both implicitly.”

“You were right to trust him.” Jessica lifted her chin. “He’s been a good friend to me, and a confidant. I never hid from you that I liked him. But my feelings have changed. I’m not a little girl who can be content with him ruffling my hair anymore. I do love him! I hated being in London because he was not there with me.”

Father lifted a finger, and then his head tilted a little to one side. He squinted at her, and she hoped he was finally understanding the truth behind her words.

Suddenly his expression grew even darker. “I would have preferred not to be the last to know that your respect went deeper before everyone else did. Why didn’t you say something sooner?”

“It was a very sudden realization, made without discussing the matter with anyone. I never imagined you would object that I loved Giddy.”

Father sighed and looked away first. “From now on, you will always be in the company of a suitable chaperone when he is around. There will be no more whispered conversations together, no more duets. You will remain in this house and in our company until I make my decision about your future, young lady.”

That didn’t seem so bad. Jessica had wanted to remain in the country. Closer to Giddy was preferable to not having any chance at seeing him. Gideon had suggested patience, and while not usually her habit, she would try to be very patient for their sake. “Yes, Father.”

Jessica jumped as the door to Father’s study rattled loudly with the force of a knock. She spun about in her chair, hoping Gideon had come to ask for her hand in marriage again.

“One moment,” Father called. He came around the desk. “I have known Whitfield for years, and just the other day he swore to remain a bachelor all his life. You heard him yourself.”