A Gentleman's Vow (Saints and Sinners 2)

“Of course not. Damn dusty in here,” Stapleton grumbled, and made a show of blowing his nose. “Have to speak to the housekeeper about it.”

Gideon hid a grin. He wasn’t deceived one bit. “Then what did you mean by your outburst?”

“I’ll arrange for a special license so you can marry sooner, just stop doing that while I’m in the room.”

Jessica wrapped Gideon’s arms around her. “You proposed to Gillian in front of a witness. Mrs. Hawthorne said you were terribly romantic. What is so wrong about being affectionate with the one you love?”

Too many things to name right now. Her father may have approved the marriage, but it might be a long time before he was comfortable with it. “Are you sure you should be baiting him still?”

“Quite sure.” Jessica grinned. “I ignored quite a bit because I saw how happy Gillian made him when they were together.”

“We encouraged them, love,” Gideon whispered in her ear, making her shiver. “There is a difference.”

“I knew I should have kept you two apart after last winter,” the duke grumbled again. “How long has this thing been going on under my nose?”

Gideon straightened. He couldn’t remember a time when Jessica’s happiness hadn’t meant more to him than his own. There was no date when he’d fallen in love with her. He just was. “I should like to start lying to you now, if you don’t mind.”

Jessica giggled when her father gaped. She kissed Gideon one more time before she rushed from the room, saying, “I have to tell Gillian and Rebecca the happy news!”

There was a vast silence after her departure then the duke turned to him. “What other requests has my daughter made of you,” he demanded, glass half raised to his lips.

“I think the less you know, the easier you’ll sleep at night,” Gideon murmured.

When the duke opened his mouth and closed it again, Gideon took a sip of his drink. The poor man seemed to be reeling still. In time, he’d accept his daughter had grown up. Jessica had grown into a bold and passionate woman. He liked everything about her. He was looking forward to the future in a way he never had before.

The duke cleared his throat and Gideon glanced his way again. The duke was grinning widely and then winked. “Forgive me. Refusing you was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. I had to be sure.”

Gideon’s brows lifted. “You were testing me?”

The duke nodded. “Her resolve more than yours. We’ve only been back a week and you had both seemed disinclined to tie the knot until now. But you were right about her all along. When she made up her mind about a husband, she didn’t waste any time claiming you for herself and quite vocally, too.”

Gideon grinned. “She had the talk from seven different people, you know. So many bad ideas put into her head,” he warned.

“I see.” The duke dug his finger under his cravat and tugged. “You know, if we are going to remain on good terms, you will have to lie to me. There is only so much I need to know about your relationship with my daughter. Welcome to the family.”

“Thank you.” Gideon hid a grin as he added, “Father.”

The duke’s shocked expression was utterly priceless. “Not that, either. You can address me as you’ve always done. Nicolas will do when we are alone.”

And that was fine with Gideon.

* * *

The End