Gillian caressed the girl’s cheek. Had Gillian ever been so clueless when it came to the intentions of men? “Do you want to be married to Whitfield?”
The girl appeared horrified. “Marry Giddy?”
“He is considered by many—not Mrs. Warner, of course—to be a very eligible bachelor.” When the girl continued to stare, Gillian continued. “He is handsome, kind and wealthy enough to please many a parent. He could afford a family if he chose a wife. It is easy to see he likes you very much, and you like him too. He is also your papa’s friend, and I cannot think of a reason the duke would deny the match.”
The girl tipped her head to the side. “I like to talk to him. Giddy makes me laugh like no one can.”
“If that is the whole of your interest in him, then please make sure never to be alone with him again. People could misunderstand your relationship.”
Jessica’s eyes filled with tears. “How will I survive without you in London? You’re my best friend in the whole world.”
Gillian rubbed Jessica’s arm. “You will thrive in London whether I am there or not. I could never be your companion forever.”
“Father is not being fair.”
“Don’t say that,” she said quickly to head off a tantrum. “His grace takes more interest in your future than any father I’ve ever known. Please don’t be difficult about this if it is true. For my sake, if nothing else.”
Jessica’s bottom lip trembled. “Well, it’s not best for you to live with Miss Hawthorne and her sisters. They’re like wild animals. Natalia is still making eyes at Papa. Thank you for helping him avoid her this past week.”
“I haven’t helped him do any such thing, and he’s much too assured to need any assistance from a paid companion. He will choose well, never fear.” He’d never want Gillian for more. She was only a diversion from loneliness. Her heart pinched with unbearable pain still but she’d always known that to hope was to reach too high. “Have faith that your father knows what he’s doing is best for you.”
“I’ll never forget you.” Jessica embraced her, squeezing tightly. “Will you write to me?”
“Of course.” Gillian kissed the girl’s hair. In all the time she’d lived at the estate, she’d become very fond of the girl, tantrums and all. If Gillian ever married again and had a daughter, she’d name the child Jessica in remembrance of these happy months at Stapleton. “Nothing would please me more. I will always think of you and hope you are happy wherever you may find yourself.”
Chapter 11
One more day until the guests were due to depart. The longer it took to speak the words that filled his heart, the more nervous about the outcome Nicolas found himself. He’d even welcome the fisticuffs that had marked the beginning of his first engagement if it assured him of a favorable outcome.
Nicolas paused beside Gillian. “You are quiet tonight.”
Gillian startled but then smiled. “Am I?”
“Jessica is subdued too.” He observed his daughter carefully, looking for a cause of distress, and saw nothing obvious. She was seated beside Whitfield on the chaise across the room and appeared to be deep in conversation with him, most likely about their mutual interest in plants and nature. He was pleased his friend had returned to the gathering and made an effort to engage his youngest daughter in conve
rsation. Whitfield could be depended upon.
On the whole though, he’d become disappointed with this gathering. Nothing had really changed. Rebecca had promised that Jessica would have a chance to meet people. He’d thought she’d meant a younger-aged set. The only good to come of this Christmas was that he’d fallen hard for Gillian Thorpe, and he couldn’t wait to tell her. “Have you had a difficult day with her?”
“No, we had a very pleasant day. She took to her lessons eagerly this morning and then enjoyed luncheon with her sister. Later we spent some time in one of the forcing houses.” She swallowed. “How was yours?”
“Busy. I tell you truly that I cannot wait until everyone is out of my hair.”
Her chin lifted and she smiled at something across the room. “I’m very sure you will be happy to have your peace restored.”
“I am sorry about last night,” he whispered, just as Jessica gestured to Gillian to come to her. “My daughter and I had a chat last night and the plans for Jessica’s coming season have been improved somewhat.”
Gillian’s heart sank. Mrs. Warner had been correct after all.
“That is wonderful.” Gillian glanced at him quickly. “Please excuse me, your grace. Jessica needs me.”
When she walked away, Nicolas considered following her, taking her into his arms, and proving he needed her, too. But the room was full of people who would not take kindly to watching him kiss the woman he loved witless. They would not understand how difficult he was finding the waiting. It seemed nearly impossible to steal just enough time to string more than a handful of sentences together today, and he’d had so much more to say and no opportunity to do so.
Jessica bounced to her feet and caught Gillian’s hands. They moved aside toward a window, whispering furiously together. Jessica tugged her toward the hall, but Gillian resisted. She planted her feet as if she were an immovable object.
Nicolas hid a smile. He could sympathize with his daughter’s desire to leave all too well, and silently applauded Gillian’s refusal to give in to the girl. He exhaled slowly.
Patience was not his strong suit. He and Jessica had that in common. He wished he had a way to get everyone to leave right now without them knowing why.