A Gentleman's Vow (Saints and Sinners 2)

She turned back to those remaining, seeing friends but also two adversaries surrounding her.

Lord Rafferty was staring at Jessica when she looked at him. His gaze flickered to Whitfield and back. “That was a very bold suggestion, my lady.”

Jessica lifted her chin. “Was it?”

“Quite.” Lord Rafferty brows lifted. “I would prefer something very particular, should I engage in a wager with you, Lady Jessica.”

Jessica stared at him without blinking. But her heart began to thump against her breast. What if he asked for something scandalous? She would of course refuse, but it might be…awkward.

Lord Rafferty pursed his lips. “If I beat Whitfield to the finish, I want…” His eyes glittered briefly. “You, to visit Rafferty Park the next day.”

She blinked. “I beg your pardon?”

“Out of the question,” Gideon growled out as he threw his napkin onto the table. His expression was harder than she’d ever seen it. His leg pressed against hers under the table when she went to speak, most likely to elicit her silence. His warmth seeped through her gown at the knee, and she warmed all over instantly. “You go too far, Rafferty,” he warned.

She turned to Lord Rafferty though. It always shocked her when people she’d known for years suddenly forgot their manners when her father was away from sight. Visiting Lord Rafferty was not something she’d ever want to do.

She smiled even as the pressure against her leg increased.

She could of course count on Giddy to defend her from a scoundrel, but she did not need his help with Lord Rafferty. If she wanted to be considered a respectable woman, she had to stand on her own feet when faced with such a bold invitation. “I would love to spend an hour visiting your daughter.”

The earl stared, eyes glittering fiercely again. But then he laughed. “Yes, of course. What other purpose could I mean?”

Gideon’s leg retreated from hers, and she missed the connection to him almost immediately.

J

essica let her breath out and settled her hands in her lap. “As everyone here must know, I adore children, and I am curious about your offspring. My father and mother will be happy to escort me, I’m sure.”

Lord Rafferty barked out a laugh. “A wise answer, my lady.”

Beside her, Gideon let out another soft exhalation as he returned his napkin to his lap. “Nicely done,” he murmured softly.

Warmed by his praise, Jessica smiled at those gathered still at the table. They began talking amongst themselves almost immediately. With everyone distracted, Jessica slipped her hand across to Gideon’s where it rested on his thigh, and she traced her fingers over his knuckles very lightly. “Thank you.”

He jerked his fingers away from hers.

She sighed and faced those at the table. “If you gentlemen will excuse us, I think it’s time for the ladies to take tea. Mr. Whitfield, might I depend on you to satisfy my father’s guests in his absence?”

“You may,” Gideon said. “A word first, if I might be indulged.”

Jessica stood, and the ladies rose, too, chattering as they headed across the hall for the drawing room and the tea that was already arranged to be offered there. She stopped by the door, in a spill of candlelight but in full view of everyone. “What is it?”

Her heartbeat quickened as he drew closer. “I suggest you not bait Rafferty, Jess. He’s every inch a scoundrel.”

“Obviously. A man who refuses to rise early is not to be trusted.” She frowned though. “He’s Father’s friend. He’s harmless.”

Gideon made an odd sound, stepping closer until Jessica felt warm all over. “Friendships are different between men than between men and women. Remember, you are a woman he could ruin. Be cautious in what you say to him in the future, please. Visiting his daughter was not what he was going to suggest. The next wager might just be for your virtue. Trust me, he would not marry you to hush up any scandal, no matter who your father is.”

Jessica smiled up at Gideon’s dear face, noting the worry he couldn’t hide tonight. There was no chance she’d give herself unwisely. She knew her own mind, and Jessica knew now how far a lady should trust a gentlemen. “I’m not a fool.”

“I know.” He frowned, expression turning more serious by the minute. “It’s just…you know it can be easy to become swept up in the moment and go too far.”

Was that what he thought was happening between them? She glanced toward the great hall where they’d been alone, so oddly passionate and yet wholly chaste, and then back to his face. She hadn’t been swept away when she’d asked Gideon to kiss her. She was as rational about her neighbor as she’d ever been. She liked him. She trusted Gideon implicitly. She’d always wished him to be closer. But apparently, he was not comfortable with that idea and, thanks to his staff; she knew why that might be. Or did he still think of her as a child? She longed to show him how grown up she could be. “Did you see how bright the stars were tonight?”

“I did when I walked over.” He glanced out the nearest window. “Looks like I will have starlight to walk home by, too.”

“It must be lovely to do that. Go anywhere you like, when you like, without anyone telling you what you do.”