A Gentleman's Vow (Saints and Sinners 2)

The duke, however, stood his ground. “You are coming for luncheon, aren’t you?”

Gideon looked up slowly. “I did not imagine you would still want me there.”

The duke scowled. “Don’t be so dramatic. As you said, it was only a kiss. Easily forgotten, and already forgiven.”

Not so easy to forget for Gideon.

And now the real torture would begin—invited to visit her home but not allowed to pursue the object of his affection. Stapleton couldn’t have picked a better punishment if he’d chosen one deliberately.

Reluctantly, he fell into step with the duke, and they soon caught up with Lord Rafferty, Lord Newberry, and Lord James. Rafferty tried to catch his eye, bu

t Gideon looked away each time. He didn’t want to see the pity he might find in Rafferty’s eyes.

On the grounds of Stapleton’s great estate, he spied Jessica returning to the house. She glanced his way several times but didn’t change her direction. He was glad she stayed away. He’d no idea what to say to her after his talk with her father.

The duke decided to continue on his walk, away from the manor. Gideon declined to join them, so did Rafferty, claiming fatigue. Gideon’s heart was too heavy right now. He didn’t know what to do.

The only good thing to come out of today was the knowledge that when Lord James did eventually ask for Jessica’s hand in marriage, he’d be turned down.

Gideon headed inside to the boot room and left his muddy boots to be taken care of by one of Stapleton Manors many servants. Then he dashed up the nearest staircase and into the guest bedroom he’d been assigned to for the duration of his stay.

He closed the door and swore softly under his breath, certain this was going to be the hardest day of his life. Now that he’d finally spoken of his interest, he didn’t look forward to the future. A future alone, a bachelor for life, seemed an unsettling idea now.

When he glanced across the room, he spied a sealed letter on his pillow. He reached for it, noting there was nothing written on the outside to give away the contents or who might be sending him missives here.

When he pried off the blue wax seal, Jessica’s elegant penmanship on the papers jumped out at him. He folded it quickly and pushed it under the pillow without reading a word.

He flopped back on the bed and put an arm over his eyes. He should have known Stapleton wouldn’t let his daughter marry just anyone who dared ask. The duke was much too protective. Slow to change, also. It had taken Stapleton a good long while to marry a second time.

Gideon sat up slowly, eyes wide. Stapleton might just need time to become used to the idea that he was interested in Jessica. He’d said no to a formal courtship, but that did not mean he could not assure Jessica that he was genuinely interested in marrying her.

Stapleton had been difficult over Fanny’s late husband, too. He’d made Lord Rivers, a wealthy peer, jump through a great many unnecessary hoops before finally giving his blessing to the marriage. Lord Rivers had never complained—and Rivers had never given up, either.

Gideon nodded. He would do well to follow that example.

Jessica paced the long gallery, fretting that Gideon might not see her letter in time.

But as the long gallery door emitted a soft groan, she realized she should have had more faith. Gideon slipped into the room. When he shut it just as quietly, her pulse began to race.

“Giddy.”

She moved toward him, a little uncertain, truth be told. Last night, she’d been with him, enjoyed his kisses so much that she’d been thinking of him all day. The way he’d touched her; she wanted more of that. But she wasn’t certain he did too.

He grinned as he came closer. “How was your morning?”

“Quite productive. Mother agrees the village girls could benefit from having instruction. Mrs. Beck will move into my cottage with her boys tomorrow. Lessons will begin as soon as she is settled in. I even managed to find a position for that farmhand’s sister. Twice a week, Miss Sweet will clean and do laundry for the new school and Mrs. Beck.”

He grinned. “You did all that in one morning.”

“Not just me alone.” She closed the distance between them and laid her hands on his chest. “Having Mrs. Beck restart the old school was originally your idea. I offered up my cottage and Mama approved the funding. Papa had already agreed to that last night.”

“We make a good team, don’t we?” He smiled, warming her all. “The note you left on my bed could have gotten you in trouble. Why did you want to see me? Was it just to tell me what you’ve done for Mrs. Beck?”

“No.” She swallowed. “I just couldn’t wait to be alone with you again.”

When he cupped her cheek in his palm Jessica leaned into the touch.

“Don’t risk your reputation over me. I’ll always be here for you. No matter what.”