A Gentleman's Vow (Saints and Sinners 2)

“Told you what?”

But the duke did not answer. He went for the brandy, pouring one glass, drinking it, and then pouring another. He did not offer Gideon one, and stood sipping the second, staring outside.

Gideon loosened his cravat a little, uncertain of what the duke would do and say next.

The duke suddenly moved, pouring brandy into another glass and carrying it over to Gideon. He thrust out the glass. “Drink that. As one newly married man to the next, you’ll need to keep your wits about you once you join your name and heart to a Westfall.”

He took the offered drink, deciding that was as much of a blessing as he would ever get. “When will the wedding be?”

The duke drained his glass. “A month. I’ll have the banns called tomorrow.”

Gideon grinned. “Thank you, your grace.”

“Don’t you dare thank me, don’t your grace me…or ever consider calling me Papa, either. You’re stealing my daughter, and she wants to be stolen.”

“As you prefer,” he murmured, finding the situation funny. “On the bright side, I will not be taking her very far away. I am sure you could still see her every day if you wish. May I see Jessica to tell her the news?”

Although the duke grumbled, he yanked on the bell and had a grinning servant fetch Jessica back. She danced into the room on her toes, right to his side, and kissed his cheek. “Have we convinced him or are we eloping?”

“Not eloping, but your behavior might have decided him in our favor.”

She turned away. “I really do want to marry him.”

Her father sighed. “Did you actually intend eloping if you couldn’t marry him?”

“I mentioned it was an option but Giddy, of course, refused immediately,” Jessica said, wincing. “He’s too proper for that, and he knew I’d want my family at our wedding. He’s been quite sensible and accommodating of all my requests so far. I think he will make an admirable husband, and a son-in-law to you.”

Her father raised his face to the heavens. “I’m not sure I’ll have the strength to do this again.”

Jessica laughed. “Poor Papa.”

Gideon tapped Jessica’s shoulder, bringing her attention back to him. When their eyes met, he felt a certainty about his place in the world, and at Jessica’s side. Gideon wouldn’t come between father and daughter. He didn’t have to, he already had found his place, though there was one thing left to say to make his decision to marry absolutely official.

He dropped to one knee there and then and took her tiny hand in his. “Lady Jessica Westfall. I would be honored for all the days of my life if you would accept my suit and consider me for your husband.”

The duke made an inarticulate sound and turned his back.

Jessica smiled down at him, tears shining in her eyes. “I thought you’d never ask.”

“There couldn’t be anyone but you.”

“I know. I would never allow anyone to come between us.” Jessica beamed and made to pull him up. “Of course I’m going to marry you. We belong together.”

Gideon rose to his feet quickly. He caressed her cheek, wiped away the tears that clung to her lashes, and then produced a ring from his pocket that held a small sapphire. He slipped it on her slender finger, finding it a perfect fit. “Darling, Jess.”

“This was your mother’s ring?”

He nodded. “She would have loved you.”

They kissed to seal their vow to each other, Jessica’s hand clutc

hed in his.

They drew back when the noise of the duke clearing his throat grew so loud it was distracting.

“All right!” the duke grumbled, wiping his face with a handkerchief.

Jessica looked at him in astonishment. “Were you crying too, Papa?”