A Gentleman’s Vow Page 7

  Using one fingertip, he lightly brushed her inner wrist, and then softly stroked her skin toward her palm. Her fingers twitched at his touch, and the frown returned in full force.

  She kept her eyes closed but a soft gasp left her lips as he continued to taunt her skin. He smiled at her reaction. He enjoyed teasing her. He valued each and every response to his caresses. He was determined to make this the best almost-kiss of her life.

  He smiled as he drew his finger lightly down the length of each of hers, until he could hear and see the effect he had on Jessica’s breathing.

  He studied her face for each precious change in her mood, catching her biting her bottom lip to hold in her response. He drew a little closer as he began to draw circles on her sensitive palm. A tiny whimper escaped her control, and he grinned widely. He had never imagined seeing Jessica warm to any seduction of his…but she was enjoying this.

  He tapped the center of her palm and then closed her fingers into a fist. He held her clenched fist a moment before drawing back from her.

  Jessica’s eyes flashed open. Her lips were parted, and a shuddering sigh left her lips.

  He took another step back, pleased with her reaction. He pulled his glove from his pocket and tugged it back on.

  Jessica drew closer, fist clenched around her own glove. “You cheated me out of a proper kiss.”

  He hid a smile. “Perhaps, but that should be enough to help you fool Miss Hawthorne.”

  “Miss Hawthorne?”

  He glanced at her face. Her cheeks had reddened, and her lower lip was plump and pink from biting it. Had he completely muddled her with just his touch? Remarkable. “You said you needed Miss Hawthorne to believe you’d been kissed before? That is what it feels like. Mostly.”

  She stared at him, and then her eyes widened. “Truly?”

  “Would I lie to you about something so important?”

  “I hope not but…”

  “Think of how it felt…not knowing what would happen, the disappointment when I stopped. A good kiss should always leave you wanting more.”

  Her brows furrowed. “Do you?”

  “Of course not.”

  He returned inside without looking back, trusting Jessica to return indoors in her own good time.

  Chapter 7

  Jessica was glad of the peace and tranquility of her home, a much-needed reprieve from her last months in London.

  As she restyled her hair for the afternoon into a simple bun with a few pins, she thanked the stars for Gideon. She felt calmer now; confident in a way she’d never been in London. For months, she’d despaired of her new situation as a woman in search of a husband. Despite all the advice offered, it wasn’t until she’d experienced her first taste of intimacy with Gideon that she understood why anyone would want to marry.

  His touch, a cunning pretense of kissing her, on Sunday night had bolstered her confidence with barely any effort. “My first kiss was lovely. Everything you said it should be and more,” she promised Natalia, who had called that afternoon. Given the sweetness of the moments she’d spent alone with Gideon, she was now happy to talk about her experience in glowing terms.

  Natalia laughed softly then leaned close. “Isn’t it strange that having a man’s tongue in your mouth can actually feel lovely.”

  Jessica murmured her agreement, although she hadn’t a clue tongues could be involved. Gideon hadn’t said anything about that. Maybe the next time they met, he could be persuaded to further her education a little more. She still yearned for a real kiss.

  Natalia helped herself to a second cup of tea. “So it seems your Giddy and Mrs. Beck are still causing tongues to wag in the village today.”

  Jessica stared at Natalia in shock. “What?”

  Natalia wrinkled her nose. “Mrs. Napier called on Mother this morning and all but announced a wedding.”

  “No.” Jessica couldn’t believe her ears. “Giddy swore he wasn’t pursuing Mrs. Beck.”

  “I saw them, too, standing outside that little cottage you’ve inherited.” Natalia’s eyebrows rose high. “Did you really ask him if he was courting her?”

  “Well. Yes.” She fidgeted, and then clenched her fingers together to control her agitation. “He said he was being kind, helping Mrs. Beck feel at home in new surroundings.” Jessica made no mention of Gideon wanting Mrs. Beck to run a school from her own property. She couldn’t fathom why they had been looking at her cottage when she’d been very clear she wouldn’t lease it to the woman.

  “That is not how Mrs. Napier puts it. I definitely heard the words ‘smitten’ and ‘inseparable’.” Natalia leaned forward. “Do you think he is hiding his interest in her from you?”

  That was troubling. His interest in beginning a school might lead people to believe he was pursuing Mrs. Beck, no matter what he said to the contrary. And with Mrs. Napier stirring the pot and believing a match might yet be made, the pair would continue to be gossiped about.

  “He wouldn’t deceive me about something so important. It’s not true.”

  Natalia sighed. “Good. Frankly, I don’t care for the woman. I like Mr. Whitfield, and I’d hate her to snare the most eligible bachelor in the district. Everyone, and I mean everyone, has tried to catch his eye at one time or another. Some still try even after they’ve married, I heard, too,” Natalia warned with a laugh.

  A little ball of worry formed in the pit of Jessica’s stomach. As long as Gideon remained a bachelor, unmarried women would pursue him. The thought didn’t settle well with Jessica. “He is popular, isn’t he?”

  “Indeed. An excellent dance partner and quite amusing when he’s not driving off any would-be suitors he doesn’t approve of. I vow, he’s more intimidating than my father ever could be if he were inclined to try it.” Natalia scrambled to her feet suddenly and peered out the window. Jessica’s room overlooked the front drive. “Oh look. There are three carriages headed to the manor!”

  “Father only took one out today.”

  “I think he is the one leading the procession.” Natalia turned to face Jessica, her face growing pale. “They are moving very slowly. I do hope nothing went wrong today on their outing.”

  “Mother!” Jessica flew from the room and down the staircases with her heart in her mouth. Mama hadn’t been completely well for some time but had insisted she was well enough for a short journey. They were so much earlier returning from the outing to Lord Rafferty’s estate than she’d expected that it could only be bad news.

  Imagining the worst, Jessica rushed outside to wait on the front steps. Natalia was a little slower, catching up a few minutes later.

  Jessica remained on the uppermost step as the family carriage finally paused at the bottom, wringing her hands. The Garlands tumbled out promptly, the children telling her of the fish they’d caught that day. But her father and mother took their time exiting the carriage.

  Unable to wait a moment longer, Jessica rushed to the door and poked her head inside. “What happened?”

  Father scowled fiercely. “Your sister is coming—and she brought acquaintances from London. Met them in the village after fishing.”

  “Rebecca? Again?”

  “Now, not a word about Gillian’s condition to anyone.”

  Natalia gasped, and father heard her. He wagged a finger at Jessica’s friend, too. “Your lips are to be sealed while Mrs. Warner is in residence as well.”

  “Yes, your grace,” Natalia promised, stepping back to allow Jessica’s parents to exit. “Not a word.”

  Gillian came close once she was on her feet in the fresh air. Despite the dreadful news, she seemed happy enough. “You missed a wonderful day out, my dear.”

  “I’m glad you all had fun without me,” Jessica murmured, forcing her anxiety to dissipate.

  Gillian looked over her shoulder, her smile slipping. “I did, and now we must be on our best behavior. Our unexpected guests are almost here.”

  Jessica looked too. The carriages were just entering the turning ci
rcle of the gravel drive. “Who is in the other carriage?”

  “Lord Newfield and his son, Lord James,” Mother said sourly.

  “What?!”

  “I thought you said Lord James was soon to be engaged?” Natalia whispered in Jessica’s ear.

  “Everyone expected it.” Jessica shrugged. Lord Newfield was here to talk to Father most likely about politics, so he would be no trouble, but Lord James…she’d no idea why he’d come. “I hate how Rebecca always arrives without warning. She hasn’t lived here for a decade.”

  “So does his grace. I need to shake off the dust and change before I face everyone.”

  Jessica hooked her arm through her mother’s. “I’ll come with you.”

  “Perhaps I should go home now,” Natalia murmured. “Mrs. Warner doesn’t really like me.”

  “You are always welcome, my dear,” Gillian promised. “Your presence might stop his grace from venting his spleen.”

  “Oh.” Natalia paled. “No, I think I should definitely go home.”

  She dipped a quick curtsy and quickly fled down the path that led to the boundary with the village. Jessica watched her go with a pang of regret. “I wish I could do that.”

  “So do I, my dear. So do I.”

  They spent an hour above-stairs while Gillian changed her clothes and talked about her outing. Jessica eyed the slight tummy her new mother had developed with growing fondness and a touch of exasperation. A new sibling wasn’t exactly what she’d hoped for when her father had married her companion, but she was pleased for them. A little worried about her, too. Mother seemed tired nearly all the time but insisted she was well enough to face their guests at last.

  Jessica wasn’t looking forward to the next few days. Rebecca had been quite against Father’s decision to remarry and had avoided speaking to Mother while they had all been in London. Rebecca thought Gillian beneath their family and could not see how happy Father had been made by marriage.

  Not that he’d been miserable before. Father found amusement everywhere, consorting with a large group of friends, including Gideon Whitfield, and had enjoyed his life. But he’d needed someone to come home to. Someone to share the ups and downs of his life with. Gillian fit that need perfectly.

  Rebecca couldn’t have come home at a worse time for the couple. Father was tense with worry over the pregnancy already. Having Rebecca looking down her nose at Gillian for her humbler origins would only make him more cross. And with Lord Newfield and his son here, too, pushing his political agenda, there would be little peace and quiet for the newlyweds. “Should we wait for Mr. and Mrs. Garland?”

  “My brother and his wife wish to spend the afternoon with their children,” Gillian murmured. “Pony rides have been arranged.”

  “Half their luck!”

  “They go home tomorrow, and I do hope their last night is not spoiled.”

  “I won’t allow that,” Jessica promised. “We should invite Gideon for dinner. He is a wonderful distraction.”

  “Unfortunately, I already know he has other plans for his evening,” Mother sighed. “We will have to make do without him tonight.”

  They descended the stairs together and at the doorway to the drawing room, Jessica allowed her new mother to move just ahead of her. She was determined to show her support for this marriage any way she could. Gillian was the Duchess of Stapleton, and it was high time Rebecca accepted her elevation, as far as Jessica was concerned.

  Even the butler seemed to sense the mood and played his part, announcing the duchess’ arrival to the duke and Rebecca with a great deal of pomp when it wasn’t strictly necessary with only family present.

  Father, of course, did what he always did. He strode across the room, took his wife in his arms and kissed her soundly, regardless of who was watching. “All right, darling?” he whispered to Gillian.

  Mother nodded and smiled. “I am now.”

  Rebecca smiled only at Jessica. “At last.”

  Mother and Father turned at the sound of her voice, Mother’s hand resting lightly on Father’s arm, and stared at Rebecca, who remained at a distance.

  Jessica’s sister drew near, her expression almost pained, and dipped a shallow curtsey. “Your grace.”

  “Mrs. Warner,” Mother began. “What brings you to our home at this time of year?”

  Rebecca’s smile was a fragile thing that never reached her eyes. “I felt the need to be with my family.”

  Mother nodded. “I see? Well, we are happy to have you back.”

  Rebecca’s nodded. “Thank you.”

  Mother smiled serenely. “Please, won’t you sit down?”

  There was a moment when Rebecca’s chin trembled, but she sank down without another word. Father caught Gillian’s hand in his. “Mrs. Warner wishes to remain with us for the summer.”

  “Lovely,” mother murmured, but Jessica was struck by Father’s odd tone. Rebecca was never at Stapleton for the whole of summer. Usually, she remained in London or flitted about the countryside visiting her friends. By the way Rebecca was twisting her fingers in her lap, Jessica suspected that something was wrong.

  Rebecca had married young and been widowed the same. Granted a generous independence within her settlement, she’d lived mostly in their brother’s townhouse in London—at least until she felt people needed reminding that she was a duke’s daughter.

  “Lord Newfield and Lord James,” the butler announced suddenly.

  Jessica turned to view both men as they swept into the room.

  She inclined her head as greetings were exchanged but stared at Lord James, trying to figure out what he was doing in the countryside—her countryside in particular—without his soon-to-be bride. Lord Newfield and his son were similar in looks. The father rounder, the son thinner. Both had thick, unruly hair in a dull shade of brown. She could easily see how Lord James would age just by looking at his father now.

  Jessica eased toward her sister to whisper, “Rebecca, why did you bring them here?”

  “I did not.” Mrs. Warner closed her eyes briefly. “But stand straight and smile. They are both too important to offend.”

  Jessica was heartily sick of hearing that she had to be agreeable to every stuffy bore who wanted a moment of her father’s time. When Lord Newfield engaged Father in conversation about the latest debate in parliament, and mother and Rebecca began whispering together, Jessica found herself more or less alone in the son’s company.

  Lord James bowed deeply to her. “Lady Jessica! How well you look today.”

  “My lord.”

  She did not like that he would just turn up unannounced and uninvited.

  Lord Newfield returned. “London is not the same without your beauty to brighten up the ballrooms, is it, son?”

  “What rubbish,” she muttered under her breath. Lord James had never noticed her when she’d been in London. He’d had his eye on another woman. She looked directly at him now. “I trust you left Lady Hannah in good health.”

  A flicker of surprise showed in Lord James’ expression. His jaw firmed, and he seemed to almost shake his head. “I expect she is well,” he said softly.

  But maybe not happy? Determined to give Lord James no encouragement, she turned to his father. “Lord Newfield, I heard you were needed in parliament for the debates still.”

  “Indeed I am.” The marquess nodded. “Your sister mentioned the jewel of the family had returned to the country unexpectedly soon, depriving the marriage mart of the finest debutant.”

  Jessica’s stomach turned over at that ridiculous statement. “I see.”

  “My son is not one to give up the hunt so quickly,” Lord Newfield announced.

  It was hard to mistake his meaning. When Lord James said nothing to deny it, she took a tiny step back and planned to make more.

  Lord James smiled in her general direction but his gaze flittered around the room. “It is good to return to Stapleton Manor.”

  “I thought so too.” Until now.

 
He frowned. “I very much enjoyed the Christmas I spent here with you.”

  “With my family. There were a great many others present, too.”

  “Yes, it is indeed good to be here. I should have liked to have met you before the season had begun,” Lord Newfield promised, slapping his son on the shoulder. She heard the air whoosh from Lord James’ lungs as if it were her own. She felt exposed and desperate to escape them.

  Jessica forced herself to stand firm. “Yes, I had thought coming home a good idea too, once,” she repeated. “It is usually so peaceful.”

  Lord James winced.

  However, Lord Newfield beamed, missing her meaning entirely. “We look forward to seeing more of the beauty Stapleton has to offer.”

  Jessica could not say the same anymore. She had hoped she’d left the marriage mart and the fortune hunters behind. But here was Lord James, acting as if Lady Hannah had never existed. She never imagined he would follow her home. Oh, she wished they hadn’t come, that she could turn tail and run into the gardens right now. But appearances mattered, even at home, as did not giving offense to men her father needed the support of in the House of Lords.

  She stood in awkward silence for a moment, and then Lord James asked if she might like to take a walk in the garden together.

  “I’ve spent most of the morning in the gardens,” she informed him quickly. “It’s a busy time of year for the estate.”

  “I’m sure it must be,” he agreed. “So what new sights might I see on this visit?”

  “Everything is different since your last visit. There is no snow to cover up the real beauty of Stapleton.” She smiled suddenly, remembering Gideon’s advice last winter. “But of course, you must have come to study how Stapleton’s famous mushrooms grow in the warmer season.”

  “Mushrooms again?” he muttered under his breath.

  Bless Giddy. The mushroom conversations Jessica had started with her unwanted suitors in London bored almost everyone to tears. Lord James had already suffered through several different conversations about fungus. It was his own fault if he must endure another. “Oh yes, the gentry come from miles around just to learn how they are propagated, so it is not as great a secret as it should be.”