Page 31 of The Heir's Fortune
She had always held such a grudge against Gideon, but she had been able to see things partially from his side when he had explained what had happened with Cassandra. Not only that, buthe had seemed contrite and appeared to be doing what he could to make it right.
Madeline had also always assumed that he was trying to control everyone around him – but perhaps he was just trying to keep them safe.
“Yes, I was surprised,” she said, answering Cassandra’s question. “He never quite seemed the savior type to me.”
“I can see why you might think that,” Cassandra said. “But that is exactly who he is, just in his own way. He is trying to save our family with this treasure hunt. When he sent me away, he was only doing what he thought was best at the time, even if he was wrong. And he would hear no other option but to go after you himself, for he had to ensure that you were safe.”
Madeline swallowed as her opinion of him grew evermore. This was not what she needed to hear. Not if she was trying to keep herself away from him.
There was no question about it. She was going to have to determine if he felt anything for her, or if he had been caught up in the moment.
The idea that there could be something between them caused a spark of excitement to ignite within her chest – a spark that she hadn’t felt in some time, and certainly hadn’t expected when it came to Gideon Sutcliffe.
“Why are you smiling like that?”
“Pardon me?” Madeline asked, her gaze whipping over to her friend.
“You look as though you are particularly… pleased about something. Or perhaps excited.”
“I’m just happy to be back,” Madeline said. “Actually, I am rather tired. If you don’t mind?—”
“Of course!” Cassandra said, standing immediately. “I am so sorry. I only wanted to make sure you were well. When I asked you to Castleton, I never considered that there would beany danger, though I should have after all that has previously occurred. If I hadn’t?—”
“Cassandra,” Madeline said firmly. “You are as bad as your brother. This is no one’s fault but the men who took me. Now, all will be well. I just need to bathe and sleep and then I will come down and eat a hearty dinner and all will be right in the world.”
“Very well,” Cassandra said. “If you need anything?—”
“I will let you know. Of course.”
Madeline closed her eyes and shook her head fondly as Cassandra retreated out the door. She knew that her friend would forever blame herself for what happened. If only she could understand that Madeline would do anything to keep her safe – her and her family.
There seemed to be a lot of protecting going on around here.
But she supposed that was what happened when you cared for someone.
Madeline tried to deny that she was dressing with extra care that evening. She had all the same clothing that she had before. But now when she donned her favorite navy gown, she added an extra bit of jewellery with a locket that had been her mother’s and she was more particular with her hair. Her poor maid had to refasten some of her pins three times over until Madeline was pleased with the results.
Perhaps it was because of Gideon, although why he would see her any differently than he had before now, she had no idea. He didn’t seem particularly affected by their time together, and she had been the forward one – she had likely been far too much for him, as was usually the case with most men she met.
Cassandra’s husband, Lord Covington, greeted her with an enthusiastic welcome before the four of them sat down to dinner, the duke and duchess declining to join them that evening.
“As much as I enjoy Mother and Father’s company, I am glad that we are alone tonight so that we can discuss what happened,” Gideon said. He was looking particularly fine tonight himself, with his dark jacket and waistcoat that Madeline mightily approved of. He would cut a dashing figure as the hero in one of her gothic novels – not the happy ones her friends enjoyed, but the dark, broody ones she preferred. “The men who took Madeline were Spanish, and she heard them mentionDonRafael. I have sent a letter to determine whether or not he is still in custody. While we may have taken the men’s horses, they are still free and could be a threat once more. We must be ready.”
Cassandra and Devon exchanged a look.
“Well,” Cassandra said slowly, “it is a good thing that help is on the way.”
“What does that mean?” Gideon asked, instantly wary.
“When Madeline went missing, I might have written to our friends to tell them what happened and to ask for their help,” Cassandra said, cringing slightly.
“Cassandra,” Gideon said, rubbing his forehead. “Why would you do that? We are already trying to keep you and Madeline safe, and now there will be more women?—”
“Who are all very self-sufficient,” Madeline cut in, unable to help herself. “Besides, the extra gentlemen will be of help, will they not?”
Gideon sighed, his long fingers stroking his glass of port.
“I suppose you are right.”
