Page 20 of The Lyon and His Promise
Simon threw up his hands. “And you don’t think I’m aware of that now that I’m sober?”
Gyles gave a heavy sigh. “And what did she propose you do inorder to see your debt wiped clean from the Den?”
“Isn’t it obvious?” he fumed before he covered his face with his hands in frustration.
“Everything is becoming crystal clear, but why don’t you tell me?” Gyles said frowning.
Simon put his elbows on his desk and a huge sigh left him. “Find Josephine, forgive her for her past indiscretions, and ensure she is once more accepted back into Society. How the devil am I supposed to get thetonto forgive her if I’ve barely done so myself?”
Gyles leaned forward in his chair. “You’ll never know until you reach out to her. The first step is to see her. The second part will be easier with my backing. Who would turn their noses up at a woman who is being courted by a man who will one day become a duke?”
“You fancy her?” Simon blurted in disbelief.
“Yes.” A simple answer that only caused Simon to shake his head. “I always held an affection for Josephine that to my regret I didn’t follow through on because of our friendship.”
“You made me a vow you would never see Josephine in that light.”
Gyles sat back in his chair. “A promise made as children that shouldn’t hold any weight now that we are adults.”
“You still made me a vow, Wickes. After all these years, you would go back on your word?” Simon snapped.
“I hoped you would see the logic of allowing me to see Josephine and release me from a promise made years ago. It was done as a joke at the time, if you recall. Two young lords who were too full of themselves and were laughing at the world around them. Logically, this would solve both of our problems,” Gyles answered hopefully.
It was Simon’s turn to raise one brow at Gyles. “And what exactly isyourproblem that involves my sister?”
“Just like you, I have a debt to fulfill with Mrs. Dove-Lyon.”
Sarcastic laughter erupted from Simon. “So, we are both in a picklenot of our making or choice. If it wasn’t for the Widow of Whitehall, Josephine could remain hidden living out her life as she sees fit. What a pair we are. You’re no better than I, Wickes.”
Gyles could see for himself this conversation had turned for the worst. In many ways, Simon was correct that Mrs. Dove-Lyon had them both at her mercy. It wasn’t a comfortable position to be in. But the difference was that Gylesdidcare for Josephine. Restoring her reputation was very far from being a hardship for him. He began telling Simon of the mystery woman he had been paired with from the Lyon’s Den and how he had been intrigued with her with only a couple of meetings.
And then there was Vauxhall Gardens. “I had no idea that the woman behind the mask and Josephine were one and the same until I attended the masquerade. Call it a happy coincidence but either way I am pleased that your sister has been found. But tell me, Simon… are you?”
Simon opened and closed his mouth several times. “The situation will be difficult.”
“Yes, it will,” Gyles frankly replied. “But your sister’s reputation can be redeemed with your support.”
“And with yours,” Simon said sitting back in his chair. “Your intentions are honorable where Josephine is concerned?”
Gyles raised one brow. “You have to ask?”
Simon shrugged. “If I am to release you from your promise from years ago, then you’ll need to make me another that you will not take advantage of my sister’s current reputation. I don’t wish to undo any good attempts we are making to restore her back into thetonbecause of any inappropriate behavior on your part.”
“I give you my word,” Gyles said agreeing to another promise with his friend.
“Very well,” Simon replied before continuing. “The Hamptons are having another ball next week. I’ll send word to Josephine that I willhave my carriage pick her up for the event and we shall arrive together. That should begin our efforts to see her off on winning those people over. You can meet us there where you can begin your own courtship of my sister.”
“This will work, Simon,” Gyles said coming to a stand and reaching across the desk for Simon’s hand. The two men shook hands.
“Let’s hope so. I’d hate to lose not only my entire fortune because of my carelessness while in my cups but also my own reputation.”
“Stay away from the Lyon’s Den,” Gyles advised.
“I plan to. See you next week,” Simon stated walking Gyles to the front door.
As Gyles began making his way back to his own house, he couldn’t help the smile that lit his face. This could work if all went according to their plans. He’d send his card to Josephine asking if they could perhaps take a stroll in the park prior to the ball. There was no way he’d be able to wait a whole week to see her again.
Chapter Sixteen
