Page 25 of The Lyon and His Promise
“Would you care to join us?” Josephine asked waving to the two vacant chairs at the table.
“We would love to, wouldn’t we, Mother?” Gyles said pulling out the chair as the duchess took a seat.
Josephine waved her hand toward a servant who quickly brought over additional cups and more cakes. Josephine took the teapot and poured waiting for whatever next would happen on an already interesting afternoon.
“I was just telling the duchess how I procured theater tickets for next week and was hoping you could accompany me,” Gyles stated after taking a sip of his tea. “I was going to send over my card but nowI can ask you in person. Would you care to join me?”
“That would be lovely, Lord Wickes. I haven’t been to the theater is some time,” Josephine said already looking forward to another evening spent in Gyles’s company.
Silence descended the table until the duchess finally spoke her mind. She kept her tone soft so no one at the other tables would be above to detect and overhear their conversation. “My son has told me a little of your unfortunate circumstances, Mrs. Bouchard, but has also counseled me to keep an open mind. It seems to me that in order to restore your good name, you need the backing of several titled women with unquestionable reputations themselves.”
“My brother has forgiven me, Your Grace,” Josephine began until the duchess continued.
“Your brother should be expected to be in your corner, my dear. He is, after all, family. I’m talking about those within Society like me. Generally, people will do just about anything to remain in the good graces of a duchess. If my son is courting you, though, people could say I’m biased to your situation. I do have a friend, however, who I think can help.”
“What do you propose, Your Grace?” Josephine inquired wondering where this was going next.
“I will send a letter to the Duchess of Winshire. You may remember her as the Duchess of Haverford prior to her remarrying. Her Grace has been known to back several ladies who have fallen onto hard times. She’s a generous and gracious woman, giving her time to various charities and other endeavors. With her support, you will find many doors opened to you.”
“I cannot thank you enough, Your Grace,” Josephine replied in gratitude.
“My son has guaranteed me that his intentions are honorable where you are concerned. I have every faith in him… and you… that you shall do all in your power to restore your good name.”
Josephine lifted her eyes to Gyles. She swore she saw all the love one person could hold for another reflected in his gaze. She’d spent so long thinking that her choices had separated them forever, but now she was starting to hope that there might be a happily ever after between them after all.
Chapter Nineteen
Gyles had watchedJosephine’s reaction to the play far more than he watched the performers themselves. Seated in his family’s reserved box on the second floor of the theater, they had an overhead view of the stage. He swore the lady was on the edge of her seat the entire time until the intermission.
“Shall we get something to drink, my lady?” Gyles asked holding out his hand for her to take.
“That would be lovely.” Her gloved fingertips slipped into his palm as though they had always belonged there and tingling sensations went up his arm at their contact. She smiled brightly into his face and they excused themselves from Gyles’s parents.
Once Gyles had procured two glasses of wine, they stood in the vestibule with others who milled around talking. “Are you enjoying the performance?” he asked while her eyes sparkled in delight as if in answer to his question.
“Gyles… It’s been so long since I’ve been to the theater. It’s wonderful,” she exclaimed in excitement. Hearing his given name pass her lips caused his heart to flip inside his chest. “Are you enjoying the play as much as I am?”
He chuckled thinking the play was average but maybe he was just used to attending these sorts of things and had become jaded in his opinion of them. “I am happy that you are happy with the play, my dear. If I am to be honest, I have been enjoying observingyouwatching the play more than the performance itself.”
She lowered her eyes while a serine smile graced her lips. “I’m not sure how to respond to such a statement, my lord. That you’re watching me so intently is a bit embarrassing,” she murmured.
“That I find you more entertaining than the play is a compliment, Josephine,” Gyles replied softly. He took a sip of his wine noticing a becoming blush rush across her cheeks and all he could think about was taking her in his arms.
“You are too kind, my lord.” She finished her wine licking her lips afterwards and this was almost his undoing. Those soft brown eyes rose to meet his own and that just about snapped his control. The house lights began to flicker announcing that the play was about to resume. People began to return to their seats.
Gyles finished his wine and handed their glasses to a passing servant. Placing her hand in the crook of his arm, he scanned the area finding a curtained alcove so they could have a moment of privacy and be hidden from view.
Josephine automatically turned in his arms. A promise lit her face, and he swore his heart melted for this lady at the sight. He didn’t hesitate as he lowered his head pressing his lips to hers. He allowed her to take the lead for he didn’t want to rush her and when she stepped closer, he pulled her into his arms and deepened their kiss.
A low moan of pleasure escaped her, and his tongue began to dance with hers. She tasted like the wine they had been drinking and he wished they were in a more private setting. But perhaps that made their little excursion all the more exciting… a taste of adventure he had been waiting to explore with this particular lady.
He remembered himself before she realized just how aroused hehad become with such a simple kiss. When he stepped back, her look of disappointment was surely matched by his own dismay that they couldn’t continue their exploration of one another. She patted her hair, not that even a strand was out of place, and he held back the curtain, but Josephine stopped short and gasped.
The Duchess of Winshire stood with a look of displeasure written all over her features. “It’s a good thing you came out of there when you did, elsewise I would have needed to interrupt your little…” She let her words trail off while her eyes examined Josephine to see if she had been a willing participant.
Gyles bowed. Josephine curtseyed while they both murmuredYour Grace.
She gave them no time to make any further reply when she continued. “I was going to send word for you both to meet with me next week, but I can see for myself we must expedite such a conversation. You will join me at Winshire House for afternoon tea tomorrow. No excuses.”
