Page 30 of The Lyon and His Promise
The duchess peered from Josephine to Gyles until her gaze returned to Josephine. “I find myself in a bit of a dilemma where you are concerned, Mrs. Bouchard. On one hand, I gave my word to the Duchess of Davenport that I would help you return to Society, but other prying eyes apparently saw your little indiscretion if that horridTeatime Tattleris to be believed. Since I myself was witness to the… tryst… others will clearly believe their words to be true.”
Gyles cleared his throat. “I take full responsibility, Your Grace.”
One of the duchess’s brows rose. “Yes… well… your reputation is not in question, is it Lord Wickes? If anything, you will only become more popular among your male peers for having made another conquest.”
Josephine had been in the process of picking up her cup and it rattled in her saucer as she set it back down. Her fingers trembled in her lap. “That is hardly fair,” she cried out.
The duchess took a sip of her tea. “Life never is where women are concerned. We tend to get the short end of the stick which is why I do my best to help those of us who are less fortunate or have fallen onto hard times.”
“You are too kind, Your Grace,” Josephine said wondering if the lady across from her would still offer her help.
“That is why I will still honor my word to Lord Wickes’s mother and continue my support. I must warn you, however, that I will notallow you to continue to put yourself into awkward situations where your good name is in question. Is this understood?” the duchess asked with a warning frown.
“Yes, Your Grace,” Josephine murmured.
The duchess turned her attention to Gyles. “And what of you, Lord Wickes? Will you do your part to play the perfect gentleman? No more little excursions behind curtains to ruin this lady’s name?”
“I will be on my best behavior, Your Grace,” Gyles stated turning his eyes to Josephine and giving her a smile of encouragement.
“Then let us begin with my plans to reintroduce you properly back into Society, Mrs. Bouchard. It won’t be easy after this morning’s gossip but I think we can still pull this off. Now, let me tell you how we shall begin.”
After they had reassured the duchess of their intent to be at their very best, she began to outline all she had planned for Josephine. Work on her charities, visiting the local hospitals, attending a ball the duchess had planned, and so many more events and excursions Josephine didn’t know how she would have any time alone with Gyles once this all began.
The duchess had thought of everything including having her secretary give Josephine a list of all they had discussed. The weeks to come would be filled to the brim with activities. Josephine was humbly grateful for all the duchess had planned. And while it would be hard on her not to have any free time to spend with Gyles, she had to admit that the busy schedule would ensure that she wouldn’t be able to get into any more trouble. Still, she already missed his kisses and could only wonder when she might experience them once again.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Gyles stood inthe receiving line at the entrance of his parents’ townhouse as they greeted their guests. His mother had planned this ball after much discussion with the Duchess of Winshire. Tonight was to be the final push to see Josephine completely restored to Society. She had become a huge success with the duchess’s backing and now this was to be the crowning achievement… acceptance by the Duke and Duchess of Davenport. He would have to remember to thank his parents, his mother in particular, for all their efforts on Gyles and Josephine’s behalf.
The weeks of being the perfect gentleman had nearly done him in, especially after having had the pleasure of making love to the lady who had complete control of his heart. Seemingly endless weeks of escorting her to events under the close eye of not only her companion but also everyone they came in contact with. Simon had spared no expense to ensure Josephine was well dressed and adorned in the latest fashions. The Duchess of Winshire had been true to her word and done all within her power to ensure Josephine was welcomed back into Society. In fact, she had become like a second mother to Josephine, treating her much like the others whom the duchess had takenunder her wing over the years.
Charity events, picnics, balls, the theater… weeks of keeping his hands off the lovely lady when all he wanted to do was whisk her away and make love to her until the new day dawned. But he had kept his word not only to himself and Simon, but Josephine and the duchess as well. He had been so saint-like he swore he must surely have earned his wings for when he would one day stand before those pearly gates in heaven.
“Stop fidgeting, son. She’ll be here soon enough,” his father said, leaning over to whisper in his ear before he greeted the next guest to arrive.
Another long procession of guests forced him to keep a smile plastered on his face until he looked past the heads of those waiting in line and finally saw her. Her pelisse was taken by a servant and as she made her way to the back of the line, their eyes met and held. A genuine smile crept over his lips as he envisioned kissing Josephine until a blush rushed across her cheeks.
Her silk blue gown complemented her complexion, and matching sapphires hung from her neck, ears, and at one wrist. Even her perfectly coiffed hair had gems twinkling in the candlelight of the foyer. She had never looked more beautiful and he was reminded of when he first saw her face at Vauxhall Gardens.
And when she finally stood before him, he lost his breath. If there was ever a time when he wanted to declare his love to the whole world, that moment was now. He bowed over her hand wishing he could kiss her skin instead of the air between his mouth and her glove. But protocol must be maintained and he wouldn’t ruin everything they had gone through before by one careless act on his part now.
Simon shook his hand and before he could mutter even a single word to the lady, she was gone and her name was announced to the crowd waiting in the next room.
His close friends arrived shortly thereafter. Lucius came aloneleaving Gyles to wonder if his parents had decided not to attend even though they were invited. But Asher quickly came through the door and came to stand by Lucius in the receiving line. The Marquis and Marchioness of Saxton followed behind the men and Gyles was just about to excuse himself when a voice from the entryway caused him to inwardly curse as the lady began making a scene.
“Lord Wickes!” Lady Juliet’s voice bellowed overly loud drawing the attention of several people. “I’m finally here.” She began waving her hand as though she was about to take flight until she came to stand directly before him even going so far as to not show the custom courtesy of addressing his father who stood before Gyles in their line.
Gyles gave a short bow while his father peered over at the woman. His mother attempted to hide her shock as she finished her short conversation with the Marchioness of Saxton.
“My lady,” Gyles finally said as he found his voice. “Welcome to my parents’ home.”
“You are just too kind, Lord Wickes,” Lady Juliet murmured. “I pray you’ll save me several dances this evening.”
“The customary number as usual, Lady Juliet,” Gyles replied with a curt tone until Juliet curtsied before his mother and moved on.
“Good heavens,” his mother said softly. “I thought she had better manners than that.”
Since the line of guests had disappeared, Gyles turned to his mother. “She’s miffed I haven’t been spending more time with her of late. She sees a title slipping through her fingers. Nothing more. Think no more of her, Mother.”
