Page 5 of The Lyon and His Promise
“—I never told you I cared for her inthatway,” Gyles confessed leaning forward even though his words were a lie.
Simon held up his hand. “You may not have voiced your thoughts aloud, but I could see for myself what was happening whether you admit it or not. Josephine had been in love with you for years although I squashed her thoughts more times than I could count telling her you thought of her as a sister. I figured she was young and would get over her infatuation with you. Knowing your sense of honor and our friendship, I knew you would have never taken your relationship further. Not after your promise.”
“And I kept that promise,” Gyles said, swiping his hand to wipe the back of his neck. Was it suddenly getting overly hot in this room?
“I know. I’m sorry for my harsh words four years ago. I’d say you were right all along, but you probably already realized that, haven’t you?” Simon said quietly, regret showing in his features.
“Where is she now?” Gyles couldn’t help but ask.
“Widowed for certain. But there’s a problem I’ve encountered. I’ve had private investigators looking for her and after a brief… liaison… as Adrian de Courtenay’s mistress, Josephine has just plain vanished. I’m not certain where to turn next and need your help. You have more resources being a duke’s son than I will ever have,” Simon pleaded before setting down his glass and placing his head in his hands in defeat. “How will I ever find her to bring her home?”
“Hopefully you can make it up to her, that is, if she truly wishes to be found. Send over whatever information you have on her, and I’ll ask my own team to see what they can find,” Gyles said as he stood.
The two men clasped hands and Gyles could only hope that they would be able to locate Josephine and bring her back home where she belonged. Simon would have a lot of groveling to do at her feet in order to make everything right.
Until then, he had his own dilemma to deal with. When he returned to the ballroom, it was as though Lady Juliet was waiting for him like a spider who had spotted her prey. She swooped down upon his once again as if they had formed some sort of agreement between them. She was clearly chasing after him hoping he would offer a proposal of marriage. The rest of the evening was a complete blur as he did his best to put as much space between them as possible. He danced with her only once despite her pouting and still she continued to pursue him. It was going to be a very long evening.
Chapter Four
Josephine listened withhalf an ear while Cassandra happily chatted away on what to expect once they entered the Lyon’s Den located on the west side of London on Cleveland Row. Mrs. Bessie Dove-Lyon’s gambling establishment was well known within theton. Known as the Black Widow of Whitehall, her clients were wealthy gentlemen and ladies who could afford to lose if Lady Luck wasn’t on their side. The men had their own floor and were kept separate from the ladies. This didn’t stop the women from going to a balcony where they could watch the men place their bets. Only the best wine and food was served at the Lyon’s Den making the place well frequented by those who chose to partake of what Mrs. Dove-Lyon offered… all for a price.
“The bouncers are all retired military,” Cassandra continued to prattle on, “and the male dealers prefer the company of men.”
“All of them?” Josephine asked as she now began to pay attention so she would be aware of what she was about to walk in to.
“There are two women bouncers at the ladies’ entrance to the Den along with a woman dealer. Her name is Oberon.”
“A woman dealer?”
Cassandra laughed. “Yes! Can you imagine it? She wears a mask, but I’ve heard she’s quite lovely beneath it.”
“She doesn’t worry she might get… accosted by one of the gentlemen gamblers?” Josephine inquired with wide eyes at the thought of being surrounded in a room full of men. She supposed this was her own apprehension that would make her nervous.
“Good heavens, no,” Cassandra exclaimed. “Mrs. Dove-Lyon runs a tight ship. If one of her clients even made the slightest attempt to even touch the woman, they would be thrown from the place and barred from ever returning.”
“Then there’s no reason to worry one of the men might make their way to the women’s floor?”
“None whatsoever. Or at least there never has been a problem that I’m aware of. Bouncers are at the stairs and entryways to the Den. They keep everyone separate.”
“That’s a weight off my mind,” Josephine said and breathed a sigh of relief. She still had nervous knots in her stomach about this whole absurd idea of Cassandra’s.
“The evening should be delightful. Enjoy it.”
“Is there anything else I should know before we meet Mrs. Dove-Lyon?”
“I think I’ve told you most of the details of her matchmaking business.”
“I don’t know how I’ll ever be able to repay you whatever fees she charged you to find me a husband,” Josephine replied in concern.
“Nonsense! As with Moriah, this is money well spent. I don’t want you to worry about paying me back. Think of it as a gift. One friend to another.”
“I’m sure the cost set you back. It’s beyond generous.”
“The amount spent doesn’t matter in the least to me. I’m more concerned about my friends being happy and returning to Society again,” Cassandra answered. She reached across the seat and handedJosephine a box. “Here. I thought you might like to keep your identity a secret while Mrs. Dove-Lyon vets out the perfect man for you.”
Josephine opened the box, and two black masks that would cover the upper half of their faces were inside. She took one out and Cassandra reached for the other. “Is it normal to wear a mask at the Lyon’s Den?”
“Some men and women wear them while others don’t. They even change their names which you are also free to do if you so choose. Why, even all the people who work for Mrs. Dove-Lyon are called names from her favorite play,A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”
