Page 8 of The Lyon and His Promise
“Lord Wickes,” the lady said in a smooth tone, “it’s always a pleasure to see you here.”
Gyles gave the woman a bow. “Mrs. Dove-Lyon…a pleasure, to be sure.”
She took hold of his arm and began leading him in the direction of her office. “Let’s have a chat, just you and I,” she urged and Gyles could only begin to worry how he was ever going to get himself out of whatever the lady had planned for his future.
Chapter Six
Josephine could barelybreathe as she raced from the balcony overlooking the men’s gambling room and made a mad dash for the nearest chair. Cassandra followed her, frantic with worry. Josephine pulled off her mask, no longer caring who might see her, and Cassandra did the same.
“Whatever is the matter, my dear?” Cassandra asked pulling a chair next to Josephine’s. A strained look appeared on her features as Josephine continued to gasp for breath.
“Nothing,” she managed to choke out before a glass of what appeared to be sherry was placed in her fingers.
Cassandra tsk-tsked over her. “If you honestly believe that this is nothing, then you are obviously lying not only to me but yourself. Honestly, Josie, you look like you’ve seen a ghost.”
Josephine gulped trying to take a deep breath of air. She turned her tormented brown eyes back toward the gallery archway. “Oh, Cassie, I have,” she finally whispered. She placed the glass on a nearby table and clasped her shaking hands together to place them in her lap.
“It can’t be that bad,” Cassandra declared with a quick glance to the open doorway. “Whom did you see?”
Josephine’s head fell backwards onto the top edge of her chair. “My past…”
“Come now… don’t appear so distraught. You certainly can’t afford to make a scene.”
She raised her head. “What difference does it make?” she gasped. “It’s not as though anyone would recognize me if I donned this mask again. Wasn’t that the whole point of wearing the disguise?”
Cassandra took her hand. “Yes, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be appearing like we’re having anything less than a good time. We need to remember our purpose of being here and that’s to find you a husband with Mrs. Dove-Lyon’s help. We wouldn’t want to offend her by appearing not to enjoy her hospitality.”
Josephine raised her tormented eyes to her friend. “Maybe this was all a mistake. Is there any way Mrs. Dove-Lyon might return your money?”
“This is the Lyon’s Den, Josie. When I made the transaction with Mrs. Dove-Lyon, I understood that it was final. No refunds are going to be forthcoming, I’m afraid.” Cassandra gave her a sad sort of smile before she continued. “This isn’t your normal gambling establishment where standard rules of games and behavior might apply.”
“Given that I just witnessed a man becoming ill downstairs, I already knew that there was nothingnormalabout this establishment.”
Cassandra’s eyes swept the room and none of the ladies nearby were paying the least bit of attention to them. “Who was he?” she finally whispered.
Josephine waved her fan in front of her face. The room had become stifling, and she wasn’t sure how much longer she would be able to stay here. She needed fresh air. “Gyles Hawley, Marquis of Wickes.” Just whispering his name caused all sorts of foolish memories to rear their ugly heads.
“Isn’t that your—”
“Yes,” she choked out and then leaned forward. “The marquis wasmy brother’s best friend and grew up on the neighboring estate. He just also happens to be the man I was hopelessly in love with.”
“Oh, no!”
“Oh, yes!” Josephine closed her eyes taking a deep breath trying to fill her lungs and calm her frayed nerves.
She was shattered inside almost as though she could feel all the hurt that had overwhelmed her all those years ago. The pain became just as fresh as the day it happened. Her broken heart when Gyles refused to see the possibilities that could form between them had caused her to lash out in what she thought might gain her what she wanted. Gyles racing after her. It didn’t work and only gained her a husband who was penniless, and her reputation left in tatters. She swore she had been running from the memories ever since.
“Josephine…” Cassandra said quietly reaching over and taking her hand.
She opened her eyes again to stare at her friend. “I’ll be alright, but perhaps we can leave and return tomorrow?” Josephine suggested knowing she had nothing to give to the evening now.
“Yes, of course. Let me have my coach brought around. I’ll meet you out front in a few minutes if you think you’ll be alright until I rejoin you. I just have to say good night to another acquaintance.” Cassandra put her mask back on, stood, and then left.
After waiting what Josephine hoped was enough time, she also replaced the mask upon her face. She went to fetch her cloak, nodded to the lady bouncers who held open the door, and began making her way down the alleyway to the front of the Lyon’s Den. She could make out Cassandra’s carriage and with each step she took, Josephine felt as though she could finally breathe a little easier. That was, until she left the security of the light blue building.
“Wickes!” A male voice called out from the gentleman’s entrance. “Come back inside for another game.”
Josephine’s eyes lingered on the man who had been about to stepinto his own carriage waiting in front of Cassandra’s. He laughed, and the sound caused Josephine’s heart to beat a rapid staccato inside her chest.
