Page 126 of The Lyon Returns
“As you are already prepared for bed and look so wonderfully sated, you may as well stay here, with me—if you have no objection?”
He waited, not blinking. She would swear something lurked in his eyes—uncertainty?—but the light was by now too far diminished for her to be sure. Could it be that he struggled with worries of his own, similar to hers?
A slow, hope-filled smile spread over her face. She shook her head. “No objection.”
Chapter Thirty-Five
“Everything looks perfect,”Gwen enthused, glancing ’round Margaret’s bookshop one final time prior to the doors opening to allow customers to enter for the big event.
Light spilled in through skylights and large windows and glowed from spermaceti candles and crystal chandeliers over gleaming wood floors and floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, the same that comprised Margaret’s shop on any given day. Now, however, festive pink streamers and paper lanterns hung from the high ceiling, while two large, banquet-style tables took center stage in the fashionable shop.
On one, beautiful, fragrant bouquets bracketed neat stacks of Georgina’s, or ratherGT Arlington’s autographed booklets titled,A Desperate Design. On the other sat enticing tiered platters of small cakes frosted in pastel blue, cream, and pink, and scores of dripping, ice-cold glasses of lemonade.
Two large displays had also been erected, each featuring Georgina’s previously published works—all autographed. That had been Margaret’s brilliant idea.
Standing on either side of her, Margaret and Lady Harriet beamed like proud parents.
“I can’t believe we pulled everything together, and in such a short amount of time,” Margaret said. “The bookshop has never hosted such a grand event, and frankly, I would have had no notion where to begin without your guidance.”
“I must say, it was very kind of Mr. Devereux to supply the labor necessary to accomplish our undertaking. Showing up as he did last evening, several footmen in tow, to see the streamers and lanterns hung, the tables laid out and booklets uncrated, he quite impressed me.”
“Yes, very kind.” Gwen smiled to herself. Gideon had delivered the requested footmen and then refused to leave. As long as Gwen meant to stay and supervise, he’d said, he would remain, and may as well make himself useful.
The sight of him, shirtsleeves rolled up to reveal hair-dusted, thick forearms, while he climbed ladders, stretched his long, lean, body lengthwise to hang this decoration or that, and wrenched open crates, had quite captivated Gwen, leaving her tongue-tied and hard pressed to hide the fact from anyone who happened to look her way. Gideon’s knowing looks said he had noted her flustered state, as well.
But then he always seemed aware of his dizzying effect on her senses.
From the start, he had caused her limbs to go watery, her heart to race, and her insides to simmer, with no effort beyond simply entering her vicinity. She would have thought his effect would lessen over time as she became inured to him. In fact, the exact opposite was true. It was as if he’d tapped a wellspring of passion from her inner most being that gave no sign of diminishing.
To Gwen’s right, Lady Amelia appeared on the top step of one of two spiral staircases, each on opposite sides of sides of the shop, which led to the second floor. “It’s nearly time. Georgie and I see scores of ladies, and more than a few men, lined up already. You’re a genius, Gwen.” She glided down the stairs, a jaunty grin on her beautiful face. “Those foolish stakeholders have no notion with whom they are tangling.”
Georgina followed close on Amelia’s heels. “I still cannot fathom why they should wish to cause you trouble, considering that they must refund your money if your endeavor fails. It makes no sense. If they didn’t wish to sell you the publishing house, they could have simply declined your offer.”
Gwen wondered the very same thing. She had yet to come up with a viable answer.
Charlotte peeked over the railing of the staircase to Gwen’s left. “Coming down,” she announced. “I do so love this section of your bookshop, Margaret. It always gives me a little thrill to know my enthusiasm for the books and pamphlets housed here led to my invitation to join the Ladies’ Literary Society of London.”
Harriet had once explained to Gwen how perusing that particular section of shop which housed thought-provoking, forward thinking works and romantic novels had been the impetus behind each of the members’ inclusion into their club, with the exception of Harriet and Margaret, the literary society’s founders, and Gwen, of course. She had been nominated for membership by Georgina after she’d fought for, and achieved, Georgina’s first publishing contract. She had been voted in by unanimous assent.
“It’s time,” Margaret announced. She and Gwen bustled into their respective places behind the table of booklets.
Georgina and Charlotte each took up a place at the book displays showcasing Georgina’s novels.
Harriet and Amelia moved to unlock and open the doors and usher the waiting patrons inside.
Nancy and her husband, Mr. Floyd, were the first to enter. Behind them, a seemingly endless line of shoppers streamed in.
Two hours passed in a flash. Shoppers availed themselves of cakes and lemonade as they raved about GT Arlington’s romantic novels,lapped up copies of the signed, exclusive booklet, and purchased Georgina’s previously published books—even if they already possessed them—thanks to the author having signed these.
Gwen was having the time of her life.
And then Gideon walked through the doors. She saw him immediately, of course, perhaps because he stood head and shoulders above most everyone else. But then, he also had an undeniable presence she could practically sense with her eyes closed. Evidently, she was not alone.
As he passed through the throng of shoppers, the crowd parted. Women of all ages gawked at his tall, lean, form, their conversations lagging as their gazes slid over his wavy, sun-kissed hair and burnished skin, set off as it was against the bright white of his shirt and cravat.
Many sighed. Gwen almost felt sorry for them. Ofcoursethey marveled at his elemental magnetism. How could they not? He was magnificent.
He moved directly to where she stood, his gait graceful and relaxed, his intense gaze locked on her and her alone.
