Page 64 of The Lyon Returns
“Lord Wolsey is my father’s brother,” she replied.
“Good man,” the duke said. “Though I thought Grayson told me your family haled from the north.”
“Northumberland, yes. My parents moved there after they married. My mother relished neither the fast-paced city life of London, nor what she called ‘the urbanizing trend’ in Cheshire. She preferred rural life and my father doted on her. When Elliott Hall was advertised for sale, he bought it for her. His profession allowed him the freedom to live wherever he chose, you see.”
At the duke’s inquisitive look, she explained. “My father was an esteemed editor. He also served as a consultant in the rare book trade. In fact, his expertise is what led us to Calcutta. He was commissioned by a collector to authenticate one such book.”
“What was the name of the book?” Lady Ashwood asked, almost before Gwen had finished speaking.
Gwen answered without hesitation. “Shakespeare’sFirst Folio, Your Grace.”
“And was it authentic?” she asked. “I must say, it seems a bit tedious to travel all the way to India on such a task.”
“Sadly, no. As to the rest, my father did not mind the travel aspect of his career.”
“I see. How fortuitous that he received the timely commission that caused you to sail aboard Gideon’s ship in particular. Grayson tells us you were also his…” she paused for no discernible reason, “houseguestfor a time. A convenient arrangement.”
Gwen got the vague sense the duchess alluded to something.
When the duke’s hard gaze fell on his wife, she was certain of it, though she couldn’t for the life of her guess the woman’s inference.
“Indeed. At the conclusion of our voyage, Gideon was kind enough to extend the invitation to my father and me for the duration of our stay. Have you visited his home in Calcutta, Your Grace? It’s quite splendid.”
The duke answered on the duchess’s behalf. “My wife has no interest in visiting the far east. For one thing, she abhors sea travel. Makes her sick. Grayson, too, I’m afraid. He takes after his mother in that regard.”
From the corner of her eye, Gwen noted Grayson’s shoulders hunching markedly.
Gideon shifted, flicking a brief glance toward his brother. “True, making it all the more impressive that he’s an accomplished sailor. We took lessons together as lads,” he added for Gwen’s benefit. “Capsizedmore than our fair share, of course. As I recall, Grayson swam circles around me.”
The duke nodded. “Took to water like a fish,” he agreed, shooting Grayson a lopsided grin.
Grayson’s shoulders relaxed. He sent Gideon a grateful look when their father’s attentions shifted away from him. Gideon appeared not to notice. Gwen was not fooled and she was more than a little moved.
Just as when they were boys, Gideon defended his younger brother to their father. No wonder Grayson adored Gideon. Apparently, the feeling was mutual.
The duke continued speaking. “I have had the opportunity to pay an extended visit, and I quite agree with your summation. No surprise, there. Gideon does nothing in half measure. Speaking of which, I’m sure he pulled out all the stops when he proposed.” His expectant glance shifted between Gwen and Gideon.
Gwen hoped her frozen expression did not give her away. They had never discussed the manner of their so-called engagement.
Gideon wrapped one arm lightly around her shoulders. “He is teasing you, my dear. He knows I am not one given to spectacle.” Addressing his father, he added, “The betrothal and wedding all happened rather quickly. One moment we were two strangers, meeting for the first time, the next we were wed.” He gazed down at her, his eyes brilliant with mischief. “The day Gwen agreed to become my wife was undoubtedly the luckiest of my life to date.”
A commiserate smile curved her mouth as amusement and relief and an intoxicating sense of knowing and being known flooded her.
After several seconds, Gideon’s smile faded. His gaze drifted over her face, lingered at her lips, and her heart fluttered like a bird’s wings before taking flight.
A moment later, he removed his arm from around her shoulders and took a long sip of champagne.
The duke, wearing a broad, happy smile eyed her. “Gwen—you donot mind if I call you by your Christian name?”
“Of course not, Your Grace.”
“Bah, let us conclude with thisYour Gracebusiness. We are family. Now then, Gwen, rumor has it you are in process of purchasing a publishing house, which now begins to make some semblance of sense.”
“Indeed, my lord, my purchase of Bell & Company is imminent. The contract negotiation has proven somewhat tedious, but I believe the stakeholders and I have finally reached an agreement.”
Lord Ashwood’s graying brows furrowed. “These stakeholders know you are married to my son?”
“They do,” she admitted.
