Page 34 of Tempted By the English Marquis
“I would be most grateful if you could keep this delicate situation private. At least for the time being. If things do not go well with my mother, I may need to find suitable accommodations for myself and my sister within the city.”
“Of course. I can also send you a list of the scheduled departure dates for de Luca ships heading to England in the next month. I hope it won’t come to it, but if you need my help for you and Lady Augusta to leave at short notice, you have it.”
Gideon was on tenterhooks. Every word or action over the next hour, the next day could well determine the final outcome of his mission. He had a duty to fulfil, a family legacy to protect.
The coach came to a halt. Nico leaned over and gave him a pat on the arm. “My only other piece of advice—and this comes from being a husband—put aside your anger and disappointment. Try listening to what your mother has to say. She must have her reasons for still being here in Rome.”
“And what if I don’t like her reasons? What then?”
Nico sighed. “You might just have to find a way to accept them.”
ChapterSeventeen
Word was sent to the Duchess of Mowbray informing her of her son’s arrival, but after waiting an hour for a response, Gideon was forced to accept she wasn’t going to come rushing to his door and welcome him with open arms. There was a definite message of war having been declared in her stony silence.
After searching through his travel trunk, Gideon found his cleanest suit and dressed for supper. Nico’s valet cut Gideon’s hair and gave him the closest, neatest shave Gideon had ever had. When it came to personal grooming, the valet was a genius. He was also a bit of a fashion critic.
The soft ‘tut, tut’ over the way Gideon’s clothes fit him—or rather, didn’t—filled the quiet of the room. Unfortunately, the valet didn’t speak a word of English and Gideon’s Italian was nowhere near good enough for him to be able to explain that he had spent weeks at sea being ill. His attempt at a short game of charades only served to have the man muttering under his breath.
“I have no idea what you just said, but I get the meaning,” said Gideon.
His work done, the valet left the room. A short time later, Nico appeared at the door. “Are you ready to join the de Luca family for Easter supper?” His gaze roamed over Gideon’s face. “I must say you look a lot better than you did this morning, Lord Holwell. I see my man worked his magic on you.”
Gideon ran his hand over his smooth chin. “He has a talent with a blade, Don de Luca. Though I don’t think he holds much of an opinion of my manner of dress.”
Nico raised an eyebrow. “Yes, Carmelo did make mention of the poorly dressed Englishman. Most of my clothes are made here in Rome, but I do have some suits from James Poole in London. He is not that well known but he cuts the cloth most beautifully. I think Carmelo was genuinely surprised to find that a marquis wouldn’t have a good tailor. In Italy, a man is judged by the quality of his dress.”
“I did try and explain my situation to him, but I think I failed. I hope you set your man right on the reasons for me looking like I am wearing a dead man’s clothes.”
Nico patted him on the back. “Come and eat. We de Luca’s never let anyone go hungry. A week in my father’s house and I promise you will fit your old clothes again.”
* * *
When the arrival of the Duchess of Mowbray was announced by a footman, Gideon rose from his chair. He’d had six weeks to practice greeting his mother, but as her approaching footsteps grew louder, he became anxious.
How would she react to the sight of her son? Would she be happy to see him or fly into a fit of rage, and demand that he left Rome immediately? One could never quite tell with Lady Anne.
Movement in the formal dining room followed the announcement of the duchess’s impending arrival. From her seat close to the head of the table, Donna Francesca nodded at her maid. The woman made a hasty exit from the room.
The duchess’s footsteps stilled. Gideon, who had been seated near the door, caught the hurried exchange which occurred just outside in the passage.
“Your Grace, Lord Holwell has joined the family for supper.”
“Has he now?”
“Your son, the Marquis of Holwell, is here. He arrived an hour ago with Count Nico.”
“Yes, I had been made aware of his arrival, thank you. Not that it concerns me.”
Gideon picked up his wineglass, and took a slow, considered slip. His heart was thumping hard in his chest.
He winced at the loud huff of indignation that came from his mother as she swept into the room. She completely ignored Gideon.
An embarrassed Gideon gave a sideways glance at his host. To his relief, the Duke of Lazio didn’t appear the least bit fazed by the duchess’s behavior.
Of course, he isn’t. Mama has been living under his roof for months now. I expect hisexcellency is already well used to her temper.
It still made for an uncomfortable moment. His mother might not think there was anything wrong with her public shows of indignation, but Gideon had always found them deeply embarrassing. One left one’s bad behavior at home. Or in this case, in one’s own country.
