Page 38 of Tempted By the English Marquis
You are not even attempting to be subtle about this, are you?
He was tempted to pick up his wineglass and go to his mother, but knowing the duchess as he did, she would view this as an open challenge. And when it came to vanquishing all those who sought to question her status, the Duchess of Mowbray was without equal. Gideon doubted that even the stony-faced Donna Francesca would be able to beat Lady Anne in a social knockdown.
Not that I wouldn’t pay good money to see one.
Gideon went back to his food. The hot dish was not only a welcome change from the heavily salted meals he had endured while at sea, but it was also delicious.
“What do the Italians call this dish? I have never tasted anything like it. The lamb is so tender I barely have to chew it,” he said.
“We call it abbacchio alla romano. It’s a traditional festive dish for Easter Sunday. The lamb is marinated in various herbs, white wine, and a fish sauce made from fermented anchovies. I must confess, the first time I tried it I was a little apprehensive, but I find it to be the perfect balance of slightly sweet meat contrasted with the sharp, salty taste of the anchovies,” replied Isabelle.
Now he understood why the dish had a bite to it. The roasted potatoes were the right foil for the sauce. He had eaten plenty of potatoes and meat in his life, but this food was nothing like Gideon had ever had back home.
“How do you find living in Rome? I mean, it’s a long way from England. From home. Don’t you miss your family?” asked Gideon.
The contessa sat back in her chair, resting her hand on her pregnant belly. “This is my home; I am a Roman now. My family is here. My husband, my son, and this unborn child. The rest of the de Luca family are also my relations. We are all blood, whether by birth or marriage.”
Gideon took in the dark-haired young woman. She was beautiful and had an enchanting way about her. He could understand why Nico had claimed her. But to move so far away from one’s homeland and start a new life was something he couldn’t honestly comprehend.
The sort of love that would embolden anyone to make that choice had to be powerful. It had to be able to withstand the pressures and challenges that surely came with undertaking such a momentous life change. Giving up your home. Leaving your country.
I don’t know if I could do that. Nor would I be able to ask it of the woman I loved.
She would have to make that choice freely on her own, and she would have to have made it long before the subject of where she was going to live became a matter for discussion.
“You are a brave woman, Isabelle.”
The contessa grinned at him. “Love makes you take all sorts of risks. But I must confess it took some effort on Nico’s part to convince me to give him a chance. I was a widow when we met. My first husband left me in a precarious state of penury when he died. That experience makes a woman cautious about giving her heart over to another man.” Her gaze shifted from Gideon and settled on her husband. “He has never once given me a single moment of regret.”
Gideon swallowed a lump of emotion. The love shining on Isabelle’s face was a sight to behold. It left him humbled. And more than a little envious. If he could find someone who cared for him like Isabelle so clearly cared for Nico, he would be a man truly blessed.
“And what about you, Lord Holwell? Is there a young lady patiently waiting in London for your return? I’m surprised that since you are the future Duke of Mowbray, you aren’t already married. Or am I being impertinent in asking?”
He spotted the blush on her cheeks. He could sense that Isabelle wasn’t used to being daring. A chuckle escaped his lips. “No, you are fine. It’s just that I haven’t met anyone who I think would suit me.”
What he really meant was that he was yet to find a young lady who stirred his heart. A woman who possessed that unique quality which would make him want to spend the rest of his life with her. His parents’ marriage might have faltered, but it had always been full of passion. Gideon could admit to being envious of the look his father gave Lady Anne whenever he thought people were not looking.
That heated gaze was a powerful combination of both longing and lust. He would give anything to see that look in his father’s eyes once more. To see the duke and duchess reunited.
Isabelle remained silent. He sensed she was waiting for more. His flippant one-sentence response to her question was clearly not enough for the contessa.
“I mean, I have met many lovely girls, but as you said, it’s finding that one person for whom you are prepared to risk it all that is the challenge. Perhaps I should look for a wife while I am here in Rome.”
He had meant it to be something light to close out the conversation. But when Isabelle’s fingers gripped his arm, Gideon froze.
The contessa leaned in and lowered her voice. Her words were meant only for him. “You do know that Rome is the center of the Catholic world. You might well be a marquis, but few families would allow their daughters to move all the way to England, let alone marry outside the faith. I would caution you not to say such things to anyone else while you are here. Not unless you are prepared to fight to the death for your love.” Isabelle shifted in her seat and loosened her hold on Gideon.
“I’m sorry; I didn’t mean to cause insult. You may trust I won’t raise that topic again while I am here,” he said. He had enough to deal with; he didn’t need to add ‘offending his host’ to his pile of responsibilities.
“Good. Now let us talk about the more important matters of life, Lord Holwell. What are you most keen to see while you are in Rome, and has anyone yet offered to take you to visit the Colosseum?”
ChapterTwenty
It was late or, according to Gideon’s pocket watch, it was very early Monday morning. The Duchess of Mowbray was showing no indication of leaving the supper table anytime soon. She was toying with him, delaying the moment when she would have to speak to her son.
Their reunion would happen soon enough, so a tired Gideon decided he wouldn’t make a scene at the table in front of the others. After getting some welcome sleep, he would seek out his mother in the morning.
The long sea voyage and the coach journey to Rome had finally caught up with him. He made his excuses and, after bidding his hosts a respectful good evening, he left the gathering.
