Page 46 of Tempted By the English Marquis
“In the next few weeks. The betrothal ceremony is to be held shortly. Once that is over, the wedding will follow soon after.”
“And Serafina is happy to go through with it? I mean, marry this gentleman?”
Augusta shook her head. “No. But she is the daughter of a noble house; she is hardly in a position to argue against it. Her mother has apparently voiced her concerns about the union, but Serafina’s father just dismissed them. This marriage will bring him more political influence within the Papal States, and from what I understand, that is all Enzo de Luca cares about.”
Enzo’s stunning daughter was simply a useful asset to help him to gain advantage. What Serafina thought of the man she was destined to marry likely didn’t figure at all when it came to her father’s considerations. She was beautiful, intelligent, and would serve his purposes perfectly.
This magnificent, wonderful woman was expendable.
“It breaks my heart to think that Serafina is going to be trapped within a loveless union. That her happiness doesn’t factor into any of this. It’s just plain wrong,” said Augusta.
And a year and a half ago, you could have done something about it. Changed both your lives. But you told yourself you weren’t ready. You didn’t give her a chance.
He hadn’t felt ready for marriage. Nor had he thought himself brave enough to declare his heart to Serafina after a mere two weeks.
You hesitated, and you lost.
But what wasn’t lost on Gideon, however, was the fact he was now here in Rome. Serafina was still unwed. There was a slim chance that he could undo his terrible mistake. He would have to be brave and tread carefully. Isabelle’s warning of the previous night came to mind. He might well be an English lord, but he wasn’t Catholic, and the de Luca family mightn’t see him as suitable for their daughter.
There was a gentle smile on Augusta’s lips as she crossed the floor toward him.
“Of course, if a gallant gentleman happened to come along and sweep dear Serafina off her feet, she might not have to go through with the wedding. And her life wouldn’t be wasted as the wife of an ancient politician.”
His sister might well fancy that she was playing at matchmaker. But none of this was a game. Gideon had met men like Enzo de Luca before, and he was in no doubt that anyone who thought they could go up against the likes of Serafina’s father and not suffer the bitter consequences was a naïve fool.
He was thousands of miles from home with no real friends in Rome. No one he could call upon. His mother and sister were also here, and his chief priority had to be to protect them.
Gideon held out his hands to Augusta, and she happily took them. When he had her in his hold, he stepped closer. “I know you want me to be a knight in shining armor for Serafina, but just remember that in many of those romantic stories, it doesn’t end well for the lovers. Promise me you will keep your thoughts to yourself, Augusta. Don’t go saying anything to anyone, and that includes Serafina.”
Augusta was a bright young woman, but at times he worried that she let her heart rule her head.
“Alright, but if you do feel something for my friend, enough to want to offer for her hand, then please don’t wait for the right moment. Because I would hate for you to still be summoning up your courage on the morning that Serafina goes to her fate.”
He gave her fingers a gentle squeeze. “You keep your impetuous heart under control, and I will do the rest.”
ChapterTwenty-Three
Serafina had taken to having breakfast with the two English ladies, but this morning she had decided it would be nice for them and Gideon to have some private family time. She had just taken a seat at the table in the main dining room when Donna Francesca swept into the room. Two maids, her personal bodyguard, and a footman trailed behind her.
Her mother always liked to make a grand entrance whenever she arrived anywhere. Serafina was convinced that it added to her sense of self-importance. Though she had to hand it to the contessa; it was also an ingenious way of ensuring that she got the best tables in any of Rome’s restaurants and was served ahead of other customers in shops.
Why she felt the need to do the same in her own home, her daughter couldn’t quite fathom. The only other person seated at the table was one of Serafina’s younger brothers, Vincenzo, and he certainly didn’t pose any sort of competition.
Her mother sat, waiting while one of her maids helped to arrange her skirts. The bodyguard, a retired Swiss guard from Pope Pius the Seventh’s own private army, stood several feet away.
The first person who attempts to get between Donna Francesca and her strong black coffee will die.
Serafina stifled a giggle. It was all so ridiculous.
“You were seen with the Marquis of Holwell in the garden late last night,” said her mother, turning her gaze to Serafina.
Nothing got past the contessa. Not even the most innocent of meetings or conversations. The walls of Palazzo Lazio surely had ears.
“Yes, Donna Francesca. I went for a walk to get some fresh air and met Gideon. He was just admiring the grotto.”
“Gideon, is it?”
Damn. Now she will take me to task for being too familiar with him.“I meant Lord Holwell. My apologies.”
