Page 49 of Tempted By the English Marquis
“Now, let us depart for the Colosseum. I know a gentlemen’s tailor on the Via del Corso that a number of my brothers and cousins have used for their clothes over the years. We can pay the shop a visit on our way to find food.”
Gideon followed the young women through the foyer and out the front door. After stepping into the mid-morning sunshine, he stopped and took in a deep breath. There was much to be grateful for in simply being here.
Augusta wore a shy, almost sad smile, and he could imagine that she was still coming to terms with the news of the duchess’s decision not to return home. When their gazes met, Gideon offered his sister a soft smile of his own.
I’m here for you. And I promise I will do everything I can to bring us all home.
He didn’t want to give voice to that vow. Didn’t want to create false hope when he was still trying to find his feet in dealing with Lady Anne. But until the moment the gangplank was lifted on the boat back to England, he wasn’t going to stop trying.
He had promised his father he would give his all to save his family, and that was exactly what Gideon was going to do.
ChapterTwenty-Five
The small party moved away from the entrance to Palazzo Lazio, and Serafina’s bodyguards fell in behind them. They had only gone a few yards before Gideon stopped and turned around. Serafina tracked his gaze from one armed guard to the other, then to her.
“Who are they? And more importantly, are they going to be trailing us wherever we go?” he asked.
“My bodyguards. Retired Swiss guards from the papal security ranks. And yes, they will be following us.” She stepped closer to Gideon. “Open your Italian phrasebook and point to a page.”
He did as she asked. Serafina leaned in and whispered. “They are just as bad as the household servants when it comes to reporting any interactions between us. My father will have a full debriefing from them before you set foot back in your room.”
“I see. I didn’t realize you needed armed protection.”
“Rome is no more dangerous than any other city, but the de Luca family has money. Kidnapping is a way of life for some people. It has been that way here since ancient times. Those men are paid to kill anyone who attempts to take me.”
Having a team of bodyguards following her might be intrusive, but Serafina was careful not to put her life and health at risk. The instances when she did bribe her guards to make themselves scarce were rare. Last night had been one of those times. In the late evening and wearing the same simple garb as the rest of the Easter Sunday pilgrims, she hadn’t stood out as a noble daughter.
In the bright morning light, clad in her dark green and gold gown, artisan-crafted leather boots, and expensive woolen cloak, there was no mistaking that she came from a wealthy family. It may well have been broad daylight, but there were still those prepared to risk their lives in order to succeed in snatching such a lucrative prize.
The frown on the Englishman’s face told a different story. Of him possibly feeling slighted at the thought that others might not see him as being strong enough to protect her. Serafina held out her hand, motioning for the guards to come forward.
When they got to within a few feet, she turned and addressed them in Italian. “Lord Holwell is interested in your weapons. Would you be so kind as to give him a demonstration.”
Without a moment’s hesitation, both guards had their swords unsheathed and pointed at Gideon’s chest. To his credit, the marquis didn’t move an inch. He stood, eyes focused on the sharp blades which could so easily end his life if Serafina so demanded it of her guards.
A small group of people who were passing by, quickly crossed over to the other side of the street.
“They also carry pistols,” she noted. The guards stepped back and sheathed their weapons. Serafina touched her hand to Gideon’s arm. At this, he did flinch.
“Was that entirely necessary?” he asked.
She thought on that for a second, then nodded. “Yes, it was. Because you need to understand that this is not England. That your noble title, your standing, counts for little here in Rome. I think your mother is finally beginning to understand that, but as a man, I fear you might have to discover it in a more painful way than the duchess. Gideon, I don’t want anything bad to happen to you. If you need me to apologize for that little demonstration then I shall, but if it keeps you safe, then I am not the least bit sorry.”
“Do they speak English?”
“No, which makes them even more dangerous. You can’t plead for your life as they stick their swords in your belly.”
* * *
She was right; he was offended. He was also angry. There had been no need for the guards to draw their swords on him. But as he followed Serafina and Augusta through the crowded streets of Rome, Gideon’s temper slowly began to cool. Every so often he would glance back over his shoulder, check that the bodyguards were still close, then continue walking. People gave them a wide berth. Some even stopped to let the small group pass by.
I thought I knew what wealth and power was, but this is something entirely different.
Serafina dropped back, leaving Augusta to lead the way. She fell into step alongside Gideon. “I remember from my time with you in England that you found ancient Rome to be an endless source of fascination.”
“I still do. I’m hoping to see as much of the city as I can before we leave.”
“Well then, hopefully the next little while shall see you find a way to forgive me for setting the guards on you earlier.”
