Page 72 of Tempted By the English Marquis
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Gideon could barely contain his joy at hearing that Serafina’s mother had agreed for them to leave Signore Magri’s house. He adopted a more sedate manner when Augusta took his arm and whispered, “We are to depart quietly and without a fuss. And if anyone stops to ask, Serafina is unwell.”
He was all for whatever pretense was required in order to return to the palace and hopefully catch a private moment with Serafina. It had been a long day, and with the late-night visit to Flynn the previous evening he was running on little more than worry and far too many cups of Roman coffee.
I must speak to Augusta about Flynn at some point. Find out what really happened between the two of them. It’s not enough that she now knows he didn’t leave England voluntarily.
His sister and best friend would have to wait. Tonight, his focus was on Serafina. On securing her heart.
The short journey back to Palazzo Lazio was mostly undertaken in silence. Isabelle de Luca’s eyes closed almost as soon as her head touched the soft padded seat of the coach’s interior. Augusta and Serafina spoke a few words about the weather. Gideon did his best to stare out the window, silently composing the speech he hoped to give to Serafina if he got the chance to be alone with her.
At the palace, he helped Isabelle and the others out of the carriage. The contessa led the small group inside with Gideon trailing at the rear. Inside the grand gallery, Isabelle waved them all a good night and headed for the staircase, which led to her and Nico’s private apartments.
Augusta turned to him. “I have something I need to give to you, Gideon. Could you spare a few minutes to accompany me to my room?”
“Of course. I can always spare a moment for my sister.”
He didn’t dare to snatch a glance at Serafina as he followed both her and Augusta toward the stairs and the upper levels of the palace—to where Augusta’s room was located right next door to Serafina’s.
Gideon’s heart was pounding hard in his chest by the time they reached the second floor. He was determined to make Serafina understand that he wasn’t going to let her marry Giovanni Magri. But in doing so, he had to ensure that what was said between them remained a closely guarded secret. He dared not consider the consequences if they got caught.
I have to keep her safe. And we have to stop the wedding.
ChapterThirty-Eight
Reaching her room, Serafina summoned her new maid. “I am not feeling well, so the contessa said for you to go and sit in the downstairs foyer just in case I require a doctor.”
Anna hesitated for a moment. Behind her, Serafina caught sight of Augusta waiting outside in the hall. There was no sign of Gideon.
“Who else has returned home from the supper? Should I come and let you know when the rest of your family are here?” asked Anna.
Smart girl.
Her mother had clearly chosen wisely. If it had been Maria, her former maid, she would have started asking all manner of questions about the food and who had been at the function. She would also have hung around, snooping. Gathering information.
“Contessa Isabelle came home with us,” replied Serafina.
“Very good, Signorina Serafina. I shall go downstairs. When your parents arrive home, I will come and knock gently on your door.”
Serafina followed Anna out into the hallway. How blind had she been to the secrets that Maria had stolen from her? Anna might have been in her service at the behest of Donna Francesca, but at least Serafina knew that.
And I find myself trusting her. When was the last time I felt that a servant could be fully trusted to keep my confidence? Never.
“Your new maid seems a bit more interested in your well-being than the last one,” observed Augusta.
“Yes. My mother has also changed my two bodyguards. Don’t be surprised if we are granted a touch more privacy over the next few days.”
Augusta nodded toward her bedroom door. “I am going to go and enjoy the paintings on the wall of the Chinese gallery for a few minutes. I think I might have left something of yours in my room if you care to check.”
As Serafina closed the door of Augusta’s bedroom behind her, Gideon stepped out from the dressing space. “I imagine we don’t have much time,” he said.
“No. Once my father realizes both you and Augusta left with me, he will start feeling uncomfortable. He’s already annoyed that Matteo and Martina didn’t come tonight. We don’t need to give him any more reason to lose his temper.”
When Gideon came to her, his eyes shone bright with determination. And love.
You want me. There is hope for us.
He drew her into his arms and a humbled Serafina came willingly.
