Page 4 of Tempted By the English Marquis
He really ought to be engaging Matteo in conversation, but his attention was held captive by the young woman who stood before him. Gideon’s heart did a little dance of joy at the thought of her living in his family home for the next two weeks. Of the many opportunities that might present themselves for him and Serafina to spend time together. Opportunities which he found himself suddenly intending to create.
“Do you wish to see London, Serafina? Because if you do, I might be able to find the odd day or two in which I can play tour guide. You are a guest in my family home, so it is only right and proper that I offer you my services,” he said.
I will be free every day for the next two weeks, because I intend to cancel everything in my diary.
By the time he had finished showing the enchanting Serafina around London, she would be able to write the definitive tourist book.
“I have toured some parts of the city already. Of course, it’s different from Rome. London is a modern city, with a large population. Rome is much smaller; we have everything all . . . how do you say it?” She pushed her hands together.
“Squashed?” offered Lady Victoria.
Gideon was fond of his younger sister, but he would much rather she was somewhere else right this very minute. The remote northern islands of Scotland would do nicely.
He smiled at Serafina. “Compact. Neat. But still beautiful and precious. While you are here, Serafina, I would love to be able to show you some of the special places in London.” Gideon nodded toward Matteo and the count. “With suitable family members acting as chaperones, of course. If that is acceptable.”
He ignored Augusta’s “What about me?”
Count Nico and Matteo both nodded their agreement. Gideon’s heart swelled with pride knowing that the Kembal family was being trusted with such a loved young woman.
I can be a gentleman and play host.
If he spent time with their guest and his younger siblings, Gideon could score valuable points with his parents. It would also give him the chance to get to know the lovely Serafina a little better - even if only friendship came from their connection.
A blushing Serafina returned his smile. “That would be lovely, Lord Holwell. Thank you. And perhaps someday if you come to Rome, I could repay the favor.”
“I would like nothing more than to see your wonderful city through your eyes,” he replied.
The party invitation lay forgotten in his jacket pocket. There was nowhere else in all of London that the Marquis of Holwell would rather be than right there with the bewitching young lady whose looks rivaled those of the Mona Lisa.
Gideon made himself a secret promise. One day, someday, he would go to Rome. And Serafina would be the beautiful young woman who shared the secrets of the ancient city with him.
Someday.
ChapterTwo
“Now, it will take us an hour or two to reach Hampton Court Palace. It’s a touch out of town, but hopefully not too far. Are you happy to sit in the carriage for that long, Serafina? Serafina?”
The tug on her cloak stirred Serafina from her musings. She lifted her head and met her friend Lady Augusta’s gaze. “Che?”
When Augusta scowled, Serafina quickly added, “I mean, what? Pardon. Sorry I was . . .” She wasn’t quite sure of the English word for being lost in one’s thoughts, but that was certainly where she lingered.
“Gideon was asking if you are alright to undertake the arduous journey from here across the west of London to Hampton Court Palace. He of course knows that your six-week sea voyage from Rome couldn’t possibly compare to the trials of sitting in a carriage for a few hours,” replied Augusta. When Augusta shot her brother a look that could only be described as pure irritation, Serafina stifled a laugh. The Kembal siblings were always teasing and testing one another. It made her miss home and her own brothers and sisters.
Soon I will see them all again.
“I was just making sure that Serafina was comfortable. It behooves a gentleman to ask those questions of a lady,” replied Gideon.
Serafina’s heart gave a happy dance. She liked the way the word lady, rolled off his tongue. Then again, she liked a lot about Gideon. Far more than she would ever be prepared to admit.
She also had absolutely no idea what behooved meant, but hearing that word gave her little tingles in certain places.
Turning her head toward him, she gifted Gideon with a soft smile. Her happy smile. The morning sun shone on his reddish-sandy brown hair, displaying its cinnamon and caramel highlights in all their glory.
His hair was fascinating. As she came from Rome, it was rare for her to meet anyone with such an unusual complexion. Every single member of the large extended de Luca family had dark hair and deep brown eyes.
Gideon’s eyes were blue. She knew this for a fact because whenever she was with him, she spent an inordinate amount of time staring at them. Staring at him.
From that night nearly two weeks ago, when they had first met, she had been drawn to him. Captivated by everything he said, even when she didn’t understand it. There was something about the way Gideon moved. And when he looked at her, his gaze made her body clench in its most private of places.
