Chapter Six
J osephine could barely breathe as she raced from the balcony overlooking the men’s gambling room and made a mad dash for the nearest chair. Cassandra followed her, frantic with worry. Josephine pulled off her mask, no longer caring who might see her, and Cassandra did the same.
“Whatever is the matter, my dear?” Cassandra asked pulling a chair next to Josephine’s. A strained look appeared on her features as Josephine continued to gasp for breath.
“Nothing,” she managed to choke out before a glass of what appeared to be sherry was placed in her fingers.
Cassandra tsk-tsked over her. “If you honestly believe that this is nothing, then you are obviously lying not only to me but yourself. Honestly, Josie, you look like you’ve seen a ghost.”
Josephine gulped trying to take a deep breath of air. She turned her tormented brown eyes back toward the gallery archway. “Oh, Cassie, I have,” she finally whispered. She placed the glass on a nearby table and clasped her shaking hands together to place them in her lap.
“It can’t be that bad,” Cassandra declared with a quick glance to the open doorway. “Whom did you see? ”
Josephine’s head fell backwards onto the top edge of her chair. “My past…”
“Come now… don’t appear so distraught. You certainly can’t afford to make a scene.”
She raised her head. “What difference does it make?” she gasped. “It’s not as though anyone would recognize me if I donned this mask again. Wasn’t that the whole point of wearing the disguise?”
Cassandra took her hand. “Yes, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be appearing like we’re having anything less than a good time. We need to remember our purpose of being here and that’s to find you a husband with Mrs. Dove-Lyon’s help. We wouldn’t want to offend her by appearing not to enjoy her hospitality.”
Josephine raised her tormented eyes to her friend. “Maybe this was all a mistake. Is there any way Mrs. Dove-Lyon might return your money?”
“This is the Lyon’s Den, Josie. When I made the transaction with Mrs. Dove-Lyon, I understood that it was final. No refunds are going to be forthcoming, I’m afraid.” Cassandra gave her a sad sort of smile before she continued. “This isn’t your normal gambling establishment where standard rules of games and behavior might apply.”
“Given that I just witnessed a man becoming ill downstairs, I already knew that there was nothing normal about this establishment.”
Cassandra’s eyes swept the room and none of the ladies nearby were paying the least bit of attention to them. “Who was he?” she finally whispered.
Josephine waved her fan in front of her face. The room had become stifling, and she wasn’t sure how much longer she would be able to stay here. She needed fresh air. “Gyles Hawley, Marquis of Wickes.” Just whispering his name caused all sorts of foolish memories to rear their ugly heads.
“Isn’t that your—”
“Yes,” she choked out and then leaned forward. “The marquis was my brother’s best friend and grew up on the neighboring estate. He just also happens to be the man I was hopelessly in love with.”
“Oh, no!”
“Oh, yes!” Josephine closed her eyes taking a deep breath trying to fill her lungs and calm her frayed nerves.
She was shattered inside almost as though she could feel all the hurt that had overwhelmed her all those years ago. The pain became just as fresh as the day it happened. Her broken heart when Gyles refused to see the possibilities that could form between them had caused her to lash out in what she thought might gain her what she wanted. Gyles racing after her. It didn’t work and only gained her a husband who was penniless, and her reputation left in tatters. She swore she had been running from the memories ever since.
“Josephine…” Cassandra said quietly reaching over and taking her hand.
She opened her eyes again to stare at her friend. “I’ll be alright, but perhaps we can leave and return tomorrow?” Josephine suggested knowing she had nothing to give to the evening now.
“Yes, of course. Let me have my coach brought around. I’ll meet you out front in a few minutes if you think you’ll be alright until I rejoin you. I just have to say good night to another acquaintance.” Cassandra put her mask back on, stood, and then left.
After waiting what Josephine hoped was enough time, she also replaced the mask upon her face. She went to fetch her cloak, nodded to the lady bouncers who held open the door, and began making her way down the alleyway to the front of the Lyon’s Den. She could make out Cassandra’s carriage and with each step she took, Josephine felt as though she could finally breathe a little easier. That was, until she left the security of the light blue building.
“Wickes!” A male voice called out from the gentleman’s entrance. “Come back inside for another game.”
Josephine’s eyes lingered on the man who had been about to step into his own carriage waiting in front of Cassandra’s. He laughed, and the sound caused Josephine’s heart to beat a rapid staccato inside her chest.
“I’ve lost enough, Asher. See you tomorrow night,” Gyles replied with a wave to his friend.
Josephine picked up her pace and had almost reached the security that awaited her. With Cassandra’s carriage only a few steps away, she tripped on the hem of her gown and began tumbling forward. A scream left her lips when she pitched downward, and she braced herself to land face first on the pavement. Instead, strong arms of steel wrapped themselves around her bringing her up against a heavily muscled chest. Her breath caught in her throat as she stared into the face of Gyles Hawley.
“ Merci, monsieur ,” she whispered her thanks reverting to French in the hopes he wouldn’t recognize her or her voice.
Gyles helped steady her on her feet. She swayed and reached for his arms. The man before her was… well… a man and not some gangly boy from their youth. Her body quivered in delight while he continued to hold her close.
“You’re welcome, mademoiselle,” Gyles replied as he continued to hold her about her waist. She stared up into the face of the man whose memory had been engrained in her soul. It took everything in her power not to reach out to touch the soft tawny curls that framed his face.
“You can let go of me. I am fine, now,” Josephine said keeping a soft accent to her English words. She reluctantly let go of the support she had stood in need of. Her fingers now cold after feeling the warmth of his arms.
“That was quite the tumble you almost took. Let me at least offer my assistance to your carriage.” Gyles extended his arm, and she hesitantly took the support he offered but she was terrified what touching him even more might do to her heart. They only went the few remaining strides before he was opening the carriage door. He held out his hand to help her up the two steps. “I noticed you earlier.”
His words surprised her as she settled herself into the seat. “You did?”
“Yes. Do you come to the Lyon’s Den frequently?” he asked quietly while trying to peer into the dark interior.
“This was my first time,” she answered while memorizing every detail of a face she’d thought she would never see again.
“I hope it won’t be your last.” A wicked grin spread across his lips before he stepped back when Cassandra came to the carriage. He also assisted the lady inside and with a tip of his hat, he closed the door.
Cassandra peered out the window until the marquis disappeared from view.
“Not. One. Word.” Josephine warned and the remainder of their ride back to Cassandra’s was done in silence. Besides… what could Josephine possibly say that wouldn’t cause her heart to crack wide open in disappointment open all over again?