Chapter Fifteen
I t had taken another week before Gyles was able to make Simon agree to a meeting and even then, it had been done reluctantly. Why? Gyles thought Simon was eager to find his sister so why all the delays? He had walked over to Simon’s townhouse since the distance wasn’t far and it was a fine sunny day. He had taken the sunshine as a good omen. But now, as Gyles watched Simon pace his study after having told him the news that Josephine had been found, his optimism wavered. He wasn’t certain why the man looked so uncomfortable.
“I know we haven’t been close for many years, Simon, but what is going on that you’re not telling me?” Gyles finally asked when Simon stopped his moving back and forth across the rug.
“Nothing is wrong,” Simon remarked going to a sideboard and pouring himself a stiff drink. He downed the contents before partaking of another. He turned with glass in hand with a silent question if Gyles wanted a drink, but he had no intention of having his wits addled with liquor.
“You’re lying and I want to know why,” Gyles growled out. “You wanted Josephine found and I have done so but you don’t seem too pleased about the notion of the part you must play to restore her reputation.”
A frown marred his friend’s brow while a look of disgust flashed briefly across his features. He quickly masked his mistake but not before Gyles could see for himself the truth of the matter. “What the bloody hell is going on, Simon?”
“It’s that damn bitch at the Lyon’s Den!” Simon bellowed.
Gyles narrowed his eyes and the reality of the situation hit him. His suspicions about what was behind Simon’s sudden desire to find his sister came to light. “You made a deal with Mrs. Dove-Lyon.”
A growl of frustration left Simon’s lips. “As though I had any choice in the matter.”
“You can’t blame the owner of the Lyon’s Den for your own mistake of losing at her tables. You know the odds, especially at that particular gambling establishment, is always stacked with the house. How much do you owe her?” Gyles asked. Such a question was the only explanation that would make any sense.
Simon resumed his pacing until he finally halted his progress and slumped down into his chair at the desk. He ran a hand through his black hair before he raised tormented eyes to Gyles. “Enough that I’d be ruined if I didn’t agree to her demands.”
“You borrowed money from the Lyon’s Den?” Gyles asked with wide eyes. Many a man had lost their fortunes from such a mistake. He would have thought Simon would be wise enough not to fall into that trap.
“Yes. I was feeling lucky enough that I was sure to win,” Simon declared wiping his brow.
“Only a fool would take a loan from the very place you were gambling at. The interest in repaying such a loan could wipe out your entire fortune.”
Simon threw up his hands. “And you don’t think I’m aware of that now that I’m sober?”
Gyles gave a heavy sigh. “And what did she propose you do in order to see your debt wiped clean from the Den?”
“Isn’t it obvious?” he fumed before he covered his face with his hands in frustration.
“Everything is becoming crystal clear, but why don’t you tell me?” Gyles said frowning.
Simon put his elbows on his desk and a huge sigh left him. “Find Josephine, forgive her for her past indiscretions, and ensure she is once more accepted back into Society. How the devil am I supposed to get the ton to forgive her if I’ve barely done so myself?”
Gyles leaned forward in his chair. “You’ll never know until you reach out to her. The first step is to see her. The second part will be easier with my backing. Who would turn their noses up at a woman who is being courted by a man who will one day become a duke?”
“You fancy her?” Simon blurted in disbelief.
“Yes.” A simple answer that only caused Simon to shake his head. “I always held an affection for Josephine that to my regret I didn’t follow through on because of our friendship.”
“You made me a vow you would never see Josephine in that light.”
Gyles sat back in his chair. “A promise made as children that shouldn’t hold any weight now that we are adults.”
“You still made me a vow, Wickes. After all these years, you would go back on your word?” Simon snapped.
“I hoped you would see the logic of allowing me to see Josephine and release me from a promise made years ago. It was done as a joke at the time, if you recall. Two young lords who were too full of themselves and were laughing at the world around them. Logically, this would solve both of our problems,” Gyles answered hopefully.
It was Simon’s turn to raise one brow at Gyles. “And what exactly is your problem that involves my sister?”
“Just like you, I have a debt to fulfill with Mrs. Dove-Lyon.”
Sarcastic laughter erupted from Simon. “So, we are both in a pickle not of our making or choice. If it wasn’t for the Widow of Whitehall, Josephine could remain hidden living out her life as she sees fit. What a pair we are. You’re no better than I, Wickes.”
Gyles could see for himself this conversation had turned for the worst. In many ways, Simon was correct that Mrs. Dove-Lyon had them both at her mercy. It wasn’t a comfortable position to be in. But the difference was that Gyles did care for Josephine. Restoring her reputation was very far from being a hardship for him. He began telling Simon of the mystery woman he had been paired with from the Lyon’s Den and how he had been intrigued with her with only a couple of meetings.
And then there was Vauxhall Gardens. “I had no idea that the woman behind the mask and Josephine were one and the same until I attended the masquerade. Call it a happy coincidence but either way I am pleased that your sister has been found. But tell me, Simon… are you?”
Simon opened and closed his mouth several times. “The situation will be difficult.”
“Yes, it will,” Gyles frankly replied. “But your sister’s reputation can be redeemed with your support.”
“And with yours,” Simon said sitting back in his chair. “Your intentions are honorable where Josephine is concerned?”
Gyles raised one brow. “You have to ask?”
Simon shrugged. “If I am to release you from your promise from years ago, then you’ll need to make me another that you will not take advantage of my sister’s current reputation. I don’t wish to undo any good attempts we are making to restore her back into the ton because of any inappropriate behavior on your part.”
“I give you my word,” Gyles said agreeing to another promise with his friend.
“Very well,” Simon replied before continuing. “The Hamptons are having another ball next week. I’ll send word to Josephine that I will have my carriage pick her up for the event and we shall arrive together. That should begin our efforts to see her off on winning those people over. You can meet us there where you can begin your own courtship of my sister.”
“This will work, Simon,” Gyles said coming to a stand and reaching across the desk for Simon’s hand. The two men shook hands.
“Let’s hope so. I’d hate to lose not only my entire fortune because of my carelessness while in my cups but also my own reputation.”
“Stay away from the Lyon’s Den,” Gyles advised.
“I plan to. See you next week,” Simon stated walking Gyles to the front door.
As Gyles began making his way back to his own house, he couldn’t help the smile that lit his face. This could work if all went according to their plans. He’d send his card to Josephine asking if they could perhaps take a stroll in the park prior to the ball. There was no way he’d be able to wait a whole week to see her again.