Chapter Twenty-Three
G yles stood in the receiving line at the entrance of his parents’ townhouse as they greeted their guests. His mother had planned this ball after much discussion with the Duchess of Winshire. Tonight was to be the final push to see Josephine completely restored to Society. She had become a huge success with the duchess’s backing and now this was to be the crowning achievement… acceptance by the Duke and Duchess of Davenport. He would have to remember to thank his parents, his mother in particular, for all their efforts on Gyles and Josephine’s behalf.
The weeks of being the perfect gentleman had nearly done him in, especially after having had the pleasure of making love to the lady who had complete control of his heart. Seemingly endless weeks of escorting her to events under the close eye of not only her companion but also everyone they came in contact with. Simon had spared no expense to ensure Josephine was well dressed and adorned in the latest fashions. The Duchess of Winshire had been true to her word and done all within her power to ensure Josephine was welcomed back into Society. In fact, she had become like a second mother to Josephine, treating her much like the others whom the duchess had taken under her wing over the years.
Charity events, picnics, balls, the theater… weeks of keeping his hands off the lovely lady when all he wanted to do was whisk her away and make love to her until the new day dawned. But he had kept his word not only to himself and Simon, but Josephine and the duchess as well. He had been so saint-like he swore he must surely have earned his wings for when he would one day stand before those pearly gates in heaven.
“Stop fidgeting, son. She’ll be here soon enough,” his father said, leaning over to whisper in his ear before he greeted the next guest to arrive.
Another long procession of guests forced him to keep a smile plastered on his face until he looked past the heads of those waiting in line and finally saw her. Her pelisse was taken by a servant and as she made her way to the back of the line, their eyes met and held. A genuine smile crept over his lips as he envisioned kissing Josephine until a blush rushed across her cheeks.
Her silk blue gown complemented her complexion, and matching sapphires hung from her neck, ears, and at one wrist. Even her perfectly coiffed hair had gems twinkling in the candlelight of the foyer. She had never looked more beautiful and he was reminded of when he first saw her face at Vauxhall Gardens.
And when she finally stood before him, he lost his breath. If there was ever a time when he wanted to declare his love to the whole world, that moment was now. He bowed over her hand wishing he could kiss her skin instead of the air between his mouth and her glove. But protocol must be maintained and he wouldn’t ruin everything they had gone through before by one careless act on his part now.
Simon shook his hand and before he could mutter even a single word to the lady, she was gone and her name was announced to the crowd waiting in the next room.
His close friends arrived shortly thereafter. Lucius came alone leaving Gyles to wonder if his parents had decided not to attend even though they were invited. But Asher quickly came through the door and came to stand by Lucius in the receiving line. The Marquis and Marchioness of Saxton followed behind the men and Gyles was just about to excuse himself when a voice from the entryway caused him to inwardly curse as the lady began making a scene.
“Lord Wickes!” Lady Juliet’s voice bellowed overly loud drawing the attention of several people. “I’m finally here.” She began waving her hand as though she was about to take flight until she came to stand directly before him even going so far as to not show the custom courtesy of addressing his father who stood before Gyles in their line.
Gyles gave a short bow while his father peered over at the woman. His mother attempted to hide her shock as she finished her short conversation with the Marchioness of Saxton.
“My lady,” Gyles finally said as he found his voice. “Welcome to my parents’ home.”
“You are just too kind, Lord Wickes,” Lady Juliet murmured. “I pray you’ll save me several dances this evening.”
“The customary number as usual, Lady Juliet,” Gyles replied with a curt tone until Juliet curtsied before his mother and moved on.
“Good heavens,” his mother said softly. “I thought she had better manners than that.”
Since the line of guests had disappeared, Gyles turned to his mother. “She’s miffed I haven’t been spending more time with her of late. She sees a title slipping through her fingers. Nothing more. Think no more of her, Mother.”
His mother took his father’s arm. “Let’s hope there aren’t any more distractions coming from that particular lady.”
His father leaned over to press a kiss to his mother’s forehead. “Give her no further thought, my love, and let us enjoy the ball. You’ve put enough work into this event that it’s more than time for you to enjoy your hard efforts. ”
“Wickes… enjoy yourself. I believe there is a certain lady inside who is anxiously waiting for your company,” his mother said with a wink.
He gave a brief bow to his parents. “I plan on finding her directly,” he replied with a grin and began making his way through the crowd.
He scanned the many faces in attendance. Lord and Lady Versey, the Duke and Duchess of Winshire, and even the Danvers sisters had managed to receive an invitation. He tried not to grimace thinking of the last pair knowing that they most likely would report to the Teatime Tattler any gossip they learned tonight. But he wouldn’t bother with them any more than he would pay much attention to Lady Juliet who once again waved her hand in his direction. He could imagine her frown when he turned in the opposite direction.
Heading through the front parlor, he skirted the ballroom still searching for the one woman he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. There weren’t many more rooms where she could disappear, and he finally found her at the buffet table. He took a plate, although food was the furthest thing from his mind.
He took several tidbits of food until he met her halfway down the table.
“You look enchanting tonight, Mrs. Bouchard,” he whispered softly for her ears alone before he looked around him to ensure there was a small bit of privacy for a bit of conversation.
“You are very handsome as well, Lord Wickes. Your parents have pulled together a lovely event,” she murmured turning with her plate to survey the other nearby occupants.
“You know this is all for you,” he said taking a glass of champagne from a passing servant and handing it to her. He took one for himself and they made their way to a small table where they could sit in full view of anyone who might question them. They nodded to others who were also sampling the food close by. Setting down his plate and glass, he took Josephine’s and also set it down before holding out her chair.
Once she was seated, she took up her flute and finally answered him. “I cannot thank them enough for holding this ball. Although not officially in my honor, I am still very humbly grateful.”
“It was our pleasure,” Gyles said before he, too, took hold of his glass and raised it toward her. “To the woman who means everything to me.”
Her eyes widened at his declaration but she also raised her glass to recognize his toast. “I adore you,” she whispered softly. “May the evening be a big success.”
“It already is with you here, my love,” he said quietly before they were interrupted by another couple who came to their table to say hello.
From that point on, the evening progressed without any hitches. As much as Gyles wanted to keep Josephine to himself, he knew that his time with her would be limited. But he watched her from afar and admired her while she was asked to dance from one gentleman after another. Yes… she had become a big success, and if he didn’t offer for her soon, he just might find that he had to stand in line. She was becoming that popular not only with the ladies but the gentlemen who might consider her for their wife.