Ruby's Gamble~De Wolfe Pack Connected World Read online

  Gideon’s eyes widened. “My apologies. I didn’t realize—that is to say, Marcus didn’t mention—”

  Ruby patted his arm. “We’re merely here to speak with the owner and make certain all is well. We don’t need to linger.”

  He gave a beleaguered sigh. “I suppose you’re right. I can’t imagine returning home to tell Tessa that I didn’t stop because of the type of clothing offered.”

  Ruby stepped out of the carriage with the footman’s assistance, aware of Gideon directly behind her. “Do they know who you are?”

  Gideon shook his head, looking decidedly uncomfortable.

  Ruby grinned. “This should be interesting.”

  Gideon held the door open, and they entered the shop. Several young seamstresses worked in the back, or rather, were working until Gideon’s arrival. Now they watched him with wide eyes. She completely understood as he still had that effect on her.

  An older woman approached. “What may we help you with today?”

  “This is Gideon de Wolfe,” Ruby said as she dipped her head toward Gideon. “I believe the owner of the shop is familiar with his family.”

  All the women in the shop turned to stare at Gideon. If she thought he looked uncomfortable before, now he looked positively miserable.

  He raised a brow. “Was that necessary?”

  “Yes, I believe it was,” she said with a grin.

  “Oh, it is so lovely to meet you, sir,” the woman said, a smile broadening her face. “How is Tessa—er, I mean—the countess?”

  “She’s well,” Gideon said. “She’s expecting her second child, so she’s not traveling at the moment.”

  “Isn’t that wonderful?” The woman clapped her hands. “May I send something with you for her and Betty?”

  “Of course. I’m sure they’d be delighted to hear from you.”

  “It will only take a moment,” she assured him then hurried toward the back of the store.

  Gideon took in the other shoppers who continued to stare. Then he looked at Ruby. “Are you in need of anything while we’re here?”

  She took pity on him and moved to the side of the shop where finely embroidered shawls were displayed. Stitched flowers and ribbons adorned the edges.

  “Why don’t you pick one?” Gideon asked.

  “No, thank you.” Ruby couldn’t imagine wearing such a lovely one.

  “Please?” Gideon asked. “I can’t very well leave without buying a few things. Marcus would not appreciate me purchasing items for his wife.”

  Ruby chuckled, understanding his dilemma. A shawl with a simple primrose pattern edging the hem caught her eye. The simple buds were her favorite.

  “How about that one?” Gideon asked.

  Longing filled Ruby. She rarely permitted herself to even look at shop windows. Why bother when purchasing something so pretty was impossible and impractical even if she had a few extra coins? She glanced at Gideon, filled with uncertainty. “Perhaps a simpler one.”

  Gideon shook his head. “I prefer this one. How about a pair of gloves as well?”

  She looked at him in surprise as he moved along the counter to suggest a pair. Before she knew it, he directed the owner to wrap the items for her. The woman thanked them effusively for their business and presented them with packages for Tessa and Betty.

  As Ruby settled into the carriage beside Gideon with the packages on the opposite seat, heat crept up her cheeks at the memory of the chemises and nightgowns displayed. She couldn’t get the idea of Gideon seeing her in one of those garments out of her mind. That couldn’t come to pass. The risk of pregnancy was too great. Life was difficult enough without adding a babe to the mix. Yet her heart thundered at the idea of holding a little boy who resembled the man beside her. She swallowed against a lump in her throat at the thought.

  “Is something amiss?” Gideon asked.

  She managed to smile. “I’m overwhelmed by your generosity.”

  “You saved me once again,” he said, a warmth in his eyes that caused a flurry of butterflies in her stomach. “And I can’t tell you how much I wish I could’ve bought you one of the more intimate items they offered for sale.”

  She gasped in surprise.

  He leaned close. “You are truly beautiful, inside and out.” The words were a delicious whisper in her ear that suffused her with desire.

  “Gideon.” Whether she wanted him to continue or halt, she wasn’t sure.

  He pressed his lips along her jaw, and she couldn’t resist turning to him for a kiss. Need coiled deep inside her, flooding her senses. She wanted more of whatever this madness was.

  When the carriage halted, Gideon eased back to pull aside the curtain. “We’re home.”

  Ruby’s heart stuttered. If only that were true. It took all her resolve to resist correcting him. His home. Not hers.

  Instead, she nodded, lifting a hand to make sure her hair hadn’t escaped its chignon.

  With a gentle finger, he tucked a strand in place then gave her one more quick kiss, his gaze lingering on her face as the footman opened the door.

  After alighting, Gideon handed her down himself.

  Her hand tucked in the crook of his arm, she looked up at the townhouse then at the man beside her with a heart full of longing for what could never be. It seemed her dreams were alive and well, after all. And she had no idea what to do with them.

  “The Countess of Westering to see you, sir,” the footman announced at Gideon’s library door the following afternoon.

  Gideon hesitated. While he had every intention of calling upon the dear friend of his parents, this was not the best time. He still had guests and hoped for a message from the police at any time, though that hope diminished by the hour since they still hadn’t been in contact.

  “Gideon, darling,” the countess drawled as she appeared beside the footman, easily stepping around the surprised servant. Dressed in the height of fashion in a blue striped gown with a bustle and matching hat, she glowed with good health and happiness in her advanced years.

  With a smile, Gideon stood and walked around his desk to greet the woman who was like a favorite aunt. He kissed her soft cheek as the familiar scent of lilacs reached him. “How kind of you to call.”

  “When Beaumont mentioned you’d arrived in town, I couldn’t believe I was the last to know.” She berated him with a pretty pout.

  “I have been so busy with business that I haven’t yet taken the time to pay calls. But you must know you would be the first on my list.”

  “I should hope so, my dear. What terrible business matters have you so busy that you don’t have time for me?” She studied his desk as if she might see the reason.

  “Let us converse in the drawing room rather than here,” he suggested, aware the curious woman would read each paper on his desk unless he stowed them away. Not that she had a harmful thought in her head, but she did love to gossip and considered any and everything fair game. Heaven forbid if she discovered Ruby or the rest of her family was staying with him.

  “Have tea sent in,” he advised the waiting footman and offered his elbow to the countess. “How is Westering?”

  They settled into the drawing room and exchanged news regarding his family and hers. The countess had been good friends with his mother before either of them married. They frequently exchanged letters, and the countess had visited them in Northumberland several times.

  She poured the tea the footman delivered, handed him a cup, then sat back in the chair and took a sip of hers. “Now then, Gideon, tell me what truly brings you to London.” A knowing smile graced her lips as if she were already in on the secret.

  Confused, he shook his head. “Business, of course. With Marcus and Tessa expecting a second child, he was reluctant to travel and asked me to come in his stead.”

  Her scowl advised him that he hadn’t given the right answer. Unfortunately, he didn’t know what that might be. “Yes, yes, business. But what else?” she asked.

  “What else would
there be?”

  “To find a wife, of course.”

  Now it was Gideon’s turn to scowl. His mother had suggested a similar idea when he’d bid her and his father goodbye. She didn’t think his life would be complete until he married. No doubt, she believed a wife would soften his grief as well.

  “Perhaps at some future date, but I am in no hurry to marry.”

  “Nonsense.” The countess batted away his response with a flick of her wrist. “You might as well cast a net while you’re here. The Season has begun and even if you don’t plan on staying long, several smaller parties will be held in the coming weeks. Westering and I would be happy to make certain you’re introduced to suitable ladies.”

  Ruby filled his mind, not that the thought of her was ever far away. They’d known each other less than two weeks, but Gideon couldn’t deny his attraction. His breath halted as he considered whether he felt more than simple attraction.

  He gave himself a mental shake. How could such a thought cross his mind? An unusual course of events had brought them together. No doubt, that once those circumstances had passed, along with the potential danger, the feelings he had would fade.

  Wouldn’t they?

  The thought disappointed him, much to his surprise. He didn’t want this affection to drift away like a ship at sea. Rather, he wanted to hold it tight and cherish it—and her.

  Too late, he realized the countess was speaking and he’d lost track of the topic.

  “Isn’t that right, my dear?” she asked.

  He stared at her blankly, unwilling to agree when he didn’t know what she’d said. “Umm…”

  “I know, but I promise you’ll enjoy yourself. Leave it in my hands.”

  “What exactly—”

  “I’ll send word with the details in a day or two. But for now, I’m certain I’ve outstayed my welcome. I can see your thoughts have drifted elsewhere.” She smiled as she set her cup down and rose gracefully. “I’m most anxious to have you think of something other than business, at least for one evening.”

  Gideon saw her to the front door and bid her goodbye, hoping that whatever she was planning didn’t include more than he could handle. His hands were full at the moment with more important things than meeting potential debutantes whose only worry was which gown to wear at the next ball.

  Yet the countess’ talk of finding a wife had unsettled him. Ruby held his thoughts as he returned to his library. Was he willing to say goodbye to her when this was over?

  Ruby gripped the handrail as she hurried back up the stairs, desperate to hold on to her balance.

  She hadn’t meant to overhear the conversation but their words had echoed in the foyer through the open drawing room door. She’d intended to ask Gideon if he’d heard anything from the police or his friend, Viscount Beaumont. While aware he would advise them if he had, she’d been restless and tired of remaining in the beautiful bedroom. She detested being an ungrateful guest, but she was used to working each day and the lack of activity was driving her mad.

  She sighed, realizing none of that was completely true. She’d wanted to see Gideon, to spend more time with him, if possible. She enjoyed his company as much as she enjoyed his kisses.

  How silly of her.

  The woman who’d just left was arranging a party to introduce Gideon to the women she thought he might like to marry. Hurt and disappointment swept through her, causing her to blink back tears.

  What had she been thinking? That she had a chance for a future with him? Hadn’t she known from the moment she’d seen him that he didn’t belong to her world? Why couldn’t she remember that when they were together?

  She reached up with a trembling hand to brush a tear from her cheek. Though she hadn’t shed many since her mother’s death, she hadn’t hurt this much since then.

  But this…this was nothing she’d experienced before. With a shuddering breath, she admitted the truth. She was falling in love with Gideon de Wolfe. Silly and impossible.

  She’d spent the past few days waiting for him to solve her family’s problem. He’d done his best and would continue to do so. He was a man of honor. But she needed to do her part as well.

  If love made her weak and helpless, then she wanted no part of it. She drew another breath, willing away her tears. No more dreams. From this day forth, she needed to focus on her family’s survival, regardless of Gideon’s efforts. And somehow, she needed to shore up the defenses around her heart.

  Chapter Eight

  Gideon pushed aside the news sheet by his place at the breakfast table the next morning. He had little interest in the day’s headlines of late. He and Ruby had fallen into the habit of eating breakfast together the past few days. The moments they shared alone had proven a pleasant way to begin the day.

  Her brother and father preferred to sleep later while he and Ruby tended to rise early. One more thing they had in common.

  He paused. One more thing? What were the others? The thought had him scowling at his coffee. But the rich color only reminded him of the beauty of her hair.

  While they might have been raised in different environments, Ruby had similar qualities of other de Wolfe women—strength of character, fiercely loyal to family, intelligence that surpassed many, beauty inside and out, and—

  He stopped, alarmed at his thoughts. Certainly he was attracted to her, but talk of marriage with the countess had his mind going down the wrong path. He hadn’t known Ruby long, and bigger issues required their attention.

  The thought eased the sudden pounding in his temple.

  When Ruby joined him, they needed to discuss how to locate the mysterious Mr. Pike. Gideon was growing impatient with the police as they’d yet to discover anything about the man or his whereabouts. Ruby’s family needed to return to their normal lives, as did he. He’d planned to return to Northumberland at the end of the month, but perhaps during his next trip to London, he and Ruby could continue their acquaintance. There was no hurry. Relationships took time to build.

  Then why was he so anxious for her appearance?

  With deliberate movements, he reached for the news sheet and scanned the paper as he would’ve before Ruby had started to join him at the breakfast table.

  But as time passed and she didn’t appear, he gave up the farce and sent for the maid who had been assisting Ruby during her stay.

  “She dressed early this morning like always but said she was returning to work today. I offered to have the carriage brought around, but she said she preferred to walk to the cab stand.”

  His displeasure must’ve shown, as she quickly added, “I’m sorry, sir. I thought you knew.”

  “It’s quite all right, Sally. Thank you.” Yes, he should’ve known, he realized as the maid bobbed a curtsy and left the dining room.

  Hadn’t he noticed the previous evening at supper that something was amiss? She had spoken little and rarely looked at him, but he’d thought her tired or worried.

  Why would she have taken the risk of returning to the printing shop? The men who’d harmed her brother could be watching for her.

  His concern growing, Gideon hurried up the stairs and knocked on Douglas’ bedroom door, unsurprised when he didn’t answer. Had Douglas ventured to the office as well or escorted his sister to work? Why hadn’t the pair told him last night of their intentions?

  He knocked quietly on Mr. Compton’s door, not wanting to wake him if he slept. The older man’s health had continued to improve since his arrival at Gideon’s. The previous afternoon, Ruby had sat with her father in the garden, allowing the rare spring sunshine to perform a little magic. They had no place to enjoy the sun at home. Whether it was the improved food or medicine, he didn’t know, but Mr. Compton had made great strides in his energy, disposition, and appearance from what Gideon could tell.

  When the older man didn’t answer, Gideon turned the knob, alarmed at the thought of the entire family leaving without telling him. He sighed with relief at the sight of Mr. Compton slumbering peacefu
lly. If their father remained here, Ruby and Douglas would return.

  But what to do in the meantime? He couldn’t very well go to the printing shop and demand to see her, though the idea tempted him.

  His only option was to proceed to the docks and continue asking questions of the workers who’d bought tickets. He’d done that each day, convinced someone had to know Pike or the others involved in the scheme. He didn’t believe his own safety was in danger. Not in broad daylight. He’d make certain to be waiting for Ruby when she’d finished work and escort her home.

  Home.

  He rubbed a hand across his chest at the sudden ache there. His feelings toward her had certainly shifted. But he’d deal with those later, after this situation had been resolved.

  Today, he needed to do all he could to put an end to the damned lottery.

  Three days later, Ruby emerged from work to find Gideon’s carriage waiting for her once again. She bit her lip, uncertain how much longer she could continue the polite ruse with Gideon. Unwilling to quit her position until the threat to Douglas had faded, she’d returned to work, explaining to Mr. Francis that she’d fully recovered from her “illness” and was anxious to return to work.

  He’d grumbled at the inconvenience of her being gone for several days and advised her that he’d dock her pay accordingly. But much to her relief, she still had a job.

  After overhearing Gideon agree to allow the lady who’d visited to find him a wife, Ruby had spoken with Douglas to discuss how they could return to their lives without Gideon’s protection.

  “I’ll talk to Will and see if they still intend me harm.”

  “That’s a terrible idea,” she’d protested. But her brother insisted that Will had only been following orders, that he hadn’t been the one to leave him for dead.

  Ruby had her doubts, but they couldn’t continue to live with Gideon either. She and Douglas agreed they had to find a way to move forward despite the risks. Douglas had returned to work, careful to make certain he was never alone but had yet to find Will to talk to him.