However, the unexpected arrival of the Earl of Appleby came as a shock. He moved to confront the Earl but was swiftly halted by Lewis.
“I invited him,” Lewis quickly added, sensing Gideon’s confusion. “There is… something important I wish for you to know. If you are serious about making things right, then indulge me, if only for this evening.”
Gideon’s frown deepened as his friend stepped forward to greet the two figures. Only then did Gideon pay heed to the other figure accompanying the Earl of Appleby. The woman's feline-like features triggered a faint sense of recognition in him…
Lady Harriet?
Indeed, it was her, the very same lovely lady Lewis had failed to hide his affections for, for so long.
This time, however, it seemed Lewis had no intentions of hiding anything. He gracefully took Lady Harriet’s hand and kissed it gently. She flushed, boldly meeting his eyes as he straightened from his bow. Gideon recognized two people in love now that he knew how it felt.
But he was still a little perplexed.
“Gideon,” Lewis addressed him, turning his way. “I believe a proper introduction is in order. This is the Earl of Appleby and his daughter, Lady Harriet Turner.”
“It seems we were destined to cross paths once more, after all, Your Grace,” the young lady chimed with a radiant smile.
Daughter?
Gideon felt a pinch of shame that he hadn’t made the connection sooner. Lewis had often hinted at more prudent methods for Gideon's quest for vengeance, yet he had never directly challenged Gideon's actions. That was, until the target became Lord Appleby. Until Gideon had all but threatened to jeopardize the future of the lady Lewis loved.
“It is an honor,” Gideon responded tightly. He didn’t know how else to answer. Lady Harriet was an innocent, clueless bystander of it all but he was still working on letting go of his anger at the men who had ruined his life. And one such man was now standing before him.
“There is… something more you should know, Gideon,” Lewis continued. He boldly wrapped an arm around Lady Harriet’s waist, causing her to blush. “We plan to marry in the coming weeks.”
“Coming weeks? Congratulations are in order then, old boy!” Gideon exclaimed. His focus remained on his friend’s happiness, paying scant attention to the earl. “Have you been keeping this from me all this time?”
“I needed to test the waters first,” Lewis confessed sheepishly.
“If it isn’t being too forward, Your Grace,” Lady Harriet added. “The poor boy was deeply concerned about you. Whenever we would promenade through Hyde Park, all he would talk aboutwas the quarrel that ensued between the two of you, though he never divulged the specifics. He seemed quite lost without you.”
Gideon couldn’t help but grin. “Is that so? ‘Poor boy’ and ‘lost’, was it?” he inquired mischievously. Those few words had set him up with enough munition to tease Lewis for the years to come.
“Do not take her words to heart,” Lewis interjected hastily, though his clear embarrassment only served to amuse both Gideon and Lady Harriet further. “Certain things are best kept private, my dear,” he gritted to his betrothed, before adding, “Besides, I knew everything would work out in the end.”
“As did I,” Gideon added. “And I am truly delighted for the both of you. Truly.”
Lewis smiled broadly at that. Just then the orchestra struck up, signaling the commencement of the first dance this evening. Lewis eagerly escorted Lady Harriet to the dance floor, leaving Gideon alone with the Earl of Appleby.
The earl did not leave. He stood by Gideon’s side in silence and Gideon could tell that he was building the courage to say something. Curiosity was all that kept Gideon anchored in place.
“Do you know what became of your late father, Your Grace?” the earl asked at last.
Gideon’s gaze didn’t waver. Instead, his eyes continued to scan the room, searching for a familiar head of brown curls. “Ifyou mean how you and your cohorts swindled my father into crippling debt, precipitating his untimely end, then yes, I am aware.”
Lord Appleby exhaled deeply, as if the weight of the entire world sat on his shoulders. “Words cannot express the guilt I feel for the part I played, Your Grace. If I thought my apologies would bear any significance or sufficiency, I would offer them.”
“It would be a beginning,” Gideon replied tersely.
“Then I apologize sincerely, Your Grace. It is all that I can offer. Despite appearances, I am merely a destitute earl who has incurred more debt than I know what to do. But as of today, I intend to renounce my gambling ways and start repaying my debts that I owe to those I have harmed.”
Gideon pondered his words for a moment, his attention still divided as he looked for Amelia and a way out of the conversation. Unknown to most, he had managed to finalize a deal with Sir Clarkeson regardless, acquiring the Serpent’s Den and all its associated debts. This gave Gideon the leverage to potentially ruin the man standing before him.
His eyes eventually landed on Amelia by the refreshment table where she stood, engaged in animated conversation with her sister. As if she sensed him looking, she caught his eyes and smiled.
“In that case, forget the debt, my lord,” Gideon found himself saying impulsively, his gaze still fixed on Amelia. “Use yourfunds for the wedding and the dowry for your daughter. Send her into her husband’s arms prepared and without any shame.”
“Your Grace…”
