“I know. It appears as though Lord Coatbridge has gambled a great deal. His vowels are next to useless, and he has upset many people, some of whom, I might add, are not exactly the very best of sorts.”
“I understand.” Picking up the sheaf of papers, Gideon began to thumb through it before realizing it would take him far too long to read every single one at the present moment. “How did you get inside?”
Lord Wiltsham shrugged.
“I simply determined that I should be there. I simply walked in past the footman who opened the door, as if it was the most normal thing in the world, and thereafter, strode directly into his study and closed the door tightly behind me. I did wedge it shut, however, to be quite sure I would not be disturbed. I shall also state that Lord Coatbridge’s staff did not seem particularly concerned about my presence there. It is not as though they have any great loyalty to the fellow, I imagine.”
“No, I can imagine they do not.” Gideon shook his head, suddenly overcome with a great sense of relief, as though everything he had lost was being handed back to him in one moment. “It will take some time, but I am certain that I can convince these men to return my fortune and chase after the debt from Lord Coatbridge instead. I will offer them aid in their request, should they wish it, so that they are not too long without funds.”
“It may mean taking money back from those who have been seeking it for some time,” Lord Wiltsham warned. “Some may be less willing than others.”
“And I have no wish to be cruel,” Gideon countered. “If there are some for whom it would be quite impossible to return such monies to me, then I shall be satisfied with that. If I can regain at least two-thirds of what I have lost, then my future will be quite secure.”
Lord Wiltsham smiled.
“You are a most generous fellow.”
“And I will, of course, repay you also. You have given me a great deal.”
Immediately, Lord Wiltsham shook his head.
“No, you shall not. I am more than contented with my circumstances. Perhaps you may be of aid to another of our friends who has yet to receive back what they have lost. Please do not feel that you owe anything to me.”
Gideon thought to argue, but the look on his friend’s face told him that he would be quite unwilling to accept any form of recompense, and thus Gideon decided to remain silent.
“I have every intention of writing to our remaining friends, to give them encouragement to return to London, as you did for me,” he declared. “There are things that they can do, leads that they can pursue. There is much still to be learned from the proprietor of the red-doored gambling house, for example.”
“I am sure that they will be glad to hear of it,” Lord Wiltsham agreed. His eyes flared wide as Gideon made to hurry towards the door. “You do not intend to start seeking out your debts at this very moment, do you?”
Chuckling, Gideon shook his head, but flung back the door, making it quite clear that he fully intended to take his leave.
“Not in the least, but I have every intention of making my way to Lady Sara’s side that I might tell her this news and, thereafter, to ask if she would have any willingness to accept my courtship.”
Lord Wiltsham chuckled, walking over to him, and slapping him on the back good-naturedly.
“My dear friend, I have every belief that she will accept far more from you than just your courtship,” he replied, a twinkle in his eye. “Tell her of what is in your heart and see if she may surprise you all the more. You may find even greater happiness than that which you have at present.” Gideon smiled silently, wondering if such a thing was possible. “You are to go and see her directly?”
“Yes, at this very moment.”
Lord Wiltsham nodded.
“Then permit me to wish you every success, although I am quite certain that you will have no need of my good wishes!” Gideon thanked him, shaking his hand again. “Are you not glad, now, that you remained in London?” Gideon nodded, a slight shiver running down his spine as he thought about what his life might have been had he decided to return to his estate. It did not bear thinking about. “Then go to your lady,” Lord Wiltsham finished, smiling still. “And may you return with your heart even fuller and a joy in your soul that can never be diminished.”
* * *
“Wouldyou like to take a short walk in the gardens with me? They are rather beautiful, albeit a good deal smaller than those my father boasts at his estate.”
From the look in Lady Sara’s eyes and the quick way that she spoke, Gideon was quite sure that she felt the same urgency as he. There was an eagerness to be alone, although Lady Longford was, at present, sitting with them and acting as her daughter’s chaperone. She did not know what had passed these last few days and certainly could not understand the desperate need that they both felt to speak openly with each other.
“It is a little cloudy this afternoon, my dear.”
Lady Longford sent a doubtful glance towards the window, but Gideon was on his feet at the very next moment.
“I should be very glad to take a walk in the gardens with you,” he declared. “I do not think I have ever seen them before.”
Lady Sara’s smile shone light into her features and she too rose, pressing her mother’s shoulder lightly as she passed.
“I shall not be long, Mama, and I will take my maid with me, of course.”
