Page 61 of From Unwanted to Duchess
“You did not beat me. You played fast and loose with the rules! You were sharp, I tell you!”
“I most certainly did not cheat, and I will prove it to you by thoroughly beating you again this time around.” James wagged his finger as he spoke for emphasis.
“Perhaps your wife could serve as referee, although I would worry that she would be too much on your side.”
“I, my dear sir,” Frances interjected, “am not on anyone’s side but the side of justice and fairness.”
“Oh,” Gideon said. “You’ve picked yourself one with a backbone. Not some milk-and-water miss. Very nice to see. Perhaps while our dear friend rests and recovers from drinking a little too much wine, the two of us could play a game of cards. What do you say?”
She nodded, and he offered his arm. When she took it, she cast a glance at James out of the corner of her eye and found him looking none too pleased. His lips were pursed slightly, and his head was tilted to the side.
Was he jealous again? Of his friend?
It was most silly. But then his face relaxed, and he stumbled out of the room, and a moment later she heard a groan as he lay down on the chaise in the parlor.
As she and Gideon made their way into the drawing room to play cards, he leaned toward her and lowered his voice. “I daresay, I never thought that James would pick a woman with a backbone. It is most delightful to see.”
“Does he get jealous often?” Frances asked quietly as they settled at the card table.
“Only when it comes to things he values,” Gideon answered with a knowing smile. “Make of that what you will.”
Frances smiled up at him, finding herself more grateful than she thought possible that he had arrived on their doorstep.
This mysterious man might be just what they needed.
