To Teach A Gentleman

by Langston, Jenn

  “Oui, merci, mon seigneur,” she responded, although her mouth nearly fell open at his properly stated question. Clearly, he had been teaching himself. And, why wouldn’t he? When he was proficient, he would be able to marry the woman of his choosing. Then, he would be rid of her. An unattractive, spinster who didn’t even know how to kiss.

  ~ ~ ~

  Christopher accepted a whisky from Jacques and debated downing it in one gulp. It seemed like a terrible waste of the drink, but the resulting burn and eventual numbing would be welcome. After all, he wasn’t faring too well nowadays.

  The knowledge that he had robbed Miss Jubal of a proper first kiss angered him beyond measure. He hadn’t meant to do that to her, and she certainly deserved better than that. Now, he was stuck with the guilt as well as knowing that some other man would be the one to teach her such delights.

  “You seem to be in a particularly bitter mood today, mon amie. Is there nothing I can do to help you?”

  Letting out a sigh, Christopher took a sip of his drink. That’s exactly why he had come to see Jacques. Not only for his friend’s stellar advice, but he hoped seeing the brother of the woman he would marry would help clear his mind of a certain brunette. If not, he didn’t know what he could do.

  “Considering it’s barely been over a week, I know it will still be a while before I receive my first letter from your sister, so I thought it would be helpful for you to talk to me about her.”

  Jacques smiled as he settled down with his own glass of whisky. “I have told you much before you decided to wed her. Anything more should come from the femme herself.”

  “I know.” Christopher pinched the bridge of his nose. “It’s just that Philip thinks I should go back into society and try to find my own bride.”

  “And? Do you agree with him?”

  “I don’t know what to do anymore.” With frustration gnawing at his heels, Christopher rose from his chair and paced the room. “I’m tired of all this confusion. I didn’t like it years ago when I met Leslie, and I like it less now.”

  “My, my, this passion you have is unlike anything you have ever exhibited. You should visit more often as I feel like I have missed quite a bit of what is going on in your life.”

  “If this is the passion you described, I don’t want it,” Christopher shot back. “This is just a maddening mix of bloody emotions that I don’t want to have to deal with.”

  His friend leaned back in his chair, kicking his feet up on the desk. “I do believe you need to start over. When we last spoke, you were content to take lessons to learn my language while waiting for Marguerite.”

  “I’m still content with that decision.” Christopher willed himself to believe those words. “I will simply feel better to know more about Miss Auclair.”

  With a shake of his head, Jacques took a sip of his drink. “Oh, no, mon amie. That’s not what you need. Hiding behind a woman will never satisfy you. I believe you must do as your brother has suggested. Enter society and face your troubles. Otherwise, you will not be free to marry my sister.”

  Taking the warning to heart, Christopher let out a deep breath. Perhaps Jacques was right, as he’d always been in the past. Besides, there couldn’t be much harm from attending a few parties and dancing. Firming the decision, he went against his better judgment and prepared himself for a ball that evening.

  Later that night as he walked through the doors and began meeting the ladies his brother had insisted upon, he began to feel better about his decision. Everyone was quite pleasant, and he found dancing to be rather enjoyable. The conversations, although over inane topics, where distracting and, overall, he was pleased he’d attended.

  The majority of his dance partners saw him as the prize to win, but he didn’t care. In the end, they would be disappointed to learn he’d already decided upon a bride. Perhaps Jacques had been right. Now that he knew exactly what he would face should he decide to find an English bride, he felt more confident with Miss Auclair. He could enjoy the night all the while knowing he was spoken for.

  Then, he saw her. Miss Jubal—no, Genny. He would allow himself the concession of her Christian name, if only in private. She was on the dance floor and looked glorious in a gown that molded her body like nothing she’d worn before. His mouth dried as his gaze followed along each curve then back up to her face. Clearly this outfit was new.

  Seeing her smiling at the detestable Lord Callum, Christopher clenched his fists. He didn’t like the way she freely gave the man such a look. Did she hope the viscount would kiss her? Would she open up to him in a way Christopher never would be allowed? The thought didn’t sit well with him.

  “So, the Earl of Andel has been left alone at last.”

  Christopher turned and met the eyes of none other than Viscount Burleson. Although he’d met Genny’s father at the picnic, he’d not paid much attention to the beefy man. Now, however, was different.

  “I wasn’t aware you wished to speak to me privately.”

  The man shrugged as his eyes strayed to the dance floor. “I was waiting to see if you would notice her.”

  “I’m afraid I have no idea what you are talking about.” Christopher straightened his back, not liking that his every move was scrutinized.

  “Lie to yourself, but I have no interest in hearing it.” The viscount faced him again. “I know about your classes with my daughter, so tell me, what are your other interest in her?”

  Realizing where this talk was headed, Christopher let out a sigh. “I assure you I mean her no harm, and my interest is purely professional.”

  “But, a man must marry. She is pure and comes from good bloodlines that have never failed to produce healthy sons. Then, there is the issue of her dowry.”

  Not quite comprehending, Christopher swallowed. “Her dowry?”

  Burleson smiled. “I can see you are an intelligent man. Marriages should begin on a good financial basis. Tell me what kind of dowry you are looking for, and we can come to an arrangement.”

  Nearly choking, Christopher coughed. Was her father actually trying to sell her to him? The thought made him ill. Instinctively, Christopher’s eyes sought her out again. Her beauty struck him in the chest. Why would this man do something so terrible with such a prize that should be cherished? Should be protected?

  “I know what you’re thinking,” the viscount continued, “but remember beauty is fleeting. Even the most beautiful here will become afflicted with age, and in a few years there will be no difference between them and my daughter now.”

  Unable to believe her father could speak so hateful about her, Christopher was barely able to keep his anger under control. “Have you made this offer to anyone else?”

  The man laughed. “No one has shown interest before. Now, if you need more convincing, I have one more offer for you. Come by the townhouse tomorrow, and I’ll give you half an hour alone with her. As long as her innocence remains intact, there are no rules.”

  Seething rage exploded within Christopher as he spun to face the man who should be protecting Genny. He couldn’t even bring himself to call him her father. Never in his life could he believe such an evil person existed. Part of him wanted to consent to marry Genny simply to save her from this man, but he couldn’t bring himself to uproot his future.

  Instead, he fought with his desire to rip the man apart. He needed logic right now, not violence. But, bloody hell, violence sounded rather pleasant.

  “The fact you would make me an offer makes me wonder how many other men have tried her out first,” Christopher ground out through clenched teeth. “I’m not sure I want to consider a wife who’s been tried and definitely not one who was rejected afterwards.”

  Burleson’s brows furrowed. “I hadn’t thought of that. As I told you, you are the first to get the offer as you are the first to show interest. However, I
rescind my offer. That being said, the option to negotiate her dowry still stands. Don’t make a decision right now. We can talk later.”

  With that, the man left before Christopher could respond. Past the point of being done with the night, he called for his carriage and his brother. He may have saved Genny this time, but who knew what her father would come up with next. He either needed to warn her, or she needed to marry. Seeing as he couldn’t offer for her, that left him the task of finding her a husband. He suspected that wasn’t going to be an enjoyable duty.

  Chapter 5

  Genevieve couldn’t help but notice all the happy couples as she and Hannah strolled through Hyde Park. It was a picturesque day, and the cheery weather only made her feel lonely. It was true that she’d had more fun at these past few events than all the others she had attended, but that didn’t alter the fact that nothing had truly changed for her.

  Lord Callum was kind and she enjoyed his company, but something was missing. Presently, she didn’t know if it was on her part or his, but there was more out there for her.

  “You are particularly quiet today. Is something wrong?” Hannah shot her a knowing look that clearly indicated she would accept nothing less than the absolute truth.

  “It’s just hard being unwed at the healthy age of twenty. I can tell my parents are becoming more frustrated with that fact each day that passes, and I can’t blame them as I feel the same way.”

  “I see.” Hannah’s usual exuberance for life was missing from her words. “I didn’t realize marriage was so important to you.”

  With a bitter laugh, Genevieve tried to ignore the pain in her chest. “I’m fairly certain it’s important to the majority of the ladies you see here. With no husband, I’m a drain on my parents and eventually I’ll become a burden to my younger brother when he becomes viscount.”

  Hannah bit her lip. “I’m sorry you feel that way. However, there are much worse things than becoming dependent on your family. My father forced me to marry a man I didn’t know on my eighteenth birthday. I believe Lord Rivers wanted to claim me sooner, but my father made him wait. Our marriage was never easy.”

  Hearing the sadness in her friend’s voice made Genevieve feel bad, but it didn’t change her mind. Although she had no idea what Hannah had gone through, having the freedom of a household to run and the lack of pressing obligations from her parents would be preferable to what she had to endure presently.

  “I wish I could see remaining home as an option, but I can’t.”

  After clearing her throat, Hannah smiled. “Then, we shall have to find you a worthy man. Definitely won’t be easy to find someone decent, but we shall try.”

  As they walked along, Hannah gave suggestions on who she believed would be a good match, but the majority of them hadn’t given Genevieve any indication that they even knew who she was. Picking a gentleman this way was certainly not the answer.

  “Why, Miss Jubal, I didn’t know you were going to be out for a walk today.” Lord Callum shot her a wide grin.

  “Yes, well, it’s a nice surprise to see you here, my lord,” she replied, then shot Hannah a look when her friend elbowed her in the ribs. “Please, allow me to present my friend, Countess Rivers. Hannah, this is Viscount Callum.”

  “An honor to meet you, my lady.” The viscount bowed.

  “Quite,” she responded, a calculating look in her eyes.

  “Miss Jubal, I wondered if you would join me for a walk, but I can see you are occupied.”

  Hannah’s eyes widened. “Don’t mind me. I would be happy to rest for a while. The out of doors isn’t my ideal setting.”

  Guilt rushed over Genevieve. “I’m sorry. Had I but known, I wouldn’t have suggested we come to the park.”

  “Don’t give it another thought. Please take your walk with the viscount.”

  Still feeling guilty, but knowing she needed to do this for her future, Genevieve nodded and then gave Lord Callum a smile and accepted his arm. However, her thoughts instantly fell to another man. Every time she smiled, she thought of Lord Andel’s warning. Considering the ball had run late last night, their French lessons had been canceled today, so she hadn’t seen him since he’d rejected her, but her thoughts were another matter.

  Trying to focus on the viscount, who very well could become her future husband, she peered over at him. As he usually did, his eyes moved about the crowd, touching on every person they came across. Although he was friendly, greeting each person they encountered and acknowledging others who were further away, she never seemed to captivate his full attention.

  The thought brought her again to Lord Andel. When he looked at her, she knew he saw her and only her. Considering she’d spent so much of her time ignored by others, his consuming attention was disconcerting, just as it was desirable. She wished Lord Callum would give her the same consideration.

  “Did you wish to talk about something specific?” she asked, hoping to fill the awkward silence between them and pull her thoughts off the earl. “Or, were you simply desiring a walk today?”

  He laughed. “I came to Hyde Park simply to enjoy the day and share in the enjoyable weather. Seeing you only enhances the experience.”

  Nodding, she turned her attention back to all the solitary couples walking. Unlike Lord Callum, they appeared to be more interested in each other than greeting everyone that passed by.

  With a sigh, she mentally shook her head at herself. For too long she’d been without anyone and wishing to have a gentleman give her any such attention, and now that she had it, she was complaining about the way he chose to show it to her. She should be grateful to him.

  Remembering a question asked of her in the past, she smiled. “Tell me, my lord, do you prefer the country or the city?”

  He shot her an amused look. “Why do you ask?”

  Embarrassed, she glanced away. “I thought it would be good for us to get to know one another.”

  His slow nod and faltering smile was curious. “The country has little to hold my interest. My only trips there are out of necessity alone. What about you?”

  Gritting her teeth, she nodded in agreement, her eyes trained on the ground. “The city is lovely. So much activity and a varied number of people and events.”

  Memories of a very similar conversation she’d had with a gentleman last winter assaulted her. Lord Washburne hadn’t been content with her agreeing with him, but he also hadn’t understood the necessity for her to do so. At this point, she couldn’t do anything that would jeopardize having Lord Callum maintain an interest in her. Regardless of how much she would prefer the country, she would live in the city if that’s what it took.

  The thought of molding her likes and dislikes to match up to a gentleman’s didn’t appeal to her now as it once did. She took in a deep breath. This was her life now, and she needed to get back to thinking in that manner.

  Regardless of what other people believed, she had no options, and couldn’t go on pretending like she did.

  ~ ~ ~

  Christopher leaned back against the chair as soon as he saw Lady Regina move past the room from making her obligatory check in. From experience, he knew she wouldn’t return to look in a second time.

  “I believe that’s enough of our French lesson today,” he announced.

  The disappointment on Genny’s face made him happier than it should. After all, he shouldn’t want her to have any desire to be with him any longer than necessary. She was his instructor and would soon be his student.

  Ever since speaking to Lord Burleson, Christopher could think of little else. Genny needed to get out from under her father’s control, and as far as he was concerned, it should happen as soon as possible.

  “Then, we shall resume your lessons tomorrow.”

  He nodded. “It occurred to me recently that I’m not holding up
my end of the arrangement. That will change. Beginning now.”

  “I’m sorry, my lord, I—”

  “It’s Christopher, remember?”

  A becoming shade of red climbed up her cheeks, and she looked away from him. “I don’t recall agreeing to call you by your Christian name.”

  “It wasn’t an option. Now, as I was saying, you have been teaching me French, yet I have done nothing to help you feel more comfortable conversing with the opposite sex. Even now, you can’t even look at me.”

  She bit her luscious bottom lip as her eyes slowly trailed up to his face. “That’s not your job. It’s something I should be working on.”

  Unwilling to accept defeat, he shook his head and stood, needing to put some space between him and her tempting mouth.

  “Perhaps it wasn’t the plan at first, but I see no improvement in your situation. You remain hidden behind your mother at gatherings, or you may dance with others, but your conversations are with only one man. That stops now. I plan on using part of our daily lessons to teach you how to act with a man. What he wants to see and doesn’t want to see.”

  To his surprise, she quickly stood, her eyes sparkling. “You will teach me everything?”

  With a smile, he nodded. “Of course.”

  “Good. Teach me how to kiss properly.”

  His smile fell and he swallowed as he fought to keep his feet nailed to the ground. “Absolutely not. I will not kiss you again.”

  She looked away, hiding her thoughts from him. “I know I’m asking for a sacrifice, but I don’t see any way to improve without guidance.”

  “Improve?” His attention focused on the word as anger infused him. “Why would you believe you have a need for that? Did someone tell you that? The viscount?”

  “No.” Her throat worked as she swallowed. “It was painfully obvious. After you kissed me, you have taken special care to ensure our relationship remains professional.”