To Teach A Gentleman

by Langston, Jenn

  “Oh, no. It’s much worse than that. The girl arrived here yesterday looking for you. No chaperone.” Philip crossed his arms as if Christopher had something to do with it. “When she found out you weren’t here, she decided to wait.”

  Surprised and irritated, Christopher clenched his teeth. “You should have sent her home. The girl is young and inexperienced with our society. She needs to learn.”

  With a laugh, Philip took a sip of his port. “First, she doesn’t exactly take no for an answer. Actually, having recently turned nineteen, she’s not too much younger than your Miss Jubal. And, lastly, I had Janis sit in to chaperone.”

  Not liking the sound of that, Christopher leaned back in his chair. “How long did she remain here, then?”

  “No more than an hour.” Philip shifted in his chair, clearly discomforted by the change of topic. “She claims she had nothing better to do and preferred to wait for you.”

  “I see.” Christopher wasn’t sure how he should feel about this. “What did the two of you talk about during this long time?”

  “A number of things, and I feel more content with your decision to marry her. Now that I understand her reason behind the decision.”

  “Do you intend to share this information or is it a great secret?” Christopher was becoming more and more irritated with his brother as time passed. It was as though they were children again and Philip had a secret he didn’t want to tell, yet he wanted Christopher to suffer knowing he couldn’t have the details.

  “The girl has decided to uproot her life in France in order to be closer to her brother. As Jacques has decided to remain in England, she feels her only option is to wed an Englishman to be near her brother.”

  The way Philip spoke of Miss Auclair was unlike any emotion Christopher expected from his brother. Hearing such a thing in Philip’s voice was unnerving. In particular when it was directed at a woman with whom Christopher would marry.

  “You admire her,” Christopher stated.

  Philip shrugged. “It’s kind of hard not to. You need to talk to her, then you will understand. One conversation, and I am positive your reservations will disappear.”

  Although Christopher didn’t believe that possible, he knew he needed to do something. If he spent all of his time avoiding Miss Auclair and kissing Genny, none of them would ever wed. However, he couldn’t say it would be a bad life.

  Regardless, at his earliest convenience, he did as his brother suggested and arranged a meeting with Miss Auclair. He hoped in doing so, she would learn the value of not simply showing up without prior warning. Unfortunately, when he met her in the drawing room of his friend’s townhouse, there was no chaperone. He mentally made note to speak to Jacques about this improper behavior.

  “Bonjour, mon seigneur. I can’t say how pleased I am by your visit.” Her heavily accented French voice was quite stunning.

  “Since you have only just arrived, I imagine it shall be the first of many,” he assured, remembering how Philip mentioned the girl’s insecurities. “However, I do think it would be best if we had a chaperone present for our talks.”

  Her lips curled in a sultry smile as she drew her shoulders back a fraction. “If you are already having trouble controlling your desires around me, I believe we have quite a pleasant beginning already.”

  Christopher coughed at her blatant comment. “You misunderstand. I would never say such a thing. I only meant to uphold the values of propriety. I assure you that I shall not lay one hand on you.”

  With a shrug, she licked her lips. “That’s a pity. You see, to me, passion is quite important between a husband and a wife. To hear you say you have no desire for me is quite distressing.”

  The air supply in the room suddenly thinned. He felt as though the girl was deliberately trying to bait him. The proper thing to do would be to decline her not-so-subtle invitation. But, he wasn’t sure that was what she wanted. In truth, he felt no compulsion to kiss her. Her lips, now moistened with her tongue, didn’t call out to him the way Genny’s did.

  In the past, he’d enjoyed many women with whom he had no raging desire for, so why should Miss Auclair be any different? Surely a kiss couldn’t hurt. He swallowed. Perhaps it could, for he truly didn’t want to.

  “I understand your concern, however, our customs are different than yours. I don’t know you at this time, and therefore, I’m not ready to explore anything in that regard. In time, that will change.”

  She nodded. “Perhaps my English isn’t as good as I’d believed. All I’m asking for is the desire to act, not any specific actions at this time. My culture is not as open as that.”

  Feeling a wave of relief, he smiled. “That is very good to know. We English enjoy moving quite slowly. All I’m asking for is a little time.”

  “That, I can give you.”

  As their conversation turned to mundane topics, Christopher couldn’t help feeling guilty for lying to her. Although taking things slow was what he wanted to do with her, it wasn’t what he had done with Genny. He kissed her at the first opportunity, and he wanted to do so much more. But, she wasn’t part of his plan. Not having feelings for Miss Auclair only made her perfect for him. If he were an intelligent man, he would marry her at the first opportunity and rush away to the country.

  However, the real trouble wasn’t intelligence here. It was selfishness. And, he was finding himself feeling very selfish at the moment.

  ~ ~ ~

  “Did you enjoy meeting my sister?” Lord Goulet’s raised eyebrows displayed his eagerness as he spoke in perfect French.

  Genevieve swallowed and responded in his language as she continued walking down the path in her father’s garden. “Yes. She is quite lovely. I imagine she doesn’t have a bone in her body that isn’t wondrously perfect.”

  He laughed. “Please don’t let her hear you say something like that. Then, I will never hear the end of it. She’s already had enough suitors to spin her head in circles with her own importance.”

  That got Genevieve’s full attention. “If she’s had so many, why did she not select one to marry?”

  “Marguerite is not like most of the English young ladies you are accustomed to meeting. She either wants to live in England near me, or she craves a marriage full of passion. Although, she would prefer both. In France, none of her suitors were able to offer her either so she turned them all down.”

  With wide eyes, Genevieve stopped walking to look at him. “How will she know if she has it or not?”

  Lord Goulet chuckled. “Oh, my dear, once you have felt it, you will know. My sister feels the key is in a kiss. One simple touching of the mouth, and she can say if she has interest or not.”

  Fascinated, Genevieve bit her bottom lip. Surely that was what she felt with Christopher. She wanted to ask the baron more questions. The most pressing being how prevalent the feeling was, but she couldn’t. Did having it with Christopher mean she was destined never to have something similar with another man? Honestly, the feelings she’d experienced in his arms frightened her, so she suspected it was for the best that she not feel it again.

  “That is an interesting theory.” She resumed walking.

  “Yes, and one that I believe holds a lot of credibility. My sister will find what she seeks. I’m certain of it. I also believe she will find it in London.”

  A sick feeling invaded the pit of her stomach. Was Lord Goulet talking about Christopher? Deep inside she knew that was what the baron had wanted. Obviously, that’s why the man suggested his sister in the first place, but Genevieve didn’t like hearing it.

  “You are very quiet.” Concern crossed his face. “Are you well?”

  “Very well, thank you. I’m simply thinking on everything you’ve told me. It’s quite a lot to take in.”

  He nodded. “I understand. And, you have no need to w
orry. I trust you shall find your great passion as well. Sometimes it takes a while, but I assure you it will be magnificent.”

  The truth of his words sank in slowly. He knew that person wasn’t him. Depression settled on her shoulders. What good would a great passion do for her if she would be cast out by her father? She knew Frank would care for her, but it would be years before he had the means to do so. If she didn’t marry soon, she suspected her father’s patience would be gone.

  “So, you believe one should not marry until this has been located? How can that be? The person you seek may not be waiting out there for you.”

  He ran his fingers through his long, dark hair. “I do believe everyone has an equal opportunity to experience such a glorious thing. However, some will never achieve it. You, I can say, are different. There is proof in your manner and in your eyes. Give it time and you shall see, too.”

  Disappointment withered her hope, but she tried not to let him see as they finished their walk. Baron Goulet had been her last hope. Now, she didn’t know what to do. Somehow, she would have to find a way to plead her case to Lady Constance. Then, a solution hit her, and she couldn’t believe she hadn’t thought of it sooner.

  Hannah would plead her case. Tomorrow Genevieve would attend a ladies luncheon with her friend and she could explain the situation. Then, Hannah could speak with Lady Constance, letting her know how it wasn’t her fault that Christopher didn’t want to continue his lessons. She swallowed. The thought of never marrying was devastating, but there was no help for it.

  The luncheon the following day didn’t fill her with hope or excitement. Although talking to Hannah would secure her future, it was not the one she wanted. In addition, it seemed her friend was running behind schedule. Genevieve sincerely hoped she would come soon. Until then, she remained near the back of the room and waited. Large crowds, regardless of whether they were men or women, never brought her comfort.

  The laughter of two debutantes in their first season caught Genevieve’s attention.

  “And, even her poor mother is a victim of the shameless girl’s charade. She has no idea what her daughter is.”

  “Are you certain?” The dark-haired girl, Genevieve recalled as Lady Synder, asked. “I heard it’s the mother who has been encouraging her. That’s why so many men are flocking to her, they have no recourse from her father.”

  Genevieve frowned. She hated gossip of any kind, and she felt sorry for the girl who was having her name dragged through these insensitive ladies’ mouths. And, for them to do so in a place where they could be overheard was unacceptable. She dearly wished she’d had the nerve to say something. Instead, she tried to block the words out.

  “That’s disgraceful! Do these men not realize wasting their time on her will hinder their chances to find a bride this season?”

  “I don’t know.” Lady Synder let out a sigh. “What makes it worse is how she has taken up so much of Lord Andel’s time. I really wanted a chance with him.”

  Immediately, Genevieve focused her full attention on the pair. The mention of Christopher definitely drew her notice.

  “And, the French baron, too. I hear men from France know how to treat a lady. I wonder if that’s why she needs so many men. To compare them as she takes them to her bed.”

  The world came crashing down around her, and Genevieve lost the ability to hear any longer. Turning, she stumbled her way to the ladies withdrawing room. How could this be happening? Those ladies thought she was taking all of these men to her bed?

  Dear God! Did the men believe it, too? Was that why they were interested? Her stomach rolled, and she felt faint. Had her reputation truly been ruined this whole time and she’d ignorantly went through each day without having a clue?

  She needed to get out of there. Suddenly a life teaching at Lady Constance’s House of Reform didn’t sound so bad. The trouble now being with a reputation such as this, she didn’t have a chance of being hired.

  ~ ~ ~

  Christopher entered his townhouse and dusted off the droplets of rain that clung to his clothing. The dreary weather suited his mood rather well today. He was tired of London. Honestly, he was tired of much more, but returning home to the country would be an excellent start for him.

  This past week had been torturous, and he’d moved no further with Miss Auclair. He knew he hadn’t been trying as hard as he could, but he still couldn’t bring himself to like the idea of marrying the girl. Each and every day, she’d arrived, talked to Philip until Christopher had been available, and done her best to push their relationship forward. All to no avail.

  He ran a hand through his sodden hair. To make matters worse, Genny had completely been ignoring him. At every single event, she’d hidden behind her brother and their few dances had been uncommonly quiet. He was at his wits end, and it was time to offer for Miss Auclair and move back to the comfort of his estate.

  “My lord, Miss Auclair is waiting for you in the drawing room,” the butler informed him.

  “Of course she is,” Christopher murmured.

  “What was that, my lord?” The aging man looked concerned.

  “Nothing.” Christopher nodded. “Thank you. I will see my way to her.”

  As the man went off to see to his duties, Christopher mentally prepared himself to finish the plan he set in motion months ago. All this time, he’d known it would come to this, so he shouldn’t be distressed now that it was finally coming to fruition. He swallowed down the sick feeling in his stomach.

  Regardless, he made his way to the drawing room. A small ceremony, perhaps quickly by special license, would suit his needs fine. Then, the matter would be settled. Feeling more at peace with the decision, he turned and stepped into the drawing room.

  He froze. Too many emotions to name moved through his head at the sight before him. In the corner of the room stood Philip, his arms around Miss Auclair with his lips locked tightly on hers. The most prevalent feeling he had was confusion. A simple touching of the mouth, he could excuse, but not this. The passionate embrace rivaled his experiences with Genny. The thought sobered him up. This may not be such a bad thing. After all, he hadn’t truly wanted to marry Miss Auclair.

  He crossed his arms. “Is this a bad time?”

  The two of them leapt apart, guilt etched collectively on their faces. Christopher would have laughed had he not felt betrayed. His brother was the last person he would have thought capable of doing something like this to him. Not to mention the fact that Philip had no desire to wed.

  “Christopher, I . . . We . . .” Philip glanced at Miss Auclair then back to him. “Perhaps, you’d be so kind as to join me in your study.”

  Christopher nodded. “Please excuse us, Miss Auclair.”

  She nodded, a blush staining her cheeks.

  Once in his study, Philip closed the door. “I’m sorry you had to see that, but I love her.”

  Stunned, Christopher scratched his chin. “When did this happen? I had no idea you felt this way. Have you told her yet?”

  “I knew she was special the first day I spoke to her, but I would say my feelings developed over this week. And, I have not told her because I doubt her reaction will be favorable considering we’ve only just met. Trust me, Christopher, I never expected this to happen.”

  “I should think not,” Christopher responded dryly, trying to take everything in. “What are you going to do about this?”

  Philip’s shoulders straightened. “I know I should do the right thing and let you have her, but I can’t. I’ll take her to Gretna Green if that’s what it takes, but she will be mine.”

  With a raised brow, Christopher blew out a breath. “How can I argue with that? If you are so determined to have her, then I will not stand in your way. I wish you both all the best.”

  Philip’s mouth fell open. “You are going to let m
e have her?”

  “Don’t tell me this was a test set up to ascertain my true feelings?”

  “Absolutely not. I truly wish to marry her. I’m just stunned you don’t wish to fight or, at the very least, make me pay for stealing your choice of bride.”

  “Do you want me to?” Christopher studied his brother’s face. It was as if the man couldn’t believe something so wondrous had happened to him. Christopher smiled. It was nice to be able to do something like this for Philip. Having lived for so long without a mother and having a father who hadn’t wanted to deal with them, they were both owed happiness.

  “No. I suppose not. It was just unexpected.”

  Laughing, Christopher clapped his brother on the shoulder. “Well, I suppose you should get back to your lady. As for me, I think it might be best to return to the country. At twenty-eight, I still have time. Perhaps I can look for a wife in a few years.”

  “What about Miss Jubal? The two of you got along very well.”

  “It isn’t gentlemanly of you to keep your lady waiting any longer than necessary.”

  Although Philip appeared torn, he gave in and hurried from the room. Christopher knew how his brother must feel. The intense desire to be with someone else had plagued him for far too long. But, it was time for him to give up on Genny. Her behavior this past week was a clear indication that she wanted nothing more to do with him.

  His resolve lasted less than one day before he began to wonder if he was making the right decision. Surely, he could marry her and enjoy her company, her kisses, and her body yet distance himself from growing closer to her during the day. Then, perhaps they would eventually settle into being acquaintances living in the same house as he’d originally wanted. No lasting emotions in the event that something should happen to her. He could handle that. And, certainly survive it.

  A knock at the door broke his musings, and he was surprised to see Genny’s brother had arrived to see him. The man looked noticeably uncomfortable. Christopher suspected he wouldn’t like this.