Page 4 of The Gentleman's Confession
“No one is as in tune with people and their feelings as you are. I want you to teach me what you know. I want you to teach me to love my betrothed.”
His eyes bulged. Teach her to love a stranger? The devil, he wouldn’t! His obligation as her good friend did not include such utter nonsense. He stood and straightened his jacket, his tone controlled and professional. “I sincerely regret, I won’t be able to help you.” He reached out and took her arm. “I’m a busy, busy man.” He propelled her toward the door. “However, if you change your mind about this ridiculous deal you have made, I will do all I can to remedy it.” He opened the door and practically pushed her out.
Or he would have had she not gripped his arm. “Miles! You cannot abandon me in my time of need!”
He glanced around to make certain no one had witnessed their familiarity. The church was blessedly empty. Thank goodness Mrs. Fortescue was no longer in the vicinity. He was not acting very priestly. Taking a moment to collect himself, he answered calmly. “It is not abandonment; it’s deflection.” He tried to pry her fingers off his arm, but she clung all the tighter.
She straightened, and the hardened look in her eyes commanded his attention. “If you don’t help me, I will tell the Matchmaking Mamas you are ready to plan your wedding to Lisette!”
Miles froze.
If watching Jemma marry someone else would torture him, marrying Lisette would possibly be worse. Beautiful, kind, sweet Lisette. She deserved the very best in a husband, and somehow, the town had conjectured him to be her equal. If saving her life as a child and being her friend meant this, then he was guilty. But despite being honor bound by Society’s expectation to marry her, Miles could never love her.
Not while his heart beat for only one woman.
Not when he’d secretly loved Jemma his entire life.
He relaxed his arm in defeat. “What do you want me to do?”
Jemma squealed and jumped up and down. “I knew you would help me!” Her enthusiasm waned for a moment, and her glare was back. “But it does not mean I do not think it horrid how you keep Lisette waiting and pining for you. It is quite wrong of you to let all these other women trail around you while she suffers at home. Oh, I know, I know. You are a young vicar, and the women are merely bored and lonely. I have heard all your excuses. I do believe you have been dutifully focused on getting your career in order, but it is high time you swept my cousin off her feet and posted the banns.”
This was not a discussion he had ever wanted to have with Jemma, of all people. “Don’t get distracted. Explain to me the expectations of your request.”
Jemma’s lips broke into a grin, her dazzling smile threatening to undo him as never before. “Lessons.”
“Lessons?” Her smile forgotten, he studied her, searching for signs of madness.
“I haven’t any specifics in mind because I wouldn’t know the first place to start. I will depend on you completely to teach me everything I need to know.”
A small groan slipped, and he leaned against the doorframe. “I’ve never been married. Isn’t there someone better suited?” Their Rebel friends would gladly offer assistance, and without an inner battle tormenting them in the process.
“When the Matchmaking Mamas Society originated and shortly after ensnared Paul in their grasp, you were the most vocal in support of marriage, remember?”
He never thought he’d regret stating his beliefs. “I have nothing against marriage. It’s a Godly institution, and those who treat each other with respect find it quite fulfilling. If you recall, I also endorse people selecting their spousefor themselves.”
“I’m letting them select a spouse for me. Isn’t that close enough?”
His head swung like a pendulum from side to side. “Not for me.”
She frowned again. “You’re acting needlessly protective of me.”
“I’m acting sensibly.”
She squinted at him. “It is not like you to put off helping someone. Are you feeling well?”
He rubbed his temples. “I might be taking ill, yes. I’m afraid that leaves Tom and Paul, then, since they are the sole married Rebels.”
She wrinkled her nose. “Nonsense, I could never ask amarriedman to teach me. What would their wives think?”
“Then, ask their wives.” He could barely stomach this conversation, let alone what it would entail should he agree.
“But I do not know them like I know you. I’d be so embarrassed. Besides, it has hardly been more than a day since they returned from London, and we need time to become reacquainted. And I cannot ask Lisette.” She tossedhim an angry glare. “It would serve to remind her of her own loneliness.”
Miles’s jaw flinched. “You cannot mean to come to confessional every day. Someone will catch on.”
Jemma’s brow danced up and down. “Ah, this part I did plan. Go about your business, and I shall find you when you’re needed.”
He straightened. “I cannot give myself to all your whims.”
