Page 76 of The Gentleman's Confession
Jemma clutched the fabric of her skirt beneath her hands, and her response tumbled out. “You fell in love ... with Lisette?”
Mr. Bentley’s cheeks reddened. The kind, self-assured man Jemma had thought she knew was clearly still a stranger to her. She had never seen him blush before. But worse than not knowinghimwas not knowing his heart.
“I hope you will understand; I never fathomed this happening, or I never would have contracted with Lady Kellen for a wife.”
Jemma nodded quickly. “You do not need to apologize. Plans change.” She heard Cassandra’s and Louisa’s voices in her ears,assuring her that such things happened. And they happened for a reason.
Lisette had been chewing on her lip, but she ceased long enough to scoot to the edge of the sofa. “Of course we need to apologize. Whenever you left because of a headache or some other reason, I stayed behind to smooth things over with Walter.”
“Walter?” Jemma repeated.
Lisette blushed. “I hope you do not mind ...”
“It is not my place to mind,” Jemma explained. “Please. Finish what you were saying about you and Wal—er ... Mr. Bentley.”
“We did not mean to spend so much time together. It only happened that way. We discovered we had a great deal in common, and conversing was so natural for us. Neither of us intended to develop any feelings for each other. But we wanted to be honest with you.” Tears formed in Lisette’s eyes, and she tucked her chin and lowered her gaze to her lap.
Did Lisette truly love Mr. Bentley in return? Jemma was in complete shock. She hadn’t seen any of this coming.
“Lisette and I have a connection,” Mr. Bentley continued, picking up where Lisette had left off, “but ... we will fight it, if we must.”
“Mr. Bentley—”
“There is one more thing,” Mr. Bentley said at the same time Jemma spoke. She motioned for him to proceed. “Because Mr. Jackson compromised your reputation yesterday, your reputation must be protected. I told him I would uphold my end of the agreement to marry you, but I said it only because I hoped to clarify a matter with you first. I have been aware for some time that you are in love with Mr. Jackson.”
Jemma sputtered. Love Mr. Jackson? Her chest heaved, her heart racing to the speed of a dozen wild horses. Her eyes flashed to Lisette, who seemed to be bracing herself.
Mr. Bentley continued. “There have been several instances of proof I might offer, but the fact of the matter is, Mr. Jackson seems equally enamored with you. I cannot in good conscience give myself to you when we both have opportunities elsewhere that would satisfy our happiness far more.”
Jemma squeezed the fabric of her dress all the tighter. Mr. Bentley was no fool. “Forgive me,” she begged. “You are very kind to have offered for me, but as we were never engaged, please do not concern yourself with my reputation. I have money and connections enough to see to my own needs, so truly, you both must follow your hearts. There is nothing ...” she choked on her words, “nothing I want more than Lisette’s happiness.”
She couldn’t say anything about Miles. Not after she had cruelly sent him away.
“Oh, Jemma.” Lisette’s eyes welled with tears, a few spilling over, and she reached for Mr. Bentley’s arm.
It was true, then. Lisette did love Mr. Bentley. How was it possible? “You deserve to be happy, Cousin. You’ve looked out for me for far too long. Now I will get to see you taken care of.”
Lisette shook her head. “You have it wrong. You have always taken care of me. You’ve lent me confidence when I’ve had none. You’ve helped me secure friendships and be brave in my desires to do good in the world. It’s your happiness I want.”
Jemma wiped at her own tears flooding her eyes, giving a soft laugh. “Look at us. Look at you! In love!”
Lisette smiled then, too, and met Mr. Bentley’s eyes. Their shared look was full of a thousand different forms of pure adoration.
“Are you certain about releasing our obligation?” Mr. Bentley turned quickly, his eyes imploring Jemma.
She nodded. “Quite sure.”
He laughed and reached his hand for Lisette’s. She set her long, thin fingers against his much larger ones, and he brought them to his lips, fervently kissing them.
A longing to be cherished hit Jemma with so much force that it overwhelmed her. She had to speak with Lisette. She had to tell her everything. “Lisette, would you mind speaking with me for a moment in the corridor?”
“Of course not.” Lisette pulled away from Mr. Bentley and followed Jemma from the room. Jemma shut the door to the drawing room, giving them the maximum privacy an empty corridor could offer.
“What is it?” Lisette asked.
Jemma forced her hands to be still. “After your revelation, I cannot be easy until I speak of a matter of my own.” She hesitated, reaching for the right words.
“You care for Miles.”
