Chapter Ten

A sher was in a foul mood as he sat at a table at White's, where he had come for a change in scenery from the Lyon's Den. Lucius, Simon, and Benjamin had joined him for a drink but each man seemed to be lost in their own thoughts. When Valentine entered the room, he made straight for their table.

"Bloody Hell, I could use a drink," he cursed waving his hand toward a servant who quickly came with a glass of brandy. He gulped it down before placing the crystal on the table.

"What has you in such a state?" Lucius drawled taking a sip of his own brandy.

"It's the Widow of Whitehall. She's back to matchmaking and she thinks a certain lady might make me a good wife."

Asher's memory of Persephone in the garden had him clenching his own glass tighter. "You didn't care for the lady she chose for you?" he asked as his curiosity got the better of him.

"She was like a timid little mouse. Barely spoke a word or two. I can't imagine being with a woman like that the rest of my life. I'd be bored to tears and taking a mistress in no time," Val complained bitterly.

Timid ? Persephone ? Why, she was anything but timid in her banter—and in her kiss.

Benjamin chuckled. "I'd like to see how you get out of this one, Val," he said giving their friend a knowing look. "Mrs. Dove-Lyon doesn't take it light when she has her mind set on making a match. Don't forget the dangers of defying her. She could ruin you in an instant if she so chooses."

Val ran his fingers through his hair before downing the rest of his brandy. "I know and it's the last thing I need right now. My parents are already urging me to find a wife this Season."

Simon swept his finger in the men's direction. "You're all for the marriage market if you continue to go to the Lyon's Den."

Asher chuckled. "Don't count yourself out, Simon. You've been there a time or two as well, and your luck has not always been good. Nor have you always been careful to seat yourself at the tables where the wagers are only for money."

Simon sat back in his chair. "Why do you think I'm here at White's?"

"Why do you think we're all here at White's?" Benjamin chimed in causing the men at the table to laugh.

Asher rubbed the back of his neck trying not to think of Persephone and what she might be doing at the Lyon's Den while he was here, far away. He tried to push the worry aside. He couldn't spend every night watching her on the balcony at the Lyon's Den. Or could he? He shook his head out of his thoughts and knew for certain he would lose his heart to the woman if he couldn't manage to get himself under control. He dared not to think of the alternative… that she would be paired with one of his friends as a husband. Bloody hell … Asher didn't want her paired with anyone.

Asher stood knowing the duties to family called and he could not put off the inevitable any longer. "I'm off, gentlemen. My brother has been staying at Dr. Thornberry's house to ensure he is fit after his return from France, and I need to check in on him."

Lucius nodded. "My best to your brother. You're lucky to have him back after thinking him lost forever."

"Yes," Asher said with a nod. "We're very grateful he lives although his spirits will still take some time to heal."

Benjamin waved his empty glass to a passing servant to have it refilled. "At least he made it back… so many didn't."

The men became lost in thought as they presumably thought of those who had been lost to war. Asher bid his friends farewell, retrieved his coat, and made his way to his carriage which had been brought around.

The drive to the doctor's townhouse didn't take long and Asher was soon being escorted up the stairs and down a long wood paneled hallway. He entered his brother's room and saw a fresh bouquet of flowers, which indicated that his mother had been there recently. Asher wasn't sure how flowers would brighten his brother's mood. Nothing he had been able to say thus far seemed to crack through the demons that filled Gideon's head.

"Hello, brother," Asher said brightly as he went to the heavy curtains. He pulled back the drapery to let in the light of the day. "Why are you laying here in the dark? It's a beautiful day outside."

"What does it matter? I'm not going anywhere," Gideon mumbled.

"There's no reason why we couldn't go to sit outside for some fresh air," Asher said hoping maybe the outdoors might do his brother some good. "It might lighten your mood."

"There's only one thing that would lighten my mood," Gideon proclaimed and got a far-off look in his green eyes.

Asher watched in fascination as his brother's whole demeanor changed. Something was of interest to him, and he was curious what could spark such a total transformation from the brother who was like a stranger to him.

"If I can make your day all the better, then by all means… tell me what I can do to make you happy," Asher urged pulling a chair close to his brother's bed.

His brother gave a weak smile, but it was encouraging. Asher hadn't seen such a look on his brother's face since he began visiting. "Pull the bell cord and ask for my nurse. She's the only person who has raised my spirits since I set foot back in England."

Asher let out a laugh. "Of course, a pretty face would cheer you. Tell me of her."

Gideon gave a heavy sigh. "She is the most beautiful woman I have ever seen."

"There are plenty of beautiful women in the world, brother. I'm not certain a nurse is who would be best for you. They have a reputation—"

"She's not like that. Don't you dare speak ill of her since you know nothing about her," Gideon said firmly with a clenched fist.

"You are right. My apologies," Asher declared trying to pacify his brother.

"Dr. Thornberry thinks very highly of the nurses he hires. He prides himself on providing the best of care, and he would not expose his patients to anyone disreputable. I'm certain you already know how much you've had to pay for all he is providing," Gideon said as he ran his fingers through his sandy colored hair.

Asher nodded. "I will have to take your word for it since I have not met the lady."

"She has been kind to me, Ash," Gideon began, "not even flinching when she saw the scar left on my face. I won't even discuss the limp the war has left me with."

"I hate what your time serving our country has done to my carefree sibling."

"Those days of me being carefree are long past gone, Asher," Gideon replied turning to look at him. "What woman would have me as I am now?"

"Any of them would be lucky to have you," he proclaimed.

A heavy sigh left his brother. "No woman in her right mind would be able to look past this scar."

Asher reached over to take Gideon's forearm. "The right woman won't even notice it. Personally, I'm more concerned with the mental wounds you continue to deal with."

A sob left his brother. "Two years of my life, Ash!" he moaned in frustration. "Do you know what's it's like to have no memory of your existence for so long?"

"If I could take away that pain, you know I would. I'm just thankful my brother still lives," Asher replied wishing there was more he could do for him. He went to the bell cord and gave it a tug. If his nurse would brighten up Gideon's mood, then so be it. A servant entered shortly thereafter. "Please send for my brother's nurse. Now… let's get you dressed."

"I don't want to get dressed," Gideon complained turning his head away from his brother.

"Mother will be here soon with her carriage. As I said, it's a lovely day and the weather is holding. Maybe we can convince her to take you for a short ride to get you out of here for a while until Dr. Thornberry feels comfortable enough to allow you to come home."

"It's all I want, Ash. I just want to go home," Gideon said as he sat up and began to dress.

"Soon, Gideon. Soon, you'll be back where you belong," Asher answered letting Gideon dress himself. The more he did without any assistance, the faster Asher could take him home. Now, they just waited for his brother's nurse. Hopefully, this woman would once again put a smile on Gideon's face.