Chapter Sixteen

A sher's life seemingly took on a whole new meaning with Patience at his side. Getting his mother on board to act as a chaperone had taken some doing but even now, she had finally taken a liking to the lady when she had seen how much Asher was coming to care for her. While she might not be the titled lady his mother had anticipated as a daughter-in-law, his mother was quite happy to note that Asher was finally showing signs of being willing to settle down. Gideon was still another story. He had become sullen of late, which was particularly noticeable since he was now living under Asher's roof where he could keep a close eye on the younger man.

But maybe that was also part of the problem. Gideon had no intention of getting himself out into Society even when Patience urged him to do so. His brother was still in a mood that no one could lift. Perhaps with more time, he would eventually come around. Asher wasn't sure what else he could do for his brother who still pinned away for Patience. She was the one thing Asher wouldn't give up.

It had been three weeks since that fateful day at the Lyon's Den when Asher's world had completely changed. Three weeks of dancing with Patience at balls and escorting her to the theater. Everything seemed like a brand-new experience even for him as he watched his lady blossom like a beautiful spring rose. Yes… there were some who continued to turn up their noses at her but overall, she had been accepted as one of them.

What had come as a surprise was to learn that she was already friends with the Marchionesses of Saxton and Wickes. What had been the chances that her friends and his had married? And yet… God help them all if Mrs. Dove-Lyon hadn't arranged everything to happen exactly as she had planned. Asher could only wonder what she had in store for Lucius. He was the last for the original four men who had known each other for more years than any of them could remember. The last bachelor standing since Asher considered himself off the market.

Not that the new slate of debutantes didn't try to wiggle their way in his direction. He still adhered to protocol which meant he would only dance with Patience the appropriate two dances per evening. Any more when they were not yet officially engaged would be grounds for gossip, and he refused to tarnish her reputation. But he didn't have to dance that number with anyone else and he limited the times he did head to the dance floor to one with the other ladies of his acquaintance. Even that was often too much as the young ladies saw an eligible man with a title who was unmarried and fair prey for their advances.

Patience handled all the attention she received with the grace of a goddess and her dance card was filled at each ball they attended. Luckily, Asher was able to fill in his name first so he was ensured he could dance with his lady.

There was only one occasion that Asher kept a careful eye on her and her partner. When it came to Oliver Pitt, he swore he would call the cad out if he so much as dropped his hand to any place inappropriate on Patience's body.

"You're lost in thought, Ash," Gideon mumbled through a bite of his eggs. "Thinking of her , I suppose?"

Asher shook his head to clear his memories of the lady who his brother was referring to. Looking down the length of the breakfast table, he saw that his brother was watching him intently. He supposed he owed Gideon an apology for what his brother would consider stealing his love interest away.

"I fear I've done you an injustice, Gideon," Asher began until a snort of distain from his brother filled the room.

"You mean the lovers' quarrel you found fit to have in front of me? That injustice?" Gideon said reaching for his cup of coffee.

"It wasn't my intention to hurt you. Patience and I had met previously. I can't explain how we had such an instant connection but it's there," Asher began reaching for his own cup and taking a sip.

"It was like I wasn't even there once she entered, Ash. I had just spent the previous half hour spewing my feelings for her to you. You seemed sympathetic…but then your actions showed your complete disregard for how I felt."

Asher rose from his place at the table and went to sit next to his brother. "I'm sorry, Gideon. Truly, I am. You must know I would never hurt you intentionally. But Patience and I… well… we just seem to belong together. Can you forgive me and wish us well?" Asher waited while a flood of emotions swept across his brother's features.

Gideon pushed his plate of food away and sat back in his chair. "I can't say that I am happy I'm not the one she has feelings for. But if her heart is already taken, I'm not one to stand in the way of her true happiness. But all the same, I hate coming in second best."

"You'd never be second best to the right woman, Gideon," Asher said quietly.

"That is easy for the winner to say."

Asher leaned forward. "I say that because it's the truth. The right woman will come along for you. And if it happens like it did for me, she'll show up when you least expect her."

"As long as you care for her, Asher, and she's just not some woman you'll get over in a few months, then I wish you well… both of you," Gideon finally admitted with a half-smile.

"Thank you, brother," Asher said with a sense of relief that all would be well between himself and Gideon. "What plans do you have for today? I have to meet with Mrs. Dove-Lyon later tonight at the Lyon's Den. Maybe you'd like to come along," Asher suggested.

"Is she checking in on your progress? Or making sure you haven't changed your mind?" Gideon asked with a smirk.

"I won't change my mind where Patience is concerned but yes. I suppose she wants to ensure I am still behaving myself. Would you like to meet me there?" Asher asked again hoping to get his brother out of the house.

"Maybe another time, Ash. I've had another terrible headache all morning and think I might retire to a dark room," Gideon replied honestly.

"I'll have a maid bring some cool water and cloths. Maybe that will help," Asher suggested. "Should I send for Dr. Thornberry to come examine you?"

"No need. The dark room should help." Gideon nodded toward his brother and left the room leaving Asher alone with his thoughts.

He made his way to his study and began to go over the paperwork regarding some of his investments that he had been neglecting. It was mundane work but needed to be done. He couldn't spend all of his time with the lovely Patience… or could he? A smile lit his face knowing he would meet her briefly at a ball before heading to his appointment with Mrs. Dove-Lyon. Maybe Patience had also been summoned to see how their relationship was going. He smiled again knowing he might just catch another glimpse of his lady where they had first met.