Mama and Papa living separate lives. This is dreadful.
A different expression now appeared on Gideon’s face. It was the look of someone in great distress. She had seen that same look all too many times when she had stared at herself in the mirror. It spoke of the struggle of coming to terms with loss.
“Gideon?”
“I talked to Serafina in the early hours of this morning. I am shocked that they are going to marry her off to some old man,” he said, drawing in a shaky breath.
“Yes, it’s an awful situation. It seems a day for receiving terrible news. Speaking of horrible news, can I ask if there is anything new regarding Viscount Cadnam?” She had accepted that her secret lover was dead, but Augusta still wanted to hear any possible update on his fate.
“I’m afraid not. When I left London, the earl was still sticking firmly to his story about Flynn having met a terrible fate at the hands of one of the servants. Of course, few people believe that lie, but it’s left the authorities and the rest of the Cadnam family with nowhere to go,” replied Gideon.
Augusta nodded. She hadn’t honestly been expecting any new developments in the case of the absent viscount. Flynn had been missing for over a year. Any trail which might have led to his whereabouts would have long gone cold.
I ought to tell Gideon about Flynn and myself. About what his friend really meant to me. But he seems quite upset over Serafina marrying Signore Magri. Perhaps this isn’t the right time to be bringing this up with him.
Her love was lost, but Gideon was here, and so was Serafina. Her brother seemed genuinely distressed at the news of Serafina’s impending marriage.
Could it be that he has finally seen the light and come to realize that he does care for her?
What if his visit to Rome was an unexpected second chance for Gideon and Serafina to make a future together? It would certainly go a long way to easing the hurt of her own private loss. It would also mean not having to say goodbye to her dear friend.
Perhaps I can help. I should help. I can’t leave it up to Gideon to do it on his own.
“You look like you have lost a good deal of weight on the sea voyage, Gideon. Were you ill?”
“Yes, I was awfully unwell for most of the journey. Count Nico de Luca has given me the name of a tailor in the city. I was thinking I might go and visit the shop this morning.” He glanced at his trousers which hung low on his hips. “I look and feel like a young boy attempting to wear his father’s clothes. I’m not sure how long we will be here in Rome, but I don’t want to be getting about dressed so poorly.”
A smile crept to Augusta’s lips. “Especially not in front of Serafina.”
Gideon’s eyes narrowed. “Don’t. Please don’t do anything to play matchmaker. I remember you and Victoria trying that game when Serafina was in London, and you didn’t succeed.”
Augusta took a firm grip on her brother’s arm. “Yes, but that was over a year and a half ago. You are not going to stand there and tell me that you are prepared to let Serafina marry one of her father’s business connections. A man who is old enough to be her grandfather. A man who will expect Serafina to share his bed.” She didn’t hold back on the desperate plea in her voice. He had to understand what was at risk.
I want to see someone happy. To know that love can triumph over heartache.
Her brother flinched at those last words, and Augusta’s fevered hopes flared to life. Gideon might be doing his best to act disinterested, but it was clear that he cared for Serafina. As far as she was concerned, he just needed a good hard push to do something about his feelings.
His hand settled gently over hers, and he gave a tired sigh. “G, I have just arrived in Rome after having endured the worst six weeks of my life. Please grant me a day or two to find my feet before you start berating me over what Serafina and I may or may not share.”
Augusta shook her head. She could understand her brother being exhausted after having been so terribly ill, but at the same time, she couldn’t simply stand by and watch him suffer the sort of heartbreak she had endured with the loss of Flynn.
There is hope for these two, and I won’t stay silent. Not if I can do something to help.
“Serafina’s betrothal is due to be announced next week, Gideon. If you feel one ounce of anything for her, you have to understand that you don’t have the luxury of time to decide what to do.”
Her brother had a real chance to change both his and her friend’s fate. She owed it to Flynn’s memory to do whatever she could to assist another couple in finding their way to happiness. If she could help to save Serafina from a loveless political union, one which was designed purely to further Enzo de Luca’s grasping ambitions, then at least her own pain of the past year would have amounted to something.
Our happily ever after was stolen from us, but you can claim yours.
Much as Gideon didn’t like her meddling, Augusta was determined that when the time came for them to get on board the ship to go home, Serafina would be going with them.
* * *
By the time they eventually did make it to the tailor shop on Via del Corso, Augusta was firmly set on her mission. Gideon was going to marry Serafina, and that was that. They had spent the morning at the Colosseum, where due to Serafina’s quick thinking, they were able to outwit the de Luca bodyguards and enter the ancient arena unaccompanied.
Her own efforts in feigning sore feet then allowed her brother and friend to snatch a few precious minutes alone. Time during which they had apparently come to some sort of agreement about their future. When a grim-faced Gideon took Augusta to task over her efforts, she gave him her solemn word that she would cease and desist from any other attempts at playing Cupid.
But she was far from done.
