Destiny of the Heart (Viking Destiny) (11 page)

As they came to the foyer of the house, Kristen pointed
him to the front door as she turned in the other direction
entirely. He laughed with delight, a sound that made Kristen
tingle. It was warm and genuine, something she hadn't
expected from someone like him. Nevertheless, she kept her
present course and could only hope he wouldn't follow.
And, he didn't. He had already ascertained that she and Mel
would be attending the Laurer's ball that evening, so he let her
believe she had gained some ground for now. He would see
her that night and make sure she knew he wasn't going
anywhere.
***
The rest of Kristen's afternoon was spent in Mel's
library reading. Kristen loved to read and hadn't had much
time for it lately. She hoped that when she married, her
husband wouldn't object to a room full of books. As she lay
comfortably on the couch, Mel walked in and shook her head,
laughing.
"I swear, Kristen. You are the most ungirliest girl I've
ever met."
"Surely that's not even a word." Kristen teased.
"Well, if it's not, I'm making it one. It describes you to
the letter."
Mel walked over to the couch where Kristen was
sprawled out and moved her feet so she could sit down. Mel
smiled at Kristen a moment, but then turned serious.
"You know, it's important that you appear the lady
tonight, even if you don't like to act so." Mel said gently.
"Who says I don't like to act so?" Kristen asked, hurt
that her friend thought her so unrefined.
"Ah love, please don't take it to heart. But, you Viking
heritage is somewhat obvious in this regard."
Kristen scowled. "I wasn't raised as a Viking, Mel. I do
know how to be a lady."
"I know you know how to be a lady, but you were very
much raised as a Viking, Kristen."
"That's ridiculous." Kristen replied defensively.
"Really? How many other women of the ton do you
know that can brawl with a man and take him down? How
many do you know that speak as though they were raised by
pirates. You're darling just the way you are, but tonight you
need to be a little more English."
"It's just so bloody boring, Mel. I don't see how you can
stand to do this every season. I, for one, don't see the point.
Either the gentleman will like me or he won't. Besides, I'll
probably have to offer the marriage to him anyway, and he'll
be quite interested in the money more so than myself so my
hoyden ways will not matter in the least.”
“Kristen! What are we going to do with you? You've got
to at least make an effort. Don't you want a match for love?”
“I'd like to know what love has to offer that's so bloody
good.” Kristen replied stubbornly.
Mel sighed. She knew this would be difficult, especially
for Kristen. She wanted to stay unmarried ever since her
mother had told her about her real father. To Kristen's way of
thinking, her father had simply abandoned her mother to face
a new life all on her own, pregnant and forced from her home.
Mel suspected there was more to the story than what Marie
had shared, but it wasn't Mel's place to suggest it. Still, if her
friend had any hope of being happy in marriage, Mel had to
make her see that she did at least need to act like a lady.
“Kristen, if you present yourself to society as less than
a lady, then that is how you will be treated. You will receive
plenty of offers, but not the kind you will be wanting.
Understand?”
Kristen blushed, fully grasping Mel's warning. It wasn't
that Kristen couldn't be a lady, she was perfectly trained in all
areas expected of an English lady, it was just that she never
had any reason or desire to be so prim and proper. She could
be independent, if not for her stepfather. Again she cursed
that man for every breath he took. But, she knew Mel was
right. If she wanted to receive the right kind of offers, she
needed to be more ladylike. As she resigned herself to a state
of boredom until this marriage ordeal was complete, a thought
struck her. Perhaps if she were more ladylike, Derrick would
leave her alone.
That had merit, if for no other reason than to thwart him
altogether. Served him right for the dirty trick he played earlier.
She smiled her bright smile that turned men to mush, an effect
that Kristen certainly wasn't aware of.
“Very well, Mel. I'll behave the lady until this is sorted.
But, I'll not be attending every ball we receive an invitation to
or I'll not be responsible for my actions.” Kristen warned.
“But, the more balls you attend, the more likely you are
to meet eligible gentlemen.”
“Time is of the essence. I'd just as soon get this over
with.”
Mel was appalled at Kristen's nonchalant attitude about
getting married. She knew her friend was putting a brave face
on it, but she was certain Kristen was terrified of winding up in
a loveless marriage to someone she despised. As it was well
past time Kristen settled her wild ways and started a family,
Mel thought this couldn't come at a more perfect time.
And, whether Kristen admitted it or not, Derrick Shane
was perfect for her. As a younger sibling of the duke, he held
lesser courtesy titles, but between them they'd have enough
money to live more than comfortably. Guy had once told Mel
that Derrick probably had more money than the king of
England himself. Derrick was rather shrewd that way. And, he
was perhaps one of the few men of Mel's acquaintance that
could handle Kristen's peculiar behavior. Indeed, Mel was very
much hoping those two would sort themselves out.
Chapter 12

When the time came to get ready for the evening,
Sarah was there to help. Kristen chose a dark blue velvet
gown, a color that made her eyes stand out vibrantly, and
fitted her exceptionally well. Kristen had to hand it to Mrs.
Tisdale. She may be a bit prudish, but she was positively
brilliant with a needle and some cloth. Kristen would most
certainly stand out amongst the innocents because they
always wore pastel, but on this she wouldn't budge. She would
act the lady, but she would wear what she pleased, and what
pleased her tonight was to wear her very best dress. She
hoped that she would be able to come away with a solid list of
prospects during her first ball. Perhaps then they could skip
the next several.

But, the look wasn't complete without the appropriate
accessories. Sarah helped Kristen with her new sapphire
necklace, matching earrings, and bracelet. Once the baubles
were secured, she piled Kristen' hair up in a loose coiffure with
soft curls cascading around her face. The effect was dramatic
and stunning. Even Sarah was speechless for a moment.
When Kristen looked in the mirror, she smiled. But, she had
no time to waste, so she thanked Sarah and made her way
downstairs.

As Kristen descended the stairs, she heard a male
voice that made her stop cold. She gripped the banister so
hard she thought it would surely crack with the pressure. What
the devil was Derrick Shane doing here again? Hadn't she
made herself clear that afternoon? She had been told he
abhorred the London scene, so she didn't understand why he
was there. Unless, of course, it was merely to exasperate her.
She could see him doing that, too, the odious man.

The thought of turning around and fleeing to the
confines of her room was tempting, too tempting. But, it was
also cowardly, and her mother raised her never to back down.
Besides, what better way to test her theory than to ply her
ladylike charms on the one person she thought would certainly
run in the other direction as soon as she did? With that
thought planted firmly in her mind, she continued down the
stairs as if nothing were out of the ordinary.

Derrick watched her descend the last several steps and
his chest felt tight, as though something extremely heavy was
lodged upon it. Gads, but she was beautiful. Her dark gown fit
her slender body perfectly, pronouncing her curves in all the
right places, and her hair was done up in a loose style rather
than the tight chignon, which was currently in fashion. Her
complete disregard for the rules and the current fashions only
served to endear her to him all the more.

“Good evening, Kristen.” He bowed formally.
“I had
hoped to have the pleasure of escorting you and Mel to the
ball this evening.” He smiled, daring her to refuse him.

To his utter surprise, she played the part of the
gracious lady. Just when he thought he had her figured out.
This woman was a never ending surprise.

“Why thank you, my lord. I believe that would be lovely.
It is very kind of you to offer.” She smiled, though it didn't quite
reach her eyes.

She was guarded, he knew, because of what had
happened earlier. Mel, sensing that either would provoke the
other soon if they didn't leave, interjected to keep the peace.

“Well then, shall we be off? It's not at all proper to be
late for your first ball, m'dear. Derrick, would you care to ride
with us in my coach?” She asked as she linked her arm
through one of his and motioned Kristen to do the same with
his other arm.

Kristen didn't want to touch him. She had seen what
could happen when she touched him. But, under the
circumstances, she didn't have a choice and she was hoping
that with Mel there he would behave himself. Remembering
that she needed to be a lady though, she conceded with a
warm smile. This time it reached her eyes, and it caused
Derrick's heart to stop for a full two seconds before it resumed
its normal rhythm. He was overcome with a sense of dread
because he thought he might just kill any young buck that
dared come too close to her.

Clearing his throat, Derrick realized he hadn't yet
answered Mel's question. “Madam, it is very kind of you to
offer the use of your coach, but I wouldn't be a proper escort if
I didn't offer the use of my own. I do so now if it is agreeable to
Kristen.” He turned those amber eyes on her and Kristen
melted. She was sure she could get lost in those eyes.

Kristen grinned. He was enjoying the game, but he
didn't know her plan. “That is very agreeable to me, sir, and
we thank you for the offer.” She curtsied just to drive her point
home.

Derrick was slightly disappointed that he had been
unable to get a rise out of her tonight, but he surmised that by
the end of the night her temper would be close to boiling. He
would have his fun then, but in the meantime, he'd play along
with her.

The three left Mel's home on Grosvenor Square in the
comfort of Derrick's carriage. Not surprisingly, Kristen was
stuck sitting next to Derrick. Her pulse began racing as his leg
bumped into hers, her heart was pounding so loud she was
sure both Derrick and Mel could hear it. She was beginning to
dislike these unfamiliar reactions she had around him, but
there was no hope for it. She promised Mel to behave tonight
and she intended to do just that. She just prayed that Derrick
would behave, as well.

They arrived at the ball without incident, which
substantially relieved Kristen's mind. Derrick stepped out of
the carriage and then helped the ladies down, taking their
arms and leading them inside. Once they were announced, a
hush fell over the ballroom as all eyes turned toward them.
Kristen wasn't sure she was up for it, but she had no choice as
Derrick, the insufferable man, casually descended the stairs.
She couldn't very well yank her arm away from him now,
though that was her fondest wish at the moment.

“Kristen, I believe all eyes are for you.” Derrick said,
sensing her fear.
“You flatter me, sir, but truly, I believe they were merely
curious about you. Wouldn't you agree, Mel?”
"Indeed. It is most unfair of you not to attend more of
these soirees, Derrick. Come to think of it, if not for me, poor
Kristen would be the talk of the ton. Being seen in your
company is a rather calamitous thing for a lady's reputation.”
Mel said in jest, though Kristen's eyes grew wide in panic.
Derrick patted her hand. “She's teasing, my dear. I may
be a lot of things, but I am discreet, and I don't cause undue
gossip or my family would have my hide. Your reputation is
quite safe.”
Somehow that didn't make Kristen feel any better.
Mel smiled. “Still though, you would be the life of the
ball. All the young ladies would dance attendance “
The look of abject horror on his face had Mel laughing
softly. “Bite your tongue madam. There is only one young lady
I wish to have attention from, and she is most assuredly on my
other arm.” He tossed Kristen a carefree smile.
Kristen blushed a pretty shade of pink that was most
becoming with her dark blue gown. She knew exactly what he
was insinuating and it sent her heart into a fluttering mess.
But, there was work to do this evening, so she locked those
idle feelings away and continued to walk down the stairs to
greet their hostess, pretending she hadn't heard him. Mel
smiled at his audacity, but decided it was good for Kristen. It
had been some time since Mel had seen that happy glow on
her friends face, and wasn't at all surprised to see the same
glow on Derrick. She wondered what she could do to see
these two along to the end they so obviously wanted, though
were desperately trying to pretend otherwise.

Kristen was quite the belle of the ball and was enjoying
every minute of it, though she hadn't expected to like it quite
as much. She managed to remain remarkably ladylike the
whole time, as Mel pointed out with a certain amount of pride.
She also managed to secure every dance on her dance card,
as well. Kristen had partners aplenty, all vying for her attention
and she was happy to note that the young bucks were simply
infatuated with her.

Having met Derrick's brothers, Oliver and Charlie, she
could see why every woman in the room was quite envious of
her, too. She overheard several conversations with ladies
lamenting the fact that the Shane brothers were so elusive.,
but it was a great shock that Derrick was there at all. She even
heard some not so pleasant things said about her, having
arrived on his arm, but she paid them no mind. She was not
interested in the jealous banter of women who were no more
interesting than a vat of animal dung.