His Perfect Bride (22 page)

“Lord Winsler is a perfect gentleman and would never take any liberties with my person,” Elizabeth declared.

“I’m sorry to hear that.”

Elizabeth sighed and then pressed her lips together as she averted her gaze. Brianna suspected her friend agreed with her.

Suddenly Elizabeth’s head whipped back to her, cocked to one side. “Does Richard not act with gentlemanly manners?”

“Yes, he does.” Brianna attempted to put the correct amount of regret in her voice. The urge to place her hand over the living proof that Richard didn’t always act as a perfect gentleman engulfed her. Once again, the vision of a perfect baby boy identical to his father filled her mind. Would Richard be pleased or angry? Knowing his response would make telling him much easier.

“If Lord Winsler feels a portion of what I suspect Richard feels for you, I would be content.”

Before Brianna could respond, the butler entered and announced the arrival of Lord Winsler. Elizabeth’s face lit up, and Brianna hoped her friend found what she was looking for with Lord Winsler.

The jovial conversation swirled around her, but she was not paying much attention. She could not stop hearing Elizabeth’s words. Surely the girl was mistaken. Richard didn’t harbor feelings for her. His marriage proposal had been nothing more than an obligatory response brought on by their lust-filled encounter. If he felt more, he would have used it in a way to further encourage his suit.

Shaking her head from the thought, she reflected on the discussion she would soon have with him. She hated the idea of accepting his forced marriage proposal, but the other options were decidedly unpleasant. In order to prepare herself for her new life, she would have to start thinking of herself as a marchioness. Then perhaps one day she could imagine herself happy.

For the remainder of the afternoon, she continually reminded herself of what her new restrictions would be. Taking into consideration the fact that Richard would be her husband, it could not be as bad as she first predicted. Painting certainly would no longer be a main focus for her life, but there was no help for it. Instead of dwelling on that, her mind went to her child. Surely he would be able to fill the void she would have.

As she prepared for Lady Laramie’s ball, she became more resigned to her fate. In addition, tonight, with its exotic setting, would be a perfect opportunity for her to tell Richard she was with child. Then she would accept his proposal, and they could move on and avoid a scandal.

With everything on her mind, it was not until everyone was riding in the carriage that she became swept up in the excitement of the upcoming event. Since she had not visited anywhere outside of London and the surrounding country, she was anxious to see what the rainforest looked like. From past reports, Lady Laramie’s replications were impeccable.

Entering the ballroom, Brianna felt as though she entered another world. The array of colors were incredible, and she sucked in her breath at the extravagance of the decorations and the people before her. There were plants scattered everywhere with statues of animals she could not name placed among them. The exotic flower arrangements were beautiful and provided an appealing aroma.

Numerous guests were dressed in ornate garments and many of them had exotic flares that added to the theme. Looking down at her lavender ball gown, Brianna felt underdressed for the occasion. Focusing her attention back on the room, she noticed Elizabeth coming up beside her.

“This is stunning.” Elizabeth’s eyes were wide and moving so swiftly, Brianna imagined the two of them were in similar states of awe.

“I know. I have never seen anything like this before.”

“Lady Laramie does tend to surpass expectations. However, I don’t wish for you ladies to show so much fascination. You don’t want the gentlemen to believe you to be too easily impressed,” her mother lectured.

“Yes, Mother.” Brianna tried to even out her expression, but each new detail she discovered only increased her admiration.

Before they had a chance to make all the necessary greetings, both Brianna and Elizabeth’s dance cards began to fill. Soon Brianna was being whisked around the exotic room. As her eyes took everything in, she realized her attention fixed upon everything except her dance partner. Giving him a smile as an apology, she tried to remember to contain her excitement. Regardless, nothing could upset her. The night was perfect, for every aspect of the evening appeared to be designed to please.

Later into the evening, the perfection of the night wore off, and Brianna found herself not as happy as she expected. It was not until she laid eyes on Richard that she realized what the night lacked.

“Good evening,” Richard greeted, as he approached them.

In his presence, Brianna was unable to contain her joyous smile.

“Good evening, Lord Stonemede. Is it not a lovely night?” her mother inquired.

“It’s especially lovely now that I have such beauties before me, for I have not found anything that can compare.” Richard’s smile exuded charm. To Brianna’s surprise, her mother giggled. Stunned, Brianna turned to see a light blush coloring her mother’s face.

“You are such a tease,” her mother chided, smiling and ducking her head behind her fan.

“The garden here is quite stunning, and I wondered if Lady Brianna would be available for a stroll.” Richard inclined his head in her direction.

“Considering it’s you who is requesting her time, my lord, she would be happy to accompany you.” Her mother’s voice was muffled, as the majority of her face remained hidden behind the fan.

“Would you, Lady Brianna?” he asked, turning to face her.

“Certainly, my lord.”

Brianna took his offered arm, and they wordlessly strolled through the loud room to the immense doors leading outside to the garden. Lanterns and streamers hung throughout the plants, giving off a romantic atmosphere. Cutouts placed near the lights provided shadows of more creatures unknown to Brianna.

As they walked along, Brianna noticed more potted plants and trees spaced around. Not only did the lush greenery add to the theme, it provided more secluded inlets than typically found in the garden. Richard led them deep down the path until they reached an area devoid of other guests. Then he turned to face her.

“What do you think about the décor?” he asked.

“I’m thoroughly impressed. I have never seen anything so foreign or extravagant.”

“Lady Laramie has always been one to offer the most impressive entertainments of the Season.”

“Have you attended one of her events before?”

“For the past several years, I have made a point to attend. The lady is an exceptional hostess, for I have never known a guest to leave less than pleased.”

“I see.” She turned to examine a sculpted snake fastened around a tree. Although exquisite, she could not muster enough interest to direct her attention to study the intricate facets. Her thoughts were focused on Richard and how she would tell him about the upcoming baby and her decision about their future.

Feeling his warm hands on her shoulders, she relaxed, drawing upon his strength as if it were her own. When he turned her to face him, she didn’t hesitate to wrap her arms around his neck, urging his lips down to hers. He gathered her against him as their mouths melded together. She could taste his fiery passion and felt his heat seeping through her clothes, touching places reserved only for him.

He broke the kiss much too soon, for she was willing to continue on much further. As he stepped back, he shook his head with a small smile on his lips. Belatedly she realized she should have put up some resistance to better keep some control. However, she always found it difficult to think of anything around him, particularly when he kissed her.

Rubbing her hands down her dress to straighten the nonexistent creases, she took a moment to prepare herself for the upcoming conversation. The time had come, and she could no longer avoid it.

“Richard, we need to talk.”

“Have you come to a decision regarding my proposal?”

“I have, but you must agree to hear me out before you reply.”

“All right,” he growled.

Her eyebrows shot up at his tone, but then she realized how he would translate her demand. He must believe she was going to refuse him again. Taking a deep breath, she looked directly into his piercing blue eyes and decided to assuage his concern before explaining her reasons.

“I have decided to accept your suit.”

Richard’s face betrayed his shock, but then a slow smile broke out across his face. A beautiful smile that gave her both joy and sadness. She desperately wanted to deserve the smile, but she only felt guilt.

“You will marry me?” he questioned, as if he didn’t believe her first assertion.

“Yes, but—” Her words were cut off as Richard suddenly grabbed her around the waist and swung her around. “Put me down at once. We must speak now.”

“I’m sorry.” He put her back down on her feet. “I know I agreed to hear you out, and I intend to. Please, forgive my excitement.”

“There is nothing to forgive,” Brianna assured, taking a few steps away from him.

Needing the support, she opted to sit on the bench positioned under the hissing snake. After arranging her skirts, she raised her head, trying to present a calm front, but she could not cease wringing her hands. Her nerves could not be contained. His eyes trailed across her, then a worried frown replaced his smile. As he sat down beside her, he stilled her active hands and lifted her face.

“What is the matter?” he asked.

“It’s . . . well . . .” Taking another breath, she put her shoulders back and met his gaze. “I’m with child.”

Richard’s brow straightened as his eyes widened. Then the corners of his mouth curled up. For a brief second she believed he would smile, but his face quickly fell as he shot up from the bench. She silently watched as he began pacing with his hands intertwined behind his back. The feeling of helplessness engulfed her, since she knew there was nothing she could say to calm him.

“Is that why you agreed to my marriage proposal? Otherwise your answer would still have been no?” He stopped and raised a brow at her expectantly, then resumed pacing when she didn’t respond. “That is what I thought.”

“You can’t blame me for this,” she contended in a shaky voice. Although she didn’t want him to know how much his anger hurt her, she was finding it difficult to conceal. She put her head down, unable to endure watching his furious pacing any longer.

“I don’t blame you,” he promised, suddenly at her side. His finger gently lifted her chin until she faced him again. “I’m not angry because you are with child, but I am angry. If you can’t fathom why, then I don’t see fit to tell you.”

“I don’t understand.” Brianna shook her head as his fingers fell from her face.

His calm tone was not consistent with his words, and his light touch had her body contemplating leaning over and testing the magnitude of his temper.

“Come along,” he commanded, standing and helping her to her feet. “I believe I have detained you long enough. It’s time to return you to your mother.”

Brianna felt as though her heart was being squeezed in her chest, and breathing became a chore. She had not known what to expect from him, but she never imagined he would rescind his proposal in light of the circumstances.

If they were to continue with the betrothal, there was much they needed to discuss and decide upon tonight. His lack of acknowledgment could only mean one thing. Although she didn’t want to anger him further, she needed to hear those words. If he chose not to marry her, she and her child would be shunned from society. Brianna shuddered at the thought of that bleak future.

Drawing herself up, she reached out and lightly tugged on his arm. “Wait. We have more to discuss.”

“It’s nothing that can’t wait until a later date.”

“I disagree. I think it would be better for us both to speak now.”

“Perhaps I’m not clear enough. At this moment, I have nothing more to say.”

Her mouth dropped open. His eyes were hard, his words final. Closing her mouth, she strode past him, not caring if he followed. If he no longer desired anything from her, she still knew she would survive somehow.

Once back in the ballroom, she pushed through the crowd, hoping to never lay eyes on Richard again.

Richard stumbled down the steps of a club he never frequented. Although the caliber was lower than he was accustomed to, the club remained open all night and served his purposes well. Outside the dark street stretched before him, but considering he had no idea what time it was or where he was going, the long walk didn’t bother him.

Earlier that night, after his illuminating talk with Brianna, he’d quickly lost his desire to stay at the ball. Not wishing to inconvenience his friend, he left a note for Greyson instructing him to take the carriage home whenever he was ready. Then Richard set out on foot. He had been in the miserable establishment behind him ever since. Only now, he longed for a change of scenery.

His desire for company evaporated a while ago, but he didn’t want to deal with a meddlesome butler either. No doubt if he returned home now, Hopkins would look at him with those knowing eyes and ask his outwardly innocent questions until Richard gave him the whole story. No, he could not return home.

The perfect solution struck him, and he increased his pace, anxious to achieve his destination. At this hour, Ravenhurst would be closed for the night, or if his assessment of the time was incorrect, at least it would be seeing fewer members. Greyson also would have sentries posted about, but none of them would be bothersome.

At his pace, it didn’t take long before he was walking up the steps of Ravenhurst. His first assertion was correct, for the place was locked up for the night. Thankful for the foresight of bringing his key with him, he retrieved it from his pocket and entered the building.

After nodding an acknowledgement to the posted guard, Richard navigated his way down the dark hallway of offices. The only light was a faint glow coming from under one of the doors. Considering this area was off limits to the employees, Richard suspected either Greyson neglected to extinguish a candle, or another break-in was in progress right under their noses.