His Perfect Bride (24 page)

After that, the conversation only revolved around pleasantries, giving her more of an opportunity to push aside the encounter with Lord Kirkwood. After the dance, Lord Merrick escorted her directly to Richard instead of her mother. Once by his side, she felt right again.

“Thank you for the dance, Lord Merrick, and for helping me,” she said curtsying.

“It was my pleasure.”

“What happened, Greyson?” Richard demanded.

“Kirkwood attempted to take her for a stroll outside, and he was reluctant to accept her refusal.” Lord Merrick’s words were proper and his tone calm.

Brianna was unsure if he downplayed the encounter for her benefit or Richard’s. By the dark look on Richard’s face and his clenched fists, she imagined it was for hers.

“Lady Brianna, are you enjoying yourself, or are you ready to quit the evening?” Richard asked, his smile not disguising his anger.

“I would like to leave,” she responded, then her eyes widened in concern. “You are not planning to do anything in regard to Lord Kirkwood, are you?”

“Of course not. Once I see you to your carriage, I intend to call for mine.” He lightly rubbed her arm and then turned to Lord Merrick. “Greyson, go find Jonathan. I believe the three of us need to have a talk before I depart.”

Lord Merrick nodded, and then bowed to her before setting out on his task. Richard didn’t hesitate to lead them in the direction of her parents. She had no idea what was going on but lost any desire to be present long enough to find out, particularly knowing Lord Kirkwood was out there.

In the carriage, her mother chattered along happily about the night and the conversations she had or overheard. Brianna could not bring herself to listen.

“Brianna?” Elizabeth asked quietly. Brianna noticed her mother occupying her father’s attention, so it was an opportunity to speak without being overheard. “Are you all right?”

“I’m fine. Why do you ask?”

“You seemed a little shaken earlier, and when we were leaving, I noticed Richard not acting in his normal manner.”

“In what way?” Brianna was instantly concerned Richard would speak with Lord Kirkwood, and she could not have that. From what she saw of the man, he was malicious and would not hesitate to cause harm. She would never forgive herself if anything happened to Richard, especially if he acted on her behalf.

“It’s hard to explain. I’m not sure if he was angry, or agitated, or if I’m making a fuss out of nothing.”

“What exactly did you observe?”

“Well, he didn’t make eye contact with anyone, and his smile didn’t reach his eyes. It was also obvious he wanted us to leave quickly.”

“I’m not sure what he was thinking exactly. I only hope that . . .” Brianna trailed off, not wanting to upset Elizabeth.

“You hope what?” Elizabeth’s eyes were pleading, her concern for her brother obvious.

“I hope it’s nothing.” Brianna’s smile was met with suspicious eyes, but it was too late to disguise her worry to spare Elizabeth some anxiety. “We are being rather silly. Richard can take care of himself, and, regardless, what could happen at a ball?”

“You are right,” Elizabeth conceded. They passed the rest of the carriage ride listening to her mother’s ramblings, as Brianna tried to remind herself there was no reason to worry about Richard.

The next day after luncheon, Brianna still had not heard from him, and she began to agonize again. Considering the way they departed the previous night, she had expected him to contact her earlier this morning. The lack of response was concerning, for if something happened to him, she would not be able to bear it.

Her mind continually thought of the horrible things that could have befallen him. Gazing out her bedchamber window, she tried to push the miserable thoughts aside. Part of her hoped she would see the Stonemede carriage making its way down the street.

Leaving the window, she threw herself down on the bed and clutched her uneasy stomach. Would her child grow up never knowing his father? The knock at the door startled her, and she jumped up so fast, she worried she would have to make a dash for the chamber pot.

“Please come in,” she called out, attempting to keep her voice calm.

“Lady Brianna,” the downstairs maid said as she entered. “This note came for you. It was not mentioned who sent it. Only that it was urgent.”

“Thank you,” Brianna uttered, taking the letter in her hand.

Turning away, she heard the door click, but at the moment she could not care less who was in the room. The uneasiness in her stomach increased until she had to drink some of the water mixture from Madam Hershal to alleviate it.

Taking a deep breath, Brianna opened the missive with shaky fingers and read the words written in a scrawling hand.

Lady Brianna Denton,

If you wish to protect your betrothed, the Marquis of Stonemede, or if you care about your family’s reputation, you will come to me now. My address is on the enclosed card. Make sure to come alone and don’t notify anyone, or you will not like the consequences.

The letter slid from her fingers and the sick feeling returned as she crumpled to the floor. Although the missive was not signed, nor was a name listed on the card, she knew who sent it. Richard must have attempted to speak with Lord Kirkwood last night and had gotten himself captured in the process. It also explained why he had not contacted her this morning.

Determination raced through her veins. Clutching the card in her hand, she raced out of the bedchamber and down the stairs. She felt as though she were in a tunnel, for the only thing she saw was her destination.

“Brianna, what is wrong?” Elizabeth asked, tugging on Brianna’s arm when she didn’t respond. Brianna slowly turned her head to look at Elizabeth.

“Nothing is wrong. I simply need some air,” Brianna answered then turned to move forward.

Elizabeth stopped her again. “Who sent the missive? Was it Richard? Is he all right?”

“It was not from Richard. It was from . . . a friend of mine.”

“Oh, all right. Well, I need some fresh air as well. I shall come out with you.”

“I’m sorry, but I would prefer to be alone at the moment. Perhaps we can go out together another time?”

Brianna made another move toward the door, but Elizabeth blocked her. She could tell the girl would not let her go easily. Unfortunately the letter didn’t give her a time limit, and she had no idea how long she had left. Richard needed her, and she refused to disappoint him.

“What is going on?” Ashley asked as she approached.

Brianna groaned, for if the two girls sided against her, she would not have a prayer of leaving.

“Nothing is going on. I simply need some fresh air, and Elizabeth would like some company. Ashley, could you entertain her while I step out for a moment?”

“I would be happy to.”

“That sounds wonderful,” Elizabeth agreed. “First I need to get . . . my shawl. Ashley, would you stay with Brianna until I return?”

“Certainly.” Ashley seemed oblivious to either girl’s thoughts.

“Thank you,” Elizabeth called over her shoulder as she rushed down the hallway.

“You don’t look well. Are you still drinking the mixture as Madam Hershal directed?”

“Yes, but I’m feeling worse today. I was hoping the fresh air would help. Why do you not wait in the drawing room for Elizabeth while I step out?”

“Are you sure? I could come with you, or perhaps I can get you something?”

“I’ll be fine, and I have no wish for Elizabeth to feel slighted, nor do I wish for her to be present in the event that my stomach does not settle,” Brianna explained, unable to cease her fidgeting. Time was slipping away. She had to leave now.

“I suppose you are right. I hope you feel better soon.”

“Thank you.”

Once outside, she didn’t feel the relief she expected from making an easy escape. Instead fear began to settle in.

Hailing a hackney was much easier and quicker than she anticipated, for which she was grateful. After handing the driver the card, she allowed herself to fall back into the seat. The fact she had no idea what to expect was the most unsettling part of the ordeal.

With little time to dwell on her next step, the hackney arrived at her destination. Once she exited, she squared her shoulders and quickly headed to the house listed in the note. She was doing the right thing; she was saving Richard.

“Brianna.”

Heart sinking, she turned to face Elizabeth.

“Brianna, you don’t have to do this.” Elizabeth ran from a hackney stopped directly behind the one Brianna had just vacated.

“What are you doing here?” Brianna exclaimed, terrified for her friend.

“Let us go get Richard. He can help.” Elizabeth tugged on Brianna’s arm with such force, she stumbled and was forced to take a step backward.

“You don’t understand, Richard—”

“Richard can help us. Please come with me.”

As the door swung open, Brianna transferred her terrified gaze from Elizabeth’s pleading face to the dangerous-looking butler before her. His eyes narrowed as his gaze moved between the two of them. Brianna suspected his instructions didn’t include the possibility of a second guest.

“Come this way,” he commanded as he pushed the door open wider.

“I believe there has been a mistake,” Brianna stammered, questioning her impulsive decision to come here. She had based everything on the conclusion she reached from a letter sent by a man of questionable reputation. Now she was not sure if she had made the correct decision. Throwing her arm out as if to shield Elizabeth, Brianna took a step back.

“No, no mistake,” he growled menacingly as she took another step back.

“Leaving so soon?” a voice asked from behind them. “You can’t leave until I have been paid.” The hackney driver sneered as he walked toward them, blocking their escape. So that explained how she was able to procure a ride so quickly. He had been hired to bring her here.

Sighing in defeat, Brianna walked forward into the house wishing Elizabeth had not been brought into this mess as well. Unsure of how this would play out, she kept her eyes down and her opinions to herself as they were led down the hallway. When they arrived at what looked like a drawing room, the girls huddled together.

“My master will arrive shortly, so trying to escape would be futile,” the butler informed them.

Despite his assertion of a quick arrival from his master, they, in fact, did have to wait a long time under the watch of the butler before Lord Kirkwood entered. She suspected he wished to draw out the suspense, and therefore increase their fear. Unfortunately his plan worked. Mostly Brianna was terrified for Elizabeth, and the fact that they had not had an opportunity to speak only increased her concern.

Brianna looked the horrible man in his beady eyes as she pushed Elizabeth behind her. If Lord Kirkwood wanted Elizabeth, he would have to deal with her first. Perhaps keeping him occupied would give her friend a chance to escape. She could then go to Richard, assuming he was free and unharmed, or she could find some other help.

“I knew you were a stupid woman, but I didn’t know you were illiterate as well.” Lord Kirkwood shook his head. “The instructions clearly stated you should come alone and notify no one.”

“I didn’t notify anyone. She followed me and has no idea what is going on. You asked for me, and I came. Please let her go. She is of no use to you.”

“Again you are letting your ignorance show,” Lord Kirkwood insulted her. “If I let her go now, she will tell everyone where to find you.”

“I already have,” Elizabeth challenged, pushing herself away from Brianna’s protection. “It would benefit you to release us before we are discovered, which should be any moment now.”

“That I can’t do.” He gave them a cruel smile. “Timothy, get this extra girl out of here. I don’t have much time.”

“Yes, my lord.”

Before Brianna could react, Lord Kirkwood grabbed her wrist and pulled her further away from Elizabeth, allowing his butler a chance at Elizabeth without having to fight them both. Brianna desperately tried to wiggle free to assist her friend, but Lord Kirkwood held her tight. Not giving up, she struggled as she watched her friend being dragged from the room, thrashing and screaming.

Once the door closed, Kirkwood slung Brianna onto the ground. Without hesitating, she scampered backward, away from him, but soon found herself blocked in a corner. He slowly stalked toward her, an evil smile upon his lips. She watched in horror as he began unfastening his waistcoat.

“Why are you doing this?” she stammered as he threw the garment to the floor and lifted his shirt free of his trousers.

“I’m simply giving Stonemede his due. He denied me something I wanted, so I’ll deny him the pleasure of knowing his heir is of his loins.”

Brianna gasped. Knowing the horror that would befall her only compounded her fear. She cringed back as his beefy hands reached out toward her. In one smooth motion, he ripped her dress down the middle. Paralyzed with fear as his gaze defiled her body, Brianna kept still as he reached for the top of his trousers.

As he slid the first button free, Brianna felt a surge of anger flow through her. She refused to lie still and allow him to follow through with his plan. Jumping to her feet, she lunged at him, aiming for his face. He raised his foot, and the force of the blow she received for her efforts knocked both the wind and some of the fight out of her.

Back on the floor in front of him, Brianna struggled for breath. Her chest ached from the impact. How much more would she have to suffer before the ordeal ended? Drawing her shoulders back, she knew the pain would be great, for she would not keep still and make this easy for him. Knowing he could overpower her meant in the end he would succeed, but she refused to allow him to walk away unscathed.