His Perfect Bride (3 page)

“Mother has been looking all over for you. She is anxious for you to prepare yourself for the ball tonight,” Grace said, sounding disappointed. She was still four years away from her first Season, and Brianna knew how much her sister longed to attend the fancy, hosted events.

“When you see her, you may tell her I am directly headed for my bedchamber. Assure her I’ll be ready within the hour.” Brianna smiled politely.

Miss Ashley may now question her mother’s assessment, thereby giving Brianna a chance to play her cards right.

Chapter 2

As the carriage maneuvered down the streets making its way to Lord and Lady Minor’s ball, Brianna could hardly sit still, for her excitement was brimming over. She loved to dance and flirt with all the gentlemen while keeping an eye out for her perfect husband.

“Are you excited, my dear?” her father asked. His eyebrow rose as he watched her.

“Yes, Father, I enjoy dancing very much,” she replied.

Her father simply laughed.

“I’m glad you are excited,” her mother said. “However, I expect you to behave in a manner befitting a lady of your standing.”

“Of course, Mother,” Brianna said, trying to keep the irritation out of her voice.

“Tonight a special gentleman will be in attendance, and I would like you to become acquainted with him.”

“As you wish.” Brianna was not sure what to think about her mother’s request, for she had never singled out any one gentleman before. This brought one thought into Brianna’s head: This was the man her mother intended her to marry. She would do whatever possible to avoid that fate.

“Very good. Now, I believe he has only recently returned to London, and if my informants are correct, he is looking for a wife. You are by far the fairest of the Season, and therefore the most likely choice.”

Her mother’s confidence that beauty was the deciding factor made her want to snort. Restraining the urge, she cleared her throat. “May I know who the gentleman is?”

“He is the Marquis of Stonemede,” her mother said proudly.

As the carriage stopped in front of Lord and Lady Minor’s townhouse, Brianna found herself robbed of the opportunity to ask any questions.

Entering the ballroom behind her parents, one question continually plagued her: How did her mother manage to find an available marquis who was searching for a bride? The only answer she could come up with was not very pleasant. He was advanced in years and hoping to sire an heir before claiming his eternal rest. She shuddered at the thought.

Unsure of how her mother intended to elevate her above the other potential brides, she refused to sit back and wait while her perfect future was taken from her. She would avoid meeting the marquis, at least until he met enough ladies to make his selection from this Season’s best. Her decision made, Brianna easily glided among the crowd and away from her scheming mother.

Unfortunately, she only enjoyed one dance before her mother was ready to obtain an introduction to the marquis. Her mother headed straight for her, with a purposeful look in her eyes that never boded well for Brianna’s plans. Frustrated that her mother never gave her opinion any consideration, Brianna felt anger rising within her. Her future was hers and hers alone. Needing a moment to regain her calm, Brianna opted to slip away before her mother could reach her.

Hoping to not be overtaken, she hastened through one set of double doors leading to the terrace. She dismissed the idea of wandering around the gardens alone, as it was too dangerous. Standing at the railing, she surveyed her surroundings. The beauty of the flowers before her did nothing to either ease the anger or distract from her irritation. The injustice clawed at her throat, and she was on the verge of both screaming in frustration and breaking down in tears.

In her present state, she could not face her mother, especially in such a public setting. Her mother would be here soon, and Brianna still needed more time to regain herself and still her shaking hands. Looking around, she was disappointed to see the terrace lacked the normal niches that could have proven useful.

Brianna silently cursed her ill fortune, for there was no large crowd to get lost in either. One couple quietly conversed off to the side while a lone gentleman enjoyed the sight of the gardens on the other side. Feeling desperate, she located a potted plant in a large ornate vase set off on the far wall. Standing behind it, she pressed herself against the house, but her light blue ball gown and petticoats stuck out farther than the planter, calling attention to her like a beacon.

She needed something dark to place in front of her to obstruct the view. As her eyes scanned the terrace once again, she realized the only thing that could potentially hide her was the gentleman in black evening attire. Without a choice, Brianna approached him and gently tugged on his arm, ignoring the warnings running through her mind. When he turned and looked at her with his piercing blue eyes, Brianna nearly lost all thought. He was by far the most handsome man she had ever seen.

“May I help you?” he asked in a rich, deep voice that reverberated through her body.

“My lord, will you help me?” she asked, inadequately copying his words. His perfection had her tongue tied, and she could think of nothing better to say.

“Of course,” he replied.

Brianna inwardly let out a sigh and, without thinking, grabbed his hand to lead him behind the planter. Feeling the strength of his fingers through her gloved hand, she knew she had made a grave mistake. Her stomach felt as though it was doing flips, and her body felt warm and tingly.

Once hidden behind the large plant, she pulled him forward to ensure she was covered. In the dark corner, any prying eyes would fail to notice that two people were lodged behind the planter. Relieved, she leaned back against the wall and smiled up at the beautiful man in appreciation for his help.

His mouth opened, and she suspected he would question her, but at that instant she heard her mother calling. She could not risk holding a conversation, so she held up her hand trying to quiet him. The confusion in his eyes was evident. He apparently didn’t understand her need for silence. As the first sounds came out of his mouth, she did the only thing she could think of to silence him. Grabbing the lapels of his jacket, she drew him down and pressed her closed mouth against his.

Richard, for once in his life, was completely speechless. He’d spent an exhausting half of the ball speaking with and being introduced to lady after lady, and he tired of it. He discovered every woman in attendance had a daughter or acquaintance to introduce to him. If all he obtained was one second with each lady, he would never be able to determine who would suit him.

He escaped to the terrace to relax and reevaluate his plan when he was disturbed. Now, contrary to the other ladies wanting introductions, this one was forcing herself upon him. He didn’t know what she hoped to gain from this chaste kiss, but she would not receive it this way. On the verge of stepping back from her, he halted, hearing someone calling.

“Brianna! Where did you go?” an obviously exasperated woman asked.

Suddenly it all clicked. Any minute, he knew they would be interrupted by shocked ladies demanding he marry this unknown girl. They had successfully trapped him, and he knew he could not escape his fate. A surge of anger consumed him, and he decided to show this naïve girl exactly what she was signing herself up for.

Richard wrapped his arms around her, bringing her firmly against him. Using his lips, he coaxed and demanded she open up to him. Her sigh gave him the opportunity he was looking for, and he slid his tongue into her hot mouth. Instantly lust speared him and rendered him senseless. This girl had obviously never been kissed before, and he felt an odd pleasure at being the one to teach her. She learned fast, and before long his fingers itched to unfasten her dress and take what she willingly offered.

The distant sounds of laughter penetrated through his lust and, realizing where they were, he stepped away from her. She opened her hazel eyes and gazed at him with such passion Richard fought the urge to throw her over his shoulder and take her to a bed. Instead, he focused on slowing his growing lust and studied her. She was strikingly beautiful.

Her pale skin was a dramatic contrast to her solid black hair, which framed her exquisite face, drawing every man to her. Being trapped into marriage was a miserable fate, but he imagined it would be more pleasant shackled to an attractive wife. Then it occurred to him that there were no witnesses or demanding father. She also didn’t have the satisfied look of a woman whose plan had been successful.

“What was that about?” he asked, honestly puzzled by her.

“I’m not quite sure.” Her voice was breathless. “I have never done that before.”

Richard was not sure if she referred to the kiss or whatever caused her to pull him from the terrace, but it didn’t matter. He had half a mind to leave and act as though this had not happened, but he found himself reluctant to go.

“I’m Richard, by the way. May I ask for your name?”

“Yes, I’m Lady Brianna Denton. I do apologize—”

“Brianna,” the same female voice called again. “I know I saw you come out here. Oh, where is that girl?”

Richard noted how her mouth dropped open as her eyes widened, and he relaxed, confident this was no marriage trap. More than willing to help her a second time, he pressed himself back against her and once again claimed her mouth.

This time she was prepared and met his kiss eagerly. Gently coaxing, he gave her a moment to accustom herself to him. Unfortunately, the raw lust he felt didn’t subside. If anything, his hunger increased. Knowing he could not continue this much longer, he reluctantly eased back from her. Looking down at her angelic face, her half smile nearly caused him to lose his grip on himself.

“Would you care for a stroll through the garden? Perhaps it will cause your pursuer to give up her search.”

Richard knew this lady would only be trouble, but he could not let her get away without receiving an explanation for her actions. He hoped logical reasoning would discourage him from becoming more fascinated with her.

“I don’t believe she will be deterred, but a stroll sounds lovely, my lord.”

“Richard, if you please. I’m simply Richard,” he said, not wanting her to know how close she came to trapping a marquis. If a lady willingly put herself in the arms of an unknown man to further her goal, there was nothing she would not do to obtain his money and title. Knowing this woman before him remained far from his idea of a perfect bride, he decided it would be better to avoid her after tonight.

“Then I’m simply Brianna,” she replied with a brilliant smile.

They walked in silence while Richard decided how to handle this unpredictable lady. The night was perfect, with a gentle breeze allowing the flowers’ aroma to permeate the air. As he walked along, he took note of several niches that were ideal for a private moment, but his better judgment urged him to keep walking.

Leading her to a well-lit area, he hoped it would be enough to keep up propriety. When he turned to face her, his breath caught in his throat. The moonlight glittered across her skin, giving off the illusion that she was ethereal. Richard had never seen anyone so glorious, and he could no longer remember why she was not suitable for him.

“I suppose you are wondering exactly what happened on the terrace,” she said, a becoming shade of pink tinting her cheeks.

“The question had crossed my mind. I assume you intended to avoid the lady who called your name. The real question is, why?”

“It’s silly actually,” she replied, no longer keeping eye contact with him. “I never should have included you, and I do apologize. I was simply desperate at that moment.”

“Well, since you did involve me, I would like to hear your reason, regardless of how silly it may be.” Richard would have laughed at her embarrassment had her blush not been so charming. She bit her lower lip in reluctance, so he inclined his head, waiting.

“The lady was my mother, and I was avoiding her because . . .” She paused.

“Yes? Please continue,” Richard encouraged, unable to contain his curiosity.

“My mother plans to introduce me to a gentleman with whom I have no intention of becoming acquainted.”

“Why?” Richard asked, without thinking. This was not the answer he expected, and he didn’t understand why she would go through so much trouble for something so simple. “Has the gentleman in question made inappropriate advances toward you?”

“Certainly not. I have never met him, and I intend to keep it that way. He is searching for a bride, and I have no wish to become one of his candidates.”

“I see.” Richard was amused. “May I ask who this completely unsuitable gentleman is?”

“The Marquis of Stone . . . something, I can’t remember exactly. From what I gathered through the whispers this evening, he has recently returned to London and is hoping to quickly take a wife.”

“The Marquis of Stonemede?” Richard asked, trying to keep the shock from his voice.

In all his life, he never imagined this would be the response he would receive from the debutantes when he started his bride search. He anticipated the opposite reaction and wondered how many other ladies shared her low opinion of him.

“Yes, do you know him?”

“I have heard of him,” Richard answered cautiously. “Exactly what about him do you find unsuitable?”

“I’m sure he is a perfectly acceptable choice for any lady present tonight, myself excluded. Part of my reason should be rather obvious.”

“What is the obvious part?” he asked, wishing he could ask her why she was the exception, but didn’t want to appear interested.

“Well, he is a marquis, not the son of a marquis or an heir, and considering the haste at which he wishes to marry, there can be only one explanation. He is so advanced in years he must marry quickly to sire an heir before it’s too late.”

She shuddered as she mentioned the heir, and Richard almost laughed at the absurdity of her unfounded theory. He could easily correct her assumption, but was reluctant to do so. It was best to leave her to her mistaken conclusion and stay away from her in the future. He was already fascinated enough, which made her dangerous.

“I suppose your reasoning does make some sense,” he agreed.

Brianna looked at him with such delight, but he could see vulnerability in the expression. Suddenly an unexpected urge to reach out and protect her engulfed him. Holding his arms tightly to his side, he hoped to discourage the compulsion.

She lightly touched his arm and, using every ounce of his willpower, he remained motionless. When she leaned toward him, her lips slightly parted. Richard almost lost it. He had never wanted a woman so badly. Everything within him shouted he could not have her, but he found himself fighting against it.