His Perfect Bride (6 page)

“That is a good idea. Are you coming, Bree?”

“Could you save me some? I believe I need more practice before my needlework looks as perfect as yours. Besides, I don’t suppose Miss Ashley will allow me a break until I have at least made an effort to achieve perfection.”

“That is true,” Ashley assured Grace.

“Well, I’ll be in the kitchen if you are ever released. However, I can’t promise I shall save you any.” Grace’s smile was mischievous as she turned and left the room before Brianna could comment.

“What is wrong?” Ashley asked her as soon as the door closed. Brianna simply gave her a desperate look in response, to which Ashley sighed. “It’s Mr. Richard, is it not? Please tell me again why he is so important.”

“As I said before, I really can’t describe it. I have only seen him those two times, but I, well, I guess I miss him.” Brianna placed her hands over her face, feeling miserable.

“How could you possibly miss someone you don’t know?”

“I can’t say. All I know is that I feel something different for him.” Brianna removed her hands and sat back in her chair, thinking of the wondrous feelings that swamped her when she was around him.

“If he feels the same for you, he will eventually show up, and this nightly errand for James will prove pointless. Perhaps your Mr. Richard has been called off to an estate in the country,” Ashley suggested, hope infusing her words.

“I don’t believe so. He has no title and most likely no estate.”

“James has been monitoring different gentlemen’s clubs each night for an entire week, to no avail. What makes you think he is going to find him?”

“Most gentlemen frequent those clubs, and if Mr. Richard decides to, James will find him,” Brianna declared with more faith than she felt.

It had been James’ idea to check the clubs each night, and Brianna had agreed with his logic. Ashley had not liked the idea, but James seemed excited to go on surveillance. Describing him to James had been difficult, but luckily her love of painting served them well and she easily created a likeness.

“What about Mr. Gregory? I know your mother would not approve of either gentlemen, but you seem to be getting along quite well with him,” Ashley pointed out.

“If I had never met Mr. Richard, I imagine I would be happy with Mr. Gregory, but I feel . . .” Brianna cut off, unable to describe the incredible way she had felt when she had been in Mr. Richard’s arms, nor could she say how her heart fluttered when he smiled at her. The incredible feeling astounded her, and she wanted to see if the occurrence would repeat, or if it had all been her imagination.

“You feel what exactly?”

“I can’t describe my reaction, but I imagine it’s similar to how you feel when you are near James. What if he is my James? How can I stay here not attempting to locate him, when I could be out there finding him?”

“I do see what you mean. However, I don’t believe this search will prove fruitful.”

There was a knock at the door and both girls quieted. They had been careless by not keeping their voices low. Brianna groaned. Whoever was at the door might have heard their entire conversation and could report back to her mother. Ashley called for them to enter and Brianna waited, holding her breath to see who her potential executioner was. Nearly collapsing in relief, she let out her breath when she saw James.

“Hello, ladies. I’m not interrupting anything, am I?”

“No, we were only speaking of Mr. Richard again,” Ashley explained, allowing her disapproval to show.

“That is why I came. I’m happy to report I have finally found him.”

Richard sat in the back of his carriage with his eyes closed. Tonight he was meeting Greyson and Jonathan at the club to discuss the information he had acquired regarding the two new applicants. He had put more of his time and efforts into gathering this information than into his bride search, and he didn’t want to think about what that meant.

After his solicitor had informed him Lady Brianna Denton was the daughter of an earl and equipped with a sizable dowry, he found his excuses for avoiding her becoming more insubstantial.

Attempting to forget her, he had attended gatherings and danced as well as engaged in many inane conversations. Honestly, Richard could not understand how anyone was expected to pick out a bride at events such as these. The only way to become more acquainted with a lady was to call upon her at home or invite her out for a chaperoned outing. Unfortunately, that would require him to be able to choose one worthy of the attention in the first place.

He remembered how he had recently remarked how similar all the ladies were and, after many nights of frivolous chatter, he could not agree with his assessment more. There was only one exception to the statement, and he was doing his best to avoid her. Although he had not seen her in quite some time, Lady Brianna still taunted him with her bewitching smile and kissable lips.

Feeling the carriage stop, he gratefully accepted the ability to temporarily cast her from his mind. As he exited, he saw both Greyson and Jonathan waiting for him outside the club. Being the last to arrive had its advantages, since his mind would not have an opportunity to wander back to her. Richard almost made it across the street when he heard the taunting voice and froze. It could not be her. It was not possible.

“Mr. Richard,” Lady Brianna called again as he slowly turned to face her with narrowed eyes.

“Lady Brianna, what on earth are you doing here?” he asked, feeling his anger rising at the danger she placed herself in by being out so late.

“I have come to see you.” She offered him a beautiful smile. “I have not seen you in quite some time, and I decided to change that.” Her words were calm, as if approaching a man she hardly knew was natural for her, in the dead of night, no less. He had so many emotions flooding him, and he could not make any sense of them.

“Richard, why do you not introduce us to your comely friend there?” Jonathan had moved closer than Richard had realized.

It was obvious from Jonathan’s tone he mistook Lady Brianna’s position within society. Although he could understand the assumption, he could not stop the anger and protectiveness toward her that his friend’s words invoked.

“I shall catch up with you two later,” Richard called out over his shoulder as he took Lady Brianna’s arm and ushered her toward his carriage, hoping the Stonemede crest would not be noticeable in the dark.

“Where are we going?” she asked, apparently oblivious to the potentially dangerous situation she was in.

What if it had not been him she had found? What if it had been Jonathan? Richard repressed a shudder at all the possibilities and quickly put her into his carriage. He gave the driver the address he had gained from his solicitor before climbing in after her.

“I’m taking you home.” He belatedly realized he had allowed anger to coat his words. Softening his voice, he added, “Now, tell me what this is all about.”

“Well . . .” she started, sounding embarrassed. “After the ball, I had been hoping to have another opportunity to see you. Then the next day, well, following that, I never saw you again. I just knew I had to find you.” Her words were jumbled as her explanation was not well thought out, but the way she said it made him want to smile. However, the urge vanished almost as quickly as he felt it.

“So you thought you would do something reckless and dangerous?”

“I took precautions. My footman, James, came with me and—”

“Really? Where was he when I took you and put you in my carriage? Where is he now that you are here alone with me?”

“That is irrelevant. I don’t need him now. I have you to protect me.”

Her trusting smile both elated and enraged him. How could she unwittingly put herself in so much danger? Although he would never harm her, she had no way of knowing that. She needed to be taught some self-preservation. She needed a lesson.

“What makes you think I’m not dangerous?”

Without giving her a chance to respond, Richard pulled her toward him and violently took her lips. He kissed her with all the passion he had been holding back. Feeling the necessity to leave his mark on her, he slid her across the small space until she was seated on his lap.

His need to teach her a harsh lesson about men quickly turned into desire as his body stirred with the feeling of a willing woman against him. Her hands sifted through his hair, tugging and encouraging him further. Forcing himself to be gentle, he slowed the attack on her mouth and began rubbing her back until, of its own volition, his hand found her breast. She froze, and Richard knew he had gone too far. Yet as he expertly stroked her sensitive flesh through the cotton of her dress, she began to melt against him.

Feeling the carriage jerk to a stop, Richard eased himself back. Breathing heavily, he gently set her back in the seat. He had not intended for things between them to become more complicated, but her naivety pushed him too far. She sat very still, looking back at him with those trusting eyes, as her swollen lips mocked him.

Richard calmed himself down, for here, at her father’s home, she was safe; safe from everyone, including him. Although he craved her with a fervor unknown to him, he refused to ruin her, and as he had no intention of marrying her, she was unattainable.

“Now do you comprehend the danger you put yourself in?” Richard demanded, pleased his voice didn’t betray the desire coursing through his body.

“Not danger, not from you,” she replied, her confidence in him unfounded. “However, I do understand your point. Very well delivered, I must admit.”

Richard paused, indecision raking him. On one hand, he reveled in the trust she placed in him, but the fact she would take such a risk to see him told quite a tale. On the other, pure and simple anger burned through him. She had put her trust in someone who had not earned it, and, therefore, could potentially harm her. A moment ago, his lack of control proved his unsuitability for a position to protect her. However, relief infused him that she had picked him instead of the alternative.

“I suppose that will have to do. You are very fortunate I’m not the type of man who would take advantage of your naivety. I’ll expect you not to attempt anything so foolish in the future.”

“I see.” She turned her face from him. “Perhaps you are right. Coming to you was a mistake.”

Too late, he saw the hurt in her eyes, and he silently cursed himself, feeling like a cad. It had not been his intention to hurt her, but she seemed oblivious to the precarious position she put herself in. Normally he would consider himself charming, but he found his charm was not as forthcoming with this infuriating lady. The urge to shake her grew overwhelming.

“Lady Brianna,” he said, turning her face back to his. “I’m simply concerned for your well-being. I would hate to see any harm come to you.”

“I understand,” she said, appearing so embarrassed and sad that Richard longed to comfort her.

“Thank you for going through the trouble to locate me. I don’t believe anyone has desired my company more or acted with more bravery than you.” Richard could not tell her how much he had craved her company as well.

“You are welcome. I do apologize for disturbing your evening, and I assure you, it will not happen again in the future.” The sadness was still evident in her eyes. He knew of only one way to remove it, but at what cost? How much time could he afford to spend with her before he became too fascinated to leave?

“Luckily, that will not be tested. I imagine if I make more of an effort to attend the same controlled events as you, there will be no reason for you to have to seek me out.” He gave in to temptation.

“It’s not necessary for you to change your plans on my account,” she said, but he noted how her face lit up at the possibility.

“I would be delighted to make the arrangements. You should go inside now before you are missed.”

She thanked him, then allowed him to assist her down. He waited, watching until she disappeared into the house, grateful she didn’t look back to see the Stonemede crest, now visible in the light. His simple bride search was proving to be more complicated than he had expected. Shaking his head at his weakness, he thought of the complications this new development would create.

If he were to present himself to her at a public gathering, his identity would be revealed. Once her misconception about him was righted, her pursuit of him would certainly increase. After seeing how determined she was, he knew she would not easily be deterred. There had to be a way to see her and hide his identity, while still continuing with his bride search. It would not prove to be easy, but he never backed down from a challenge.

By the time the carriage arrived back at the club, he came no closer to finding a solution than when he left Lady Brianna. Now he realized he would have the added complication of explaining what had occurred with Lady Brianna to his friends. Jonathan would have endless amusement, and Richard would not tolerate anyone laughing at her.

Lady Brianna had unknowingly become more important to him than she should be. Telling himself it only consisted of a burning desire for her and nothing more, he pushed her from his mind. It had simply been too long since he’d taken a woman to his bed. At least that is what he wanted to believe.

“There you are,” Jonathan exclaimed as Richard strolled in. “I thought we would have to cancel tonight, considering you discarded us to go enjoy yourself with your
friend
.”

“Don’t refer to her in that manner. She isn’t a common tart. She is a lady of our class.” Richard used every ounce of strength to keep his voice even.

“Then what was she doing here, alone at night?” Greyson asked, his voice incredulous.

“She wanted to discuss an inconsequential matter. She, being a trusting soul, didn’t perceive the danger to herself due to the late hour.” Richard hoped his friends would not press for more information.

“What matter could possibly be so important to take her from her home when she should be abed?” Jonathan asked.

“Nothing. You know how women can be,” Richard responded inadequately.

“Interesting, you or your title must have made quite an impression on the lady for her to seek you out here,” Greyson observed.

“Or perhaps it was she who made the impression on you,” Jonathan added, with a mischievous glint in his eye. “Don’t think her improper address escaped my notice.”

“You both have the situation wrong. It has nothing to do with my title, and her informal address was not due to a lack of respect or a shared familiarity. It’s due to a lack of knowledge. She is unaware I do indeed hold a title.” The telling silence that followed had Richard regretting his words.