His Perfect Bride (18 page)

“We are hoping her upset stomach is due to hunger and nothing more,” Ashley added quickly. “Brianna, why do you not try some bread while Martha and I decide what you should wear today?”

“Very well.” Brianna eyed the tray distastefully. As she picked up a piece of dry bread, she hoped Ashley would not choose an uncomfortable garment. As Martha returned holding a pale lavender gown, Brianna quickly shoved some of the bread in her mouth, for it would not do for Martha to observe her reluctance.

“Would you care to wear this one today, my lady?” Martha asked.

Brianna nodded as she worked on swallowing the dry crumbs. The gown was perfect, and she was relieved at their choice.

Once Brianna dressed, she began to feel better. This morning had been worse than the others, and she was grateful the bread helped, so she could behave in a normal manner today.

“You look much better,” Ashley proclaimed cheerfully.

“I do feel better as well.”

“I’m glad to hear that,” Ashley expressed. “I imagine your increased hunger in the morning is due to your lack of proper eating the previous night. I encourage you to eat more, but in the event you forget, perhaps Martha could bring you some bread and water each morning.”

“I would be happy to. I’m so relieved to hear she isn’t ill. I have been so worried these past days, and not being able to tell anyone has been difficult.” Martha held her hand over her chest.

“It would still be a good idea to keep this to yourself. I don’t imagine Lady Brianna would care for everyone to know of her situation since there is no reason for concern,” Ashley advised, using her teaching voice.

“You can count on me. I would hate to cause any embarrassment,” Martha agreed, nodding her head. Brianna knew Martha enjoyed having a secret, but she also knew how much Martha preferred everyone know she had a secret. It was the fastest way to spread rumors. Brianna would have to work hard to do whatever necessary to disprove any speculations being spread around.

“I’ll be downstairs if you need me,” Ashley informed them.

“Thank you again,” Brianna replied, to which Ashley nodded in response. As the door closed, Brianna turned her attention back to Martha. The girl’s youth and inexperience made it easier for her to accept the story, which suited Brianna nicely. Martha’s low humming as she fixed Brianna’s hair made her feel more at ease. She began to believe Martha would not pose a serious threat to her secret getting out.

The next problem she would face was Richard. Although Brianna agreed Ashley’s assessment was conceivable, her friend was unmarried and young, so she could not have as much knowledge about child bearing as she let on. The possibility existed she was wrong, and Brianna refused to condemn herself with unconfirmed data. Before she spoke to Richard, she wanted to be absolutely certain. Therefore, a second, more experienced, opinion was necessary. The only problem was she had no idea who to ask.

Throughout the morning, Brianna worried over who could advise her, and she didn’t like her options. In the end, she decided on speaking with Ashley. Although she didn’t wish to hurt Ashley’s feelings, she had no choice.

Approaching the schoolroom, Brianna heard carefree laughter and was struck by how odd the sound seemed to her. In such a short time, everything had become so complicated, and the thought life continued as normal felt strange. Knowing she would never be able to enjoy another carefree day brought an ache from deep within her.

Putting on the happiest expression she could muster, Brianna entered the room.

“Good morning,” Brianna said brightly.

“Good morning, Bree.” Grace’s voice was full of laughter. “You are missing a good lesson on how to flirt properly.”

“I’m sorry to have missed it.” Brianna didn’t add how she had witnessed her sister’s flirting in action, and that she needed no further instruction.

“Are you here to take lessons?” Grace asked.

“No. I was simply hoping to speak with Miss Ashley, but if you are in the middle of an important lesson, I can come back at another time.” Brianna tried not to let disappointment show through her words.

“That isn’t necessary. Grace and I were about to take a break anyway,” Ashley explained, then turned to Grace. “I have a good idea. You can go ask Lady Elizabeth if she would care to visit Gunter’s with us for an ice.”

“That is a wonderful idea.” Grace beamed and then turned to Brianna with pleading eyes. “Would you like to come with us, too? It will be so much fun.”

“I would love to join you,” Brianna replied, smiling at Grace’s happy screech. Brianna always enjoyed Gunter’s ices. However, today the mere mention of it had her craving one as she never had before.

“I’ll ask her, and then we will wait in the drawing room for you two. Don’t be long,” Grace ordered, before skipping from the room.

“She is very excitable.” Ashley shook her head in an indulgent manner.

“The idea of her going out into society and flirting with gentlemen terrifies me. She is still young, but I don’t believe I’ll ever see her as anything but a child.”

“I understand what you mean, but don’t worry about her. She will be prepared. I intend to take very good care of her.”

“I’ll hold you to that,” Brianna promised, never more grateful they decided to keep Ashley around.

“Now, what is it you wished to speak to me about? Are you feeling all right?”

“Yes, thank you. I was just wondering how sure you were about me being with child?” Brianna kept her voice barely above a whisper. Ashley’s eyes darted to the door, then she crossed the room to close it and slide the bolt into place. When she returned to her chair, she was wringing her hands, and her eyes were full of sadness.

“I can’t say exactly as I’m not overly familiar with the condition.”

“You appear to be more familiar with it than I. Mother has not told me anything, and I don’t imagine she will choose to until I’m wed.”

“I have heard some mention here and there, but I was never told exactly either. The majority of the knowledge I have gained is from . . . personal experience.”

Brianna sucked in her breath as she brought her hand to her chest. Ashley had a child? She had thousands of questions, but she observed the pain on Ashley’s face and had no desire to increase it. If Ashley chose not to confide in her, Brianna would not press, for she most likely had good reasons.

“I see,” Brianna acknowledged, once she contained her shock.

“I’m sure you are wondering where my child is, for it would be my first question as well. I lost him in the early months of carrying him. I had barely learned I was with child before he was lost to me.”

“I’m so sorry.”

“It was several years ago. I’m at peace with it now. Regardless, I was attended to rather closely, and the midwife assured me I would still be able to bear children in the future.”

“I’m glad to hear it.” Brianna felt her friend’s pain. She knew if she carried Richard’s child, losing the life that was a part of him would devastate her. Although the appearance of a child now severely altered her future, she would never wish any harm to come to the unborn babe.

“I was very lucky to be taken care of by such a good midwife.”

“Do you suppose you could take me to see her? I’m sure a midwife could tell me with absolute certainty if I was with child or not.”

“That does sound like a good idea if you don’t have a preference regarding which midwife you see,” Ashley stammered, biting her lip.

“What do you mean? I’m not familiar with any midwives, so I have not developed any preferences in that area.”

“I have a feeling you have heard of Madam Hershal.”

Ashley was right. Ever since Brianna could remember, she had heard whispers about Madam Hershal. She was once a well-respected midwife, however, rumors spread that she dabbled in witchcraft. Although proof had never been brought against her, her popularity decreased as people didn’t wish to associate with her considering the allegations.

“I have heard of her. The rumors were quite scathing, but as they are only hearsay, I will not pass judgment. In addition, it’s also said she is proficient at her practice, so I have no objections to seeing her.”

“Then I’ll make the arrangements. If we are lucky, we should be able to visit her tomorrow.”

“Thank you.” Brianna sighed in relief. Tomorrow she would have her answer, and her doubts would be eradicated. Then she would be able to take assessment and develop a plan for her future. Today, however, she was going to forget her worries and spend one last day in ignorance.

Richard walked through the remnants of his kitchen, wincing at the sound of the delicate porcelain crunching under his feet. Being awoken with the panic of a fire, and working hard to contain it before it spread was not the way he preferred to spend his mornings. As he assessed the damage, he praised the efficiency of his staff. Together they managed to extinguish the fire quickly, isolating the damage to the kitchen.

“My lord,” Hopkins said. “There is nothing more requiring your immediate attention. You are exhausted. I’ll have a bath drawn for you at once.”

“I want answers first. Send the staff out. I will not have anything moved until I discover the cause of this.”

“Yes, my lord,” Hopkins replied, bowing. With a few quick orders to the other assembled servants, Hopkins cleared the room.

As he walked, Richard surveyed the kitchen closely. The damage was not only from the fire and the smoke but from the water used to put it out as well. He noted the majority of the destruction centered around the stove, so thankfully there was no structural damage to the house to address. Although the sight was horrific, upon closer inspection, everything could be fixed.

After examining the room from every angle, it was apparent someone had not only left an unattended fire in the stove, but the excess logs were piled too close. The remaining question was whether this was an accident or an attack. If an attack, it was not very well thought out considering the minimal damage. However, looking at the cause, there was a probability of it being an accident, but it could easily have been designed to look as such.

Knowing Kirkwood remained out there, lurking in the shadows, Richard could not discount anything. Before making a determination, he needed more information. He rubbed his forehead and let out a sigh. Hopkins would have more luck interrogating the staff, so Richard left it up to him. Although hating the inaction, there was nothing more Richard could do here, so he climbed the stairs looking forward to the bath Hopkins had mentioned.

After washing the soot and grit off his body, he changed into clean clothes and felt rejuvenated. Once back downstairs, he noticed a letter addressed to him on the entry table. It must have arrived during the chaos of the morning. Breaking the seal, Richard saw it was from Greyson. His friend requested Richard and Jonathan meet him at the club immediately. Greyson rarely called for meetings unless there was something significant to report, so Richard didn’t hesitate before heading out the door.

The morning typically didn’t bring many members, so the level of activity within the club surprised Richard. Recognizing the faces, he noticed most of the staff present and milling about. He didn’t stop to question anyone and went straight back to the offices.

“Richard, I see you received my message,” Greyson noted. Although his words and posture exuded calm, his eyes were wild, and his breathing was not entirely even.

“What happened?” Richard demanded.

“We had a break-in last night. All the spirits stored for easy access are gone and some of the furnishings were damaged. Little else is missing, but this still provides a material loss.”

“We are fortunate it was discovered before our normal guests arrived. What other damage was done? In my haste, I didn’t pause to take note of anything.”

“Chairs and tables were knocked over or broken. Several of the paintings have been shredded. Cabinets were opened and several bottles shattered. That is what signaled Sampson, so he made a point to check everything. He also alerted The Watch, but they saw nothing.”

“Who is Sampson?” Richard asked, unfamiliar with the name.

“Due to the possibility of problems from Kirkwood, I hired some new staff. I have stationed someone here at all times. Sampson arrived this morning to take over for Daniel who was on night duty.”

“Where was Daniel during all of this?”

“He was found unconscious on the floor in the back of the club. He said the last thing he remembered was making his rounds. After that, he was unaware of anything until the doctor woke him this morning. He had shards of glass and dried blood on the back of his head, but other than a headache and minor lacerations, he is fine.”

“That is a relief.” Richard sighed, wondering how this could happen. “How did they get in? Were any of the doors damaged?”

“Sampson checked all the ways of entering the building, and nothing appears to have been damaged. We suspect someone hid inside the club after the doors were locked last night. However, they have taken steps to prevent having to go to such lengths in the future.”

“Why do you say that?”

“One of the spare keys was stolen, but the backdoor was left open.” Greyson shook his head. “I suspect they were hoping we would not find the key missing, so they could easily enter next time.”

A knock at the door paused their conversation.

“Good morning, gentlemen.” Jonathan strolled in and sat down. “To what do I owe the pleasure of this meeting at such an ungodly hour?”

As Greyson filled Jonathan in on the details, Richard listened with half an ear. With both the break-in and the fire occurring on the same night, he wondered if it was a coincidence or a planned maneuver. Did the additional staff hired at his house or the ones at the club work for someone else? If Kirkwood orchestrated this, had he satisfied his revenge, or was this only a taste of it?

Richard sat down in the chair beside Jonathan and again rubbed his aching forehead. He imagined the pain was caused from all the unanswered questions. Knowing it would be a while before anything was answered to satisfaction, he felt his frustration mounting.

“It was Kirkwood,” Jonathan blurted once Greyson completed his explanation.

“How are you so certain?” Greyson raised an eyebrow.