His Perfect Bride (4 page)

“I want to thank you for helping me back on the terrace,” she said softly. “I’m sorry for my improper behavior, but I’m very grateful you assisted me in spite of it.” As she spoke, her face came closer to his, and Richard’s body demanded he close the distance. Luckily, the nagging voice of reason continued. He cleared his throat and reluctantly took a small step back.

“Think nothing of it. You needed assistance, and I was happy to offer mine. Now, I believe I have detained you long enough. It would be wise to return to the ballroom before your absence is noticed by someone other than your mother.”

She didn’t appear to be bothered by his rejection, but since his logic was infallible, he imagined she understood he was left with no option but to retreat. After a brief hesitation, she nodded in agreement, backing away from him and removing her hand from his arm. Expecting relief at her withdrawal, he was surprised to discover disappointment came instead.

“I do hope we can meet again,” she replied with a beautiful smile, before she turned and made her way back to the ballroom.

Conflicted, he watched her walk away. He had no business thinking the things running through his mind, but he’d lost control over himself. One thing was for certain: He would have to set up defenses to ensure he never saw Brianna again.

Chapter 3

Brianna awoke late the next morning to the sound of the curtains being drawn. Since her maid obviously decided it was time to wake up, Brianna dragged herself out of bed. As she prepared for the day, her mind kept running over the events of the previous night. Again, the wondrous feelings swamped her as she remembered the sensation of Mr. Richard’s lips on hers.

Yesterday afternoon she’d wished for such a kiss, and he’d fulfilled her fantasy easily. The event held everything she anticipated and so much more. She sincerely hoped it would not be long before she could repeat the experience. Seeing her cheeks color in the looking glass, Brianna cast her thoughts from the kiss. She had no desire to unwittingly let her feelings be known.

Amazement filled her at the luck of finding a perfect candidate for a husband so quickly. Since Mr. Richard refused to be called “my lord,” Brianna deduced he had no title to flaunt and, judging from his reaction, he was distressed about it. Adding all the factors together, she came to a conclusion that sounded favorable to her. He must be a younger son, most likely penniless, and seeking to marry an heiress. Her parents never spoke of her dowry. However, knowing her father, it would be substantial. Brianna was quite content to offer herself to Mr. Richard as his heiress.

Once her maid left, she allowed herself another moment to daydream about her quiet cottage in the country before she made her way downstairs to face her mother and the inevitable questions. Her mother had been much too upset to speak with her the previous night, but she would have no reservations today. Sighing, Brianna opened the door and jumped to see Grace with her hand raised to knock. Grace smiled, then walked in and sat on the bed.

“Good morning, Bree. You slept much too late.”

“Yes, I suppose my good dreams were not quite ready to release me this morning.”

“Really? What were you dreaming about? Was there a handsome gentleman involved? I do enjoy a good love story.” Her sister anxiously leaned forward.

Brianna could not help the blush that colored her cheeks, but she was not about to confess anything to her fourteen-year-old sister.

“Did you come here this morning to ask of my dreams?” she asked, hoping Grace didn’t notice her blush.

“No, that is only a perk. Since I don’t remember most of my dreams, I could pretend your good ones are mine,” Grace replied with a teasing grin. “Actually, I came here to see if you were awake.”

“As you can see, I’m ready to make my way downstairs for breakfast. After a late night, I don’t imagine we will be seeing Mother for a while. Would you care to spend some time in the garden this morning, after we rid ourselves of the governess’s company, of course?”

“Normally I would be delighted, but Mother is awake. That is the other reason I’m here. From what I can tell, she rose early to speak with Father at breakfast while you were still asleep.”

“Why?” Brianna asked, feeling the cold fingers of dread encircle her neck.

The morning after a ball her mother always slept in and took her first meal in her bedchamber. This abnormal alteration in her schedule gave Brianna a sick feeling in the pit of her stomach, as this change didn’t bode well for her.

“I’m not exactly sure, but I overheard some of their discussion. I was about to enter the room, when I heard Mother say your name. Naturally, I kept back to hear the details.”

“And what exactly did you hear?” Brianna knew her sister planned to drag the story out for suspense, but she had no patience for her sister’s drama this morning.

“She was talking low, but I understood she was upset by something you did at the ball last night. She also mentioned a gentleman, but I didn’t hear a name. Was he the one you were dreaming about? Tell me everything!” Grace exclaimed, bouncing on the bed.

Brianna felt sick as the icy fingers squeezed her throat. Instantly alarm shot through her body, and she dropped onto the bed beside her sister, waiting for the feeling to subside. They knew. Someone must have seen her with Mr. Richard last night and now her mother knew. The unusual silence in the carriage should have been a warning of the depth her mother’s anger. Now she devised a plot with Father, and Brianna was afraid to find out what punishment they contrived.

If Mr. Richard’s identity remained a mystery to them, her mother would relentlessly interrogate her until she divulged his name. Then Father would track him down to demand marriage. Knowing of Mr. Richard’s lack of title might deter her mother, but Brianna didn’t know for certain. Since she already considered the possibility of marrying him, she was not averse to the idea of taking him for a husband. However, she didn’t imagine a man forced into marriage would make a very accommodating husband.

Trying to keep her face blank as the opposing emotions swirled through her, she slowly cultivated her response. Grace was trustworthy and a confidant. Still, Brianna could not bring herself to admit what she had done. The fewer people who knew the truth, the better the chance of denying the accusation.

“I’m sorry, Grace, but there is nothing to tell. I have no idea of which gentleman mother is speaking, for I danced with a number of them. Is there anything else you heard? I don’t remember any one of them standing out above the rest.”

Grace eyed her critically and then, seemingly satisfied Brianna spoke the truth, she nodded.

“I did hear another thing of note, but it does not help determine which gentleman she referred to. For some reason, Mother and Father will not speak to you about it. They have decided to allow Miss Ashley to discuss it with you.”

“What? Did she say why?”

“No. At least not where I could hear.”

Furrowing her brows, Brianna paused to assess the new situation. Certainly they didn’t think the governess would have more success in discovering the details. Miss Ashley held no power over her and therefore didn’t have any leverage for negotiation. Although unable to understand the logic behind the decision, Brianna smiled, thinking of how convenient this had become. She only needed to bring Miss Ashley to see her side, then any information flowing to her mother would be well planned and edited.

Feeling better about the situation, Brianna stood up and smiled. “I think it’s about time I spoke with our new governess, do you not agree?”

“What are we going to do about her?” Grace asked, looking away in embarrassment. “I mean, I actually think I like her, but if you don’t, then . . .”

Brianna worked to conceal her surprise at Grace’s reluctant admission.

“Don’t worry. I’ll be nice this time and then we will see. I may find that I like her as well.” Brianna smiled encouragingly at her sister and was happy to see Grace return the smile.

Since her sister had never warmed up to any governess or nanny in the past, this grabbed Brianna’s attention. Due to Grace’s aversion to the previous caregivers, Brianna had taken over her sister’s care, transforming herself into any role Grace required. When the governess found out Brianna was participating in raising her sister, she forbade Brianna from having contact with Grace. That was when Brianna decided it was her duty to rid them of the more bothersome women. Knowing she would be preparing for marriage in the near future, Brianna was happy Grace finally found someone whom she could accept and resolved to do everything in her power to keep the new governess around for her sister’s sake.

As she watched her sister happily skip from the room, Brianna decided to forgo breakfast in preference to settling her business with the governess. Hoping to find Miss Ashley in the nursery-converted study area, Brianna made her way there.

Luckily Miss Ashley sat inside, quietly sewing alone. Brianna politely knocked on the doorjamb to announce her presence.

Miss Ashley’s head shot up in surprise.

“Do you mind if I join you?” Brianna asked.

“Not at all, please come in and have a seat,” Miss Ashley said with a false smile. “I hoped for an opportunity to speak with you.”

Beneath the surface, Brianna could tell Miss Ashley was nervous about the coming conversation, which helped put Brianna at ease. Miss Ashley was obviously not a malicious person who loved doling out punishments.

“I wish to speak to you as well. Do you mind if I start?” Brianna asked, sitting on the chair directly across from Miss Ashley.

“Not at all.” Miss Ashley visibly relaxed as she set aside her sewing.

“Well, I know my mother hired you to act as governess for both myself and Grace, although I’m no longer at an age that requires it.”

“That is correct.”

“I’m sure it will come as no surprise to you, but I don’t wish to have a governess.” Brianna paused as she noticed determination flash in Miss Ashley’s eyes as she pressed her lips together. “However, since you are here, I would not mind having another friend.”

Miss Ashley’s eyes widened and her mouth opened, obviously not expecting Brianna to act civil. Her reaction had Brianna stifling laughter. Miss Ashley had no doubt heard the stories of how she and Grace managed to rid themselves of past governesses.

“I’m delighted you feel that way,” Miss Ashley said, after recovering from her shock. “I do agree you no longer need a governess, and I would be honored to obtain your friendship, Lady Brianna.”

“Please call me Brianna.”

“And you shall call me Ashley. Now, I can only see one potential problem with us having a friendship.”

Although she knew Ashley referred to her mother, Brianna furrowed her brows and tilted her head.

“I don’t believe your mother will accept our new relationship,” Ashley continued.

After a brief pause, Brianna responded, “You are correct, for I can’t imagine she would ever understand. Perhaps it would be better if we kept it between us.”

“That would indeed be wise, but how will you feel when I must fulfill a certain task or request that would typically be expected from your governess?”

Brianna pretended to take a moment to think the question over. “I believe it would be best if you told me about it first, so we can handle each dictate individually. I do understand we will have to keep up pretenses in front of my mother.”

“Then I believe this plan is worth a try. Keeping that in mind, I do have an item to discuss.”

“You have already been given instructions from my mother?” Brianna asked, drawing her head back and widening her eyes.

“This morning your mother asked me to discover where you were for the majority of the ball last night. She believes you went off with someone to purposefully avoid her.”

There it was, the part Brianna dreaded. The only consolation was that with Ashley attempting friendship, they could come up with a plausible excuse to satisfy her mother. Also, Ashley didn’t mention the “someone” was a gentleman, or that her mother suspected she’d kissed him. Relief spread through her body, making her sag in relief.

Considering her mother had no details regarding the absence, Brianna realized she could fix this. Knowing partial honesty would work best, but still uncertain if she could trust Ashley, Brianna decided to change up her story.

“Well, for the most part, I danced with different gentlemen. As for avoiding my mother, that came as a happy coincidence. When a handsome gentleman asked me for a walk on the terrace, how could I deny him?”

“I see. So, in the interest of our new friendship, would you mind telling me how much of that is fact and how much is fabricated?” Ashley asked, giving her a knowing look.

Brianna smiled at the accurate assessment and began to feel better about their friendship.

“Perhaps avoiding my mother was more of a goal than a coincidence, but she does not have to know that. Now, we must come up with an appropriate story to report to her, so she does not feel the need to follow me around tonight at Lady Lamkin’s ball.”

“I’ll help you and run interference with your mother, but in return you must be honest with me.”

“I can agree to that,” Brianna promised, deciding to keep everything as close to the truth as possible. Between the two of them, Brianna hoped they would be able to keep her mother happy, as well as give her freedom to find her future husband.

Richard swirled the amber liquid in his glass, watching as if it held the secrets of the universe. He leaned back on the sofa in Greyson’s study, grateful for his friend’s understanding of his need for silence. Richard went to Greyson’s townhouse hoping for a distraction from his preoccupation with a certain woman, but unfortunately his mind refused to release her. Thoughts of Brianna filled his head, and he had no desire to share her with his friend just yet.

After exchanging pleasantries, Richard could find nothing else to say, and Greyson didn’t contribute much either. Greyson held the title of Viscount Merrick, but he was not by any means the typical lord. His father married, but his wife had been unable to produce an heir. When Greyson was left on his doorstep late one night, he discovered he had an illegitimate son. They took him in and declared Greyson to be the heir. His illegitimacy never posed an issue for Richard, as it did for the majority of society.

“What is on your mind?” Greyson asked, after a long period of silence.

Richard inwardly cringed at the choice of words. He didn’t know if his emotions were so transparent that Greyson picked those words deliberately or if it was a coincidence. Of all his friends, Greyson understood him the best. Normally it was that quality which brought Richard here, but today he felt less than thrilled at his friend’s insightfulness.

“I’m not thinking on anything specific. I simply wondered after the club. I didn’t hear many details the other day, and I hoped you could fill me in.”

“Everything has been running at its usual efficiency. We recently hired an additional butler. His name is Nathaniel and with his more substantial frame, he is a better deterrent against more bothersome behavior.”

“Have there been problems recently to require such attention?” Richard asked, only remembering one fight from the past, the event that had encouraged them to be more selective in regard to membership. Originally, they hoped to not seclude anyone. However, they quickly learned the merits of being discriminatory.