“But is she worth the trouble?” Thomas’s eyes held an intensity that betrayed his offhand question.
Fighting to keep the smile from forming on his face, Braiden cleared his throat. “Without a doubt. Any man should count himself lucky to have her.”
“As you know, I’m not one to readily believe others’ declarations. Would you suggest I spend some time in her company?”
The question surprised Braiden. How else did Thomas intend to discover more about her? In addition, if they didn’t spend time together, his cousin would never be able to win her trust. Braiden intended to ensure his cousin was with Grace more than any other man present.
“I believe it would be beneficial to remain by her side as much as possible. Being so sought after, I don’t believe she’ll ever want for a companion.”
Thomas grinned widely and raised his glass. “You can be assured I will do so. I imagine you will not have to wait long for my approval.”
Unable to contain his surprise, Braiden quickly downed the contents of his glass, hoping to hide his reaction. Had his cousin already been contemplating marriage? Was that why Thomas agreed so readily? Had Grace been his intended target? Braiden didn’t like the thought of that.
Before taking his words back and dropping the idea, he decided to wait and see how the two of them acted together. Only then could he determine if Thomas deserved her.
Later that day, Braiden sat in the card room with the men who were enjoying a few low-stake hands. The smell of cigars, brandy, and paper made him feel right at home. Jovial sounds could be heard along with tinkling of coins hitting the table and the soft thudding of the cards being shuffled.
The whole experience reminded him of the club, Ravenhurst, in London. He’d spent many hours inside those walls, taking refuge from his wife. The patrons gave him peace and the staff steadily supplied him with memory loss served in a glass.
“There isn’t much sport in this room,” Greyson said before dropping in a chair beside Braiden. “Usually I can find at least one person to offer a slight challenge.”
Braiden snorted. “Not for you. I’ve never met anyone with your skill at cards.”
“Sad, but true. I’ve only found one person who has repeatedly beaten me, but she doesn’t play fair.”
Feigning offense, Braiden straightened his back and looked at his brother-in-law, head-on. “Are you insinuating my sister cheats?”
“No. I’m readily admitting it. When she’s not sure of her success, she . . .” Greyson cleared his throat. “Let’s just say she is quite effective at distraction.”
The red creeping up Greyson’s neck made Braiden laugh. He marveled at how readily the action came from him. Over these past years, he’d felt little joy in life. What had brought about this change? Perhaps he’d been wrong in alienating himself from family and friends for so long.
Needing to clear his guilt and the look of shock off Greyson’s face, Braiden surveyed the guests. Some men he knew well, while others he only knew by reputation. The change in the attendees this year bothered him.
“I wonder if Stonemede’s new guests will garner an invitation next year.”
“I’m not sure. I would assume the party would revert back to the original attendees once Lady Grace has married.”
Braiden returned his attention to Greyson. “Why do you believe that is? Surely Lady Grace doesn’t need help finding a suitable husband.”
Greyson shrugged. “I have no reason to give for why women do the things they do. Every time I think I have Abigail figured out, she surprises me.”
Had Lady Stonemede selected these men because she found them worthy of Grace? More worthy than Thomas? Braiden couldn’t say for certain, but he fully intended to make sure his cousin held a fair chance.
His mind took a turn as he saw the image of Grace in his thoughts. Did she know the point of this gathering? He recalled her mentioning displeasure with the men in London. Was this her answer to that? Had she been the one to choose the gentleman so she could further her acquaintance with them?
Thomas may not have been on her list, but Braiden would do whatever necessary to push the two of them together until Grace saw no other logical option. He needed that heir. Then once he had one, he could sit back and finish his existence the way he preferred. Alone.
“You’re doing it wrong. You must make sure the covering extends down to the roots, or the delicate plants will freeze and not produce flowers next spring,” Grace instructed.
Lord Meadows tugged the sheet further down, but it still didn’t reach. “Why are we doing this? Doesn’t Stonemede have gardeners?”
She shook her head at his complete lack of understanding. How could she be expected to marry a man who couldn’t even attempt to understand her pursuits for even the smallest amount of time?
“Not only do I enjoy the flowers, but these hold a special place in my heart.”
“Why?” By the blank look on his face, Grace knew he would never understand.
“I planted them,” she explained.
“That isn’t exactly true.” Braiden’s sudden appearance had her jumping to her feet. “If I recall correctly, you had quite a bit of help—from me.”
The memory drew a smile out of her. “Well, it wouldn’t have been much fun without having someone to boss around.”
Lord Meadows glanced between the two, drawing her gaze. Heat swept across her cheeks. Surely he had no desire to share in the long-ago memory. Dusting the dirt from her apron, she searched for another topic. Honestly, she wished Lord Meadows would take his leave. She wanted to be alone with Braiden.
Ever since she’d contemplated marrying him, she had very little time alone with him. It seemed every man present at one time or another worked on capturing her attention. Except him. Had she been wrong? Did he have no thoughts on marrying her?
“Meadows, Stonemede is planning a hunt. As I understand it, you hoped to be involved with the discussion. If you’d like, I can remain here with Lady Grace in your stead.”
“Thank you, Donetic. I had hoped to aid in the planning.” Lord Meadows turned to her. “Lady Grace, please excuse me.”
With a nod, he left them. It didn’t escape Grace’s notice how wide his smile of appreciation had been. She narrowed her eyes. If he ever sought her out again, she’d be sure they did nothing but gardening.
Braiden shook his head. “Some men don’t appreciate being with a lovely lady.”
Touching the back of her hand against her brow, she pretended to be hurt. “The cruel man didn’t like my lovely garden.”
“How can he not like the flowers I planted? After the work I put into them, I take that as the highest insult.”
“You make it sound as though I did nothing,” she pouted.
“I’m only stating the facts.”
She put her hands on her hips. “How can you say that? Without me the flowers would never have been planted.”
“You’re right.” Braiden lifted his hands palms out. “I concede.”
Grace laughed. “Well, gardening isn’t the only thing I remember about that day.”
“I don’t recall anything else of note,” Braiden mumbled, but his eyes darted away as if he couldn’t bear to look at her after such a lie.
“I’m wounded. How could you not remember giving me my first kiss?”
The corners of his mouth slowly turned up. “I’m surprised you recall that. It was such a small thing. I doubt the flower even remembers when I pulled the petal off.”
“You underestimate your power over women. I carried the kiss around for a fortnight.”
Actually, she’d carried the rose petal he’d kissed and given to her as a token of a first kiss for much longer. At present it resided in one of her lockets.
When he faced her, his eyes
were bright with a hint of mischief. The sight of joy on his face made her heart flip. She’d put it there. For a moment, she had removed his pain.
“I believe that. At the time you were very worried that you would be unable to attract a husband.”
“Your memory is faulty. I had no such concern.”
“Then why did you try to get me to kiss you? Although Tabitha”—he took a deep breath as the merriment drained from his face—“and I were betrothed, you begged me.”
“I did not beg.”
Crossing her arms over her chest, she attempted to look affronted while she exalted on the inside. He recalled the conversation with surprising accuracy. What did that mean? Had he harbored feelings for her back then? She tossed aside the question. He’d been ridiculously in love with Tabitha. Perhaps their spoken words affected him in some way, branding itself on his memory.
“You did. You said if I didn’t kiss you, you would die without ever experiencing it.”
“Then you promised me a kiss. A real kiss.” She took a step toward him. “I still haven’t received my first, besides the rose petal you gave me.”
Panic crossed his face. “You have time,” he said quickly. “Wait, my promise was only if you reached twenty years old without having received a kiss.”
“Why wait?” She took another step forward, placing herself directly in front of him.
He smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes. Then he took her arm and led her back toward the manor.
“You don’t really want to do that.”
“Why not?”
“You are young and full of your own ideas of romance and such. A kiss from a random man will not fulfill your fantasies.”
“What do you know of my fantasies? Kissing you may be one of them.”
Braiden scoffed, then faced her. “If it is, you need to change your thinking. I’m not a man who could live up to your expectations. I have nothing to offer any woman.”
His flat voice broke her heart. How could he say such things about himself? And how could he want her to kiss another man when he intended to marry her? He didn’t make any sense at all.
Grace opened her mouth, but quickly shut it when she saw Abigail approaching. Now wasn’t the time to question Braiden. He had a strange view of himself, but that could be changed. She refused to sit back and allow him to disappear in his pain.
Leaving Abigail with her brother, Grace decided to spend some quiet time sewing. She felt uneasy after her conversation with Braiden and needed something to occupy her.
In the drawing room, she found her mother shared the same desire.
“Good afternoon, Grace,” she pleasantly welcomed her. “How are you enjoying the gathering this year?”
Pasting on a smile, Grace sat and took up her needlework. “It’s quite a bit more crowded than usual.”
Her mother nodded before returning her attention to her sewing. “I daresay your sister has invited every eligible man in London.”
“Yes, but at least they brought their mothers and sisters. Otherwise, the ball she has planned would be tiring.”
“Don’t be silly. She has done her duty as marchioness. The surrounding families have already been invited.”
Biting her lip, Grace stopped herself from asking if there was anything Brianna couldn’t do. Instead, she decided to keep the conversation away from the topic of her sister.
“Considering I have a good number of gentlemen to choose from here, who would you suggest I offer my attention to?”
“What about that dance instructor? I recall you fancied him.”
Grace’s mouth dropped open. Did the woman endorse Mr. Nobis? How had her standards dropped so drastically? Her throat grew tight at the idea her mother cared nothing for her.
Clearing the pain, Grace put her shoulders back and faced her mother. “Do you wish me to align myself to someone of no fortune or status?”
“If that is your desire, then yes.”
“Why? You pushed Brianna to marry a marquis. Against her will, I must add. But for me you have no requirements, no aspirations. I simply don’t understand your reasoning.”
With her head tilted to one side, she examined Grace. “Does your freedom of choice not please you? Brianna sacrificed whatever ridiculous plans she had in order to elevate our family.”
“Elevate us?” Grace’s mind raced. Was that why her mother pushed Brianna? Although she didn’t descend from a titled family, her blood was noble. And as a countess, she certainly had no need to prove her position in life.
Thinking back over the years, Grace saw the woman in a new light. Brianna had often lamented at the duties placed upon their mother, and Grace had never understood why their father had pushed his wife. Now she knew.
He hadn’t put one duty upon his wife. She did it to herself. Before Brianna’s marriage to Richard, the countess tirelessly worked to prove she belonged. Grace’s heart ached for her.
“As a sister of the Marchioness of Stonemede, you can marry whomever you choose.” Her mother smiled. “Take your time. I know you will make the right decision.”
With her heart feeling lighter than it had in months, Grace returned the smile. The woman did care for her. More than she knew. For so long she’d lived without that knowledge. It felt very freeing to finally have reassurance.
“So, you don’t think I need to become a duchess?”
Her mother winced as pain shot through her eyes. “No. That designation isn’t possible for the women in our family.” She stood. “Please excuse me.”
Grace’s eyes bulged as her mother fled the room. What just happened? Never before had she seen such a reaction from the woman. Permanently calm and collected, the countess always hoped to be seen above reproach.
Clearly her mother desired the connection to a duke. Grace resolved not to let her down. Braiden would have to be on his guard. She intended to do more than kiss him. She intended to marry him.
Chapter 3
“You’ve outdone yourself this year.” Braiden heard Jonathan Alastair, Viscount Linwood, say to Richard. “I believe that’s the longest we’ve spent on the hunt.”
Richard grinned. “I aim to please. Besides, spending the day away ensures the ladies have an opportunity to miss us.”
Rubbing his hands together, Jonathan returned the grin. “You can be assured of that.”
From the pleasure shining on both men’s faces, Braiden could tell they couldn’t wait to return to their wives. Although at one time he’d felt the same about Tabitha, the idea seemed foreign to him now. Happiness in his marriage hadn’t lasted long after he signed the wedding license. Over the years, he’d wondered why misery targeted him when his sister and friends remained happy. He now realized marriage wasn’t for everyone. Or perhaps, these particular women were different somehow.
Curiosity propelled him to intrude on the conversation. “So, this was engineered in order to make your wives miss you?”
Richard offered a sheepish smile. “In part. After all, I do have guests to entertain.”
“Of course. The comfort of everyone here remains foremost on Richard’s mind.” Jonathan rolled his eyes.
With a shrug, Richard wiped at some dirt on his buckskin breeches. “Some women benefit from a small reprieve of their husband’s company.”
“I see.” Braiden wondered how it would feel to have a woman at home waiting for him to return. Would Grace be like that for Thomas? Braiden certainly hoped so. His cousin deserved that. So did Grace.
“I’m sorry.” Richard put his hand on Braiden’s back. “This can’t be easy.”
Biting his tongue, Braiden didn’t answer. He didn’t want their pity. Nor did he want something to be said that could get back to his sister or Greyson. He’d taken particular care to ensure they had no knowledg
e of the state of his and Tabitha’s marriage.
Somehow Richard had discovered the truth, and, although he didn’t agree with Braiden’s decision, he agreed to keep the secret. But Braiden couldn’t say for sure what Jonathan knew. The fewer who knew the better.
Braiden shrugged off Richard’s hand. “Think nothing of it. Everyone is entitled to their happiness, just as they are to misfortune. I’ve had my share of the former, now I must endure the latter.”
“You’re right.”
The following silence made Braiden wish he’d never inserted himself in the conversation. When would people stop acting strange around him? He longed for the days he was considered simply as one of the group, not the one to be coddled.
“I vote for a change in subject,” Jonathan announced. “Richard, were you aware some of the men have begun taking bets on who should win Lady Grace’s hand over the holidays?”
With a groan, Richard hit his forehead with his hand. “I know. I’ve done my best discourage it. If Brianna finds out . . . Let’s just say the holidays will be less joyous.”
“Who are the main contenders?” Braiden couldn’t help but ask.
“Lord Meadows seems to be a favorite, but strangely enough, so does your cousin, Thomas. They’ve been caught, more than once, walking off together.”
Braiden wanted to exalt, but an unwelcome depression settled upon him, making gratification impossible. His plan to bring the two of them together appeared to be successful. The main problem he experienced was his inability to get the image of Grace’s lips from his head. Ever since she’d tried to kiss him, he’d fantasized about her.
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