Looking over at Mr. Ryland’s smiling face, she wondered if she could be happy bearing his children.
“Come,” he said. “Let’s get a closer look.”
Not needing further encouragement, Grace took his arm and allowed him to lead them down the winding paths. When they arrived at a dead end with no sunset, Grace’s heart sped. Why did he want her out here?
“Mr. Ryland, I believe you have made a wrong turn.”
“I believe you are right. However, I like this much better.”
His eyes delved into hers, as if expecting her to repeat his sentiments. Terror snaked through her. In an effort to contain her fear, she fled to the other side of the path from him. She couldn’t allow her experience with Lord Meadows to ruin her future.
“Lady Grace.” His voice was no higher than a whisper, but as he’d come up behind her, she could hear him clearly. “I’d like to kiss you.”
Her heart stopped. Did she want to kiss him? She told Braiden her kisses belonged to her husband; could Mr. Ryland be the one who would hold that designation? Would kissing him feel as wonderful as when her lips touched Braiden’s? Why didn’t the thought excite her with Mr. Ryland?
Slowly she turned around while indecision tore at her.
“I-I, well—”
“The two of you look rather cozy out here.” They both jumped at the sound of Braiden’s voice.
“Your Grace, how coincidental to find you out here,” Mr. Ryland said, insincerity dripping from his tone.
Braiden shrugged. “I wanted to see the sunset, and I managed to get myself lost.”
Although pleased the interruption saved her from having to make a decision just yet, Grace was angry at Braiden for following them. By his statement, she knew he’d been listening to them as well. Why did he care? Her breathing increased as her anger mounted.
“Then I’m sure you will be able to retrace your steps and recalculate for your error,” she stated, keeping a hold of her temper.
“I’m not sure. Perhaps the two of you can help. Together we should be able to make our way out of this maze.”
“I don’t think so.” Mr. Ryland put his shoulders back as he faced Braiden. “We have no intention of leaving at this time.”
“Neither do I.”
The men stared each other down. Uncomfortable with the whole situation, Grace passed between them and headed back to the ballroom. If they wanted to fight, they could do it without her.
“Lady Grace,” Mr. Ryland called, catching up with her. “Please allow me to escort you back.”
Braiden made a noise sounding like a growl, but he didn’t comment otherwise.
“Thank you.” Grace took his arm as they returned to the other guests.
When she spotted her mother, she excused herself from Braiden and Mr. Ryland and spent the remainder of the evening ignoring both gentlemen.
As Grace sat in the drawing room the following day, she still couldn’t get Braiden and Mr. Ryland out of her mind. In respect to Braiden, she knew she needed to do something about him. Having his disapproval glaring at her as she conversed with other gentlemen would never do.
Then there was Mr. Ryland. Did she want to marry him? He appeared to be sweet and very respectful. However, he also didn’t spur passion or excitement in her the way Braiden did with one glance. Could she live without it?
Frustrated, Grace dropped her head into her hands. Why did this have to be so complicated? She silently cursed Braiden. Had he never given her hope, she wouldn’t feel the way she did now.
She wanted a child, but would the baby make up for what she lacked in life? Would she be fulfilled without experiencing an intense desire for her husband?
“Lady Grace,” the butler said, making her head snap up. “The Duke of Donetic is here to see you.”
Grace swallowed. Braiden was here? Why? Her heart hammered in her chest.
“Please send him in.”
With a bow, the butler left and a few short seconds later Braiden entered the drawing room. He didn’t look well. His clothing was pressed and fitted to perfection, but his face looked haggard. Brown locks of his hair stood out of place and a shadow could be seen under his eyes.
“Lady Grace, thank you for seeing me today.” He sat beside her, turning his body to face her.
“I’m always delighted to see you, Your Grace. But I must ask, are you well?”
“That remains to be seen.”
“Can I get you something? Did you come for assistance?” The thought he could be suffering worried her. Was it serious? Was that why he came?
He rose and began pacing the room. “No. I’m not ill. I’m just . . . Grace, I . . . I can’t do this anymore.”
Sitting perfectly straight, she tried not to allow her depression to break through. Her heart split in two and the ripping resounded through her body. Although she herself thought about speaking to him concerning this exact thing, the fact he felt the same way burned her deep inside.
“I see.” Her voice sounded emotionless, even to her.
“The friendship we have forged through the years and built on over the holidays is something special. I don’t want to turn my back on it.”
Confused, Grace studied him as he stopped his incessant walking and faced her. The longing shining in his eyes took her breath away. What did he want?
“I’ve never asked you to do so. Nor will I,” Grace assured.
He shook his head. “I’m going about this the wrong way.”
“Then be plain. Tell me exactly what you want to say.”
He straightened his shoulders, then crossed the room and sat beside her again. This time he took her hand in his. His warmth seeped into her cold fingers. Although the contact confused her further, she couldn’t begrudge herself the pleasure of it.
“Grace, I can’t stop thinking about you. I miss how we were at Stonemede. Over those months the knowledge I would see you each day got me out of bed every morning.”
Frozen, she stared at him. She couldn’t breathe. Why was he confessing this before telling her he didn’t want to see her again? She couldn’t bear it.
He stroked one finger down her cheek, before continuing. “I don’t want to live in a world where I can’t see your beautiful face every day. I can offer you nothing, save the title and wealth. That may mean something to some, but you are different. Unlike any woman I’ve ever met.”
Black spots formed in her vision. Realizing she hadn’t taken a breath, she sucked in air. Had she fallen asleep? Was Braiden proposing?
“What are you saying?” Her voice barely made it past her lips.
“Marry me.” His eyes pleaded as a shaky smile covered his lips. “I’m not asking. I’m begging. I can even give you the child you want if you give me time. I just need time.”
Joy burst through her chest. He offered her everything she could ever want, yet he sat there with uncertainty shining on his face. A slow smile tickled her lips as if afraid to show pleasure and make him disappear.
“Braiden, nothing would please me more than to marry you.”
A smile spread across his face as he closed his eyes and sank back in his chair. She wanted to laugh at his relief. How could he possibly think she would have refused him?
“I promise I will try to do whatever I can to make you happy.”
“Well, kissing me would be a good start.”
Some of the elation left his face as his gaze fell to her lips. “No. If you recall, your kisses belong to your husband. When I have that title, I will oblige. After all, I must give you something to look forward to.”
She laughed. There were many other things to look forward to, but she wouldn’t begrudge him the tiny thing. If he wanted to draw out the anticipation, she would content herself with his decision.
“Then I will expect the wait to be worth it.”
The concern crossing his face made her want to laugh. How could he question his skill at kissing? She’d already experienced the pleasure. Surely he didn’t worry over it.
He remained still, just staring at her. She got the feeling he wanted to reach out to her but held himself back.
“I should go speak with your father.” He didn’t move.
She wanted to hold her arms out to him but didn’t want to push him. There would be plenty of time for that later. They were betrothed now.
“I’m sure my father is in his study,” she prompted.
“Right.” He stood and walked to the door, then turned back to her. “Grace?”
“Yes?”
“Thank you.”
Without waiting for a response, he disappeared through the door. Grace dropped back against her chair. All her dreams had come true. Her mother would be pleased to welcome a duke into the family. She would be able to spend her life with Braiden and have a child of her own.
If only his odd behavior hadn’t dulled the experience. She shook the thought off. This was what she wanted. Everything would be perfect.
Chapter 10
Braiden threw back his brandy and poured another. For far too long he’d allowed the strong drink to mellow the pain and offer comfort, but he had no intention of stopping, especially now.
“That’s enough.” Thomas put his hand over the top of Braiden’s glass. “At this rate, you won’t be able to stand during your vows tomorrow.”
Brushing off his cousin’s hand, Braiden took another sip. He needed the help to get himself through this night. Over the past month of waiting to tie Grace to him, he struggled with his selfishness. How could he do this to her? She’d find no pleasure with him in any capacity.
“Leave me be, I’m the one who is putting myself through this again for the dukedom.”
“Don’t pretend this is only about producing an heir. I’m sure the creation of said heir occupies your mind.” Thomas winked “But this is about Grace. Although you’ve had a strange way of showing it lately, you are happy with her.”
With a snort, Braiden put his glass down and covered his face with his hands. He didn’t feel happy. He wanted Grace, but he knew he didn’t deserve her.
Thomas dropped something heavy on the desk. “What is wrong with you? I know you want this, so why are you acting like a madman?”
“How can I be sure this will be different?” Braiden asked in a low voice. “Am I just sentencing her to a miserable life like mine?”
“You can’t honestly believe that. Grace is nothing like Tabitha. Remember how pleasant the holidays were. Imagine that for the remainder of your life.”
Braiden did. Every day. He yearned for life to be like that, but how could it? The moment he joined her in bed, she’d turn against him as Tabitha had. He only hoped his plan would work. He couldn’t lose Grace that way.
“There is no use talking of this. I’m marrying Grace tomorrow regardless of the repercussions. It’s too late to do the right thing.”
“The right—”
Holding up one hand, Braiden stopped his cousin. “Surely we have other matters to discuss.”
Thomas pressed his lips together. “Have you heard more about the highwaymen?”
Braiden sighed. This topic was only slightly better than the last. “No. Mr. Spinner hired a few men to locate any living members of the group responsible, but so far they’ve discovered four bodies.”
“Who could be doing this?”
“I don’t know. Considering their choice of work, there could be a number of reasons having nothing to do with Tabitha and Rhodes’s murder.”
“True, but why are they showing up dead now? Exactly as you are attempting to locate them?”
“I wish I knew.”
Before he could say any more, Richard appeared in the doorway. “There he is. My soon-to-be brother-in-law. How does it feel?”
Forcing a grin, Braiden stood. He couldn’t allow Richard to know of his trepidation about the upcoming nuptials. If he knew, would he try to dissuade Grace? Braiden couldn’t live without her.
“Wonderful. Lady Grace has bestowed a great honor upon me by accepting my suit.”
Richard rolled his eyes. “Save your drivel for the ladies. I know what you’re going through right now. I’ve been there before.”
“Then have you come to assure me she hasn’t changed her mind and fled London?”
The men laughed as Richard and Braiden sat.
“If you hope she changes her mind, you have the wrong lady. I saw her at Stonemede. I have no doubt she selected you from the beginning.” Richard smirked as if he knew the outcome even then.
The knowledge surprised Braiden. He suspected Grace didn’t make her decision until the ball at Stonemede. She couldn’t have been interested before then. And what about Thomas?
“It’s possible.” Braiden shrugged. “But I believe it was I who won in the end.”
“Definitely,” Thomas spoke up. “The poor girl certainly lost when she agreed to marry you. Who wants to marry a wealthy duke?”
Although he knew Thomas was teasing, Braiden felt the truth of the words deep within him.
“Well, besides wanting to assure you of Grace’s commitment, I have another reason for my visit.” Richard leaned forward in his chair, resting his elbows on his knees. “Brianna sent me. I don’t know what your plans are after the wedding, but my wife wants her sister there when the baby is born. She has made it very clear I’m not allowed back in her bedchamber until I have your agreement.”
The concern on Richard’s face made Braiden smile. “Then perhaps I’m doing her a favor by denying the request.”
“You will pay for that.” Richard’s eyes narrowed. “However, I’ll have you know she wouldn’t last a week.”
“Then I will agree. No doubt Grace will make the same threat to me should I not take her to Stonemede.”
Richard grinned and in turn, Braiden forced himself to return it. Grace banning him from her room would only be a matter of time. He envied Richard. The affection his friend shared with his wife was almost a tangible object.
As the two men teased and poked fun at Braiden, he accepted it as the friendly banter they intended. All the while, the truth of the situation weighed heavily on him.
Tomorrow he would take Grace as his wife. Her fate would be eternally sealed with his. Her agreement to marry him was probably the biggest mistake she’d ever made.
Why was he letting her do this? His selfishness engulfed him and the existence of it enraged him. He was a complete ass.
Grace stood completely still in her lavender wedding dress while her aunts and various female relatives left the room. Never had she been so frightened or intrigued. From the discussion she’d just listened to, she was beginning to regret her decision to marry.
“I’m glad that’s over,” Brianna said as she closed the door. “Hearing it the first time was enough.”
“They mean well,” her mother explained, then stood beside Grace. “My daughter, a duchess. I can hardly believe it. A duchess and a marchioness, I’ve been so blessed.” She covered her mouth as her lips quivered.
“Oh, Mother.” Grace couldn’t stand the tears. “You didn’t need our marriage to bring you anything. You already are respected and deserve deference.”
She waved away Grace’s words and her tears. “Brianna and I kept you here for a reason. What you just heard is true for some men, but not all.”
“Yes,” Brianna chimed in. “There can be pleasure in your wifely duties if your husband is considerate. Richard told me some men don’t believe a wife should find enjoyment in bed. If your husband holds this belief, it will be up to you to correct hi
s backward thinking.”
Grace swallowed. Although she didn’t believe Braiden would be unkind, she didn’t know if she could ever manage such a thing. From the sound of it, the act didn’t require much from her.
“Don’t fret, my dear.” Her mother patted her cheek. “The duke is a wonderful man. I’m sure you will not experience any trouble with him.”
“Of course not,” Brianna added. “Remember, he has already agreed to bring you to Stonemede in a month to await the baby.”
Grace smiled. “Yes. I remember.”
“Well, Duchess,” her mother said, shaking her head with a mysterious smile. “I’m very proud of you. Your choice of husband couldn’t be more perfect.”
Staring at her mother, Grace could hardly contain her happiness. She had done it. Not only had she received pride, but her mother had never looked so pleased. Braiden had done more for her than he realized.
“Come on.” Brianna ushered them forward. “The duke is waiting to take you home.”
Nerves mixed with excitement filled her to know she would now go to Braiden’s house. She would be alone with him. Earlier the idea hadn’t bothered her, but now . . . Now she didn’t know what to feel.
Descending the stairs, she met Braiden in the entryway. He looked perfect in his black evening attire. Unfortunately, his face looked as severe as his clothes. Was he not happy to see her?
“Are you all right?” she asked, accepting his arm.
He nodded but didn’t respond. As they made their way through the guests and into the carriage, she tried to ignore Braiden’s mood. What did everyone think when they saw his expression? Part of her didn’t want to know.
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