The Sweetest Love (Sons of Worthington Series)

by Higgins, Marie

  In the few times they had conversed, he had never made her feel special—or even important. Instead, he made her feel as if she would be the most fortunate and coveted woman on this earth if she had him as her husband. He’d been so rude with his advances, and several times she had to tell him to leave her alone. “F-Father, you must be jesting. Why, the man has not even courted me.”

  “I am most serious, daughter. Lord Hollingsworth has been enamored with you for a few years now. He has made an offer for you every Season you have been out, but I have respectfully declined, hoping to find you a loftier match. Your beauty is equal to at least an earldom.”

  Panic filled her chest. “Then why did you not decline him this time?”

  “Because, my dear, I’m ashamed to admit that I’m in financial ruins. In the last year, I have had a run of back luck with…uh…business decisions.”

  “You’ve been gambling again,” Diana said matter-of-factly.

  Her father’s face hardened. “Yes. I had one bad stretch at the tables and my markers were called in before I was prepared.” He raked a hand through his hair. For a moment he looked so weary and vulnerable that Diana’s heartbreak faltered a fraction.

  “I didn’t know how I was going to pay,” he added with a shrug. “Lord Hollingsworth came to my rescue and paid my debts in exchange for your hand in marriage.”

  “What?” Her voice rose as she sprang up from the sofa. “He paid you to marry me?”

  “Indeed, and that is why I accepted.”

  “But Father…” Her breaths became faster. “At the Dowager Duchess of Kensington’s party, I met a wonderful man. Lord Tristan Worthington. We hit it off splendidly, and I feel he is going to talk to you soon.”

  Her father flipped his hand in the air. “I’m pleased you had a good time, but unfortunately, I have made my decision. I have signed the contract and you will marry Lord Hollingsworth within a couple of weeks.”

  “But Father, Lord Tristan’s father is a duke—”

  “The matter is closed,” he snapped as his face growing red with anger. “If Lord Tristan would have talked to me sooner, I would have considered him, but as it is, I cannot go back on my word now. I do not want to hear another word about this. Is that clear?”

  Tears built behind her eyes and her throat tightened with sadness. “Yes, Father.”

  He looked at her mother. “Esther, I want you to start planning your daughter’s wedding immediately. Keep in mind that we don’t have the funds for a grand affair, so keep the event simple.”

  “Yes, dear.” She stood and yanked on Diana’s arm. “Let’s hurry. We have shopping to do.”

  Tears filled Diana’s eyes, but there was no use in shedding them. In all of her life, she had never been able to sway her father. Once he made up his mind—that was final. Her heart sank in deep despair. No matter how she looked at it, her life was tortured, because marrying Lord Hollingsworth would eventually be the death of her!

  * * * *

  Tristan hurried to his brother’s study and rapped on the door. Trevor would be awake by now because he’d always been an early riser.

  “Enter.”

  Tristan’s heart hammered in his chest so hard he feared he’d break a rib. He couldn’t believe what he was going to do. Yet…it felt right.

  Keeping his shoulders back and chin held high, he entered Trevor’s study. His brother stood near the hearth with the poker in his hand as he broke apart the logs. Trevor glanced his way then returned his attention to the fire.

  “Good morning, Brother,” Trevor said. “I’m surprised you are not still asleep in bed at this hour.”

  “Too many things weigh on my mind.” Tristan stepped closer, linking his hands behind him. “Before you act all domineering as the role of the oldest brother usually does by telling me how you think I should live my life, let me tell you how I’m going to live my life.”

  “Fine. Tell me.”

  “I am going to marry Miss Diana Baldwin.”

  Trevor snapped his head toward Tristan, his brother’s eyes growing rounder by the moment. Seconds passed in silence. The only sound in the room came from the popping fire and crackling wood.

  “What, pray tell, brought this on? When I spoke with you the other day, you were grumbling about Mother’s party and wishing you could be doing other things.”

  Tristan smiled. “Indeed, I had grumbled, but then something wonderful happened to me when I met her. We had such a glorious time together getting to know each other. I haven’t been able to get her off my mind, and I think…” he took a deep breath, “…actually, I know I want her as my wife.”

  “That is exemplary of you, Tristan. I commend you for making a most important decision about your future.” Trevor placed the poker back against the wall of the hearth, and then turned toward Tristan. “I’m just very surprised at your announcement. I thought—as well as our parents—that you would marry Lady Jane.”

  Tristan arched an eyebrow. “True, our parents have been hinting strongly about me asking for her hand, but I just couldn’t. I don’t love her. I don’t even like her much.”

  Trevor chuckled. “You were always the brother whom I believed would marry for love. Trey will never marry, I fear, and although I’m betrothed to Lady Gwendolyn and we barely know each other, I believe we will grow to love each other eventually.” He shrugged. “But now I wonder if you indeed feel love for Miss Baldwin after only knowing her a few days.”

  Chuckling, Tristan turned toward the window, scratching his head. Love? He still wasn’t sure if love was what he felt, but he couldn’t deny how manly he felt around her. And although they had just met, their brief time together made him feel as if he’d known her much longer. They were destined to be together, he just knew it. “I have never believed in love at first sight, but when I first saw Miss Baldwin, there was something irresistible about her. I couldn’t stop thinking about her. When we danced and we talked, I felt like I never wanted to leave her side. She was so…natural. Not fake like the other women I know. Miss Baldwin is so very different from Lady Jane, and I really like the differences.” A grin tugged on his lips. “So really, the thought of marrying Miss Baldwin does not frighten me in the least. I actually look forward to it.”

  Trevor laughed. “My brother—always the romantic.” He flipped his hand. “Then go ask for her hand before she fears you have abandoned her. I heard she and her mother quietly returned home early this morning.”

  Tristan swung toward his brother. “They are gone?”

  “Yes.”

  “They can’t be. Diana told me yesterday she and her mother was planning on staying all day.”

  Trevor shrugged. “Well, apparently something changed the baroness’ mind, because Mother told me that they had left.”

  Growling, Tristan pushed his fingers through his hair. “I need to find out where she lives. She never really told me.”

  “Then, I suggest you be on your gallant way and rescue the damsel in distress.”

  “Will you let our parents know where I’m going?”

  “Of course.”

  Tristan spun around and rushed out of the room. When he saw the butler, he instructed him to alert the groomsman that he needed his horse saddled and ready posthaste. He ran back to his room to grab his jacket and riding crop, and then dashed back down the stairs and outside. Within fifteen minutes, he was atop his horse and riding toward Bristol.

  Excitement built in his chest with the thought of seeing Diana again. She wouldn’t discourage the idea of them marrying. The dreamy haze of her eyes when she stared at him, along with the way her mouth moved so seductively with his, let him know she was just as attracted to him as he was to her.

  He rode his horse hard and fast, and soon he neared Bristol. The first person he asked when enquiring about the Baldwin’s residence gave him directions. The manor wasn’t as large as he’d seen before, and the place looked quite run down. It appeared that Lord Baldwin was having money problems. Tristan grinne
d. He would help his soon-to-be father-in-law out to help him repair this place.

  Before Tristan rode too close to the front of the house, he dismounted, and walked slowly, eyeing the surroundings as he pulled his horse behind by the reins. From the back of the house, a woman strolled toward the rundown stable. Immediately, Tristan could tell it was Diana. Today she wore a copper colored dress trimmed with black lace, and on her hands were black gloves. Her bonnet was copper, but thankfully didn’t hide her pretty auburn ringlets.

  His heart beat faster and he quickened his stride to reach her. As he came to the front of the stable, he noticed her standing just inside, stroking her hand down the mare’s nose. Her back was toward him, and her shoulders drooped.

  “Oh, Chestnut,” she said softly. “What am I going to do?” Her voice broke and she leaned her face against the mare’s neck.

  Tristan’s heart clenched. He couldn’t stand to hear her desolate tone. “Not to worry, my sweet. I’ll make it right.”

  She jumped and swung around. Her eyes widened and within moment, color entered her face. “Tristan! What are you doing here?”

  “I have come to rescue the fair maiden.” He chuckled. “Actually, since you left without saying anything to me, I knew I must come find you.”

  She sighed heavily. “I apologize for our hasty departure, but my mother received a letter from my father who wanted us home immediately. I fear his news was dreadful.”

  He arched an eyebrow. “What news? Has he fallen ill?”

  “Oh, Tristan.” Tears spiked her eyelashes. “My father has signed a betrothal agreement.”

  Sadness—and panic—weighed heavily on his chest. Groaning, he scrubbed his palms over his face. He had to stop this. He couldn’t let her marry anyone but him!

  He stepped closer and touched her hand. “Who is the man?”

  “Viscount Hollingsworth.”

  The man’s evil face flashed through Tristan’s mind. Impossible! She couldn’t possibly marry that vile man. “You must be jesting. Hollingsworth is a deceitful, selfish man. Why would any father torture their daughter in such a way by allowing them to marry Hollingsworth?”

  “I wish I knew, Tristan. I tried to sway my father this morning, but he will not relent.”

  Tristan hitched a breath. Anger and frustration sailed through him, making him want to lash out at someone—Hollingsworth in particular since he was the root of Tristan’s turmoil right now. “That is utterly ridiculous! There must be a way to change your father’s mind.”

  “My father wants us to wed within two weeks.”

  Suffocation choked Tristan. Hollingsworth couldn’t have Diana—not when Tristan wanted her! Tristan took her hands in his. “Diana, I came here to ask if you would be my wife.”

  Tears slid down her cheeks and her bottom lip trembled. “If Hollingsworth wasn’t in my life right now, I would happily accept.” Her voice broke as more tears fell from her eyes.

  “Surely, your father will listen to me. I am wealthier than Hollingsworth. I’m certain I could sway your father.”

  She shook her head. “I pray you can, but I fear the viscount is holding something over my father and is trying to swindle him in some way.”

  Cursing silently, Tristan pulled her in his arms. She clung to him like she never wanted to let him go. He felt the same helplessness and pulled her tighter in his embrace. She sobbed against his chest, which broke his heart that much more.

  He kissed her ear and whispered, “Diana, you must trust me. I will fix things. Lord Hollingsworth will not marry you!”

  Chapter Seven

  Tristan had never felt this desperate before. All he knew was that it would kill him if he couldn’t stop Diana from marrying Lord Hollingsworth.

  He glanced toward her house. “Diana, please allow me to talk to your father. I will do all I can do to get him to change his mind.”

  She licked her lips and nodded. “Come. I shall take you to him. Let me warn you that he is a very stubborn man.”

  Tristan arched an eyebrow. “Then I should be able to understand him well since my brothers are also very stubborn.”

  He followed Diana into her house as she led him to the sitting room. It was obvious by the worn furniture, faded curtains and rugs that the Baldwins were in desperate needs of funds. Perhaps this was the key to getting Lord Baldwin to change his mind. Tristan could assist, and would gladly help as long as the lord gave Tristan his daughter’s hand in marriage.

  She squeezed his hands. “Stay here and I will fetch my father.” She remained standing in front of him as her desperate gaze slowly moved over his face. “Tristan, I wish you luck. I shall pray you will know the words to convince my father to break the betrothal agreement.”

  “I will pray as well.”

  Releasing his hands, she turned and hurried out of the room.

  Nervousness eased its way in Tristan’s stomach. He flexed his hands, trying to think of the right words to say. This must work!

  Never in his life had he imagined being in such a predicament. Although he figured he would marry for love one day, he had never imagined how much he would have to struggle just to keep that dream alive. Shouldn’t this have just fallen perfectly into place?

  After several long and agonizing minutes ticked by, footsteps thudded on the floor in the corridor, growing louder as they neared the room. Taking a deep breath, Tristan said a silent prayer that all would work out, and by the end of the day he and Diana would be engaged.

  Diana walked in the room with her father. Lord Baldwin was a stout man, and not as tall as Tristan. A frown etched his expression and bushy auburn eyebrows were pulled together over a narrowed gaze.

  Tristan gulped. Already things were not looking good.

  “Father, allow me to introduce Lord Tristan Worthington.” She met Tristan’s eyes. “My lord, this is my father, Baron Baldwin.”

  Tristan nodded. “My lord.”

  The other man grumbled the same response.

  Hope that Tristan had tried to keep in his heart began to sink. Fast. Regardless of the panic encasing him, he smiled his best at the other man. “Lord Baldwin, I am very happy to finally meet the man whose daughter has captured my interest.” He took another breath, wondering why his heartbeat seemed to be running a race with his words. “The past few days at my mother’s party, I had the privilege of meeting your daughter. I found her such a delight and—”

  “You are too late, Lord Tristan,” Baldwin barked. “She has been betrothed to the Viscount Hollingsworth.”

  Tristan gulped and quickly cleared his throat. “Your daughter has already explained this to me. However, I am here to see if I can convince you otherwise.” He switched his focus to Diana, who bunched her hands at her side, appearing as nervous as Tristan felt. “Miss Baldwin and I have gotten to know each other, and I would very much like to marry her.”

  She smiled at him, but her lips quivered.

  Tristan looked back at Baldwin. “I understand you have signed a contract with Hollingsworth, but—”

  “Please, Lord Tristan,” Baldwin grunted. “Do not make this any more difficult than it already is. The subject is closed. My daughter will wed Lord Hollingsworth.”

  Irritation expanded inside Tristan’s chest and he wanted to shake Diana’s father senseless. But he must remain calm. “My lord, if it’s money you seek, I can assure you I’m quite wealthy—”

  “Please, no more.” Baldwin stepped closer to Tristan. Moisture glistened in the man’s eyes as a different expression crossed his face. It appeared as if the man was silently pleading for help. “Lord Tristan, there is nothing I can do. However, if you can convince Lord Hollingsworth to break the contract, I will happily give you and Diana my blessings.”

  Something wasn’t right here. Confusion swam in Tristan’s head as he recalled Diana mentioning that Hollingsworth had some kind of hold over her father. Indeed, that must be the case because usually the father of the bride could break the marriage contract, yet Baldwi
n was reluctant to do so.

  Tristan nodded. “That’s what I’ll do.” He bowed. “Good day, my lord.” He glanced at Diana and tried his best to give her a reassuring smile. “I will see you later with good news.”

  She brought her clutched hands to her chest and nodded. “I pray you will.”

  Instead of waiting to be shown out, Tristan hurried out of the house and to his horse, determined to find Hollingsworth and convince him to release Diana’s father.

  Although Tristan didn’t know the viscount well, he knew that the man loved playing the gaming tables...and loved cheating people. Tristan would find that man even if he had to search all over England.

  Thankfully, he found Hollingsworth at the second place Tristan looked. It helped that he knew people and had good connections.

  When Tristan approached the table, a few of the other lords nodded greetings to him and motioned for him to join them. Hollingsworth glared, but didn’t rebut the invitation. It shouldn’t surprise Tristan that his younger brother, Trey, was here. That particular brother loved living up to his corrupted reputation.

  After a few hands—and a few cups of port—Tristan relaxed and tried to get into the game although his mind scrambled to think of a way he could talk Hollingsworth out of marrying Diana.

  Tristan laid down his winning hand and grinned.

  Lord Harris shook his head. “I should have known Lord Tristan would take my money. It never fails when I play with a Worthington.”

  “Lord Tristan,” Hollingsworth said, aiming his glare at him, “If I didn’t know better, I would think you were cheating this evening.”

  The others in the room hushed as their hands stilled. Tristan had played cards with Hollingsworth several times before, and should be used to his sour attitude by now. Although Tristan should call the bugger out, he wouldn’t…yet. “Then it’s a good thing you know me, isn’t it?”

  Grumbling, Hollingsworth swiped his fingers through his bright red hair that in spots had started to turn white. “Indeed, it’s most fortunate I know you.”

  The other men at the table relaxed, but Tristan couldn’t let the subject rest. He took another swig of his port before adding, “And it’s a good thing you are into your cups a little heavy tonight, or I just might feel the need to call you out.”