The Gift of Love (The Book of Love 8)

by Meara Platt

  “Unless you are seen courting another young woman. Then you will be of no use to Lady Melinda. She needs someone who is unattached in order to lure the marquess. So, attach yourself to a young lady. I’m sure it will be easy enough for you to find one who is willing. You only need to keep up the pretense for a fortnight. The House of Lords will vote on the budget just before Christmas. You can quietly end matters as soon as the vote has taken place.”

  Bollocks.

  “That is a terrible idea. How is it all right for me to use an innocent girl and then drop her at Christmastide?”

  The Lord Admiral pounded his fist on the table. “You will do it for the sake of England! Find a girl. Tell her your plans if it eases your conscience. But make certain she can keep her mouth shut. If she ruins this for us, it will be your hide I’ll be flaying. Oh, and she has to be beautiful, clever, and from a good family. The duke has to believe this is not a ruse...even if it is a ruse.”

  “All the more reason why we shouldn’t do this.” He held out his arms in supplication. “Let me talk to the duke. I’ll even enter a monastery for a fortnight if this will help.”

  “Out of the question. I need you here to answer questions on our funding requests. And what of our research projects? You’re the only one who understands the incomprehensible science behind the steam mechanism. This discussion is over, Brayden. Let me know who this girl is, and I will make certain Stoke and his daughter hear of it. In casual conversation, of course. I do not want this courtship to look staged.”

  Ronan clenched his jaw. “And you will talk to the duke about his daughter? Get her off my back? Maybe talk to the daughter as well and let her know the importance of what we are doing and how she must stop interfering. She isn’t a bad sort, just used to getting her own way.”

  The Lord Admiral glowered at him. “You are dismissed, Brayden. Report back to me first thing tomorrow morning, and you had better have a name.”

  “Yes, my lord.” He strode out, mad as a bull.

  Joshua and Robbie were in their offices, so he stopped in at each. “Conference in my office,” he said, popping his head in and then striding back to his.

  He was looking for something to pound on or toss across the room when the two of them hurried in. “What’s wrong?” his brother asked, settling into his usual chair.

  Robbie did the same. “Ye look as though ye’ve just been through a court-martial. Are ye going to tell us what happened, or must we guess?”

  “Lady Melinda has been at it again, spreading rumors that she and I are an item.”

  Robbie shook his head. “So?”

  “Her father’s vote is crucial for the navy’s funding. If he believes those lies, he might express his displeasure by voting against our budget.”

  Joshua groaned. “What does the Lord Admiral want you to do?”

  “Squash the rumors by courting someone else. I’m useless to Lady Melinda if I’m no longer viewed as the carefree bachelor. For the next two weeks, I must be seen with the innocent and charming object of my affection...whoever she may be. Oh, and she has to be beautiful, clever, and from a good family. The duke has to believe I am wildly in love with this girl. I have until tomorrow morning to give him a name.”

  Robbie sat up in his chair. “Och, dare I guess who ye’re going to choose?”

  He ran a hand roughly through his hair. “It can only be Dahlia, of course. But I hesitate to ask her. She’s already been destroyed by Wainscott’s deceptions. How can I ask her to be complicit in this?”

  “And yet,” Joshua said, “if you choose someone else, how will Dahlia ever believe you care for her? More important, how will she ever trust you when she sees you’ve dumped this supposed girl of your dreams after a fortnight? She’ll fear you will do the same to her.”

  He nodded. “She may never trust me, no matter what I do.”

  “But ye think ye have to take the risk and ask her to help out?” Robbie asked.

  “I can easily pretend that I’m falling in love with her since I am doing exactly that.” He lolled his head back and groaned. “However, I’ll scare her off if I just come out and admit I love her now. The Wainscott incident is still too raw. So for now, I will just tell her it is all a pretense. Once the vote occurs, I’ll let her know how I truly feel.”

  Robbie rose and gave him a companionable pat on the shoulder. “I thought my cousin Thad made a mess of his courtship. I dinna think anyone could mess it up worse. But I think ye’re about to do it, laddie. Good luck to ye. Ye’re going to need it.”

  Joshua remained in his chair, saying nothing until Robbie left. “I think Stoke, Lady Melinda, and the Lord Admiral are the least of your problems.”

  Ronan regarded his brother. “What do you mean?”

  “You haven’t thought of Miranda. She has just learned that her baby boy is moving into his own house. Now suddenly, you’ll be courting Dahlia. I love that woman, but there is no telling what she will do to you if she finds out what is really going on. All she will see is that you haven’t been courting Dahlia so much as using her to advance your political goals.”

  “Bloody hell. Josh, just keep her contained. I had better let Finn and Tynan in on this, too. Maybe she’ll listen if all four of her sons are on their knees, begging her not to get involved.”

  Joshua rose and patted him on the back. “We don’t stand a chance against her. But good luck, Ronan. You’ll have your hands full these next few weeks.”

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  “Do you think Ronan will stop by today, Violet?” Dahlia peered out the entry hall window to stare at the front gate. “Where is he? What if he’s detained and cannot make it?”

  Violet laughingly dragged her away from the window. “He would have sent word if he had to cancel. Come into the parlor and sit down. You can give me decorating ideas while we wait for him.”

  Heather had already taken a seat in the parlor and was pouring herself a cup of hot cocoa. “Currant scones. My favorite. Thank you, Violet. This all looks delicious.” She stared at the platter of cakes set out on a side table for them.

  “There’s tea in the other pot, if you prefer.” Violet sat in a chair beside Heather’s, the two of them purposely leaving an open seat beside Dahlia on the settee.

  “Do you think he’ll be irritated with me for reading ahead? I ought to have waited for him before jumping to the next chapters, but yesterday’s meeting went well and left me in better spirits. I couldn’t wait. I’ll read them again with him, of course. Is this how you felt with Romulus?”

  Violet blushed. “Well, our circumstances were a little different. We only had a week to figure out if we loved each other. But it was exciting to read the book with him and discover the sort of man he was. Obviously, I quickly realized he was splendid and wonderful, and I fell madly in love with him.”

  “It won’t be the same for Ronan and me. He’s reading the book so he can find himself a duke’s daughter to marry. I’m reading it to learn more about men and know which ones will betray me.”

  Heather winced. “Oh, Dahlia. That is so harsh. You must think of it as a means to find love. And who is to say Ronan will not fall in love with you? Then you can marry him, and everyone will be happy.”

  “No, it won’t happen. He doesn’t think of me that way. He is only helping me because he is a Brayden, and this is what they do, protect the weak and vulnerable. This is what he thinks of me.”

  Although he had been very kind in his description of her yesterday. She did not know how much of what he’d said was true. Even if he was greatly embellishing her virtues, it still meant a lot to her that he was taking the time to read the book with her and seemed to enjoy their time spent together. “Oh, where is he? Do you think he’s forgotten about me?”

  “No,” the two of them answered together, and at the same time, their gazes shot to the doorway.

  “Dahlia, how can I possibly forget you?”

  She gasped and looked up to find Ronan standing there, big and dominant,
and grinning softly at her. His arms were crossed over his chest, and he appeared every bit the magnificent warrior. “Sorry I’m late. Got held up in a meeting at the House of Lords.”

  Dahlia groaned. “I hope you did not cut it short on my account.”

  He strode forward and settled on the settee beside her, taking up most of it because his shoulders were broad. “No, it ended of its own accord. Although I might have purposely nudged it along by boring them to tears toward the end. I began to explain the science of steam combustion. Their eyes glazed over, and they all suddenly remembered having prior engagements. You’d think the devil was on their tail, they fled the hall so fast.”

  “I think I would find it fascinating.” She smiled at him. “Our cousin, Lily, would understand it all. None of us would be surprised if she had a hand in designing your steam invention.”

  Violet nodded. “She is brilliant. The Duke of Lotheil adores her. She married his grandson, Ewan. I think the duke was not quite so enamored of her at the start. She had a way of deflating his pomposity that he found quite irksome.”

  Heather giggled as she motioned to the teapot. “Would you care for a cup?”

  “Perhaps later.” He turned to face Dahlia. “What do you say we get started? We have a lot to get through this evening. Violet, do you mind?”

  “Not at all. Heather and I have plenty to do to occupy ourselves.”

  He led Dahlia into Romulus’s library and surprised her by shutting the door behind them. She cast him a puzzled glance. “Shouldn’t we leave it open?”

  “There’s something sensitive that I must discuss with you and don’t wish us to be overheard. I’ll open the door in a minute.”

  She nodded. “You look so serious. Is something wrong?”

  He raked a hand through his hair. “This is most awkward, and I hope you will not take offense by what I am about to ask you.”

  She clasped her hands together, suddenly worried she’d done something to irritate him. They were still standing together, he looking as magnificently rugged as ever. “Do you no longer wish to see me? Because I’ll understand if you’d rather not. You’ve been kind to me, Ronan. The last thing I wish to do is cause you further embarrassment.”

  He stared at her in obvious surprise. “Dahlia, you are not an embarrassment to me. Why ever would you think that? What I am about to ask...well, it is about you and me, but not in the way you think.” His hand raked through his hair again. “I’d like us to see each other on a far more regular basis. I’d like for us to be noticed as a couple.”

  “A couple?” Her heart fluttered. Was it possible he wanted to court her? Then why did he look so perplexed about it? “I’m not sure I understand.”

  He groaned. “Because I’m making a complete mess of this explanation. Let me start at the beginning. Do you recall the discussion we had about Lady Melinda and how the gossip rags are reporting that she and I are being seen around town together?”

  She nodded.

  Oh, she knew it! He was going to tell her the two of them were in love and had been going about in secret this whole time despite her father’s disapproval. Ronan loved Lady Melinda, and she loved him and–

  “Those gossip rags are still spewing those lies, and now the Lord Admiral is worried her father will convince the other members of the House of Lords to slash our navy budget in order to punish me on the mistaken belief I am courting his daughter against his wishes. Of course that petty action will hurt the entire Royal Navy. We cannot allow it to happen.”

  “Would he really do something so hurtful?”

  Ronan shook his head. “I sincerely hope not, but it is quite possible. The Lord Admiral is very concerned. He is going to try to talk sense into father and daughter, but we doubt it will work. Lady Melinda won’t stop planting those fake gossip items in the rags until her marquess offers for her hand.”

  “Surely her father knows this.”

  “Perhaps, but Lady Melinda and I have a history.”

  “You do?”

  “Not much of one, I assure you. But the longer the gossip lingers, the more suspicious her father will become. It’s already happening. He must have said something to the Lord Admiral to send him into a fit.”

  “What exactly is your history with Lady Melinda? I know you do not wish to discuss it, but if I am to consider helping you, then I must be aware of what is going on.”

  “Very well, I’ll tell you.” He motioned for her to take a seat, but she sensed their meeting might come to an abrupt halt over this discussion and preferred to remain standing. Ronan did not appear pleased but continued. “She was hoping to make more out of our friendship at one time. I escorted her to several parties. The duke noticed and quickly put an end to it.”

  “So, there was something between the two of you.”

  “No, not on my part. I quickly saw she was not right for me. However, the possibility that she wants me and not the marquess has to be stuck in the back of her father’s mind. The longer her game goes on, the more suspicious he becomes.”

  “What if her desire for the marquess is a ruse, and you are really the one she wants?” Dahlia realized this book was already working its magic for Ronan. He was about to get the duke’s daughter to marry him after all.

  Of course, he’d have to hide the fact until after the vote.

  But once the vote was behind them?

  “I don’t think so, Dahlia. Honestly, I don’t know.”

  “Would it be so terrible if she did want you? This is your chance to marry into a higher circle. She is the duke’s only child, isn’t she? He will never disown her. And once you are married, he will do all in his power to support you because he loves his daughter and will want to keep her happy.”

  “She is pampered. Spoiled. Headstrong. Absorbed in her own comforts rather than of those less fortunate. She is not a terrible person, mind you. But as I said, she just isn’t right for me.”

  “She is beautiful and wealthy.”

  “So? This might make her desirable to most men, I suppose. But not for me. Why are you pushing me toward her? I’m not interested, nor will I allow her to destroy all I’ve worked for to indulge her game. The Lord Admiral has asked me to find a young lady to court. Someone beautiful, intelligent, and of good upbringing, because it has to be convincing.”

  Dahlia nibbled her lip. “Oh, I see. And this is why you are here tonight. You want me to help you come up with a name?”

  He laughed softly. “I have the name.”

  It was her turn to appear surprised. “You do? Then what do you need me for?”

  “Lord, are you purposely being dense? You are the name.”

  “Me?” He had to be in jest. “Do be serious. Shall I call in Heather and Violet? If we all put our heads together, we might be able to find you someone suitable.”

  He took her hand to stop her when she turned toward the door. “Dahlia, I meant what I said. You are the one. I am choosing you.”

  Her heart shot into her throat. “Are you mad? Do you hear yourself? Of all the young ladies in London, I am the worst choice possible.”

  “Why?” He still had hold of her hand, his touch sending tingles shooting through her body.

  “I am a laughingstock. Gerald humiliated me and dumped me. All of London must be aware of this by now. How will Lady Melinda’s father ever believe you? I doubt even the local rat catcher will believe I am the object of your fascination.”

  “Why is it so improbable? You and I get on well, don’t we? You are beautiful and clever. I always feel comfortable around you. I like your liveliness and wit.”

  She tried to ease her hand out of his grasp, but he would not let go. He’d been holding it gently, and she hadn’t been tugging very hard. She supposed he would have released her if she’d persisted. She sighed and cast him a stern look. “Indeed, you are mad. I have been an insufferable watering pot for the last two days. I cry and grumble and mope.”

  “I’ve known you for several months now. You did not
cry, grumble, or mope before that weasel Wainscott crushed your soul. I liked that happier Dahlia very much.” He finally released her and stepped away to casually lean his hip against Romulus’s desk. He folded his arms across his chest, another casual gesture, but it only brought attention to how muscled he was. Now, she was tingling again.

  He continued, unaware of the effect he was having on her. “I even like the crying, moping version of you. Let me put this another way. I won’t accept to do this with anyone but you.”

  She sank into one of the overstuffed chairs and emitted a long, ragged breath. “I repeat, you are mad. What will happen if I refuse you?”

  “The House of Lords will likely decline most of our funding requests. In turn, the Lord Admiral will strip me of my rank and assign me to swabbing decks on a scow for the duration of my commission.”

  “He couldn’t possibly...he wouldn’t ever...”

  “He most certainly would.”

  “But that’s awful.”

  “I certainly think so.” He shrugged. “My future is entirely in your hands. The choice is yours, Dahlia. If it’s any consolation, we only have to keep up the pretense for the next two weeks. The vote comes right before Christmas. This will also give us more time to read that book together. No one will be surprised to see me come around daily if they believe we are courting.”

  “When you put it that way, it sounds most efficient.”

  He nodded. “But it has to be our secret. Everyone has to sincerely believe I am besotted and now courting you.”

  She struggled not to cry. This was awful. But if she refused to go along with his plan, the safety of every seaman could be put in jeopardy. Indeed, the safety of England. Not to mention the inexcusable waste of having him demoted. He was brilliant. The navy needed him. “Then, after the two weeks, you’ll decide you don’t love me after all, and you will end it?”

  He moved to settle in a chair beside hers and took her hands in his again. “I would never do that to you. I don’t know what will happen at the end of that time. Hopefully, we will be done reading the book and have a better idea of what love and marriage entail. But if this courtship is broken off, it will not be done by me. Only you can break it off.”