by Dawn Brower
Marian would have too if they’d asked her. She didn’t care what the rules were as long as they could go. She had to meet the Duchess of Weston. She didn’t have a lot of goals for life, but this one was so important she couldn’t put it into words.
“Care to dance,” Lord Harrington whispered in her ear. She hadn’t noticed him moving closer, and his warmth enveloped her. “I promise not to bite.” His hot breath caressed her neck.
She was momentarily speechless but soon found her voice. “I’m afraid not. One dance with you in a lifetime is enough.”
“Afraid a second will be better than the first?”
“My lord, it was so dreadful that nothing but improvement can be attained.” She frowned. “It is an experience I must forfeit for fear you’ll become too attached.”
“Me?” he said sardonically. “Attached? You must be confusing me with some of these young bucks in search of a wife. You need not fear that in regard to me.”
Marian was more afraid she’d be the one irrevocably attached. She was perilously close to losing her heart to him. If he continued to push, she’d fall completely in love with him. She was a mere woman, and even she was susceptible to charm and a handsome face. Lord Harrington was a weakness she could ill afford to give in to. Instead of replying to his statement, she asked a question instead. “Are you going to Kent too?”
“Do you want me to?” Jonas asked. A hint of smugness filled his voice in that sentence.
Trust him to answer a question with another one. “What I desire is irrelevant.”
“Not to me,” he retorted. “Desires aren’t to be trifled with. They’re meant to be savored.”
He really was too much. “If you don’t wish to go, then that’s your choice. I’m rather excited about a country party. London had become rather boring of late. I suppose that’s to be expected toward the end of the season.”
Samantha rushed over and hugged Marian. “We’re going to Kent.”
“Yes, we are,” she agreed. “We should go home and pack. Kaitlin and I have much to do before we leave.”
“Yes,” Samantha said with a nod. “Shelby said we’re leaving at first light. We’ll come by and retrieve the two of you. He plans on riding his horse outside the carriage, so it’ll be the three of us inside. I can’t wait.”
“Me too,” Marian replied then smiled warmly. “We’ll see you in the morning.” She reached for Kaitlin and they walked away from Samantha, her brother, and Lord Harrington. Marian didn’t stop to look back, but oh did she want too... He never did say if he was going to Kent. She’d have to wait and find out when they left. Her heart beat heavily in her chest at the possibility of seeing him again. He had such an effect on her...what was she going to do about it?
CHAPTER EIGHT
THE CARRIAGE ROCKED as it rolled across the cobbled street. They had started their journey to Kent, or more specifically, Dover. The Duke of Weston’s estate was located near the cliffs there. The duke and duchess rarely entertained, and an invitation to one of their events was highly sought after. Marian had never thought to try to secure an invitation to a house party at Weston Manor. The duke and duchess were not in her social circle, and she knew little about them. She hadn’t recognized the name when her friends mentioned it.
Since then, she researched the dukedom to discover whatever information she could on them. There was little to be found on the duchess herself, but the duke’s family had been well documented in Debrett’s. Luckily, Samantha’s family was somehow connected to them. She was thankful they were friends, more so now than ever.
“How long will we be traveling?” Marian asked. She hated being stuck inside a carriage for long periods of time. “I’ve never been far outside of London.”
“It’s a lengthy journey,” Samantha said. “I’ve never been that far south.”
That didn’t really answer her question. She wanted to know if she’d be stuck in the carriage for hours or days. Marian glanced over at Kaitlin, who had leaned her head against the side of the carriage. Her head bobbed up and down against the hard surface. Her eyes were closed, but Marian wasn’t so sure she was sleeping. How could she be? It had to hurt for her head to hit the carriage the way it was. “Will we go directly there, do you think?”
“No,” Samantha replied. “Shelby mentioned stopping at the inn at the halfway point to allow the horses to rest. We’ll arrive sometime tomorrow.”
Marian wasn’t sure if she was happy about that or not. It meant they wouldn’t be stuck in the carriage the entire day, but it also would lead to two days of travel instead. She leaned her head back against the carriage and prayed for patience—something that wasn’t one of her strong suits. She should be grateful. Samantha had gone through a lot of trouble to arrange this trip. Sadly, all Marian could think of was the hours on end in the carriage.
“At least it’s the three of us in the carriage,” Marian said. “Your brother and his friends are traveling outside the carriage. Did Shelby mention Lord Harrington and Lord Asthey would be accompanying us?”
“Shelby likes to keep his plans to himself. Is it so much a surprise he’d drag those two along with him? They rarely do much apart from each other. They might be as close as the three of us are.”
“Unlikely.” Marian snorted. “They’re men, and they don’t like to show emotion. They wouldn’t be able to share that kind of bond.” Perhaps she was being to judgmental of them. They could have an equally close friendship as she had with Samantha and Kaitlin. She was being petty, and she couldn’t help it. Their friendship was special, and she didn’t like the idea of the three earls sharing anything remotely similar. She wanted that all to herself, or rather between the three of them.
“You need to let go of your preconceived thoughts about men in general. They are not all created equally.”
Marian rolled her eyes. “Name one who doesn’t think he’s superior to a female.”
“You have me there,” she said. “Most of them think we’re better off seen and not heard. They’d rather we don’t have ideas. Though, to be fair, some appreciate intelligence—at least I’ve been told.”
Marian’s laugher filled the carriage. “That’s why I never want to marry. What’s the point? I don’t care if I ever have children, and most of the males of my acquaintance are patronizing, pompous fools.”
“They can be,” Samantha agreed. “But they’re not all bad. Maybe you shouldn’t be so hard on them. Besides, I don’t believe for a second that you don’t want a family of your own.”
“I don’t,” Marian insisted. Samantha had hit too close to the truth. A part of her would like children of her own. It’s the male required to father them she wasn’t so sure about. She hadn’t met one she believed she could put her trust in. Sure, Lord Harrington was attractive and charming, but at the end of the day she couldn’t see spending the rest of her life with him. “I’m unwilling to give up my dreams for the joy of parenthood.”
“I’d still like to fall in love,” Samantha said quietly. “I won’t marry without it.”
“You might remain a spinster then. Men don’t believe in something as trivial as love.”
“That may be.” Samantha fidgeted in her seat. “But I’m willing to keep searching.”
In some ways, Marian envied her friend and her optimism. She sincerely hoped Samantha found someone to love who loved her equally in return. Her friend was a wonderful lady and deserved the very best. If she did fall in love and the scoundrel broke her heart, then Marian would make sure something of his was similarly broken. No one would harm anyone she loved and escape without suffering the consequences.
“If you find the gentleman of your dreams,” Marian said softly. “I’ll happily give you my blessing—not that you need it.”
“Thank you.” Samantha met her gaze. “You mean a lot to me, and while you’re right, I don’t need your approval—I would like to have it.”
Marian smiled. “Of course...you’ll always have it. Now that we’ve
managed to make a cheery event sad, I think I’m going to follow Kaitlin’s example. A nap might help the time go by faster.”
She hated that she’d upset Samantha for even a second. Sometimes that was unavoidable. They were both strong, opinionated women, and their stubbornness didn’t always meet the same standards. It was one of the things she adored about her friend. They didn’t always have to agree on everything, and she wasn’t afraid to give her opinion. Marian needed more people in her life like her. If she’d actually allow anyone else to get close to her. She tended to push people away more often than not. Maybe one day she’d change, but that day hadn’t happened yet, and she doubted it ever would...
JONAS SAT ATOP ARES and trailed behind the carriage along with Shelby and Asthey. He was thankful they’d decided to ride astride rather than squeeze into the carriage with the ladies. Riding horseback could be uncomfortable, but at least he wasn’t stuffed inside a hot carriage. On top of that, the ladies would probably have peppered them with questions and drove him insane. The only good thing that would have come from it was spending more time with Lady Marian, but even that wasn’t worth the hassle. He could wait a little longer to have her to himself.
“The village we’re stopping at for the night isn’t far ahead,” Shelby said. “It’ll be a relief to finally arrive.”
“I, for one, am glad you decided to break at an inn for the night,” Asthey replied. “My arse is rather sore from sitting in the saddle for hours. I forgot what a long ride was like.”
“Coxcomb,” Jonas teased. “You need to exercise more with Shelby and I when we take the round at Rotten Row.”
“No thank you,” Asthey retorted. “That would require socializing. When you’re seen during social hour, people expect things I’m not willing to give.
The road opened to the beginnings of a village. Jonas breathed in a sigh of relief as they neared the inn. The carriage had already stopped in front of it. They hadn’t been too far ahead of them, and it shouldn’t take long to reach the carriage. Jonas wanted to slide off the saddle and stretch his leg, but more importantly he wanted to see Marian. His goal was to be there when the ladies exited because he hoped to be the one to assist Lady Marian out of it. The best way to make that happen was to let his horse loose to run for a few moments.
“Gentleman.” Jonas nodded at the two of them. “I’m ready to dismount this horse of mine, and I’m rather anxious to do it.” He pressed his knee into Ares to motion for him to canter. The horse took off, closing the distance between him and the carriage. Before he reached it, he pulled the reins to slow Ares down. When he came to a stop, Jonas slid off his back and handed the reins to a nearby groom. “Take good care of him.”
“I will, my lord,” the groom said.
Jonas ran his hand through his hair and took a deep breath. The ladies were probably going to be surly. He didn’t know why, but he couldn’t wait to share barbs with Lady Marian. She had the ability to excite him with mere words. That should worry him a little bit, but it didn’t. He walked over to the carriage and opened the door.
“Thank Goodness,” a female said. “I thought we’d never stop.”
“And yet you survived,” another female said rather sarcastically. “Imagine that.”
“Oh, be quiet. You were miserable too. Admit it.”
Jonas laughed. He couldn’t help himself. The ladies apparently hated traveling as much as they had. “Ladies,” he greeted them. “Allow me to be of assistance. Shelby and Asthey are heading inside to secure our lodging for the night, and I’ll be your escort for the moment.”
“You don’t think we can walk into an inn on our own?” Lady Marian lifted a brow. “I assure you we would manage quite well.”
“That you would.” Jonas winked. “But then I wouldn’t have the pleasure of your company.” He held out his hand to Lady Samantha. “My lady would you like to leave the carriage.”
“Of course,” she replied. “I’m looking forward to being upright. Don’t listen to Marian. She’s cross because she hates traveling.”
“Then why not stay home?” He had to wonder why she’d endure it if she hated it so much. “You’d be more comfortable there.”
Lady Samantha stepped out of the carriage. “Thank you.” She stopped and met his gaze. “And Marian had to make this trip. It is all about her future, after all.” With those words she headed toward the inn’s entrance.
Jonas wanted to ask her what she meant about that statement, but decided to save it for the lady herself. Was Lady Marian seeking a husband? He wouldn’t be surprised if she was—most ladies desired to marry. Still, Samantha’s statement rankled him in ways he didn’t like. Something about Marian married to another man didn’t sit well with him. He pushed it from his mind for examination at a much later time. Jonas turned back to the carriage and assisted Lady Kaitlin out, then Lady Marian. He saved his favorite for last. Well, she had been on the other side, so he had no say in it. She could have exited before Lady Kaitlin but had let her cousin out first.
“Did you want to spend some quality time in my company?” he asked.
“Don’t be ridiculous.” She laughed. “Kaitlin needed out of the carriage far sooner than I did. She doesn’t do well in small places.”
“The carriage isn’t that small,” he replied.
“Small enough when you’re not used to it.”
He could press the issue but didn’t think it would win any favors from her. Jonas wanted her to like him. If she said the carriage was small, then so be it. Who was he to argue with a lady’s logic? “So the trip was less than enjoyable?”
“That’s one way of viewing it.” She nibbled on her lip. “I’ve never particularly liked riding in a carriage for long periods of time. It was unavoidable in this case.”
“Because this trip is going to change your future?” He couldn’t keep the mixture of—God help him—jealousy and resentment from his voice. His life didn’t leave any room for anyone in it, especially a lady as exquisite as Marian. His grandfather had made certain of that with his cruelty.
“It might,” she said. “It’s impossible to say. There will be people at this country party that could make me very happy.”
He didn’t like that one bit. Jonas hated the idea of anyone else giving her joy of any kind. It might be absurd, but he wanted to be the one to do that for her. He had no right to demand it, and he had no intention of actually courting her... The feeling inside him was something he’d never felt before—it was bigger than jealousy—more intense. He wasn’t sure what it was, and he was afraid to identify it. In another time or place, maybe he’d have courted her. Unfortunately, he wouldn’t be able to do that—ever.
“You can’t find what you’re looking for in London?” he asked.
She looked straight ahead as she walked. Her golden red hair glowed in the sunlight. It made her even lovelier. Something he didn’t think was possible.
She stopped and glanced at him. Her green eyes were like jewels of pure purity and bravery. “I tried. Don’t you think I have? No one will allow me to pursue my dreams, so I have to look someplace else to find them.”
An ache deep inside his soul formed and nearly swallowed him whole. He’d been thinking about himself and forcing his wants on her. He didn’t stop to think about what she might need. It was like pushing naughty thoughts onto an innocent mind. She wasn’t fully capable of understanding even half the innuendo that spilled out of his mouth. Lady Marian deserved far better than the likes of him.
“I wish you luck,” he said and opened the door. “You’re going to need it.”
“You’re probably right,” she agreed.
He hated being correct. The least he could do is look after her while they were at the house party. No one would take advantage of her if he could help it. He might not be able to claim her, but he’d make sure the bastard who did was worthy of her. Even if it killed him—her happiness was more important than his own.
CHAPTER NINE
THE SECOND LEG OF THEIR journey wasn’t any better than the first half. The seats became uncomfortable fast, leg cramps were constant, and the day dragged on for what seemed like forever. Surely they must arrive soon... Marian didn’t know how much more they could take. They were already to the point where speaking turned into bickering.
“I’m so tired,” Kaitlin nearly whined. “Why did we want to attend this house party again?”
“So Marian could meet the duchess.” Samantha wiped her brow. “Please let this torture be worth it. I’m starting to understand why we don’t leave London much.”
Marian sighed. “It really is tedious to travel. Carriages are all right for short distances, but this has been awful.”
Kaitlin reached across and patted Marian’s arm. “Once you meet the duchess you’ll forget all about everything else. We’re glad to be here with you.”
She was lucky that she had two wonderful friends who would always be on her side. Marian did appreciate them, and she had been rather rude to them for a good part of the trip. None of them had been at their best though. She stared out the window. The road was flanked by trees on both sides. After a few moments, they came to an open field. In the distance, waves crashing against the shore echoed through the air. “I think we might be there.”
“Fabulous,” Samantha replied and looked out the window on her side of the carriage. “I don’t see anything.”
A large manor sat near the cliffs, overlooking the water. It was as majestic as Marian had imagined. The home of a duke would prove magnificent to behold, but this one had a breathtaking view to go with it. What must it be like to live there? “Oh, it’s beautiful.” Marian wasn’t one to be awed by anything so superficial, but it was hard to not appreciate its splendor. She didn’t have a bad life and had never wanted for anything. This was luxury even she could not have imagined.
The carriage turned down a winding road. It rattled across the cobbled pathway until it came to a stop in front of Weston Manor. The door of the carriage opened, and they were greeted by the duke’s footmen. “My ladies,” he said then bowed. “May I assist you?”