Deceiving the Duke of Kerrington (Ladies of Deception)

by Ginny Hartman

  She was relieved when it was announced that it was time to begin preparations for the ball. She was also greatly relieved to have gone the whole day without a single glimpse of Pierce. She knew tonight she would have to fake like she enjoyed his company, or at least tolerated it, long enough for the engagement to be announced and the congratulations given. She wondered to herself how long she would have to be there before she could politely make her excuses and leave. She hoped that she would find some way to be able to escape the ball early.

  The dress she was to wear to the ball was exquisite; its ivory skirts were overlaid with gold silk, the bodice and sleeves being made of the same shimmering gold silk as well. It hugged her every curve just as if it had been made for her not Noelle. She knew immediately when she had chosen to wear it that the amber necklace Pierce had given her would match it perfectly. She had a strong desire to wear the gift, knowing it would complete her ensemble, but her pride prevented her from putting it on. The last thing she wanted to do was give him the pleasure. Instead she opted for the simple ruby pendant of her mother’s, hoping it would prove her point.

  And indeed, it did just that. When Pierce arrived at her door to pick her up the first thing he did was look down at the offending necklace and snarled, “Why in the heavens are you wearing that?”

  “You don’t like my dress?” Hope asked innocently.

  “It’s not that, your dress is beautiful. Why aren’t you wearing the necklace I gave you? It would go perfectly with that gown.”

  She reached up and clasped the ruby in her hand, “I suppose I just thought this would look better.”

  “Perhaps you are just trying to incense me,” he pointed out.

  “Why would my choice of jewelry cause you any concern?”

  “It’s not your jewelry that concerns me, it’s your attitude. Now hurry up and go put my necklace on. We mustn’t keep everyone waiting.”

  “I’m perfectly capable of deciding what jewelry I would like to wear.”

  He turned her around and lightly tapped her on the rear end, shocking her. She turned to him and gasped, “Are you always so controlling?”

  “Are you always so uncontrollable?”

  “I think, your grace, that you’re the only one who has a hard time managing me. Maybe you should rethink this arrangement.”

  “Not on your life, now be quick.”

  By the time Hope returned, the sparkling amber teardrop necklace in place on her delicate throat, Pierce was anxious to put their fight behind them and to enjoy the evening. He could hardly wait to hold her in his arms, to dance with her as he looked into her captivating eyes that so perfectly matched the stones hanging from her throat.

  But he should’ve known the little hellcat would endeavor to make the evening anything but enjoyable. The minute she stepped into the ballroom, all heads turned to stare. He noticed the look of interest that crossed many gentlemen’s faces, and he couldn’t say he blamed them—Noelle was by far the most beautiful girl in attendance. He watched as her eyes widened with wonder as she took in the elegant scene before her.

  This was the first ball Hope had ever attended and she was fascinated by the sight of so many beautifully dressed people amid such beautiful surroundings. She stood in the entrance to the grand ballroom and took it all in; from its walls hung with shimmering oriental fabric in red and gold, to the ornate wood columns and the decorative plaster on the ceiling. That combined with the soft glow from the candles created an almost magical ambience.

  Pierce watched her in awe, her excitement surprising and delighting him. Surely she had attended many balls and should’ve grown bored of such opulence by now, but with her it was as if she was seeing the world for the first time and taking it all in. And he soon noticed that he wasn’t the only one charmed by her.

  Lord Terrance had edged his way to where they were standing and bowed slightly before her, “It is with great honor that I stand before you, milady. May I request this next dance?”

  Hope looked at him apprehensively before agreeing, allowing him to take her hand and lead her onto the floor. Pierce watched the couple in shock, he had intended to claim her for the first dance and was incensed that the puny Lord Terrance had beat him to the punch.

  He sulkily watched the pair perform a country dance and noticed that Noelle wasn’t the most graceful dancer, though her beauty distracted anyone from noticing. He briefly wondered if her ankle was still giving her problems and made a mental note to ask her when they danced.

  It was with increasing alarm and annoyance that Pierce watched one man after another seek her hand in a dance. He quickly joined in the dancing, hoping to distract himself from the unfamiliar twinges of jealousy that were ever present in his chest. He had just finished dancing with Lady Smythe when he noticed Elliot step forward to claim Noelle for the next set. He quickly and impolitely turned from Lady Smythe and stormed over to Elliot and Noelle, tapping Elliot forcefully on the shoulder.

  “Pardon me, but I believe this dance is mine.”

  “Oh really, is your name on her card?” Elliot asked as he reached to see for himself.

  “Well yours certainly isn’t so I suggest you leave so I can dance with my fiancée.” Elliot looked at the pair shrewdly before bowing slightly and slowly retreating.

  Hope turned wide eyes on him as he pulled her almost forcefully into his strong arms as the musicians struck up a waltz. “That was hardly necessary, Pierce.”

  “At least you’re back to calling me by my given name.”

  “That’s beside the point. The point is that you are intruding on the dance I should be enjoying with Lord Martineau.”

  His powerful arms drew her closer, smashing her chest against his hard one. “Would you rather he be holding you like this right now?”

  “You’re insufferable, and rude, and arrogant.”

  “And you have a gift for flattery. Now stop talking and just dance.”

  Hope reluctantly did as she was told, but only because if she didn’t concentrate she would inevitably trip and make a fool of herself. She tried to focus on counting out the rhythm of the waltz to avoid the overwhelming sensation of being held so tightly in Pierce’s arms. His masculine scent surrounded her, reminding her of what it felt like to kiss him, to taste him. She felt herself growing hot at the thought.

  “Are you okay?”

  “What do you mean?” She barely managed to stammer, tripping slightly on his foot in the process.

  “You seem to be struggling with the dance and I was just wondering if your foot was still bothering you.”

  Hope was grateful for the excuse, though her foot had long ago ceased bothering her she quipped, “Yes it is bothering me, but not as much as my partner. Maybe I should sit out the remainder of this dance.”

  Pierce waltzed her in the direction of a far balcony where the doors were pushed wide open allowing a cool breeze to filter into the ballroom. He smoothly danced her out onto the balcony and into one dark corner before stopping, though his arms never let her go.

  “What is this about?” She asked, looking up into his handsome face that looked almost frightful in the moonlight, the shadows dancing on his face making his eyes appear even more wicked.

  Without saying another word, Pierce dipped his head and placed his hard lips on hers. She fought him at first, refusing to open her mouth to his but it wasn’t long before the feelings she had been fighting for so long resurfaced and before she knew it she was kissing him back with abandon. She reached up and placed her arms around his broad shoulders, toying with the dark hair at the base of his neck. His hands were on her neck, cupping her face as he ravenously kissed her with a passion and desperation that was foreign to even him. He felt a lock of her silky hair break free from her pins and fall down to caress his arm. He longed to reach up and unpin the rest to let it flow down her back in waves of glimmering honey to see what it would look like in the light of the moon. Just as he reached one hand up to do just that, they were interrupted
by a loud gasp.

  “What the devil is going on here?”

  Pierce turned, trying to shield Noelle with his body but he felt her move to the side to see who had spoken.

  “Devon? What are you doing here?” Her voice was weak.

  “That’s what I should be asking you. I myself have only just arrived to surprise you. I figured somebody from the family should be here to support you at your engagement ball. What’s your excuse for being out here acting so wantonly with him?” He gestured one hand angrily at Pierce.

  Before she had a chance to answer, Lady Tolliver had made her way out to the balcony and was standing just behind Devon with a horrified expression on her face, “What, pray tell, is going on here?” Hope closed her eyes, hoping that when she opened them again she would find herself in her bed instead of standing here facing this humiliation.

  Pierce answered her, “Look, it’s not what you think…”

  Devon cut him off angrily, “Oh I’m pretty sure it is what I think. I saw you both with my own two eyes. I should call you out for your appalling behavior towards my sister. If you hadn’t planned on announcing your engagement tonight I wouldn’t hesitate to do just that.”

  Pierce ran a hand through his hair. “An engagement?” Lady Tolliver shrilled, “I most certainly would hope so after your scandalous behavior tonight. Your grace I am ashamed of you.”

  “Enough!” Pierce snapped, “We’ll go back into the ballroom now and make the announcement immediately.”

  Devon turned to Noelle, “I suggest you fix your hair before making an appearance or there will only be more talk.” Then turned on his heel and disappeared back into the room, Lady Tolliver huffing right behind him.

  As soon as they were alone Pierce turned to her and helped right her hair, “Don’t worry, I’ll take care of all of this.”

  Hope tried to swallow the emotion that was clogging her throat. She was humiliated that they had been found in such a scandalous manner and now Lady Tolliver would think they were announcing their engagement just to save her reputation. She didn’t say a single word as she allowed Pierce to lead her back into the ballroom to make the dreaded announcement.

  Chapter 19

  “Excuse me ladies and gentleman, I have an announcement to make.” Pierce spoke loudly then waited while the talking died down before continuing, “I just wanted to let you all know that I have fallen madly in love with the most beautiful, charming lady in all of England and fortunately for me, I have asked her to become my wife to which she has agreed.”

  The cheers and hollers of excitement that went out couldn’t seem to block the sound of Hope’s heart beating in her ears. The flowery words of Pierce’s announcement confused her. She knew he was just trying to save face, to keep up appearances but his words cut straight to her heart. She desperately longed to hear him speak those words, but not in jest and it had only further hurt her to hear the words he spoke knowing they were a lie. He pulled her close as toasts were made on their behalf but she just stood stiffly at his side, hoping the attention would end so she could slip away and be by herself.

  Finally when she could take it no more, she grabbed Pierce’s jacket sleeve and whispered in his ear, “I’ve got to go. Please excuse me.”

  He turned worried eyes on her, “Is everything alright?”

  “Of course not, now please let me sneak off to the lady’s retiring room for a moment for some privacy.” He reluctantly let her go and watched as she half fled out of the room, amidst whispering and murmuring.

  As Hope fled, she was half-tempted to go to her room and leave the ball completely behind but she knew that would just cause a scene. Instead she went to the retiring room and prayed that it wouldn’t be overly crowded. She was surprised to notice only one other person in the room as she entered, until she realized that other person was Eliza. The woman sat perched on a pink velvet stool, her legs crossed daintily and a conniving smile on her face.

  She took one look at Hope’s tear streaked face and said in a sugary voice, “Oh child, whatever is the matter? Surely you aren’t upset that you are to marry the most eligible bachelor in all of London are you?”

  Hope just stared at her chewing on her bottom lip nervously. She didn’t trust the girl and hadn’t a clue what her motives were, “I just came for a bit of privacy, do you mind?” She walked past her and tried to make her way behind the dressing screens that had been set up for privacy.

  Eliza reached one hand out and grasped Hope’s arm sharply, pulling her to a halt, “No need to get snooty with me. If one of us should be upset, it is I. You have managed to steal the one thing I want and I fully intend to get him, regardless if he marries you or not.”

  “I didn’t steal anything, I didn’t even know anything about you until a few days ago. And I’m sure Pierce will do as he pleases, if you are who he wants then I’m sure he’ll find a way to have you.”

  “Enough!” Both girls looked up in shock to see an outraged Pierce filling the doorway.

  Eliza abruptly released Hope’s arm, “You can’t be in here, it’s highly inappropriate.”

  “I don’t give a fig about proprieties right now, all I care about is talking to Noelle, now kindly leave us. Now.”

  “Pierce you can’t mean that, what about us?”

  “There is no us, not now and not ever. If you don’t leave now I won’t hesitate to throw you out.”

  “But…” Pierce reached for her then as if he fully intended to go through with his threats. Eliza did the only smart thing she could do at that moment and made a hasty exit. As soon as she was gone and the door had shut firmly behind her, Pierce walked over and scooted a small dressing table in front of the door.

  “There, that should allow us a few moments of peace.” He walked over and reached for Hope but she recoiled.

  “Why are you here?”

  “We need to talk.”

  “About what? About those lies you spouted off in front of half the ton? I’m sick of this farce, it keeps getting more and more ridiculous. You don’t realize that you’re toying with real people who have real emotions.”

  “I’m a real person with real emotions too, you do realize?”

  “Could’ve fooled me.” She snorted.

  He went and sat on the stool previously occupied by Eliza and took one of Noelle’s slender hands into his own, “Do you really believe me to be so uncaring?”

  She shrugged, “If you really cared about me you wouldn’t have said those things out there, they aren’t true and were hardly necessary.”

  Pierce pulled a reluctant Hope down into his lap and held her close. She eventually quit fighting and fitted her head into the crook of his neck where he felt wet tears trail down his throat only to disappear into the snowy folds of his cravat.

  “My little minx, are you truly so upset by what I said?” She nodded, causing her thick hair to rub up against his throat and chin in a tantalizing way as he inhaled her clean scent.

  “You didn’t have to lie, to say those things—besides, you never asked me to marry you, you won me remember?”

  “Is that what this is about? Do you want a real proposal?”

  “That’s hardly necessary, I’ve already been forced into the arrangement.”

  “Such loving words,” he chuckled. “Then tell me what bothered you so?”

  Was he dense? She looked up into his black eyes and said, “The part about falling in love with me,” she averted her eyes once more.

  He reached forward and lifted her chin with one long, brown finger so that she was gazing once more into his eyes, “Pray tell why that bothered you so, aren’t you in love with me?”

  She gasped. How did he know? Stammering she said, “I—I’m not sure—I.”

  “Say it,” he growled, his voice low and husky.

  Figuring she had no choice she looked at him bravely and said, “I love you.” Hope was surprised at the relief that flooded through her to finally speak the truth. She knew she risked further hearta
che by her admission, but at least he knew how she truly felt. Every part of her being longed to cry out that she was madly, deeply in love with him and to have him reciprocate, though she knew the possibilities were remote.

  Without warning, Pierce pulled her in for a tender kiss then pulled back and whispered, “I love you too, I wasn’t lying out there. You have no idea how relieved I am to know you love me as well. I don’t know how you did it, minx, but you’ve completely stolen my heart.”

  Hope felt faint, she could hardly believe the words he was speaking were true. “But what about Eliza?”

  “What about her?”

  “I thought you were in love with her.”

  Pierce snarled and Hope would’ve laughed if the mood hadn’t been so serious between them, “Don’t ever speak such atrocious things. I thought I was once but now I realize what I felt for her was child’s play. What I feel for you is real, this is what love is supposed to feel like.”

  She snuggled into his chest, “Why didn’t you marry her?”

  He took a deep breath, “I almost did. I had planned on asking for her hand but luckily I found out her true motives before I was permanently stuck. I thought she was the most beautiful, kind, tender hearted…”

  Hope put up one hand to stop him, “That’s enough of you spouting off her many virtues.”

  He bent forward and placed a kiss on the palm of her outstretched hand causing her to shiver. “I said I thought that’s how she was, but I now know how disillusioned I was. Besides, I had yet to meet you—the real most beautiful, kind, tender hearted, genuine, stubborn, obstinate…”

  “Okay, that will be enough,” she laughed, “Please continue.”

  “Then don’t interrupt me. Now where was I? Oh yes, I thought that she was everything I could ever want until I overheard her talking to her friend one night about how she had me right where she wanted me, eating out of her hand. Apparently she was more in love with my money and title and the thought of one day being a duchess than she ever was with ‘obnoxious little Pierce’ as she put it.”