by Meara Platt
“How?” Poppy opened the book and began to read at random.
“Well, I think we must question his Aunt Matilda. Find out what he likes to eat, his favorite entertainments, the type of women whose company he seems to enjoy. And I don’t mean those sort of women. We need to learn all about the sort he would consider marrying. But she mustn’t suspect we are snooping about her nephew.”
“We can also question Nathaniel and Thad,” Poppy suggested. “Spread the questions around. Each of us assigned to finding out specific information so we’re not obvious about our intentions.”
Penelope smiled in approval. “An excellent idea.”
Olivia approved as well. “We have the afternoon to get this done. We ought to have little difficulty since it’s raining. Nathaniel and Thad won’t be running off to hunt or ride. So, let’s make a chart of the questions to ask and who we ask.”
“And let’s decide which of us will question the men.” Penelope joined Poppy on the bed and both began to leaf through the book. “I think Poppy should question Nathaniel. He’s my brother and will only tell me to mind my own business if I approach him.”
Poppy nodded. “Very well, but I think Olivia must question Thad. You have a way of goading him, Penelope. He’ll never give you a straight answer.”
“Nonsense. He’s a big, dumb Scot. He is like a puppet. All I have to do is pull his strings and he’ll give me the answers I need. Besides, Matilda seems to like Olivia. And if your circumstances require you to become her companion, wouldn’t it be wise to get to know her better?” She came to Olivia’s side and gave her a hug. “However, I am serious about my offer. If life is unbearable in Lord Gosling’s home, then you must stay with me as my guest for as long as you need.”
“Me, too,” Poppy said. “There are so many Farthingales in London, no one will notice one more. You can share a room with me and Violet. I assure you, my parents won’t notice.”
Olivia laughed. “Thank you. I’m hoping this book will work its magic and help me find the man of my dreams by the end of the Season. So, let’s get to work. I’ll question Matilda. She’s obviously quite fond of Beast. I’ll let her talk about him and gently guide the conversation to get the information I need. But I think we should ask the same questions of each of them, Nathaniel, Thad, and Matilda. This way, we can compare their answers.”
Penelope returned to the bed and stretched out atop it, propping on one elbow. “Very well. This is your experiment, Olivia. And you have a better understanding of these ancient scientific findings. What are you going to ask Matilda first?”
Olivia nibbled her lip in thought. “Well, since the point is to have him fall in love with me, it seems logical to ask if he’s ever been in love before. And if he has been, then I’d want to know all about the girl and what went wrong.”
Poppy’s eyes widened in alarm. “I never thought of that. Do you think Beast has ever been in love?”
Penelope made a soft, strangled sound. “Oh, Olivia. I forgot all about her. Yes, I think he was once. What are you going to do?”
Chapter Six
Beast had left Sherbourne Manor early enough to avoid most of the rain, but his luck ran out on the outskirts of London. He tossed on his oilcloth and slowed his mount as the roads became thick with mud. Nonetheless, he still made good time and reached his townhouse before noon.
He left Albion in the care of his groom in the mews behind his home and then strode into the house and upstairs to his bedchamber. He called for his valet. “Collingsworth!”
The ever-efficient man who’d been in service to the dukes of Hartford for almost four decades promptly scurried in. “Your Grace, I’ve ordered a bath brought up and taken the liberty of asking Cook to prepare a tray of light refreshments for you. Your uniform has been cleaned and pressed, and I’ve set out your medals atop your bureau. Is there anything else I may do for you?”
Beast shook his head and laughed. “You’ve thought of everything, as always. What shall I ever do without you?”
His valet grinned. “Oh, I think you would manage quite well without me. But I’m relieved you find me indispensable. It’s good to have you home again.”
Beast sank onto a stool beside his bed in order to remove his boots.
Collingsworth immediately knelt beside him and tugged off the first boot. “I’ll have those properly cleaned and polished in time for your engagement with the Prince Regent.” He helped Beast off with the other one and then took the boots downstairs.
Beast waited until the bath had been brought up and filled with steaming water before stripping out of his clothes. He was alone now, and as he relaxed in the warm bath and rinsed off the dirt from his morning journey, he allowed his mind to wander back to Goose.
Why had his body responded so enthusiastically to her?
And why was it responding now to the mere memory of her soft breast cupped in the palm of his hand? That accidental touch had lasted less than a moment, but the rightness of it had felt eternal.
He shook off the ridiculous notion and climbed out of the tub.
Within the hour, he was groomed, dressed, and riding to St. James’s for his audience with Prinny and the elite of Europe’s royal families. He hoped Prinny had given up on a match between him and the Austrian princess, but as he entered the royal hall, he saw at once this was still foremost in his mind.
Beast was immediately introduced to the elegantly attired Princess Beatrix.
He bowed politely over her outstretched hand, surprised she was actually quite beautiful in a sophisticated way. But there was an upward tilt to her chin that made her appear to be looking down her nose at everyone.
She probably was.
Diamonds gleamed on her ears and around her slender neck, brilliant as ice crystals. Indeed, icy is how he would describe her. World-weary, as well. There wasn’t a hint of innocence about her. He doubted she was still the young virgin ignorant of what took place in the marriage bed, although she and her staff would take pains to make it appear so. After all, the succession of kings was involved.
Beast was no foolscap.
This woman was not the sort to give her love to one man.
“Princess Beatrix, I hope you are enjoying your stay in London.” Unfortunately, he was not the sort who could turn a blind eye to his wife’s affairs. Nor was he the sort to turn to another woman once he was married. The dukes of Hartford tended to be faithful in their marriages. He could not speak for all of his male ancestors, but his father and grandfather had made enduring love matches and he expected to do the same.
“I am having a lovely time.” Her eyes were a sharp, crystal blue and her hair was the golden color of honey. Her gown was stylish, emphasizing her nicely rounded bosom and trim hips. But there was a warmth lacking in her beauty. Beast did not blame her for it. She would not have been raised to believe in love. Her role was to strengthen alliances between countries and she seemed more than willing to undertake this duty.
To her credit, her language skills were excellent, far better than his. “It is a most pleasant town and almost as beautiful as Vienna.”
Almost.
That word spoke volumes. He knew the princess intended to marry an Englishman and return home with the hapless dolt on a tether. He had no desire to be that dolt. He glanced at Prinny and arched a questioning eyebrow, the slight gesture conveying his displeasure. There were several peers of highest rank present who would not mind taking up residence outside of England. “I fear that London shall always be first in my heart.”
Prinny coughed.
The princess cast him a wry smile. “A city is just a city. One’s heart is given to its people. But I see your heart is already taken. By the people of England? Or is there one special person who controls it?”
“No one controls my heart.” But Goose crept back into his thoughts. He tamped down the preposterous notion.
“Our dear Prinny has other guests to greet. So, I shall ask you to escort me as I walk about the room. We m
ust get to know each other better.”
It was the last thing Beast wanted.
But to deny her would cause an international incident. He held out his arm and led her off. “Have you met the other dukes?”
She laughed. “Wishing to be rid of me already? Why do you not want me as your wife? All the others are eager to make a match with me.”
Bollocks, he’d stepped right into it. “I’m a soldier, not a statesman. I love England and have no wish to live outside of it. Nor can I ever see myself switching alliances. In truth, I will never agree to do it. Yet, it would be expected of me if I were to marry you. I am not a good fit for you.”
“I think you would fit me quite well,” she said, her manner now suggestive of relations that were quite outside the bounds of marriage. “I never thought you suitable as a husband either. You are too strong-willed and I would prefer a docile husband. But I require my lovers to be passionate and strong. You will do quite nicely while I’m here.”
The only thing worse than marrying this princess was to be caught in her bedchamber unmarried to her. He did not care whether she wanted him for his body or whether this was merely a trick to force him into marriage. He was going to escape back to Sherbourne Manor as soon as this luncheon was over. “Unfortunately, that will not be possible either. Duty calls, and I must leave town this very afternoon.” He bowed over her hand as Prinny and the Duke of Wellington approached.
Wellington muttered something about needing to discuss an important matter with him and drew him aside.
Beast tried to hide his relief but doubted he’d done a good job of it. He bowed once more over Princess Beatrix’s hand. “I shall leave you in the excellent care of His Royal Highness. Excuse me.”
Neither Prinny nor his Austrian princess was pleased with him, but he gave it no more thought. Wellington’s brow was furrowed and he appeared to be worried about something. Beast understood how tenuous a peace existed at the moment. “Arthur, has something happened in France?”
“No, Alex.” He cast Beast a wry grin. “But I know when one of my soldiers is in trouble. I thought I’d help you out.”
Beast groaned. “Thank you.”
However, his long-time friend and brother-in-arms still appeared worried. “The princess is beautiful. Every other man here wants her as his wife. Why don’t you?”
Beast shrugged. “She isn’t for me.”
Wellington crossed his arms over his chest. “What sort of girl is?”
“I don’t know. One who will be satisfied to have just one man in her bed, that man being me.” But he said no more, for Wellington had his own marital concerns. “The dinner bell has chimed.”
“Alex, I drew you aside for another reason. Give me a moment before we go in.”
“Of course.” But he eyed his friend warily. “What’s on your mind?”
“Something I’ve discussed with others in the House of Lords. They’ve asked me to reach out to you.”
“For what purpose?”
“We think you’ll make an excellent statesman. You have the intelligence and agile wit to go far. The Austrian princess might not have been a wise idea on the part of Prinny, but there are several beautiful Englishwomen here who would suit your needs. Marry well and you might become England’s next prime minister. I would back you wholeheartedly, as would most of the men in this room. Even Prinny.”
Beast grinned. “Not Prinny. At least not right now. He’s still peeved.”
Beast managed to avoid rousing the royal ire for the remainder of the afternoon, and was just about to make his escape when he was collared once more by several high-ranking members of Parliament. “Glad you held firm on that Austrian nonsense, Hartford,” the crusty Duke of Lotheil said, taking the lead among the peers. “We need you here in England.”
He nodded.
“More to the point, we need you to take a leadership role. Help put the country back on its feet. Wellington is not the only one with popular appeal. Think about it, will you?”
“I’m flattered, gentlemen. I will give it serious thought.”
He rode off, eager to leave London before Prinny changed his mind and came after him. He hadn’t the chance to see about Goose’s new piano, but he would take care of the problem next week when they were all back in London.
It was almost ten o’clock in the evening by the time he arrived at Sherbourne Manor still dressed in his full military regalia, for he had not only decided to skip the matter of the piano, but was also concerned about being home should Prinny decide he wanted something more of him. He did not wish to be anywhere in London, if that were the case. The prince could be stubborn when fixed on an idea, and he did not want a royal messenger finding him and ordering him back to the palace.
Nathaniel’s butler admitted him into the house as he wearily strode up the front steps. “Your Grace, it’s good to have you back. Everyone is in the music room.”
“Thank you, Soames.” He would have guessed as much on his own, for he heard the deep, male laughter of Nathaniel and Thad, and the lighter trills of female laughter emanating from the open doors. Goose was playing a lively country reel, he easily recognized her soft touch on the piano keys.
He was about to climb the stairs to wash the dirt off his face and change into more comfortable clothes, when Nathaniel spotted him. “Beast! Come in here.”
Then Penelope and Poppy rushed out and each took one of his hands. “Do tell us all that happened this afternoon.”
He spared a glance at Goose who remained quietly seated beside the piano, but her eyes were wide and curious, and although she did not get up to rush to his side as her friends had, she was tipped forward far enough to topple off the piano seat at the slightest gust of wind.
“Well? Are you betrothed or not?” Penelope asked, wasting no time in getting to the point.
“Not. Some English pizzle will be marrying the Austrian princess,” he said, earning a severe rebuke from Matilda and Lavinia, for the girls should not have had to endure his coarse language. But he was out of sorts for more reasons than having an Austrian princess shoved at him.
His bigger concern was the quickening beat of his heart at the mere sight of Goose. She now had a lace fichu covering the swell of her bosom, but that only brought him back to this morning and the softness of her in his hand.
He refused to look upon her, instead, turning his attention to Poppy and Penelope. “Fortunately, the princess found me unsuitable.” He did not know why he felt it so important to spill that news.
Thad laughed. “She found you unsuitable? Or was it the other way around?”
Beast shrugged. “I made it clear that my allegiance is to England only. Now that I’ve returned, nothing can tempt me away.”
He hadn’t meant to glance at Goose again, but found himself doing so. He saw relief wash over her innocently expressive face, and then she scooted off the piano seat to join her friends in standing beside him. She studied his chest full of medals and smiled. “Beast, you look quite impressive. What does each medal represent?”
Thad and Nathaniel chortled. “This one’s for kissing Prinny’s arse,” said Nathaniel, which earned him a frown from Lavinia.
“The one with the fancy red silk ribbon is for being born a duke,” Thad interjected. “And this one in the shape of a silver star is for not getting seasick on the boat home.”
Beast shook his head and laughed. His friends were not going to acknowledge his accomplishments on the field of battle, something he might have resented had they not fought as valiantly and earned their own medals. “I’ll tell you another time, Goose. If you will excuse me, I’ll wash up and join you shortly.”
He strode out of the room and hurried upstairs to change into more comfortable clothes. When he returned downstairs, Goose was back at the piano playing another country lilt as her friends danced with Thad and Nathaniel.
Beast sank into a chair beside Matilda, knowing his aunt would have questions for him once the music stopped. But sit
ting beside her also gave him a clear view of Goose, and he found his gaze straying to her more often than he cared to admit. When the dance ended, everyone gathered around him once more to hear about his afternoon.
His aunt regarded him with a keen eye. “The Austrian princess is no longer a concern, but something else appears to be troubling you. What else happened?”
He shrugged, but ultimately decided to speak frankly since the rumors would soon be circulating around London anyway. “Several members of the House of Lords approached me about taking a prominent position in government.”
“How prominent?” Goose asked, her beautiful eyes widening. It irked him that the word ‘beautiful’ seemed to pop into his head whenever the girl was around him.
He shrugged again. “Possibly prime minister, but that is a long way off. I’m a soldier, not a diplomat. I doubt I am suited to the role.”
“A man can do anything with the proper wife,” Matilda intoned. “I suppose that was part of the discussion as well. An advantageous marriage to a well-connected family?”
“Yes. But as I said, that is a long way off.”
Penelope frowned at him. “You can’t possibly consider marrying for reasons other than love.”
“Loopy,” Thad said in a low, warning tone. “He’ll make his decision in his own good time. It isn’t any of our business.”
Nathaniel promptly agreed. “This is the real world, Penelope. Romantic notions do not always have a place here.”
Goose shot to her feet and her hands curled into fists at her sides. “Yes, they do. It is the power of love that leads to greatness, not the power of connections or wealth or… would you be happy without love, Beast?”