As his grey eyes darkened to nearly black, her hopes sank. He was no doubt thinking of his rights and how often he would demand them. His gaze dropped to her mouth, and she could not stop from parting her lips. Would he kiss her? Should she want him to?
His hand slowly rose and gently grasped the back of her neck. She remained immobile as he pulled her closer. When their lips met, sparks of pleasure spread throughout her body. Lifting her hands to his chest, she clutched the lapels of his jacket. Never had anything felt as wonderful as when his lips were pressed against hers.
When his tongue touched her mouth, she jumped, but his hand held her firm. The slick wetness traced her lips before he slipped it into her mouth. Pleasure hummed though her body, making her weak. Never before had she encountered such a feeling, and it astounded her. Without breaking contact, she shifted to the edge of the chair, desperate to be closer to him. She needed more.
Suddenly her enjoyment disappeared as pain stabbed her back. She cried out as she jerked away. His eyes were confused, and his breathing heavy. In her overwhelmed state, she’d forgotten about the wounds on her back until he’d inadvertently touched them.
“Are you all right?” he rasped.
Looking at her shaking hands, she clasped them together in an effort to settle her nerves. “I’m just . . . I have never been kissed like that before.”
Straightening back in her chair, she hoped he didn’t notice her lack of explanation. Glancing over to gauge his reaction, she observed him looking down. Following his gaze, she saw black hair powder on his hand. He rubbed his fingers together as if trying to determine where it had come from.
Her face burned in mortification. Although reluctant for him to look at her and see the proof before him, she needed to distract him before he realized the source.
“What were you saying before,” she squeaked, “about your rights?” She hated to bring the subject back to what started the searing kiss, but it was preferable to the consequences.
“Ah, yes.” He discreetly pulled out a handkerchief and wiped his fingers. “First, I will not have the validity of our marriage questioned, and second, I do require heirs.”
“How soon will you have need of them? If I’m living at Merrick, I can’t see how obtaining them will be possible.”
“I don’t need heirs immediately. I will inform you prior, so rest assured, I will not be making nightly visits to your bedchamber.”
His words mixed with the throaty quality of his voice brought out a longing in her, but she squelched it. Hope resurfaced and left her feeling happy. She smiled. It was the most genuine reaction she had ever bestowed upon anyone. Somehow it felt significant that her smile was meant for him.
“Then, Lord Merrick, I accept your proposition.”
“I’m pleased to hear it, for I spoke with your father earlier today. Our betrothal will be announced soon and our wedding will take place in a month’s time.”
Although shocked by the haste in which the wedding would take place, she wasn’t upset by it. Soon she would escape from her father. In one month, she would be free from his control and his beatings. She would be safe . . . but her mother would not.
Chapter 4
Greyson closed the account book with a sigh of relief. Ravenhurst stood in good financial standings and would have no trouble selling should that be the consensus. The thought tasted bittersweet as he had been content for all the years he, Richard, and Jonathan had run the club. It had provided him with a purpose and a comforting sense of power. For so long he’d suffered without any control in his life.
Closing his eyes, he leaned back in his chair. In a fortnight he and Lady Willimena would be wed. Their interactions over the past weeks had been minimal, but he could feel a change within her. Offering her a compromise with their marriage had been one of the wisest decisions he’d made, but for some reason he could tell the idea brought her sadness.
Thinking of his betrothed always brought memories of the kiss they shared in the drawing room. Never had he experienced such an intense reaction before. Had she not pulled back, he feared he would have taken the encounter much too far. Although inexperienced, she acted with eagerness and learned fast.
Even stranger than his reaction was the smudge of powder on his fingers after touching her. He dismissed the obvious explanation, considering she presented herself well and always managed to smell sweet. Her scent consisted of a pleasant aroma of honey and flowers mixed with a familiar earthiness he could not place.
Suddenly it hit him. The texture and the smell reminded him of the powdered wig his father had owned. If Lady Willimena powdered her hair, it would also explain how she managed to keep it so tight and obedient. Certainly the oil or beeswax she used to make the powder adhere offered its assistance when styling.
The thing that didn’t make sense was why. He could not imagine what could be wrong with her hair to make her go to such lengths to hide it. Regardless of her reasons, he would find out. Once they were settled in their marriage routine, he would be free to learn all her secrets.
“I hope you are not working too hard.”
A familiar voice pulled Greyson from his contemplations. “Richard, I was unaware you planned to return to London before next week.” Greyson’s tone only held mild surprise, as he enjoyed seeing his friend.
“It was Brianna’s idea. She wanted to arrive early so she could meet your betrothed before the wedding. I believe she also wanted to see Grace. With Joseph being so young, traveling is difficult. I, on the other hand, am looking forward to attending Lady Laramie’s ball. I have yet to miss one of her parties, and I refuse to start now.”
Greyson easily recalled how Lady Laramie always hosted the finest ball of the Season. Her themes were based on an exotic location she traveled to that year, and he enjoyed learning of new places. Thinking back, he felt a sense of accomplishment surround him as memories of the Rainforest Ball last year resurfaced.
Richard had brought him as a guest, and Greyson had spent the time working the card room and getting a handle on the duke. That night was the first night he’d played the man. Greyson had intentionally thrown the game in order to build the duke’s confidence. Overall, it had been a successful night.
“I recall, and I thank you for bringing me as your guest all those years. Have you learned of the new theme?”
“Not yet, but I’m sure it will be splendid as usual.”
“It’s the Arctic. I heard she is having large pieces of ice transported here for the event.”
“Brianna will be excited to hear it.”
“I can imagine. How is your family doing?”
“Brianna spends all her extra time painting for the show she is determined to have, and Joseph does his best to ensure his mother does not have any free time.”
“Sounds frustrating.”
“It is, but by God, it’s wonderful.”
Greyson was pleased to see his friend’s happy smile, and it made him wonder if he and his betrothed would ever achieve such a state. Immediately he shook off the thought. His marriage would be nothing like Richard’s. The two men’s lives were different, and considering Richard had no need for respect, he had the freedom to select a woman he was compatible with.
“Tell me about Lady Willimena,” Richard said, interrupting Greyson’s disturbing musings.
“She is respectable and proper. Her family descends from relations to the crown. Her dowry is sizable, and I have been assured she will give me sons.”
“From your stunning description, I could not tell if you were speaking of a woman or a piece of horseflesh you plan to purchase. Surely you have something more to add.”
Greyson did. He could add a number of things about his betrothed, including how she melted in his arms. Or how the vibrant shade of green in her eyes lit with such an intense hope he could hardly breathe with the force of it.
Instead, he simply shrugged. “What more is there?”
“More than I can even begin to describe, but w
e can start with something basic. Is she attractive?”
“Merely passable,” Greyson lied. Anyone with that level of passion inside her could never be described as anything less than magnificent.
Once again Greyson thought back to her hair. He wondered what color it could be. Certainly not black. He’d only seen her eyebrows once, when he’d removed those hideous glasses. Unfortunately he could not recall the color, only that they didn’t match her hair.
“All right.” Richard’s tone held a hint of exasperation. “Then what of her manner? Does she have a favorable disposition?”
“Well enough.”
Richard sighed. “Are you intentionally trying to withhold information, or do you truly have no thoughts on her?”
“What exactly do you want to know?”
“If there is something, anything, between you two, or if this is a marriage of convenience.”
“And if it is?”
Richard put his head back as his jaw clenched, his anger evident, and Greyson could not understand what caused the reaction. Originally he thought his friend had been pleased for him, but he wasn’t sure anymore. Richard obviously held a marriage of convenience in disdain, but Greyson didn’t know why. The majority of marriages were for social standing or property increases as well as various other reasons having nothing to do with the two people who would be impacted the most.
“You could do so much better. Last Season when I began my search for a bride, I thought as you do. I felt one woman was as good as any other as long as she met my requirements. Every day I wake up next to my wife, I thank God I didn’t settle for someone who met my constraints. You will not have that without the right woman.”
“Lady Willimena is the right woman. Not only will she help elevate my social standing, but the two of us deal well together.”
Unusual sparks of anger simmered inside of him, all directed at his friend. He couldn’t understand what brought this about or why he should care. Although he always held Richard’s opinion in high regard, he didn’t need his approval. In fourteen days, Lady Willimena would be his wife and there was nothing anyone could do to prevent it.
Hours later, Greyson could not get Richard’s words from his head. Did he deserve happiness? Perhaps, but his happiness remained contingent upon gaining respect from his peers. He was doing the right thing for himself, and in the process, he could give his betrothed what she wanted as well.
“My lord,” Algers called from the doorway. “Nathaniel mentioned you were looking for me. What can I help you with?”
“Come in and have a seat. I simply wanted an update on your dealings in catching the thief. Have you made any progress?”
“I’m doing my best. Just yesterday I made my report to Nathaniel. Forgive me, my lord, but you seem very involved for an investor. Honestly, I have never seen one take such a keen interest.”
“The activities I allocate my time to are none of your concern. I intend to see to my investment in my own way.” Greyson clenched his teeth and focused his complete attention on Algers, not caring when the man began to squirm. Greyson realized he should have listened to Jonathan and continued to conduct his business dealings through Nathaniel, but this situation constantly plagued him. Now he would have to tread warily in order to ensure rumors about his involvement didn’t begin.
“As I told Nathaniel, after Daniel was removed, although I’m unsure how that came about, the theft has stopped. I believe we inadvertently found the one responsible, and we have nothing further to worry about.”
Keeping his mouth closed at the man’s stupidity, Greyson didn’t comment. He could not determine if the man actually believed the drivel he spouted or if his acceptance came from laziness. Either way, Greyson knew he could not push him or he would regret the results.
“Thank you. I’m relieved to hear it.”
As Algers excused himself, Nathaniel entered and closed the door behind him. He appeared relaxed and confident, making Greyson more positive he’d made the right decision in instilling his faith in him. Nathaniel managed Ravenhurst in his absence as well as carried out both his and Jonathan’s orders, which he did masterfully.
“What do you think?” Greyson inquired. “Based on your past dealings with him, do you believe him?”
“I’m not entirely sure. He appears to be a good sort, but he definitely lacks initiative. Several times during ‘his investigation,’ I pointed out details he should have been the one to note.”
“Then our opinions are the same, as I, too, am not convinced. Are you still having Daniel watched?”
“Yes, but either he worked alone, or he knows how to lie low. If the latter, eventually he will slip up, and we will be there the second he does.”
“Good. It sounds as though you have everything handled here.”
“For the time being. I only wish we could catch the culprit and put all this to rest.”
“I second that. Just keep me informed.”
Nathaniel bowed then set off to tend to his duties.
Greyson leaned back in his chair and sighed. He needed to reduce the time he spent at Ravenhurst, but how could he when so much required his attention? At least he had the time to give. Once he was wed, his bride had no use for him and would not welcome his presence, so demands on his time would remain low.
Reaching his hands up, he rubbed his temples. In a fortnight his bride would live in his home. He would officially remove the last sanctuary available to him in London. He would no longer be welcome anywhere.
“He is here, my lady.” Mary smiled as Abigail let out a squeal of delight.
Rushing downstairs, Abigail didn’t pause as she entered the drawing room. Braiden stood before her, all smiles. Although he was three years older than her, he looked younger and as carefree as ever. Launching herself into his arms, she reveled in the sense of security she always had with him. He remained the one man she felt safe with.
“Whoa, little sister. I have missed you, too, but you must contain yourself.” He pulled her back, but still kept a hold of her hand as they sat down.
“It has been desolate here without you. I wish you would visit more often.”
“You know I would, but Father insists that as the Marquis of Hauney, I must tend to estate matters.”
“But he neglects the dukedom.”
“Don’t say such things. He is a wonderful duke. Over the years, he gained the ability to manage his property from afar. One day I hope to be just like him.”
Seeing the hero worship in her brother’s eyes, Abigail kept her opinion to herself. Father had always treated him differently than he treated her. To keep his true nature hidden from Braiden, their father took pains to separate him from the family. Seeing their father treat Braiden kindly was another knife to Abigail’s heart. Obviously he could be kind and caring but chose only to show that to his heir.
“How long will you be here?”
“He came for your wedding,” her father answered for him. “We are pleased Braiden could spare himself at all. I trust you haven’t left any matters outstanding for this journey.”
“Certainly not, Father. As you taught me, I have ensured everything will run smoothly in my absence.”
As the two men continued on with estate business, Abigail kept her head down. Not only did the conversation not require her input, but remaining unnoticed in her father’s presence always served her better.
“How is Mother? I expected her to greet me.”
“She has been unwell lately. I believe it has something to do with the bad fall she suffered the other day.”
Abigail’s head snapped up. She had not heard of her mother sustaining an injury due to a fall. Her father must have gotten to her when she wasn’t there to help. Suddenly her stomach rolled. Had her mother silently prayed she would arrive and save her as usual?
Bolstered by the idea that her mother needed her, Abigail shot to her feet. Braiden stood with a gentle but questioning smile where her father glared at her as if annoyed
by the reminder of her presence.
“Please excuse me.” She curtsied and left the room before her father could say anything to make her stay.
Walking straight to the duchess’s chambers, Abigail only paused long enough to knock. As expected, her mother silently sat in a chair looking out the window. Observing people passing by with their happy faces had become a favorite pastime. Many times Abigail had joined her, but at the moment the activity seemed sad and lonely.
As she stepped forward and took her customary seat, her mother didn’t acknowledge her. They sat in silence as she tried to think of the right words to say. A weak sigh broke the silence, forcing Abigail’s planned words to crumble.
“I’m sorry I wasn’t there,” Abigail blurted out, imploring her to understand.
Slowly her mother faced her, a blank expression in her eyes. “You were not supposed to be.”
“But I can protect you,” Abigail promised, needing her mother to believe her. “I’m young and—”
“Stop.” Her mother closed her eyes as her hand clutched her chest. “It isn’t your responsibility. I never should have let things get this far, but I’m just so afraid.”
The pain in her face tore at Abigail’s heart. “Why? Why does he do this to us?” The words were ripped from her. It was a question she asked herself many times over but never had the courage to voice. Even as it constantly ran through her mind, she didn’t want to know the answer. She could not handle to hear this was the way life worked.
“I don’t know. I have always wanted to protect you, to shield you from him, but my attempts only enraged him further.”
They sat in silence, sharing the painful memories. Abigail knew her escape quickly approached, but with her gone, how would her mother survive? Would she ever see her again? Tears stung the back of her eyes, but she refused to allow them to fall. She had to be strong for her mother.
Abigail felt a prick of conscience. She had not made it known that she would be living in the country after her wedding. Each time she’d tried, the words would not come. Now, with the wedding so close, she had to tell her. Knowing she would cause her mother more pain brought distress, but she had already waited too long.
His Perfect Game Page 6