The Viscount's Bride (Love's Pride Book 2)

by G. L. Snodgrass

  The thought sent a tingle down her spine. What did she want him to do?

  The memory of their last night flashed through her mind and her face flushed. She knew exactly what she wanted.

  .o0o.

  Dinner had been light and fun. Cook had gone out of her way to ensure an outstanding meal. The conversation had never lagged. The girls constantly peppering the Viscount with questions of his trip and his thoughts on the latest fashions.

  He had laughed with them. Accepting it all in stride.

  After the dinner, they had retired to the front parlor. She wished it could have been the study. The parlor seemed so formal. As if everyone must be on their best behavior.

  She had hoped to make the Viscount comfortable. Maybe if he enjoyed himself, he might remain instead of going out for the evening.

  A quick glance at the mantle clock made her wince. How long would he stay? Why was it so important to her that he do so, she wondered?

  Alice offered to play the pinafore while Beatrice sang. Alexander smiled and settled in to listen. He glanced over at Caroline as if to say. ‘How bad is this going to be,’

  Caroline decided to let the insult go and turned to watch her sisters. Let him learn for himself.

  After they had completed the song, Alexander sat there, his mouth open in wonder. Caroline smiled to herself. See, not all Dorset Fishermen’s daughters are without talent.

  “Remarkable,” he said. “It is as if two angels graced us with their presence. You are both very good. I am impressed. What is more, Next year, during your coming out. The young men of the ton are going to be very impressed.”

  He couldn’t have pleased the girls more. They beamed at his praise. Caroline didn’t have the heart to bring up the fact that if she didn’t establish ties to the ton there would be no coming out.

  But, that was her problem not his. He had lived up to every part of their bargain.

  “Yes girls, you were wonderful as always,” Caroline said. “Now though. I think it is time for bed.”

  Alice started to object then halted and looked between Caroline and Alexander. An understanding smile crossed her face.

  “Very well Caroline. Will we see you tomorrow Alexander?” she asked.

  Beatrice stared at her twin sister in disbelief at the lack of resistance. Then she caught a gleam in Alice’s eye and smiled also.

  “Yes. Like I said. I will be her at least a few more days,” Alexander replied.

  Both girls bid them goodnight and left. Caroline was amazed at their good behavior. The sudden quiet of the room enveloped her.

  Alexander’s scent of sandalwood washed over her. An awkward tension filled her. Weighing her shoulders as if they were loaded with bricks.

  “They really were good. Don’t you think Caroline,” Alexander said.

  She liked the way he said her name. As if it was important. A small glow of warmth filled her.

  “Yes, they are,” she replied suddenly feeling very shy.

  “How about you. Any secret talents?” He asked.

  She blushed and shook her head. Why did everything seem to have an alternative meaning when she talked with this man?

  “No My Lord, none. The only thing I am good at is making lists.”

  He laughed. “Such as?”

  She looked at her hands in her lap then said, “I have a list of questions for you. Things I think a wife should know about her husband.”

  She bit her lip waiting for his reply. Had she pushed things too far already? Her heart pounded. She desperately wanted to know everything about him but she didn’t have the right.

  This isn’t a marriage, she reminded herself.

  He halted for a moment. Surprised, a frown creased his brow as if he were worried about what she might ask. What secrets is he hiding, she wondered?

  The Viscount paused for a moment then relented and nodded his head. “Very well, Mrs. Vessey. What would you like to know? We can’t have a list in need of completion now can we.”

  “Now you are teasing me,” She said, her eyes watching him wearily.

  He chuckled. “Maybe a little. I am sorry. Please, go ahead, ask your questions.”

  She gathered herself and studied him for a moment. He was serious. It was all right that she ask.

  Pulling the list up in her mind she asked. “What is your birthday?”

  He chuckled lightly as a brief look of relief flashed across his face. “June twenty first. I am twenty-seven years old. And yourself?”

  “July thirteenth,” she replied.

  He lifted an eyebrow. She reluctantly relented and said “Twenty-two,”

  He smiled and nodded for her to continue.

  “What is your favorite color?”

  He paused for a moment then said, “I didn’t really have one. Not until recently. Now I think it’s blue. That sky blue that makes the world look safe and happy. The same shade as your eyes.”

  Caroline’s breath caught. Her pulse pounded in her ears. Had he just complimented her eyes? She hung her head quickly, unable to look at him

  He sat quietly, waiting for her to continue. Go on, she told herself. Ask another question before he realizes you are a befuddled idiot.

  “Um … Do you dance? Do you like to dance?”

  “Only with women I care for?” he answered. His smoldering stare melted her. She was afraid he could see what he was doing to her.

  She fought to regain control of herself. A list, she had a list, she reminded herself. For the life of her she couldn’t remember what was on it. Never before had she ever forgotten the items on a list. This was a first.

  Their eyes locked for a moment. It was as if the world fell away and they were the only two people alive. She felt an energy coming from him. Pulling at her.

  She could see that he felt it too. Surely they would fall into each other’s arms.

  He pulled back. His face scrambling to regain control.

  “Um … Maybe we could finish this later,” he said. “I really must be getting to my club.”

  Caroline was non-pulsed. Just like that, he was ending their moment. Leaving. He was always leaving.

  “Of course, My Lord,” she said, lowering her eyes to stare at the rug. A brief hint of anger coursed through her. No Caroline, she reminded herself. They had an arrangement remember.

  The Viscount had gotten up from his chair and taken several steps away. As if he needed to put distance between them.

  “Very well. I will … I will be back late tonight. Early morning in all actuality. I will see you for lunch, though. We can talk some more then.”

  “Yes My Lord,” she said demurely. Unable to meet his eyes lest he knows the pain shooting through her. Never let them see the truth, she thought to herself, amending her father’s saying.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Alexander pulled his dress cloak closely around his shoulders to stop the biting night wind. What was that you idiot, he thought to himself. You can’t treat her like that. She is your wife he reminded himself.

  She deserves better. You promised yourself that you would not allow her to become attached. What is even more important? You promised yourself that you wouldn’t become attached.

  Now, here he was, in London, instead of Armherst. He’d just spent the evening flirting with his wife. Not the actions of a man who wanted to remain separate.

  He halted for a moment. Was he talking out loud to himself on a London street? People would think he was quite balmy.

  Shaking it off, he continued on. He needed to get to his club. The one place in the world without females. Nothing to distract a man while he thought and contemplated the meaning of life.

  He smiled to himself. Yes, his club. That was where he belonged.

  .o0o.

  Caroline lay on her back in her bed and waited. He had rushed out so quickly. Almost as if he were afraid she might attack him there in the parlor. Cringing inside, she patted her warm cheeks. What must he have thought of her?

  Turni
ng onto her side, she punched her pillow as she fought to find a comfortable position. Something that could help her sleep. Would he come home tonight? Would he come to her room? Was she supposed to go to his?

  He hadn’t said a word. Not a hint of what he expected.

  Turning once again she stared at the ceiling. She had left one lone candle to burn. Just in case he did come to her. She wanted to be able to see him.

  There, the truth. She wanted him to come she realized. Did that make her a wanton, a loose woman? Of course not, he’s your husband, she reminded herself.

  A warm feeling of happiness washed through her. It felt good to admit the truth. She wanted her husband.

  Would he come to her?

  The anxiety and worry ate at her. What if he didn’t want her? The agreement had been for one night only. What if he had only acquiesced to make the marriage legal? Even now he was probably in some other woman’s arms.

  Her face grimaced with an angry scowl at the thought. How dare he? She was willing, there was no reason for him to go elsewhere.

  Her anger continued to build as she waited.

  A distant Church bell chimed. Three distinct dongs. Where was he?

  Turning over for the hundredth time she wiggled to get comfortable.

  Finally, her eyes began to drop and sleep found her. Alone. Once again, alone.

  .o0o.

  Caroline was surprised when she entered the dining room the next morning to find the Viscount sitting at the head of the table. A newspaper spread to the side of his plate.

  He looked up and smiled.

  “Good Morning, You are up early? Did you sleep well?” He asked.

  Her eyes felt as if they were full of sand and she just knew her hair would never be right again. How dare he ask that question at this time in the morning?

  Allowing Johnson to seat her she asked him for coffee and ignored her husband’s question. She didn’t know if she was talking to him or not.

  He simply smiled and resumed reading his paper.

  Caroline sipped her coffee and the world began to feel a little more normal. She much preferred coffee in the morning to tea. A luxury she would have lost if it were not for the Viscount, she reminded herself reluctantly.

  After a few minutes and after she had finished half of her cup of coffee, she reached over and retrieved one of the unread newspapers.

  He watched her for a moment then resumed his meal and reading.

  She took a bite of toast, then groaned internally. The silent treatment would have as much impact on him as a drop of rain on a mountain. The man was oblivious.

  She harrumphed and stared at her food. Nothing, she had no idea what to do.

  “I thought we would go to the Bathurst ball tonight,” He said as if asking her to pass the salt.

  “What?” she asked. “Um, I mean, what was that you said?”

  “I thought we would go to the Bathurst ball tonight. I heard about it at my club. I thought you might enjoy it. You do have a gown I assume?”

  His eyes questioned her. How dare he ask her if she had a gown? Of course, she did.

  “We can’t go to the Duke of Bathurst’s ball,” she said as if it was ridiculous to say otherwise.

  “Why ever not?” he asked flipping the paper to the next page. “Did you have other plans? Because if you did, I understand. Of course I just might go my ….”

  “We can’t go because we were not invited,” she said, studying him to see if he was serious or was he teasing her. Making fun of her status as London’s outcast.

  He laughed as he folded his paper and placed it next to his plate.

  “Do not worry. I am a Viscount and you my dear are a Countess. They will let us in. Granted. I do not rank up there with Dukes and Princes. But I assure you, it is high enough. Now, I am off. I have appointments with both my banker, and my solicitor. I have a meeting later today to discuss a new ram for a breeding program I am thinking of starting up north. Or maybe on the Armherst estates. I am not sure yet. It will depend upon the ram I think.

  “Alexander,” she said in exasperation. “We can’t go to a ton party without an invitation. Even if you are a Viscount.”

  He smiled at her as if she were a child and didn’t understand the workings of the adult world. Suddenly all of her anger from the night before returned a hundred fold.

  “I assure you, Caroline, it will be all right. Trust me. Now then I am off.” He patted her hand as if that would reassure her. Then he turned and left without a backward glance.

  Caroline watched him walk out. She had to fight her strong desire to scream at the top of her lungs. The only reason she didn’t throw her coffee cup at the closed door was because she hadn’t finished it. The man had been here less than a day and he had already completely upset her world. How dare he?

  .o0o.

  Amy stepped back and admired her work. Turning Caroline so that she could see herself in the mirror. Caroline smiled, yes. She looked like a Countess.

  Her stomach quivered with nervousness at the thought of walking into a Duke’s ball on her husband’s arm and being asked to leave.

  Both Beatrice and Alice smiled and told her how wonderful she looked. She could see the love in their eyes for her. Their pleasure for her made her want to cry.

  Oh, what would they think? She hadn’t had the courage to tell them that she was being taken to a ball she had not been invited to. That she was more than likely to be embarrassed and asked to leave.

  The idea that people would be laughing at her made her shudder. Society’s social elites would think her a country bumpkin. It would ruin any chance she had of making friends in the ton.

  No one would welcome her into their home after such a mistake.

  Trust him, he said. How could she trust him? He had been gone all day. Sending her a message via a footman only a few minutes ago that he was ready and waiting for her down below.

  Well, he could very well wait. She turned to examine herself in the mirror. Yes. The dress was perfect. A sky blue gown that accentuated her shape without being too provocative. The neckline was a little low for her comfort, but that was the style the modeste had assured her.

  She turned again and glanced at Amy. Her maid smiled and nodded her head.

  “His Lordship will be very pleased, My Lady,” she said.

  Her heart fluttered. Would he be pleased? She desperately hoped so. And what of tonight, after the ball? Surely they wouldn’t be there for very long. How much time did it take to be asked to leave?

  The real question though was, would she spend another frustrating night alone?

  Gathering her dress she signaled for Alice to open the door. This was it. Don’t let him see your fear, she reminded herself.

  Alexander stood at the bottom of the stairs waiting for her. Dressed in a black coat and buff britches. His tight fitting clothes highlighted his size and strength. Her heart thundered with pride when she thought about being seen on his arm.

  There was nothing more satisfying that making other women a little jealous, she discovered.

  His eyes opened wide when he saw her, sending a thrill down her spine. She knew that look of desire. It was enough to make a woman hesitate. To worry about the danger she was walking into.

  Smiling to herself she took a deep breath and slowly walked down the stairs. Each step, a performance. Each movement slightly exaggerated.

  His eyes devoured her as she went.

  “You look ravishing,” he said when she reached the bottom.

  Her cheeks grew warm and she had to bite her lip to stop from giggling like a school girl. What was it about this man that could fluster her so?

  “I remembered that I had forgotten to get you a wedding gift,” Alexander said as he reached to a hallway table for a small drawstring bag. “I am sorry. But I thought you might like this.”

  Caroline’s heart jumped as she watched him open it. A present. For her. She held her breath. What could he have gotten her and why? This wasn’t a
marriage in reality. Why was he buying her gifts?

  Surely he hadn’t …

  Her eyes widened in shock and her lungs froze in place as she forgot to breathe. He slowly removed a long diamond necklace. The glimmer and shine shooting sparkles everywhere. It looked as if it were one of the crown jewels.

  How? Why? Her pulse pounded in her ears as she watched him hold it out for her to see. His eyebrow raised in question. As if asking if she liked it.

  The silly man. No woman couldn’t like such an exquisite piece of jewelry. Matched diamonds formed a long chain ending in a larger teardrop ruby. It was what princesses wore. Rich princesses. How wealthy was her husband she asked herself, not for the first time.

  Caroline hesitantly reached out to touch the necklace. Unable to believe what she was seeing.

  “It is beautiful Alexander, you can’t … I mean… Oh, it is lovely. Is it your mother’s?”

  He laughed. “No. It is yours. I picked it up today. I am sorry for taking so long. Most of my mother’s pieces went to Ann. Except for those that belonged to the title. The next time you are at Armherst I will show them to you.”

  Her stomach fluttered at the thought of returning to Armherst. He seemed amiable to the idea she realized.

  Caroline’s mouth fell open with the realization. Hers. He had bought it just for her.

  “Here, let me put it on,” he said. The twinkle in his eyes made her want to laugh.

  She turned so that he could drape it around her neck. She caught a slight hint of sandalwood and his unique manly smell as he reached around her. She wanted to melt into him. To lean back and sink into his embrace.

  The warmth of the stones as they touched her skin surprised her. It felt as if a magic spell had been cast upon them. A magic spell that had then transferred to her. Making the world brighter, shinier, and warmer.

  Her heart soared as he fastened the clasp behind her neck. Her fingers instinctively reached up to caresses the ruby as she examined herself in the hall mirror.

  “Oh Alexander, they are lovely,” she said. Unable to tear her eyes away.