In her present state, she could not face her mother, especially in such a public setting. Her mother would be here soon, and Brianna still needed more time to regain herself and still her shaking hands. Looking around, she was disappointed to see the terrace lacked the normal niches that could have proven useful.
Brianna silently cursed her ill fortune, for there was no large crowd to get lost in either. One couple quietly conversed off to the side while a lone gentleman enjoyed the sight of the gardens on the other side. Feeling desperate, she located a potted plant in a large ornate vase set off on the far wall. Standing behind it, she pressed herself against the house, but her light blue ball gown and petticoats stuck out farther than the planter, calling attention to her like a beacon.
She needed something dark to place in front of her to obstruct the view. As her eyes scanned the terrace once again, she realized the only thing that could potentially hide her was the gentleman in black evening attire. Without a choice, Brianna approached him and gently tugged on his arm, ignoring the warnings running through her mind. When he turned and looked at her with his piercing blue eyes, Brianna nearly lost all thought. He was by far the most handsome man she had ever seen.
“May I help you?” he asked in a rich, deep voice that reverberated through her body.
“My lord, will you help me?” she asked, inadequately copying his words. His perfection had her tongue tied, and she could think of nothing better to say.
“Of course,” he replied.
Brianna inwardly let out a sigh and, without thinking, grabbed his hand to lead him behind the planter. Feeling the strength of his fingers through her gloved hand, she knew she had made a grave mistake. Her stomach felt as though it was doing flips, and her body felt warm and tingly.
Once hidden behind the large plant, she pulled him forward to ensure she was covered. In the dark corner, any prying eyes would fail to notice that two people were lodged behind the planter. Relieved, she leaned back against the wall and smiled up at the beautiful man in appreciation for his help.
His mouth opened, and she suspected he would question her, but at that instant she heard her mother calling. She could not risk holding a conversation, so she held up her hand trying to quiet him. The confusion in his eyes was evident. He apparently didn’t understand her need for silence. As the first sounds came out of his mouth, she did the only thing she could think of to silence him. Grabbing the lapels of his jacket, she drew him down and pressed her closed mouth against his.
Richard, for once in his life, was completely speechless. He’d spent an exhausting half of the ball speaking with and being introduced to lady after lady, and he tired of it. He discovered every woman in attendance had a daughter or acquaintance to introduce to him. If all he obtained was one second with each lady, he would never be able to determine who would suit him.
He escaped to the terrace to relax and reevaluate his plan when he was disturbed. Now, contrary to the other ladies wanting introductions, this one was forcing herself upon him. He didn’t know what she hoped to gain from this chaste kiss, but she would not receive it this way. On the verge of stepping back from her, he halted, hearing someone calling.
“Brianna! Where did you go?” an obviously exasperated woman asked.
Suddenly it all clicked. Any minute, he knew they would be interrupted by shocked ladies demanding he marry this unknown girl. They had successfully trapped him, and he knew he could not escape his fate. A surge of anger consumed him, and he decided to show this naïve girl exactly what she was signing herself up for.
Richard wrapped his arms around her, bringing her firmly against him. Using his lips, he coaxed and demanded she open up to him. Her sigh gave him the opportunity he was looking for, and he slid his tongue into her hot mouth. Instantly lust speared him and rendered him senseless. This girl had obviously never been kissed before, and he felt an odd pleasure at being the one to teach her. She learned fast, and before long his fingers itched to unfasten her dress and take what she willingly offered.
The distant sounds of laughter penetrated through his lust and, realizing where they were, he stepped away from her. She opened her hazel eyes and gazed at him with such passion Richard fought the urge to throw her over his shoulder and take her to a bed. Instead, he focused on slowing his growing lust and studied her. She was strikingly beautiful.
Her pale skin was a dramatic contrast to her solid black hair, which framed her exquisite face, drawing every man to her. Being trapped into marriage was a miserable fate, but he imagined it would be more pleasant shackled to an attractive wife. Then it occurred to him that there were no witnesses or demanding father. She also didn’t have the satisfied look of a woman whose plan had been successful.
“What was that about?” he asked, honestly puzzled by her.
“I’m not quite sure.” Her voice was breathless. “I have never done that before.”
Richard was not sure if she referred to the kiss or whatever caused her to pull him from the terrace, but it didn’t matter. He had half a mind to leave and act as though this had not happened, but he found himself reluctant to go.
“I’m Richard, by the way. May I ask for your name?”
“Yes, I’m Lady Brianna Denton. I do apologize—”
“Brianna,” the same female voice called again. “I know I saw you come out here. Oh, where is that girl?”
Richard noted how her mouth dropped open as her eyes widened, and he relaxed, confident this was no marriage trap. More than willing to help her a second time, he pressed himself back against her and once again claimed her mouth.
This time she was prepared and met his kiss eagerly. Gently coaxing, he gave her a moment to accustom herself to him. Unfortunately, the raw lust he felt didn’t subside. If anything, his hunger increased. Knowing he could not continue this much longer, he reluctantly eased back from her. Looking down at her angelic face, her half smile nearly caused him to lose his grip on himself.
“Would you care for a stroll through the garden? Perhaps it will cause your pursuer to give up her search.”
Richard knew this lady would only be trouble, but he could not let her get away without receiving an explanation for her actions. He hoped logical reasoning would discourage him from becoming more fascinated with her.
“I don’t believe she will be deterred, but a stroll sounds lovely, my lord.”
“Richard, if you please. I’m simply Richard,” he said, not wanting her to know how close she came to trapping a marquis. If a lady willingly put herself in the arms of an unknown man to further her goal, there was nothing she would not do to obtain his money and title. Knowing this woman before him remained far from his idea of a perfect bride, he decided it would be better to avoid her after tonight.
“Then I’m simply Brianna,” she replied with a brilliant smile.
They walked in silence while Richard decided how to handle this unpredictable lady. The night was perfect, with a gentle breeze allowing the flowers’ aroma to permeate the air. As he walked along, he took note of several niches that were ideal for a private moment, but his better judgment urged him to keep walking.
Leading her to a well-lit area, he hoped it would be enough to keep up propriety. When he turned to face her, his breath caught in his throat. The moonlight glittered across her skin, giving off the illusion that she was ethereal. Richard had never seen anyone so glorious, and he could no longer remember why she was not suitable for him.
“I suppose you are wondering exactly what happened on the terrace,” she said, a becoming shade of pink tinting her cheeks.
“The question had crossed my mind. I assume you intended to avoid the lady who called your name. The real question is, why?”
“It’s silly actually,” she replied, no longer keeping eye contact with him. “I never should have included you, and I do apologize. I was simply desperate at that moment.”
“Well, since you did involve me, I would like to hear your reason, regardless of how silly it
may be.” Richard would have laughed at her embarrassment had her blush not been so charming. She bit her lower lip in reluctance, so he inclined his head, waiting.
“The lady was my mother, and I was avoiding her because . . .” She paused.
“Yes? Please continue,” Richard encouraged, unable to contain his curiosity.
“My mother plans to introduce me to a gentleman with whom I have no intention of becoming acquainted.”
“Why?” Richard asked, without thinking. This was not the answer he expected, and he didn’t understand why she would go through so much trouble for something so simple. “Has the gentleman in question made inappropriate advances toward you?”
“Certainly not. I have never met him, and I intend to keep it that way. He is searching for a bride, and I have no wish to become one of his candidates.”
“I see.” Richard was amused. “May I ask who this completely unsuitable gentleman is?”
“The Marquis of Stone . . . something, I can’t remember exactly. From what I gathered through the whispers this evening, he has recently returned to London and is hoping to quickly take a wife.”
“The Marquis of Stonemede?” Richard asked, trying to keep the shock from his voice.
In all his life, he never imagined this would be the response he would receive from the debutantes when he started his bride search. He anticipated the opposite reaction and wondered how many other ladies shared her low opinion of him.
“Yes, do you know him?”
“I have heard of him,” Richard answered cautiously. “Exactly what about him do you find unsuitable?”
“I’m sure he is a perfectly acceptable choice for any lady present tonight, myself excluded. Part of my reason should be rather obvious.”
“What is the obvious part?” he asked, wishing he could ask her why she was the exception, but didn’t want to appear interested.
“Well, he is a marquis, not the son of a marquis or an heir, and considering the haste at which he wishes to marry, there can be only one explanation. He is so advanced in years he must marry quickly to sire an heir before it’s too late.”
She shuddered as she mentioned the heir, and Richard almost laughed at the absurdity of her unfounded theory. He could easily correct her assumption, but was reluctant to do so. It was best to leave her to her mistaken conclusion and stay away from her in the future. He was already fascinated enough, which made her dangerous.
“I suppose your reasoning does make some sense,” he agreed.
Brianna looked at him with such delight, but he could see vulnerability in the expression. Suddenly an unexpected urge to reach out and protect her engulfed him. Holding his arms tightly to his side, he hoped to discourage the compulsion.
She lightly touched his arm and, using every ounce of his willpower, he remained motionless. When she leaned toward him, her lips slightly parted. Richard almost lost it. He had never wanted a woman so badly. Everything within him shouted he could not have her, but he found himself fighting against it.
“I want to thank you for helping me back on the terrace,” she said softly. “I’m sorry for my improper behavior, but I’m very grateful you assisted me in spite of it.” As she spoke, her face came closer to his, and Richard’s body demanded he close the distance. Luckily, the nagging voice of reason continued. He cleared his throat and reluctantly took a small step back.
“Think nothing of it. You needed assistance, and I was happy to offer mine. Now, I believe I have detained you long enough. It would be wise to return to the ballroom before your absence is noticed by someone other than your mother.”
She didn’t appear to be bothered by his rejection, but since his logic was infallible, he imagined she understood he was left with no option but to retreat. After a brief hesitation, she nodded in agreement, backing away from him and removing her hand from his arm. Expecting relief at her withdrawal, he was surprised to discover disappointment came instead.
“I do hope we can meet again,” she replied with a beautiful smile, before she turned and made her way back to the ballroom.
Conflicted, he watched her walk away. He had no business thinking the things running through his mind, but he’d lost control over himself. One thing was for certain: He would have to set up defenses to ensure he never saw Brianna again.
Chapter 3
Brianna awoke late the next morning to the sound of the curtains being drawn. Since her maid obviously decided it was time to wake up, Brianna dragged herself out of bed. As she prepared for the day, her mind kept running over the events of the previous night. Again, the wondrous feelings swamped her as she remembered the sensation of Mr. Richard’s lips on hers.
Yesterday afternoon she’d wished for such a kiss, and he’d fulfilled her fantasy easily. The event held everything she anticipated and so much more. She sincerely hoped it would not be long before she could repeat the experience. Seeing her cheeks color in the looking glass, Brianna cast her thoughts from the kiss. She had no desire to unwittingly let her feelings be known.
Amazement filled her at the luck of finding a perfect candidate for a husband so quickly. Since Mr. Richard refused to be called “my lord,” Brianna deduced he had no title to flaunt and, judging from his reaction, he was distressed about it. Adding all the factors together, she came to a conclusion that sounded favorable to her. He must be a younger son, most likely penniless, and seeking to marry an heiress. Her parents never spoke of her dowry. However, knowing her father, it would be substantial. Brianna was quite content to offer herself to Mr. Richard as his heiress.
Once her maid left, she allowed herself another moment to daydream about her quiet cottage in the country before she made her way downstairs to face her mother and the inevitable questions. Her mother had been much too upset to speak with her the previous night, but she would have no reservations today. Sighing, Brianna opened the door and jumped to see Grace with her hand raised to knock. Grace smiled, then walked in and sat on the bed.
“Good morning, Bree. You slept much too late.”
“Yes, I suppose my good dreams were not quite ready to release me this morning.”
“Really? What were you dreaming about? Was there a handsome gentleman involved? I do enjoy a good love story.” Her sister anxiously leaned forward.
Brianna could not help the blush that colored her cheeks, but she was not about to confess anything to her fourteen-year-old sister.
“Did you come here this morning to ask of my dreams?” she asked, hoping Grace didn’t notice her blush.
“No, that is only a perk. Since I don’t remember most of my dreams, I could pretend your good ones are mine,” Grace replied with a teasing grin. “Actually, I came here to see if you were awake.”
“As you can see, I’m ready to make my way downstairs for breakfast. After a late night, I don’t imagine we will be seeing Mother for a while. Would you care to spend some time in the garden this morning, after we rid ourselves of the governess’s company, of course?”
“Normally I would be delighted, but Mother is awake. That is the other reason I’m here. From what I can tell, she rose early to speak with Father at breakfast while you were still asleep.”
“Why?” Brianna asked, feeling the cold fingers of dread encircle her neck.
The morning after a ball her mother always slept in and took her first meal in her bedchamber. This abnormal alteration in her schedule gave Brianna a sick feeling in the pit of her stomach, as this change didn’t bode well for her.
“I’m not exactly sure, but I overheard some of their discussion. I was about to enter the room, when I heard Mother say your name. Naturally, I kept back to hear the details.”
“And what exactly did you hear?” Brianna knew her sister planned to drag the story out for suspense, but she had no patience for her sister’s drama this morning.
“She was talking low, but I understood she was upset by something you did at the ball last night. She also mentioned a gentleman, but I didn’t hear a name. W
as he the one you were dreaming about? Tell me everything!” Grace exclaimed, bouncing on the bed.
Brianna felt sick as the icy fingers squeezed her throat. Instantly alarm shot through her body, and she dropped onto the bed beside her sister, waiting for the feeling to subside. They knew. Someone must have seen her with Mr. Richard last night and now her mother knew. The unusual silence in the carriage should have been a warning of the depth her mother’s anger. Now she devised a plot with Father, and Brianna was afraid to find out what punishment they contrived.
If Mr. Richard’s identity remained a mystery to them, her mother would relentlessly interrogate her until she divulged his name. Then Father would track him down to demand marriage. Knowing of Mr. Richard’s lack of title might deter her mother, but Brianna didn’t know for certain. Since she already considered the possibility of marrying him, she was not averse to the idea of taking him for a husband. However, she didn’t imagine a man forced into marriage would make a very accommodating husband.
Trying to keep her face blank as the opposing emotions swirled through her, she slowly cultivated her response. Grace was trustworthy and a confidant. Still, Brianna could not bring herself to admit what she had done. The fewer people who knew the truth, the better the chance of denying the accusation.
“I’m sorry, Grace, but there is nothing to tell. I have no idea of which gentleman mother is speaking, for I danced with a number of them. Is there anything else you heard? I don’t remember any one of them standing out above the rest.”
Grace eyed her critically and then, seemingly satisfied Brianna spoke the truth, she nodded.
“I did hear another thing of note, but it does not help determine which gentleman she referred to. For some reason, Mother and Father will not speak to you about it. They have decided to allow Miss Ashley to discuss it with you.”
“What? Did she say why?”
“No. At least not where I could hear.”
Furrowing her brows, Brianna paused to assess the new situation. Certainly they didn’t think the governess would have more success in discovering the details. Miss Ashley held no power over her and therefore didn’t have any leverage for negotiation. Although unable to understand the logic behind the decision, Brianna smiled, thinking of how convenient this had become. She only needed to bring Miss Ashley to see her side, then any information flowing to her mother would be well planned and edited.
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