His Perfect Bride

by Jenn Langston

  “I’m not certain.” Jillian pressed her lips in a tight line.

  “The information shall not be passed on from me. I simply don’t wish for my mother to grant him dances with me if he should be avoided.” Brianna widened her eyes in sincerity. It was obvious Jillian knew more than she let on, and Brianna’s curiosity always got the best of her.

  “Well, as I said, I’m not certain,” Jillian replied hesitantly. “However, I have heard his father cut him off, so he is penniless. It’s also said that he is anxious to find an heiress to set himself up and prove his worth to his father.”

  Brianna swiveled back toward the gentleman in question to see him through new eyes. His financial situation suited her perfectly, as well as his good looks. He didn’t appear powerfully exciting or as devilishly handsome as Mr. Richard, but he had a certain charm, which appealed to her. She could not be certain if pity or admiration brought it on, but, regardless, she was happy to have two candidates to consider. Her next task was to spend as much time as possible with them to determine which one, if either, would be more suitable.

  Excusing herself from Jillian, Brianna slowly edged away from her mother. With an innocent expression, she headed in the gentleman’s direction, keeping her pace slow as to not betray her goal. Stopping a few feet from him, she took a deep breath, smiled, then turned and went up to him.

  “Excuse me, I have misplaced my dance card, and I don’t wish for my mother to find out. Would you mind partnering me in this dance, so she will not be suspicious?”

  His mouth popped open, then turned to a smile. “I would be honored.”

  “Thank you,” Brianna said politely with a coy smile.

  “I’m Gregory Locke. May I have the pleasure of your name?” he asked, after executing the first steps of the dance.

  “I’m Lady Brianna Denton. I apologize for the improper introduction. My mother would be quite upset if she noticed me sitting out,” she expertly lied.

  Mr. Gregory laughed, apparently delighted by her brazenness. “How are you enjoying the Season?”

  “I like the parties and dancing very much. What about you? Have you found the debutantes to your liking?” she asked, hoping to keep the conversation away from pleasantries.

  “They all seem quite agreeable. You, however, are the first one to ask me to dance.”

  Brianna blushed, not sure if he intended the remark as a compliment or not. As the dance steps separated them, she took the time to determine her response. Examining him more closely, she noticed he was not the most skilled dancer, but he did appear to be trying. His lack of technique didn’t bother her, for his good looks gave her leave to excuse a small flaw or two. He raised a brow, waiting for her reply. Still unsure, she kept quiet.

  “I’m glad you asked me,” he said with a boyish smile that called her to smile back.

  As the song ended, Mr. Gregory hesitated, and she realized he didn’t know who to return her to. Then she became aware of the dilemma; she didn’t know who he should return her to either. Alarm prickled her skin. Her mother was sure to disapprove and could potentially say something so Mr. Gregory would see through her flimsy excuse to dance with him.

  Inwardly sighing in relief, she saw her father exiting the card room, so she motioned for Mr. Gregory to take her to him. Stopping a few steps from her father, Mr. Gregory turned to her.

  “Lady Brianna, it was a pleasure,” he said, bowing.

  “Thank you for the dance, Mr. Gregory. I do hope we can share another in the future.” She kept her voice low, hoping her father could not overhear her words.

  Mr. Gregory gave her a strange look in response, making her feel slightly uncomfortable, but he quickly masked it with a smile before walking away. Turning to her father, she prepared for a lecture, but he only shook his head and offered his arm.

  “I’m sorry, Father, but with the number of guests, we were unable to locate Mother.”

  “Then allow me to escort you. I’m sure she will be fascinated to hear of your dance with Gregory Locke. Although I know you will soon hear it from her, I must say he is unsuitable for you. For you and your mother’s well being, you should stay away from him.”

  “I understand, Father,” she replied obediently.

  Her father didn’t have any idea what was good for her, and she had no intention of staying away from Mr. Gregory, at least not until she discovered if he would suit her or not.

  Over the next several gatherings, Brianna managed to spare a considerable amount of time for Mr. Gregory. He appeared to be a decent gentleman, and she found she enjoyed his company. Fortunately, she also avoided the impending meeting with the Marquis of Stonemede, much to her mother’s displeasure. She sincerely hoped by the time the introduction took place, he would have already secured his bride, and she would have nothing to fear from him or her mother.

  Her luck had not been all good, however. She had also been unable to locate Mr. Richard, regardless of which event she attended. She had even gone so far as to take several trips to Hyde Park throughout the day and shopped incessantly, hoping to catch sight of him. With how well things were progressing with Mr. Gregory, she had hoped to cast Mr. Richard from her thoughts, but she found it impossible. There was something about him, and although their two encounters had been brief, they stood out in her mind.

  This obsession with him finally caused her to recruit some unwilling help. Ashley had been extremely reluctant to offer assistance until Brianna mentioned knowledge of her relationship with James. Since Brianna had begun to view Ashley as her friend, she had not wished to force her to cooperate, but desperation clawed at her, and she needed help from both Ashley and James.

  Brianna shoved the needle deep into her needlework, then disgustedly tossed it aside. Why was Mr. Richard making this so difficult for her? Ashley gave her a concerned look and then put her own needlework aside as well.

  “Lady Grace, that is beautiful. You have done a fine job today, and I believe you have earned a break.” Ashley turned to Grace with a warm smile.

  Seeing the joy such simple praise gave her sister, Brianna could not resist smiling, pleased they had not gone forward with their plan to run Ashley off.

  “Thank you, Miss Ashley. I didn’t think I would enjoy needlework this much.”

  “I’m glad to hear you are enjoying yourself. As I told you before, you will never know if you are partial to something if you don’t try it first.”

  “I understand that now.”

  “Good, now I believe Cook has prepared some of her muffins. Why not ask her for one?”

  “That is a good idea. Are you coming, Bree?”

  “Could you save me some? I believe I need more practice before my needlework looks as perfect as yours. Besides, I don’t suppose Miss Ashley will allow me a break until I have at least made an effort to achieve perfection.”

  “That is true,” Ashley assured Grace.

  “Well, I’ll be in the kitchen if you are ever released. However, I can’t promise I shall save you any.” Grace’s smile was mischievous as she turned and left the room before Brianna could comment.

  “What is wrong?” Ashley asked her as soon as the door closed. Brianna simply gave her a desperate look in response, to which Ashley sighed. “It’s Mr. Richard, is it not? Please tell me again why he is so important.”

  “As I said before, I really can’t describe it. I have only seen him those two times, but I, well, I guess I miss him.” Brianna placed her hands over her face, feeling miserable.

  “How could you possibly miss someone you don’t know?”

  “I can’t say. All I know is that I feel something different for him.” Brianna removed her hands and sat back in her chair, thinking of the wondrous feelings that swamped her when she was around him.

  “If he feels the same for you, he will eventually show up, and this nightly errand for James will prove pointless. Perhaps your Mr. Richard has been called off to an estate in the country,” Ashley suggested, hope infusing her words.
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br />   “I don’t believe so. He has no title and most likely no estate.”

  “James has been monitoring different gentlemen’s clubs each night for an entire week, to no avail. What makes you think he is going to find him?”

  “Most gentlemen frequent those clubs, and if Mr. Richard decides to, James will find him,” Brianna declared with more faith than she felt.

  It had been James’ idea to check the clubs each night, and Brianna had agreed with his logic. Ashley had not liked the idea, but James seemed excited to go on surveillance. Describing him to James had been difficult, but luckily her love of painting served them well and she easily created a likeness.

  “What about Mr. Gregory? I know your mother would not approve of either gentlemen, but you seem to be getting along quite well with him,” Ashley pointed out.

  “If I had never met Mr. Richard, I imagine I would be happy with Mr. Gregory, but I feel . . .” Brianna cut off, unable to describe the incredible way she had felt when she had been in Mr. Richard’s arms, nor could she say how her heart fluttered when he smiled at her. The incredible feeling astounded her, and she wanted to see if the occurrence would repeat, or if it had all been her imagination.

  “You feel what exactly?”

  “I can’t describe my reaction, but I imagine it’s similar to how you feel when you are near James. What if he is my James? How can I stay here not attempting to locate him, when I could be out there finding him?”

  “I do see what you mean. However, I don’t believe this search will prove fruitful.”

  There was a knock at the door and both girls quieted. They had been careless by not keeping their voices low. Brianna groaned. Whoever was at the door might have heard their entire conversation and could report back to her mother. Ashley called for them to enter and Brianna waited, holding her breath to see who her potential executioner was. Nearly collapsing in relief, she let out her breath when she saw James.

  “Hello, ladies. I’m not interrupting anything, am I?”

  “No, we were only speaking of Mr. Richard again,” Ashley explained, allowing her disapproval to show.

  “That is why I came. I’m happy to report I have finally found him.”

  Richard sat in the back of his carriage with his eyes closed. Tonight he was meeting Greyson and Jonathan at the club to discuss the information he had acquired regarding the two new applicants. He had put more of his time and efforts into gathering this information than into his bride search, and he didn’t want to think about what that meant.

  After his solicitor had informed him Lady Brianna Denton was the daughter of an earl and equipped with a sizable dowry, he found his excuses for avoiding her becoming more insubstantial.

  Attempting to forget her, he had attended gatherings and danced as well as engaged in many inane conversations. Honestly, Richard could not understand how anyone was expected to pick out a bride at events such as these. The only way to become more acquainted with a lady was to call upon her at home or invite her out for a chaperoned outing. Unfortunately, that would require him to be able to choose one worthy of the attention in the first place.

  He remembered how he had recently remarked how similar all the ladies were and, after many nights of frivolous chatter, he could not agree with his assessment more. There was only one exception to the statement, and he was doing his best to avoid her. Although he had not seen her in quite some time, Lady Brianna still taunted him with her bewitching smile and kissable lips.

  Feeling the carriage stop, he gratefully accepted the ability to temporarily cast her from his mind. As he exited, he saw both Greyson and Jonathan waiting for him outside the club. Being the last to arrive had its advantages, since his mind would not have an opportunity to wander back to her. Richard almost made it across the street when he heard the taunting voice and froze. It could not be her. It was not possible.

  “Mr. Richard,” Lady Brianna called again as he slowly turned to face her with narrowed eyes.

  “Lady Brianna, what on earth are you doing here?” he asked, feeling his anger rising at the danger she placed herself in by being out so late.

  “I have come to see you.” She offered him a beautiful smile. “I have not seen you in quite some time, and I decided to change that.” Her words were calm, as if approaching a man she hardly knew was natural for her, in the dead of night, no less. He had so many emotions flooding him, and he could not make any sense of them.

  “Richard, why do you not introduce us to your comely friend there?” Jonathan had moved closer than Richard had realized.

  It was obvious from Jonathan’s tone he mistook Lady Brianna’s position within society. Although he could understand the assumption, he could not stop the anger and protectiveness toward her that his friend’s words invoked.

  “I shall catch up with you two later,” Richard called out over his shoulder as he took Lady Brianna’s arm and ushered her toward his carriage, hoping the Stonemede crest would not be noticeable in the dark.

  “Where are we going?” she asked, apparently oblivious to the potentially dangerous situation she was in.

  What if it had not been him she had found? What if it had been Jonathan? Richard repressed a shudder at all the possibilities and quickly put her into his carriage. He gave the driver the address he had gained from his solicitor before climbing in after her.

  “I’m taking you home.” He belatedly realized he had allowed anger to coat his words. Softening his voice, he added, “Now, tell me what this is all about.”

  “Well . . .” she started, sounding embarrassed. “After the ball, I had been hoping to have another opportunity to see you. Then the next day, well, following that, I never saw you again. I just knew I had to find you.” Her words were jumbled as her explanation was not well thought out, but the way she said it made him want to smile. However, the urge vanished almost as quickly as he felt it.

  “So you thought you would do something reckless and dangerous?”

  “I took precautions. My footman, James, came with me and—”

  “Really? Where was he when I took you and put you in my carriage? Where is he now that you are here alone with me?”

  “That is irrelevant. I don’t need him now. I have you to protect me.”

  Her trusting smile both elated and enraged him. How could she unwittingly put herself in so much danger? Although he would never harm her, she had no way of knowing that. She needed to be taught some self-preservation. She needed a lesson.

  “What makes you think I’m not dangerous?”

  Without giving her a chance to respond, Richard pulled her toward him and violently took her lips. He kissed her with all the passion he had been holding back. Feeling the necessity to leave his mark on her, he slid her across the small space until she was seated on his lap.

  His need to teach her a harsh lesson about men quickly turned into desire as his body stirred with the feeling of a willing woman against him. Her hands sifted through his hair, tugging and encouraging him further. Forcing himself to be gentle, he slowed the attack on her mouth and began rubbing her back until, of its own volition, his hand found her breast. She froze, and Richard knew he had gone too far. Yet as he expertly stroked her sensitive flesh through the cotton of her dress, she began to melt against him.

  Feeling the carriage jerk to a stop, Richard eased himself back. Breathing heavily, he gently set her back in the seat. He had not intended for things between them to become more complicated, but her naivety pushed him too far. She sat very still, looking back at him with those trusting eyes, as her swollen lips mocked him.

  Richard calmed himself down, for here, at her father’s home, she was safe; safe from everyone, including him. Although he craved her with a fervor unknown to him, he refused to ruin her, and as he had no intention of marrying her, she was unattainable.

  “Now do you comprehend the danger you put yourself in?” Richard demanded, pleased his voice didn’t betray the desire coursing through his body.

  �
�Not danger, not from you,” she replied, her confidence in him unfounded. “However, I do understand your point. Very well delivered, I must admit.”

  Richard paused, indecision raking him. On one hand, he reveled in the trust she placed in him, but the fact she would take such a risk to see him told quite a tale. On the other, pure and simple anger burned through him. She had put her trust in someone who had not earned it, and, therefore, could potentially harm her. A moment ago, his lack of control proved his unsuitability for a position to protect her. However, relief infused him that she had picked him instead of the alternative.

  “I suppose that will have to do. You are very fortunate I’m not the type of man who would take advantage of your naivety. I’ll expect you not to attempt anything so foolish in the future.”

  “I see.” She turned her face from him. “Perhaps you are right. Coming to you was a mistake.”

  Too late, he saw the hurt in her eyes, and he silently cursed himself, feeling like a cad. It had not been his intention to hurt her, but she seemed oblivious to the precarious position she put herself in. Normally he would consider himself charming, but he found his charm was not as forthcoming with this infuriating lady. The urge to shake her grew overwhelming.

  “Lady Brianna,” he said, turning her face back to his. “I’m simply concerned for your well-being. I would hate to see any harm come to you.”

  “I understand,” she said, appearing so embarrassed and sad that Richard longed to comfort her.

  “Thank you for going through the trouble to locate me. I don’t believe anyone has desired my company more or acted with more bravery than you.” Richard could not tell her how much he had craved her company as well.

  “You are welcome. I do apologize for disturbing your evening, and I assure you, it will not happen again in the future.” The sadness was still evident in her eyes. He knew of only one way to remove it, but at what cost? How much time could he afford to spend with her before he became too fascinated to leave?