His Perfect Bride

by Jenn Langston

  “Do you intend to throw anything else at me?” he asked calmly.

  “No, it’s not satisfying when the object does not cause pain or, at the very least, break on impact.” She felt less angry and more resigned to her fate. She only wished she understood why this had to happen.

  “I’m glad to hear it. However, if you do wish to break something, I will not fault you.”

  “What happened?” she blurted out miserably. “Why did you lie to me?”

  “It was never my intention for anything to happen this way.” He explained. “At first the lie seemed necessary, for I imagined our first kiss to be a marriage trap. Then after that, when I realized . . . it was much too late.”

  “I see.” Although she understood the necessity of the initial lie, at least in his eyes, she still could not understand why he continued it. He was standing there, only a couple of feet in front of her, appearing concerned and impossibly beautiful. Even after what he had done to her, she still longed for him and the life she could have had with him.

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t want to lie, and I never meant to hurt you.”

  “I think I should leave now.” She simply could not handle his apology.

  He stood unmoving as she walked toward the door. At the last minute, he reached out and grabbed her arm, turning her to face him.

  “This does not change anything between us,” he said, sternly. His eyes bored into her as if demanding she accept his words.

  Unable to respond, she jerked her arm back and stepped away from him.

  He was wrong; this changed everything. She could no longer consider him for marriage as she refused to become a marchioness. He could try to force her, but she would prevent any steps he took. She needed time to think and devise a plan. Everything would be fine. She could figure this out as long as she stayed far away from him.

  Richard gratefully left his study and hurried to the drawing room. It was finally time for his walk through the gardens with Brianna, and his anxiousness to see her again overwhelmed. When he discovered her in his bedchamber earlier, he could not have been more pleased. He found her fit of anger charming and her unpredictability enticing.

  After his unsuccessful apology, he knew he needed to earn her forgiveness. When she left him alone in his bedchamber, it became painfully obvious she didn’t fully understand his side of the situation. She already accepted him, and he would not rest until she was his wife.

  Full of anticipation, Richard arrived in the drawing room only to be disappointed when he discovered Brianna absent. In her place, seated on the edge of a chair, was a somewhat familiar girl. She had a nondescript face and plain brown hair, nothing like the stunning contrast of Brianna’s pale face and black hair. Standing beside Brianna, he imagined this girl would become invisible, although, by herself, Richard decided she was not unattractive. Noticing his arrival, she quickly stood, wringing her hands in a nervous gesture.

  “Good afternoon, my lord,” she said.

  “Good afternoon. I’m sorry to disturb you. I was looking for Lady Brianna.”

  “Lady Brianna sent me here. She isn’t feeling well, and when I went to see her, she requested I accompany you in her place.” She didn’t look at him in the eye and stumbled on her words.

  “Did she say anything else?” he asked calmly. If Brianna thought she could hide from him, she was sorely mistaken.

  “Only that she knew you were looking forward to your walk, and she had no desire to rob you of a female companion.”

  Richard forced out a charming smile while fighting the urge to leave this unequal replacement to seek out Brianna. She must have chosen this girl because of a friendship they shared, so he decided she may prove useful to him. Sighing to himself, he offered her his arm.

  “That was very thoughtful of her. I would be honored if you would agree to accompany me on a stroll through the gardens.”

  “I would be delighted, Lord Stonemede.”

  “I do apologize, but I have recently met quite a few people, and I’m unable to recall your name.”

  “I understand, for I imagine you have been overwhelmed with introductions. I’m Miss Jillian Luthor.”

  “It’s nice to meet you again, Miss Luthor.”

  They walked in silence for a while with her chaperone trailing behind. When they were among the glorious gardens, Richard found himself relaxing, allowing the beauty to surround him. He had always been proud of Stonemede, and he enjoyed the opportunity to show it off, although he preferred to share this with Brianna, since the estate would one day be her home.

  Miss Luthor seemed delighted by the scenery, so Richard gladly pointed out the more exotic flowers and plants. She was well educated regarding the different species, and he surprisingly learned some facts from her. Although there was not a lull in the conversation, his mind continually drifted back to Brianna. He was anxious to direct the discussion to her, but didn’t want to be rude.

  “It’s a shame Lady Brianna could not come. She would have been delighted to see this beauty,” Miss Luthor commented, as if reading his mind.

  “Then I shall have to make an effort to be available when she feels better. Did she mention what in particular is ailing her?” He tried to make it sound like a polite inquiry.

  “No, and I didn’t wish to pry, for she is a dear friend. Since she chose not to confide in me, I would hate for her to feel obligated.”

  “Are the two of you very close?”

  “Yes, although we do have different notions about things.”

  “I’m not sure I understand what you mean.”

  “She has some unusual ideas about matters,” she replied cryptically.

  He didn’t know if Miss Luthor’s evasiveness was on purpose, or if she hoped to discourage him from forming an interest in Brianna.

  “What ideas are you referring to?” he asked, portraying mild interest.

  “I’m sorry, but I should not be talking about her. Please, pretend I didn’t speak. I would hate to say things that could be passed on behind her back.”

  “I have never been in the habit of sharing information given to me in confidence.” He didn’t want to sound desperate, but he hated to lose an opportunity to learn more about Brianna.

  “I appreciate that.” She smiled widely at him. “I do hate gossip as well.”

  He smiled back at her. She misunderstood his promise for discretion, but, regardless, he imagined she would not be amenable to imparting her knowledge of Brianna. Knowing he would be unable to gain anything more from this outing, he escorted Miss Luthor back to the drawing room.

  Once he left her to her chaperone, he withdrew to his study. Most of his mother’s guests had already departed, so he would not be expected to entertain much longer. He understood his mother only invited a few ladies and their chaperones to stay the night. Although he had not received a moment to ask, he hoped Brianna had been selected.

  Settling back into his desk chair, he let out a sigh. He wanted to speak with Brianna but knew she would not be willing to give him the opportunity. If she claimed an illness the remainder of her time here, he knew London would not offer them the same privacy awarded at Stonemede.

  A knock at the door gave him a reprieve from his thoughts, and he called out, granting entrance. As his mother entered, he smiled, grateful for the distraction.

  “Good afternoon, Mother, did your guests enjoy themselves?”

  “Not as much as I expected. When I invited them to Stonemede for a tea party, they did expect you to be present the majority of the time.”

  “I suspected my unmarried state was a factor in their decision to visit, but surly not the only reason. Have you and Elizabeth been enjoying your time?”

  “Don’t change the subject. I thought I made it clear you are not here to work on estate business this weekend. Has the lady of your choosing already returned to London, or were you altogether unhappy with my choices?” Her eyebrows wrinkled in concern.

  “No, the ladies are fine. I have simpl
y been a little distracted as of late. However I’ll do my best to give your remaining guests my full attention.”

  “That is all I ask. Now, as I told you before, I have invited a few ladies to stay the night, so I do expect each one to receive sufficient time from you.”

  “Which ladies have you offered accommodations?” Richard kept his tone indifferent, while inside his body shook.

  “Well, I have asked Shannon Luthor, Francine Kamins, and Rachel Denton, and naturally their daughters will stay as well.”

  “I see,” Richard said, pleased with the thought of having Brianna in his house all night.

  “Did you know the suggestion of having a tea was Rachel’s idea? She has been such a dear friend, thinking of me stuck here all this time. It’s a shame her daughter has been feeling unwell. Were you at least able to meet her?”

  “I did before she fell ill.”

  “I hope you did nothing to facilitate her sickness, for she appeared perfectly fit when she arrived in the drawing room.”

  “Thinking over our brief conversation, I don’t believe it was anything I said.” He knew what he neglected to say caused the offense.

  “I hope it’s a temporary affliction, for dinner will be served soon, and it will be delightful. I do hope everyone enjoys the meal.”

  “I’m positive everyone will have a wonderful time,” he assured her with a smile.

  “Well, I have spent enough time here. I must see to our guests. I shall see you at dinner.”

  Richard closed his eyes and leaned back in his chair, relieved he would have more time to attempt to speak with Brianna. With the insistence he spend equal time with each lady, his mother would certainly be his ally if he wished. At the moment, he still hoped to get to her on his own terms, for considering Brianna’s reservations, he was not ready to make his courtship a group affair.

  Without an obligatory knock, the door swung open. Elizabeth walked in and sat on the chair directly in front of him. She looked bored. Aside from her youthful looks, she was almost an exact copy of his mother, and the comparison struck him as odd, seeing her in the chair his mother had recently vacated.

  Unlike his mother, Elizabeth’s blond hair flowed loosely, nearly touching her shoulders, and she held mischief in her eyes. A sight Richard was familiar with, and one he cringed to see. It made him as anxious as she for her to finish her Season in London. Once she married, it would be up to her husband to curb her wild tendencies, as he looked forward to doing with Brianna.

  “Hello, Richard, what are you doing in here? Are you trying to hide from all of Mother’s guests, or is it one in particular you are trying to avoid?” she questioned.

  “I’m not hiding. I’m working. What about you? Are you hiding from the guests or Mother?”

  “Actually, I came here to talk to you, although hiding certainly is a benefit.”

  “What are you trying to escape from? I was under the impression you were anxious to attend gatherings and socialize with other ladies.”

  “I do wish to go to gatherings, so I may converse and flirt with gentlemen. Not suffer around a group of ladies whose only desire is to see you. You are the only reason why any of them accepted Mother’s invitation. After all, who could pass up quality time with a marquis?”

  “I’m sure that was the motivating factor for some, but I’m also sure a number of them had the desire to visit with you and Mother during your time of mourning,” Richard contested, although he imagined his sister had the right of it.

  “Regardless, I didn’t come here to talk about me. I wish to speak about someone else, a Lady Brianna Denton.”

  “What about her?” Richard’s body tensed. He could not allow his face to betray his shock at his sister’s notice of Brianna, considering how little time she spent out of her room.

  “Did you know her mother was the one who suggested this gathering in the first place?”

  “Yes.”

  “Do you not find that odd?” She paused for his response. Richard shrugged, so she continued. “Have you been acquainted with her before today?”

  “I don’t see how that is your concern.”

  “I’m simply trying to understand the strange exchange between the two of you in the drawing room.”

  “We spoke briefly, I believe, as I had with every other invited guest.” He felt his temper rise. Elizabeth had no business in his associations, and he would not allow this to continue. “As this isn’t your affair, I demand to know what your purpose is with this interrogation.”

  Elizabeth sighed and rolled her eyes before responding. “When you walked into the room, I saw her staring at you with love shining in her eyes. That part was not unusual, as you received the same look from every other guest.”

  “I still don’t see a point to this.”

  “Well, unlike the other ladies, her demeanor changed once you approached her. She appeared quite angry. Then even more confusing was her reaction once you left her.”

  “Which was?” he could not stop himself from asking.

  “It was as if you broke her heart. Very odd, and I’m simply wondering why.”

  “I’m not sure why you are asking me to clarify someone else’s emotions.” He tried to dispel the image of Brianna’s face twisted in pain by his betrayal.

  “I’m not. I want you to hear all the facts, especially the ones you missed, to see if you come up with the same conclusion as I,” Elizabeth explained, raising her hands in the air as if he were daft.

  Trying not to roll his eyes in frustration, he decided this charade would not end until his sister had a chance to speak her mind. “Please enlighten me.”

  “I think she is setting a marriage trap. Her mother planned it out with Stonemede as the perfect location, and she even brought her own witnesses to catch you. The girl is obviously in love with you, so she easily went along with her mother’s plan. I’m only looking out for you, and I think you should be on your guard with those two.”

  Richard was speechless. Although he would love to believe his sister, he knew she was wrong. He could not have imagined a more absurd explanation for his interaction with Brianna earlier. The urge to laugh engulfed him, but since his sister was trying to watch out for him, he had no desire to hurt her feelings. Whatever her motivations, she did this for his benefit, and that was certainly a new experience for him.

  “I appreciate your concern, but Lady Brianna and her mother are not planning a marriage trap for me.”

  “Richard, don’t discount them because they are women. Women are more ruthless than men.” Her eyes pleaded with him to accept her theory.

  “I’m not discounting them. I’m simply stating a fact. In addition, if Lady Brianna wished to marry me, she need not go to such lengths. I would go willingly,” he replied, having decided it was the only way to end his sister’s argument.

  Elizabeth’s mouth fell open, and she stared at him in disbelief. It was not the reaction he expected, but recently, for some unexplained reason, the women in his life were taking perverse pleasure in not showing the proper responses.

  “You have already decided? When did this happen? Does Mother know?”

  “I made my decision some time ago, and Mother does not know, nor does she need to at this time.”

  “Why not?” she questioned, then smiled in delight. “Lady Brianna does not know of your intentions yet?”

  “She does not,” Richard admitted, not willing to disclose Brianna knew of his intentions before she became aware of his true identity. He trusted his sister to keep the knowledge to herself, though she need not know all the details of the situation.

  “I’m confused. If you have decided upon her, why do you not ask for her hand? Mother, for one, will be overjoyed.”

  “It’s more complicated than that, as things often are. Regardless, the point is the same. Lady Brianna is currently unwilling to accept my suit.”

  “How is that possible? I didn’t think there was an unwed lady in England who was not hoping to become yo
ur marchioness.”

  “Apparently there is one, and I have had the misfortune to find her.”

  “That is very unfortunate indeed,” she mumbled, shaking her head while looking sad. “If she is averse to your suit, then there is no use dwelling on her. Do you have an idea of who you are going to pursue next?”

  Richard could not believe what she suggested. He would not hear of giving up on Brianna. He didn’t want anyone else. He wanted her. Although unpredictable and infuriating, he knew with time she would learn to behave properly, and they would deal well together. He would use all means within his power to make her see reason and accept him. There was no room for failure and no contingency plan. He would have Brianna.

  “No one else will do. I don’t intend to surrender simply because fate has placed a challenge in my path. I’ll give the matter my full attention, and I will succeed.”

  “If that is truly how you feel about her, then you have secured my help,” she pronounced, her face brightening. “I’ll befriend her and slowly encourage her to accept you.”

  Although he had no desire for his sister to learn of his deception, he would need someone he could trust to be in Brianna’s confidence. For the first time since seeing Brianna in the drawing room, hope welled up from within.

  “I believe it sounds like we have a plan,” Richard said with a slow smile.

  Chapter 8

  Brianna lifted another forkful of food to her mouth, placed it on her tongue, and forced herself to chew. She had no idea how it tasted as her stomach rolled in too much turmoil to notice. She had hoped to avoid the ordeal of dinner, but her mother insisted she be present. Luckily, she had been seated between her mother and Jillian, so she was not prevailed upon to speak much. Still, she could not rid herself of Richard’s gaze.

  Trying to ignore him proved difficult and expended a great effort, so she gave up. As long as she could avoid making eye contact, she decided not to deny herself the sight of him. Knowing he was a marquis had not changed her desire for him. Tonight, sitting at the head of the table in his dinner attire, he certainly appeared to be comfortable with the part of a lord. The adoration she’d noticed on the other ladies’ faces only made him seem more powerful.