His Perfect Bride

by Jenn Langston

  “Would you, Lady Brianna?” he asked, turning to face her.

  “Certainly, my lord.”

  Brianna took his offered arm, and they wordlessly strolled through the loud room to the immense doors leading outside to the garden. Lanterns and streamers hung throughout the plants, giving off a romantic atmosphere. Cutouts placed near the lights provided shadows of more creatures unknown to Brianna.

  As they walked along, Brianna noticed more potted plants and trees spaced around. Not only did the lush greenery add to the theme, it provided more secluded inlets than typically found in the garden. Richard led them deep down the path until they reached an area devoid of other guests. Then he turned to face her.

  “What do you think about the décor?” he asked.

  “I’m thoroughly impressed. I have never seen anything so foreign or extravagant.”

  “Lady Laramie has always been one to offer the most impressive entertainments of the Season.”

  “Have you attended one of her events before?”

  “For the past several years, I have made a point to attend. The lady is an exceptional hostess, for I have never known a guest to leave less than pleased.”

  “I see.” She turned to examine a sculpted snake fastened around a tree. Although exquisite, she could not muster enough interest to direct her attention to study the intricate facets. Her thoughts were focused on Richard and how she would tell him about the upcoming baby and her decision about their future.

  Feeling his warm hands on her shoulders, she relaxed, drawing upon his strength as if it were her own. When he turned her to face him, she didn’t hesitate to wrap her arms around his neck, urging his lips down to hers. He gathered her against him as their mouths melded together. She could taste his fiery passion and felt his heat seeping through her clothes, touching places reserved only for him.

  He broke the kiss much too soon, for she was willing to continue on much further. As he stepped back, he shook his head with a small smile on his lips. Belatedly she realized she should have put up some resistance to better keep some control. However, she always found it difficult to think of anything around him, particularly when he kissed her.

  Rubbing her hands down her dress to straighten the nonexistent creases, she took a moment to prepare herself for the upcoming conversation. The time had come, and she could no longer avoid it.

  “Richard, we need to talk.”

  “Have you come to a decision regarding my proposal?”

  “I have, but you must agree to hear me out before you reply.”

  “All right,” he growled.

  Her eyebrows shot up at his tone, but then she realized how he would translate her demand. He must believe she was going to refuse him again. Taking a deep breath, she looked directly into his piercing blue eyes and decided to assuage his concern before explaining her reasons.

  “I have decided to accept your suit.”

  Richard’s face betrayed his shock, but then a slow smile broke out across his face. A beautiful smile that gave her both joy and sadness. She desperately wanted to deserve the smile, but she only felt guilt.

  “You will marry me?” he questioned, as if he didn’t believe her first assertion.

  “Yes, but—” Her words were cut off as Richard suddenly grabbed her around the waist and swung her around. “Put me down at once. We must speak now.”

  “I’m sorry.” He put her back down on her feet. “I know I agreed to hear you out, and I intend to. Please, forgive my excitement.”

  “There is nothing to forgive,” Brianna assured, taking a few steps away from him.

  Needing the support, she opted to sit on the bench positioned under the hissing snake. After arranging her skirts, she raised her head, trying to present a calm front, but she could not cease wringing her hands. Her nerves could not be contained. His eyes trailed across her, then a worried frown replaced his smile. As he sat down beside her, he stilled her active hands and lifted her face.

  “What is the matter?” he asked.

  “It’s . . . well . . .” Taking another breath, she put her shoulders back and met his gaze. “I’m with child.”

  Richard’s brow straightened as his eyes widened. Then the corners of his mouth curled up. For a brief second she believed he would smile, but his face quickly fell as he shot up from the bench. She silently watched as he began pacing with his hands intertwined behind his back. The feeling of helplessness engulfed her, since she knew there was nothing she could say to calm him.

  “Is that why you agreed to my marriage proposal? Otherwise your answer would still have been no?” He stopped and raised a brow at her expectantly, then resumed pacing when she didn’t respond. “That is what I thought.”

  “You can’t blame me for this,” she contended in a shaky voice. Although she didn’t want him to know how much his anger hurt her, she was finding it difficult to conceal. She put her head down, unable to endure watching his furious pacing any longer.

  “I don’t blame you,” he promised, suddenly at her side. His finger gently lifted her chin until she faced him again. “I’m not angry because you are with child, but I am angry. If you can’t fathom why, then I don’t see fit to tell you.”

  “I don’t understand.” Brianna shook her head as his fingers fell from her face.

  His calm tone was not consistent with his words, and his light touch had her body contemplating leaning over and testing the magnitude of his temper.

  “Come along,” he commanded, standing and helping her to her feet. “I believe I have detained you long enough. It’s time to return you to your mother.”

  Brianna felt as though her heart was being squeezed in her chest, and breathing became a chore. She had not known what to expect from him, but she never imagined he would rescind his proposal in light of the circumstances.

  If they were to continue with the betrothal, there was much they needed to discuss and decide upon tonight. His lack of acknowledgment could only mean one thing. Although she didn’t want to anger him further, she needed to hear those words. If he chose not to marry her, she and her child would be shunned from society. Brianna shuddered at the thought of that bleak future.

  Drawing herself up, she reached out and lightly tugged on his arm. “Wait. We have more to discuss.”

  “It’s nothing that can’t wait until a later date.”

  “I disagree. I think it would be better for us both to speak now.”

  “Perhaps I’m not clear enough. At this moment, I have nothing more to say.”

  Her mouth dropped open. His eyes were hard, his words final. Closing her mouth, she strode past him, not caring if he followed. If he no longer desired anything from her, she still knew she would survive somehow.

  Once back in the ballroom, she pushed through the crowd, hoping to never lay eyes on Richard again.

  Richard stumbled down the steps of a club he never frequented. Although the caliber was lower than he was accustomed to, the club remained open all night and served his purposes well. Outside the dark street stretched before him, but considering he had no idea what time it was or where he was going, the long walk didn’t bother him.

  Earlier that night, after his illuminating talk with Brianna, he’d quickly lost his desire to stay at the ball. Not wishing to inconvenience his friend, he left a note for Greyson instructing him to take the carriage home whenever he was ready. Then Richard set out on foot. He had been in the miserable establishment behind him ever since. Only now, he longed for a change of scenery.

  His desire for company evaporated a while ago, but he didn’t want to deal with a meddlesome butler either. No doubt if he returned home now, Hopkins would look at him with those knowing eyes and ask his outwardly innocent questions until Richard gave him the whole story. No, he could not return home.

  The perfect solution struck him, and he increased his pace, anxious to achieve his destination. At this hour, Ravenhurst would be closed for the night, or if his assessment of the time was incorrect, at l
east it would be seeing fewer members. Greyson also would have sentries posted about, but none of them would be bothersome.

  At his pace, it didn’t take long before he was walking up the steps of Ravenhurst. His first assertion was correct, for the place was locked up for the night. Thankful for the foresight of bringing his key with him, he retrieved it from his pocket and entered the building.

  After nodding an acknowledgement to the posted guard, Richard navigated his way down the dark hallway of offices. The only light was a faint glow coming from under one of the doors. Considering this area was off limits to the employees, Richard suspected either Greyson neglected to extinguish a candle, or another break-in was in progress right under their noses.

  Kicking the door open, he was startled to see Greyson jumping up from the sofa and posed for a fight. Not seeing any signs of exhaustion or confusion on his friend’s face, Richard suspected Greyson had only recently arrived. The knowledge gave him a better idea of the hour.

  “Richard!” Greyson exclaimed. “What in God’s name are you doing here?”

  “I could ask you the same question. I thought it was understood you no longer need to spend all your time here.”

  “I prefer it this way.”

  “Always so stubborn,” Richard mumbled under his breath.

  “Exactly how much have you had to drink tonight?” Greyson wrinkled his nose in distaste before heading back to the sofa.

  Richard ignored the comment, and instead turned to the cabinet to fetch out a bottle of brandy. If he would have to tell Greyson his news, he needed the extra help.

  “That does not matter. This is a celebration.” Richard overfilled two glasses, then shoved one at Greyson, not taking care to avoid spilling. Once Greyson accepted it, Richard downed his drink and sat in a chair facing his friend.

  “What is the occasion?” Greyson inquired as he set his untouched glass on a side table and wiped his wet hand on his trousers.

  “We are toasting my marriage. Drink up.”

  “Marriage? To Lady Brianna, I assume.”

  “Of course.” Richard smiled sardonically. “Earlier this evening she agreed to become my marchioness. Are you not pleased for me?”

  “I would like to say I am, but I suspect there is a vital piece of information I’m missing.”

  “She is with child,” Richard explained emotionlessly, and ignored Greyson’s slow headshake. “As it so happens, it’s the only reason she accepted me.”

  “I see, and the father is . . .”

  Richard’s anger propelled him from the chair so quickly it thudded against the ground. “What exactly are you insinuating?”

  “Calm down, Richard,” Greyson directed in a bored tone. Then he leaned back and gave Richard a pointed look. “I’m merely asking a question. How can you expect me to know it was you who fathered the child?”

  “She is mine. No one else shall touch her.”

  “To that, I have no doubt. So, is Lady Brianna as happy and joyous as you are this evening?”

  “I would imagine so. Being forced to marry a man you have no desire to certainly is something to be joyous about.”

  Richard righted the chair and settled back. Honestly, he didn’t want to think about how Brianna felt at this moment. It was her feelings, or lack thereof, which increased his anger.

  “I could be wrong, but as an outsider observing the way you and Lady Brianna interact, I believe she harbors tender feelings for you. Especially considering the two of you, well, conceived a child together.”

  “You can only say that because you didn’t see the misery in her gaze when she told me.” Richard closed his eyes and sighed. “Tomorrow I’ll do the unthinkable. I’ll seal my fate and commit to marry a lady who detests me.”

  Chapter 14

  Two days following the Laramie ball, Richard found his outlook much improved. Pasting on a smile, he followed Ransley’s butler to the study to speak with Brianna’s father. Although he had not taken the time to talk with Brianna since that night, he knew they would still have to follow the proper procedures to avoid news of her condition being discovered. He had no idea how she managed to conceal it thus far but was pleased nonetheless.

  “Stonemede, please come in and have a seat,” Ransley offered. “I must say I was rather surprised to receive your missive this morning.” Then he slid a bottle of brandy out of his desk drawer. “Would you care for some?”

  “No, thank you. I’m pleased you were able to spare some time to speak with me.”

  “Anytime, for you were a great help to me at Ransley, and I’ll always offer my assistance to you in return.”

  “I appreciate that,” Richard replied, surprised yet happy the earl felt indebted to him. That tidbit of information made the outcome of this conversation more predictable.

  “What did you wish to see me about?”

  “I have come to ask for Lady Brianna’s hand in marriage.”

  The silence following was deafening. Ransley’s wide eyes stared at him as if the earl was not sure what to make of him. Considering the amount of time Richard spent with him, or more specifically with Brianna, he imagined a betrothal was expected or at least desired. Ransley slowly leaned back and narrowed his eyes.

  “Is my daughter aware of your intentions?” Ransley inquired.

  “Yes.” Richard kept calm, although he could not see the relevance of the question. Many men were promised a lady’s hand without her knowledge or assent.

  “And do you imagine she would be inclined to accept you?”

  “I’m unsure as to the purpose of this line of questioning. What exactly would you like to know?”

  “Nothing specific. I only want to see if you were aware of her standing in regard to you.”

  “I see,” Richard drew out, although he still didn’t understand the rationale behind it.

  “If you know what you are up against, then I’ll grant you my permission. However, you must obtain Brianna’s acceptance first. I’m not convinced of her response, and I would hate to go against her wishes should she have strong feelings against you.”

  Richard relaxed in the chair as relief washed over him. Since Brianna had already agreed to become his wife, he knew there would be no problems in that area. “I do have one more request.”

  “Which is?” Ransley’s amused smile made Richard wonder what was going through the man’s mind.

  “I would like to call the banns this Sunday and have the wedding soon after that.”

  “May I ask what your reason is for the rush?”

  “I’m anxious to return to Stonemede. My steward was not properly trained, and I fear he is causing more problems rather than solving them.”

  “Ah, I’m sorry to hear that. A good steward is worth his weight in gold. Well, considering the circumstances, I don’t see a problem moving things along faster than tradition dictates.”

  “I appreciate it. Now, if you don’t mind, I would like to speak with Lady Brianna.”

  “Not at all.” Ransley waved his hand to the door, then quietly muttered, “Good luck.”

  After exiting the room, Richard heard the man’s laughter following him. Working hard to ignore the earl, he went off to search for someone to direct him to Brianna. Luckily the butler was near the front door and led him to the garden were Brianna strolled.

  Unsure of which section to locate her, he wandered through the exquisite flowers, unconcerned about the light mist dusting his clothing. Although not his favorite weather, something about the smell of the rain mixed with the scent of the flowers was incredibly pleasant. Much to his surprise, he found he enjoyed walking through the garden in the rain.

  After following several paths to their ends, he caught sight of a pale blue color, too large to be a flower. Rounding the corner, he saw Brianna sitting upon a bench with her eyes closed. Since she was leaning backward on her hands, her breasts pushed forward in a pleasing manner. His mouth dried. Tearing his eyes from the display, he noticed her slightly raised head all
owed the cool droplets to drift onto her face. He envied those droplets.

  “Good afternoon, Brianna,” he whispered, not wanting to spoil the perfection of the moment.

  Her eyes widened as she sat up, putting her body into a more proper position. “Lord Stonemede, I didn’t expect to see you here.”

  “It’s not necessary for you to use such formal address with your betrothed.”

  “Thank you for the lesson. I shall remember that in the future, when I achieve such a status.”

  “Have you forgotten so quickly?” Richard put his hand across his chest in mock outrage. “Two nights ago, you accepted my suit, and I have already received your father’s blessings. How could you not remember we are betrothed?”

  “You spoke to my father?” Brianna shot to her feet. “How dare you speak with him without consulting me first?” Her glorious anger ignited his, but he took a deep breath and worked to reclaim his calm demeanor.

  “That isn’t the natural progression of things, and, regardless, you already agreed to marry me,” Richard reminded her. “I don’t see a point in arguing about this, particularly since neither one of us have a choice in the matter.”

  “You are wrong, I do have choices,” she argued, tears welling up in her eyes. “And I had chosen you.”

  She was right, she did have options, but marrying him was the only one that made any sense. Without his name and support, she would not have an easy life. Richard took in every inch of her, from the stubborn set of her jaw to her balled up fists. She was a fighter, and he had no illusions she would survive with or without him. He also knew she would not choose him if she was completely averse to the idea.

  “You already know where I stand,” he responded, willing her to see his sincerity.

  “Has that not changed?” she asked, her eyes brimming with hope.

  “That would be impossible. I still wish to marry you, and I wish to do it soon.”

  “Why then were you angry when we last spoke? If you would have stayed, we could have discussed it then, and I could have had my father prepared, or at least I could have been prepared.”