His Perfect Bride

by Jenn Langston

  Moving back to the looking glass, she studied her reflection. The light green wedding gown picked up the green notes in her eyes quite well. She stroked her hands over the intricate lace covering the bodice before reaching up to contain another loose strand of hair.

  Martha had outdone herself today, teasing Brianna’s hair into a fashionable coiffure. Unfortunately, her hair lacked the ability to stay in place for long. Regardless, the style was more elaborate than she needed, but her mother had insisted she dress up for her new station in life. She only hoped Richard would be pleased.

  The knock at the door forced Brianna’s heart into her throat, and she lost the ability to breathe. Closing her eyes, she concentrated on allowing calm to flow through her body. After slowly crossing the room, she opened the door and saw her father waiting for her.

  “You look ravishing, my dear,” he complimented. “Everything is prepared for your arrival. Are you ready?”

  Not trusting herself to speak, she nodded and took his arm. Her breath returned, but it seemed to be increasing with each step she took closer toward the doors. As they were pulled open, she gasped at the beautiful sight before her. Her nerves forgotten, she allowed her artistic eyes to take over.

  Flowers of every color brightened up the normally dark pews. She inhaled deeply, enjoying their scent as much as their beauty. The flowers were not the only decoration she was drawn to, but the guests themselves were something to behold. They provided a myriad of colors and textures all lined up for her to examine.

  Smiling, she scanned the remainder of the room until her eyes fell upon Richard. His face was alight with pleasure, and the very sight of him made her breath catch in her throat. Everything in the church paled in comparison to his brilliance. She no longer had any desire to look upon anything but him.

  Once arriving at his side, she forced her gaze away from him to the minister in front of her. Although she could no longer see Richard, she could feel the warmth of his body beside her, smell the clean scent of his soap, and hear his gentle breathing. Every part of her was well aware of his presence.

  The minister’s words washed over her without registering. Too preoccupied with pleasant thoughts, she could not shift her focus. Richard’s strong confident voice answered the questions that tied him to her and prompted her to make the necessary responses as well.

  Before long, it was over. As she and Richard signed the marriage license, she realized she was Lady Brianna Carrack, Marchioness of Stonemede. Richard turned and offered his arm. Her heart hammered in her chest as she allowed him to turn her to face their guests. The happy faces cascaded past them as her husband escorted her down the aisle.

  The cheers outside St. Georges’ were heartening, and she smiled, pleased to see her marriage gained the approval of London. Richard lifted her in the carriage before tossing a few coins to the crowd.

  She looked at him and felt the muscles in her face involuntarily turn up to smile. He was hers now. She married the dreaded marquis that she spent the majority of the Season trying to avoid. Although not in her original plan, the new direction of her life delighted her. With her love for Richard guiding her, she felt her heart swell in her chest simply at the thought of him.

  “How are you feeling, Lady Stonemede?” Richard asked her as he climbed into the carriage and sat down.

  “Honestly, I believe I’m in shock. Everything seemed to move more quickly than I anticipated, and I’m a little overwhelmed.”

  “We could continue on to the townhouse now if you would like?” The crease in his brow, combined with his understanding eyes, told her he was serious.

  “The guests would be insulted if we didn’t attend our own wedding luncheon. Not to mention what they would be saying about us.”

  “I don’t care what they think. As soon as you have determined you have endured enough celebrations, tell me, and we will leave.”

  Her eyes widened as she watched him cross the short distance between them. After settling himself beside her, he gently took her hand and removed her glove. The feel of his soft lips touching her skin made her wish she had told him to take her home.

  The carriage coming to a stop pulled her from her fantasies. She quickly slid her glove back into place, thankful she didn’t have any other clothes askew. Pasting on a smile, she allowed Richard to assist her down and into the house full of people.

  The whirlwind of well wishes and scandalous comments made her head spin, but luckily didn’t last much past luncheon. Regardless, the guests appeared to be enjoying themselves, which made it all worthwhile.

  Wandering through the guests, Brianna was pleased to see Jillian heading her way. With all the preparations and festivities, she didn’t have many opportunities to enjoy her friend’s company.

  “Congratulations, Brianna.”

  “Thank you.”

  “I know you originally were not looking to marry a marquis, but you truly appear happy today,” Jillian observed.

  “I am, although it will not be the quiet life I imagined.”

  “Why not? Surely if Lord Stonemede knows of your desire, he will not expect you to entertain frequently.”

  “It’s not the entertaining I’m worried about, but the impromptu visits and innumerable duties required of a marchioness.”

  “I had not thought about that,” Jillian admitted.

  “Enough about that. What about you? Have you selected a gentleman or two to consider for the esteemed position of your husband?”

  “There are too many to choose from,” Jillian mourned, shaking her head.

  Both women laughed. Although nearing the end of the Season, a large number of the gentleman were still available, giving Jillian better chances of finding one to her liking.

  “I wish you every bit of luck.” Brianna felt the enormity of what the wedding meant. “Everything is going to be so different now.”

  “I suppose that is the way of it. Is Lord Stonemede taking you to his ancestral home in the country?”

  “Yes. He is anxious to return. We depart tomorrow morning.”

  “That is sooner than I realized.”

  “I know. It’s strange, but for as long as I can remember, I have been dreaming about enjoying the remainder of my life in the country. All those years, and I never thought of what I would be leaving behind, or how hard departing would be. I’ll miss you.”

  “I’ll miss you, too, but we will write. Don’t be upset. This is your wedding day.”

  Brianna put her smile back into place.

  Turning her eyes from her friend, lest they begin to tear up, Brianna scanned the room for Richard. When she found him, she felt apprehension build within her. From now on her life was an unknown, and she didn’t know if she would long for her old life. Her friends and family would be missed greatly, but would she feel the same of London? The next time she returned, she would no longer be enjoying the festivities as a carefree debutante. Now she was a married woman. In addition, the thought of being a mother terrified her.

  “Brianna,” her mother called from behind her. “It’s almost time for you to leave, but I need to speak with you first.”

  “Certainly,” Brianna answered, feeling a sense of foreboding settle over her. “Please excuse me, Jillian.”

  After a quick hug for her friend, she turned and followed her mother up the stairs. She had an idea of what her mother wanted to talk about, and she was not looking forward to it. Keeping her shoulders back, she walked into the bedchamber behind her mother, determined to keep her poise through the ordeal.

  Richard raised his glass of brandy in salute to his friends, grateful for the brief respite from the constant activity of the day. While his wife disappeared to prepare for him to take her home, he and his friends had escaped to Lord Ransley’s study. Anticipation struck him, and he finished the remainder of his brandy in one gulp. Tonight he would have Brianna writhing under him, as she would be every night hereafter.

  “Now Richard,” Jonathan began, his tone serious. “Si
nce your bride is off learning what is to be expected of her on her wedding night, we thought it only fair to extend you the same courtesy.”

  Greyson raised one eyebrow, but didn’t comment.

  Richard laughed. Neither he nor Brianna needed a lesson, but he would love to have the chance to see her reaction to her mother’s instruction. He wondered if she would learn anything new, but he immediately dismissed the thought. More than likely she was learning the basic mechanics.

  “This tradition makes me glad I had the foresight to begin my wife’s education before now.”

  “I imagine you had other purposes at the time,” Jonathan pointed out with a lecherous grin.

  “I wonder why women feel the need to have such discussions,” Greyson chimed in. “Would it not be better for the bride to learn from her husband?”

  “Women are very odd creatures. When you finally think you have one figured out, they turn around and surprise you.” Jonathan’s mouth quirked up. “Although, I have found those surprises can be incredibly pleasant at times.”

  “Perhaps, but I would much rather understand them and not be forced to endure the surprises. Regardless of how pleasant they can be, I prefer to know what I’m getting into,” Greyson threw back.

  “That is your loss.” Jonathan’s faraway eyes were fixed upon something only he could see.

  Greyson shrugged and then turned his attention back to his cards. Richard wondered what Greyson was thinking. Normally his friend’s intent focus as he shuffled his cards meant he was planning something.

  A knock at the door pulled him from his thoughts and brought back his restlessness. His duty to his guests almost complete, he and his bride would be free to make their escape.

  “My lord,” Ransley’s butler called as he entered the room. “Your carriage is prepared, and Lady Stonemede is awaiting your presence in the drawing room.”

  “Thank you,” Richard replied and dismissed the man. “Well, gentlemen, that is my cue to leave you now. I have no doubt my perfect bride is as anxious to retire as I.”

  As he hurried from the room, he could hear Jonathan’s laughter following him. Shrugging to himself, he didn’t slow his pace. His friends could think whatever they wished. Besides, Richard recalled many occasions where Jonathan was the one fleeing from the room to meet with a lady.

  Seeing Brianna alone and waiting for him in the drawing room, he almost rubbed his hands together in anticipation. She had not removed her wedding gown, and the thought of pulling the yards of fabric off her body brought a strained smile to his lips.

  She raised her head at his entry into the room. He smiled upon seeing the deep crimson color of her face. It gave him no doubt as to the topic of her discussion with the females of her family.

  “Are you ready to leave, my lady?” He offered his arm to her.

  “Yes, my lord.” She readily accepted his escort.

  “Good. Let’s go home.”

  He ushered her through the guests, accepting final congratulations as they were offered. They only paused when they reached his mother and Lord and Lady Ransley. It was strange to think of his mother now as the Dowager Marchioness, for she looked much too young for the part.

  “Richard,” his mother began. “I can’t say enough how pleased I am that you have chosen such a wonderful bride. She will represent Stonemede well.”

  “Of that, I have no doubt,” he answered, smiling down at his blushing bride.

  “Thank you, my lady.”

  “You may call me Mother now, as we will be very close.”

  “I sincerely hope so.” Brianna beamed at her.

  “Oh, Brianna,” Lady Ransley gushed, pushing herself in front of her husband. “I’m so pleased by this union, I can hardly speak. We will visit often and—”

  “My dear, I believe it’s time for them to depart. Let us not keep them waiting any longer,” Ransley interjected.

  Lady Ransley nodded then clasped her daughter briefly. After the last of the goodbyes were exchanged, Richard escorted Brianna outside to his carriage. Once settled inside, he leaned back into the cushions and sighed. The relief he felt was too great for words.

  “Are you tired?” Brianna questioned him, raising her brow.

  “I’m afraid I am. The day has drained me of energy. I believe it would be better if we go straight to bed once we arrive at the townhouse.”

  “We can’t,” Brianna exclaimed, shock coloring her words. “It’s still midday. What would the servants think?”

  “First of all, you are much too preoccupied with the thoughts of others today. Secondly, considering the events of the day, our exhaustion is understandable. And lastly, they would be grateful for the reprieve as we will have no use for anyone the remainder of the night.”

  Richard reached his hand toward her and brushed a lock of her hair off her shoulder. Earlier today the strands were securely tucked into place, and the sight of them, tumbling about her shoulders, now made him think about how she would look in the morning. His trousers became uncomfortably tight, and he could no longer deny himself. Keeping his eyes fixed on her parted lips, he slowly leaned forward.

  “Richard,” she rasped, turning her face slightly as she cleared her throat. “I know we shall live at Stonemede, but will we have opportunities to visit London or my family?”

  Her voice broke with the mention of her family, and he felt like a cad for not realizing how much the move would affect her. She’d often mentioned how she longed for a quiet life in the country so he had imagined she already prepared herself to leave. It appeared he was wrong.

  “Of course we will return to London to call upon your family. On occasion, we can invite them to Stonemede to visit us as well.”

  “Thank you,” she whispered, her voice still thick with sadness. “Mother was beside herself with pleasure for this union, but Grace could not contain her grief at my departure.”

  “I know this is a difficult transition for you and your family.” He turned her face to his. Unshed tears glistened in her eyes and wrenched his heart. “Grace will soon accustom herself to the new circumstances, but I have an idea of what might help. Would it please you to host a small gathering at Stonemede in a month’s time? I imagine your family would be happy to make the journey.”

  “You truly would not mind?”

  “I wish for you to be happy.”

  The carriage rumbled along as Richard fought the urge to take her into his arms and kiss her, but he didn’t want to move and ruin the moment. However, when his gaze dropped to her mouth and he saw her lips part, he inwardly rejoiced.

  Lost in thoughts of her, he nearly jumped at the sound of knocking on the carriage door. They had arrived at his townhouse. Their moment would have to wait, but it would only be temporary. He had no intention of denying himself the pleasure of his wife for long.

  After assisting her from the carriage, he swept Brianna into his arms and carried her over the threshold. He fought the temptation to continue on until they were in his bedchamber. Since the staff was lined up for presentation to their new mistress, he grudgingly lowered her to her feet.

  “My lady, on behalf of myself and the staff, I would like to welcome you to Carrack House,” Hopkins said in his stately voice. “I’m Hopkins, and this is Mrs. Milley, the housekeeper.”

  “Thank you. It’s a pleasure to meet you both,” Brianna replied.

  “Allow me to present the rest of the staff.” Mrs. Milley inclined her head as she took over the introductions.

  As they traveled down the line, Richard found himself pleased with his bride. Brianna’s manners were impeccable. She spoke with each person and repeated their name, as if committing it to memory. The smiles he saw collectively on everyone’s faces brought him comfort. Their approval meant they would serve Brianna as faithfully as they had him.

  “I would like to thank you all again for your warm welcome. I’m looking forward to being part of your house,” Brianna announced with a genuine smile once the introductions were c
oncluded.

  “I, too, am pleased by your showing,” Richard added, then turned to Brianna and lowered his voice slightly. “It has been a very long day. Would you care to retire?” He wanted to laugh out loud at her charming blush.

  “Yes, my lord.”

  “Hopkins, we will require a dinner tray brought up. Other than that, we will not have need of anything else this evening.”

  “Very good, my lord.” Hopkins bowed then turned, calling out orders for the staff to return to their duties. Richard hoped their departure would help ease some of Brianna’s embarrassment.

  “Shall we?” Richard asked, extending his arm to her.

  With a small smile, she placed her arm atop his, and they made their way up the stairs. Forgoing taking her to the marchioness’ chambers, he directed her straight to his bedchamber. He could feel his anticipation mounting with each passing step, but he held himself back to accommodate Brianna’s slow pace.

  Once alone, he bolted the door and let out a sigh of relief. When he turned, he found her standing in the middle of the room, her face turned away from him, and she was biting her lower lip. In addition, her hands were intertwined so tightly, her knuckles went white.

  “Are you nervous?” he asked, his voice incredulous as he watched her closely. “The woman who twice entered my bedchamber to seduce me can’t be nervous about spending the night with her husband.”

  “I’m not exactly nervous. I’m simply . . . I don’t know. This feels different, I suppose.”

  “There is no reason to rush anything. Unlike the other instances, tonight we have all the time in the world,” he promised, untying his cravat. “Would you prefer to talk first?”

  “Yes,” she replied, visibly relaxing. “I would like that very much.”

  He tossed his cravat, along with his coat, onto the back of a nearby chair. When he began unbuttoning his waistcoat, he noticed Brianna’s eyes following his fingers. He allowed the garment to slide from his body before he crossed his arms over his chest and leaned against the wall.