“I do have a question for you. What exactly were you told to expect tonight?” To his surprise, his question was met by her beautiful laughter.
“It was only one of the most uncomfortable conversations I have ever endured. My mother began by informing me I now have a ‘wifely duty’ I must attend to,” she explained, then pressed her lips together and lowered her eyelashes.
“Surely you were told more than that.”
“I’m not certain I should be telling you of these things. There are reasons why they don’t allow the men to be present for these talks.”
“Of that, I’m certain.” He pushed himself from the wall and sauntered toward her. “However, since I’m your husband, you are allowed to tell me.”
She seemed to consider her options. “Well, I suppose there is no harm. It was a drawn out discussion between the women, but basically I was told how the process is accomplished, physically.”
“That makes sense. What else did they say?”
“That it would not be pleasant. My aunt told me I should just lie still and pray it was over quickly.”
“You are jesting,” Richard asserted, unable to believe otherwise.
“I’m not.”
“All the women could not possibly agree on that point.”
“If they felt differently, they didn’t speak up. Although my mother did pull me aside after the other ladies departed. She told me over time it may become more pleasant, but there was no guarantee.”
“I can’t believe those ladies are spreading such rubbish. Although I do know of some men who are inconsiderate, I know just as many who are the opposite.”
“Well, I can’t be one to judge either way as I have never experienced the act with my husband. Perhaps the encounter is different for a wife,” she challenged him. Her lifted eyebrow and slight smile forced the blood to pump wildly through his veins. Taking a deep breath, he compelled himself to remain calm.
“You are right,” he acceded in mock thoughtfulness as he rubbed his chin. “It might be different between a husband and a wife.”
“I suppose there is only one way to find out.” She held her arms out to him.
Without needing further encouragement, Richard swept her into his arms and took her lips. He then proceeded to show her the only difference would prove to be more pleasant rather than not.
Brianna stomped her foot in frustration. Why did Richard keep doing this to her? It had been three weeks since their arrival at Stonemede, and she was becoming increasingly irritated with her husband.
“I told you, Martin, Lord Stonemede will have no complaint with me taking the wagon. I will not be going far. I only wish to see the seamstress.” Brianna kept her teeth locked into place in an attempt to keep the agitation from her voice.
Her gowns were becoming too tight, and she wished to select a more suitable material to ensure her comfort at the upcoming house party. The seamstress offered to visit her at Stonemede, but Brianna longed for an opportunity to escape the place.
“I’m sorry, my lady, but the master gave me very specific instructions. You will have to take this up with him.”
“Believe me, I will,” she promised, glaring at him before marching into the manor.
So tired of being denied, she was ready to scream. Every night, Richard was a wonderful, attentive husband, but the day posed a problem for her as he became overbearing and overprotective. She had no escape, for the entire staff had been instructed by her husband to disallow her from doing anything or going anywhere without Richard by her side.
Considering she was with child, she would never do anything dangerous. The thought he would believe otherwise only served to infuriate her further. Her requests were reasonable. A solitary stroll through the garden or a ride across the estate could cause no harm.
Her unhappy state made it difficult for her to paint. Upon their arrival at Stonemede, Richard had surprised her with a room dedicated to her painting as well as time set aside each day for her to lose herself within her craft. Unfortunately, in the confines of the house, or with the distracting outings with Richard, she could not find any inspiration. The lack of visual motivation did nothing to improve her mood, which came across on the canvas.
The daily duties of the marchioness were not as demanding as she had expected, and Richard never required anything extraordinary of her. Overall, she would be content, maybe even happy with her new life, if he would grant her more freedom.
“Harris, where is Lord Stonemede?” Brianna demanded once inside the manor.
Her agitation seeped into her words, and Harris hesitated before answering. “Perhaps my lady would care to wait in the drawing room while I collect him for you. I can have Mrs. Evans bring you some tea and refreshments.”
“That isn’t necessary. I wish to see him now.”
“Yes, my lady. Please follow me. He is working in his study,” Harris admitted grudgingly.
“Thank you, but I can show myself there.” With a nod, she turned and started in the direction of the study. Although she understood Harris’s, as well as the other staff members’ loyalty to Richard, she felt as though everyone conspired against her. She being the newest member of the household, would have to work harder to prove herself worthy of their allegiance, but it would not be easily accomplished with Richard undermining her at every chance.
At the door of the study, Brianna didn’t bother to knock. Still infused with anger, she pushed open the door and stalked inside. Richard and his steward stood over his desk pointing at some papers, but both men looked up at her unannounced entrance.
“Lord Stonemede,” she forced through clenched teeth. “I believe you and I need to talk.”
“Perhaps we can speak later?”
Her eyes widened in fury. She refused to be put off. Expending every effort to not explode, she shook her head. If she opened her mouth, she would not be able to contain the onslaught, and she didn’t wish the steward to be present for what she had to say to her husband.
“Very well.” Richard sighed before turning to the man. “We can continue this later.”
“Yes, my lord.” The steward bowed and quickly fled the room. If she had not been so incensed, his speed would have been comical.
“This isn’t fair! I will not stand for it any longer.”
“Obviously something is troubling you, but you must be more specific if you wish for me to aid you,” Richard replied, calmly sitting behind his desk. By his composed demeanor, she imagined he knew exactly what she was talking about, but for some reason he was not admitting to it. Why did he insist on being so difficult?
“I’m tired of being denied.”
“I didn’t realize I was denying you anything, for you always seem so satisfied in the mornings.” Richard’s smug smile made her want to slap him.
“As you know, the rejection I’m referring to has nothing to do with anything occurring during the night,” she snapped back, not appreciating his attempt to distract her. “I’m beginning to believe you would prefer to lock me up in a room. That way you could open it when you feel like dealing with me.”
“Don’t be absurd. You misunderstand my intention. I only wish to protect you and our child.”
“How could allowing me to have occasional use of the carriage or wagon harm me or our child?”
“When traipsing around the countryside, you have no idea what could happen to you both physically and socially.”
“You don’t trust me to have a care for my reputation? I would never attempt anything that would besmirch my name, or yours for that matter.”
“Regardless”—he dismissively waved his hand—“I will not refuse you any safe and secured activities, which will have no impact on your reputation.”
“By ‘safe and secured’ you mean you have to be by my side for these mentioned activities, am I correct?”
“Naturally. My being there is a large part of how I intend to keep you safe.”
“I can agree that is necessary if I were
to leave Stonemede, but I’m perfectly fine on the estate. The garden and the local shops—”
“No. In London, Kirkwood reached out to you in your own home. Before that, he attempted to take you in a crowded ballroom.” Richard’s voice rose, and Brianna knew she was pushing him, but she could not help herself.
“Lord Kirkwood is no longer a threat, and we are no longer in London. Please, I’m not asking for much.”
“My answer has not changed. You will not go anywhere outside of this manor without my accompaniment, and that is final,” Richard bellowed. His eyes, full of anger, and his tight lips told her he would not budge, at least not for now. She simply needed an opportunity to show him she would be safe.
“All right. Have the wagon readied. We will be leaving in an hour,” she informed him, then turned and left the room before he could argue. If he were going to be stubborn about it, she would have to go about convincing him a different way.
Watching from the window, she saw Harris giving Martin the order, and she silently rejoiced, knowing Richard had finally listened to her. Martin didn’t waste much time and brought the wagon around quickly. Luckily the mare set to drive the wagon was sweet with a soft mouth. Brianna had no doubt she could handle her.
With the wagon fully hitched and Martin was the only one about, Brianna quickly made her way outside. The groom eyed her warily as she approached. Giving him a cheery smile, she stopped far enough away from the wagon to not give away her intent.
“Did you receive Lord Stonemede’s request?”
“Yes, I have already readied the wagon as he asked,” he explained, tilting his head sideways.
“I was referring to the other message.”
“What other message? I only received one.”
“Oh, perhaps Harris is waiting for an opportunity to leave his station. I do hope he has a chance before Lord Stonemede arrives.”
“Hmm, maybe I should save him the trouble,” Martin suggested.
“That might be best.”
Martin nodded and then hastily scrambled around the manor to the servants’ entrance. When he was out of sight, she turned her attention to the mare. Gently stroking her neck, Brianna grabbed the reins and climbed onto the seat of the wagon. Knowing she only had a few short minutes, she urged the mare forward.
She held her breath until she was out of view of the manor. Considering her ruse would soon be uncovered, she knew there was not much time. The only thing that could work in her favor was Martin’s reluctance to admit his gullibility and therefore turn her in.
Pulling the mare to a halt at the seamstress’s house, Brianna jumped down from the wagon and followed the path to knock on the door. If she finished her errand soon, she could leave and be on her way home before Richard found her. Or at least if she remained ensconced with the fabrics, he would allow her to complete her errand before dragging her back.
“Lady Stonemede, it’s so nice that you could come by. Please come in,” Mrs. Stevenson exclaimed.
“Thank you.” Brianna followed her inside and took the offered seat in the front room.
“Would you care for some tea?”
“Perhaps once I have made my fabric selections.”
On one hand Brianna wanted to stay and delay the upcoming argument with Richard, but she could not be certain of his reaction when he discovered her here. She would be mortified if he demanded she leave before completing her purpose.
“Very good, my lady. I’ll collect them for you,” Mrs. Stevenson agreed, then left the room.
When she returned, her hands were full with various squares of fabric. Brianna’s eyes widened in delight as Mrs. Stevenson settled them on the table. There were more to choose from than she thought.
“Here are all the choices I located that would provide the most comfort but also be elegant as you requested.”
“These are wonderful.”
Lifting one square of material, Brianna determined it could potentially accommodate a growing stomach, or at least to a certain point. Placing it aside, she shifted through the other materials, admiring the various shades. Her desire to paint returned as the colors began to demand she take them and bring them to life on canvas. Being so absorbed with the fabric, she jumped to see Richard glowering down at her.
“I was not aware you wished to join me, my lord.” Brianna’s eyes shot to Mrs. Stevenson. The woman seemed thrilled to have Richard in her home, and nothing in her stance indicated she could sense the tension radiating between Richard and Brianna.
“I thought I was clear.” His tone appeared unperturbed, but his eyes told a different story.
Brianna swallowed and, keeping her voice light, said, “Well, I’ll be a few minutes more, if you are willing to wait.”
“As you wish.” He didn’t relax his stance or make any move to sit down.
Forcing herself to ignore him, Brianna picked up a piece of cloth, examined the texture and detail, then set it aside, unable to focus her attention on anything other than her husband.
“That color would look lovely on you,” Mrs. Stevenson commented on the next square Brianna picked up.
“Well, I can see that I will only be in the way here. I shall leave you two ladies to your business and wait outside.” After politely inclining his head to Mrs. Stevenson, Richard stalked from the house.
Brianna uneasily watched his retreating back. The fond feelings the colors brought her disappeared. She had expected his anger, but being faced with it proved much harder than she thought.
“Are you all right, my lady?” Mrs. Stevenson inquired, concern creasing her brow.
“I’m sorry. I suppose I’m lost in thoughts.” Brianna forced a smile. “I have made my selections. These two are perfect.”
“I agree.” Mrs. Stevenson took the two squares and nodded her approval. “Would you care to choose the trim for the patterns we discussed?”
“I’ll leave that to your discretion.”
Part of her wanted to stay and select anything she could in order to delay facing Richard, but she didn’t want to take the chance. Although he may need the time to cool down, she decided forcing him to wait outside would not obtain the desired effect.
“I assure you, it will be exceptional,” Mrs. Stevenson guaranteed, while collecting the remainder of the fabric samples. “Would you and Lord Stonemede like to stay for tea?”
“Perhaps another time. I believe Lord Stonemede is anxious to return home.”
“I understand. I’ll get to work on your garments promptly. They will be prepared long before your guests are scheduled to arrive.”
“Thank you,” Brianna replied, forcing herself to her feet.
She followed the seamstress to the door while preparing her argument in case Richard confronted her immediately. Once outside, she noticed his stallion, Riley, tied to the back of the wagon, but Richard was nowhere in sight. Taking a deep breath to calm her tight nerves, she stepped closer to the wagon. He could not be far, and she imagined he would not be long either.
“Thank you again for making the trip here,” Mrs. Stevenson said.
“It was a pleasure, as was your hospitality.”
With a cheery smile, the seamstress disappeared inside her house. Brianna searched for Richard. He could not be found on the other side of the carriage, or down the road. She debated untying Riley and taking the wagon back to the manor, but decided it would only increase Richard’s wrath. Giving up, she climbed into the wagon and took hold of the reins, prepared to wait.
“Going somewhere without me?” Richard asked as he exited the house next to Mrs. Stevenson’s.
Her mouth dropped open at his assumption. She hoped he didn’t truly believe she would leave him with no way of returning home.
“Of course not. I’m waiting for you as you did for me.”
“That isn’t the way it appears from here,” he informed her, striding forward.
“Be reasonable. What could leaving you here possibly gain me?”
“Time.”
The one word gave her chills, but she refused to respond. Although her trip to the seamstress was not successful in proving she could take care of herself, her point was still valid.
His eyes never left hers as he climbed in beside her and took the reins out of her slack hands. Without a word, he flicked the reins and turned the wagon back to Stonemede.
She wanted to start the conversation so they would be finished before they reached the manor, but after judging his mood, she changed her mind. His lips were drawn in a tight line, and his gaze never wavered from the road.
Seeing Richard navigate down a side path, she let out a sigh of relief, and allowed herself a small smile. Even knowing he planned to yell at her without being overheard, she still could not bring herself to be upset at the prospect of seeing more of the land.
After he pulled the wagon to a halt, Brianna sighed in amazement at the beauty surrounding them. The field was green, alive, and covered with different varieties of wild flowers. A cool stream trickled by, filling the air with its crisp freshness.
Not waiting for his help, she jumped down and walked across the soft grass. She wanted to lose herself and become part of the beauty before her. Working hard to take in every aspect of the scenery, she committed it to memory in order to draw upon it later when she was alone with her canvas. Unable to keep the pleasure off her face, she turned back to see Richard watching her closely, a small half-smile on his lips.
“This place is incredible,” she breathed, unable to gain control over her exuberance. She knew his purpose for bringing her here didn’t include her enjoyment.
“I must have pictured you here a thousand times, and I must say, your reaction does not disappoint.”
“I’m happy to please you, my lord.” She shifted uncomfortably, unsure of how he wanted her to act. He stood completely still with his gaze firmly fixed upon her. She could not discern what he was feeling or what he expected of her now.
“Come here,” he demanded.
Not wishing to upset him further, she took the few steps until she was within his arms reach.
“What do you want of me?” she asked.
His Perfect Bride Page 26