Destiny of the Heart (Viking Destiny)

by K. Young

  She turned her deep blue eyes on him and frowned. "Look, thank you for your assistance, but my business is my own."

  Turning away from him, Kristen left him standing in the middle of the dance floor as she went off to find Mel. She was suddenly developing a headache and very much wished to leave. Since they'd arrived with Derrick, and she had no desire to be questioned further, she decided to ask Lord Bard if he would escort them home. But, before she got too much further, a lovely woman maybe a few years older than Kristen, stopped her for a moment.

  "Excuse me, are you Kristen Ashby?"

  "Yes." Kristen said politely.

  "I'm sorry to bother you, but I noticed you dancing with Derrick Shane and wanted to offer you a warning."

  Kristen watched the woman carefully. The fact that she was trying to remain hidden behind people told her she didn't want Derrick to see her. Kristen had no doubt that Derrick was watching, and he'd be very curious to know who had stopped her. But, the elegant raven-haired beauty with snowy skin was trying to remain a mystery. Since Kristen was especially annoyed with Derrick just now, she'd let him wonder.

  "Go on." Kristen prompted.

  Alice smiled. It would be all too easy to ruin Derrick's chances with Kristen, and all too easy to ruin her chances with any gentleman in society. But, for now, she'd settle for destroying Derrick first.

  "Has he asked you to be his mistress yet?"

  "I beg your pardon?" Kristen asked in uncomfortable shock.

  "Oh, don't worry. It's his game. He's a confirmed bachelor, you see. I just wanted to let you know, in case you'd set your cap on him that he's a bit unreliable in the honor department. He promised to marry me more times than I can count, and now I'm completely ruined for a good marriage." Alice forced tears to her eyes for dramatic effect.

  Kristen gasped and reached out to grab Alice's hands. "Oh, you poor dear. I'm so sorry. But, rest assured that I want nothing to do with the likes of Derrick Shane. He can rot for all I care." Kristen gave her a conspiratorial wink.

  Alice grinned. If she didn't have orders to kill Kristen and return her head to the king of Norway, Alice thought they could be very good friends. Kristen was funny and charming in her own idiosyncratic way, and Alice found her warm personality a refreshing change from the vapid women of London society.

  "Thank you for your concern, but I really just wanted you to know. I must be going now. Take care."

  And with that, Alice vanished into the sea of silk and lace. Kristen stood on her toes and tried to see where the lady had gone to, but she couldn't make her out from all of the other faces in the crowd. Kristen grumbled to herself. How anyone enjoyed these bloody balls was beyond her. It was hot and stuffy, and frankly, there were far too many people pressing up against her. With all that had happened in just the last few minutes, she was ready to explode. She spotted Mel off to the side chatting with Lord Bard and made straight for them to request they leave.

  Derrick laughed to himself. Two women had left him on the dance floor in the middle of a dance within half an hour of each other. He was getting strange looks from those closest to him, but he paid them no mind as he slipped past the remaining dancers. This would definitely increase the number of invitations he received, and unfortunately, the number of unsolicited offers. Far be it for him to understand the way of a woman's mind, but it seemed the more undesirable he was by society standards, the more women wanted him. It wasn't working on Kristen though, which was incredibly frustrating.

  “That's twice in one night a lady has left you standing in the middle of the dance floor, and damn me if it won't make you more popular. Some guys just have all the luck.” Derrick's youngest brother Oliver said teasingly as he joined Derrick at the refreshment table.

  “Put a lid on it, youngun.” Derrick said affectionately.

  “You wouldn't happen to be losing that special touch we Shane men are famous for, now would you?”

  Derrick chuckled. “Not likely.”

  "Well, what the devil was that all about?"

  "A minor disagreement, that's all."

  "Uh-huh. Well, that minor disagreement is making the rounds, don't you know? People are talking - "

  "Oliver, be quiet!" Derrick snapped.

  Derrick's mood quickly soured as he saw Kristen and Meloney leaving with Lord Bard. That bloody sod. Derrick would rip him limb from limb. Oliver followed Derrick's gaze and noted the same thing, wincing slightly.

  "Well, don't just stand there. Go claim your lady." Oliver prodded.

  He got a quelling look for his efforts, but Derrick didn't stick around to say anything else. Derrick moved through the crowd like a predator, and the dark scowl on his face had people jumping out of his way. He heard Oliver's laughter behind him, but ignored it as he reached Kristen before she could leave. Any hope he had of being tactful was gone.

  “And just where the hell do you think you two are going?” He blurted out, giving Lord Bard a hard stare.

  Mel was startled by the anger in his voice, as was Lord Bard; in fact he was quite prepared to walk away under the furious scowl he was receiving from the much more intimidating lord. But Kristen, unafraid as she was, stood before him with a temper as volatile as his own.

  “I've developed a bit of a headache and wish to leave. Lord Bard was kind enough to oblige taking us home so we don't disturb your evening's pleasure. Please, don't let us keep you from your frivolity.” She replied smoothly, linking her arm with Lord Bard's and stepping around Derrick to leave.

  Derrick's scowl was not much improved after such a comment. He grabbed Kristen's arm and lowered his voice so only she could hear.

  "I believe I've told you before that I would inform you if you were keeping me from something."

  Kristen matched his tone and his fury with her own tempest. "And, yet you still haven't learned when a lady is trying to be polite. I don't care for your mannerisms, your methods, or your practices where women are concerned. I'm not your toy to be tossed about as it pleases you. Your false promises and pretty words fall on deaf ears where I'm concerned, so do yourself a favor and find someone else to play your games with. Good evening."

  Kristen pulled her arm from his grasp as he stood there, slack-jawed from the set down she'd just handed him. He watched as she returned her attention to Lord Bard and bestowed her bright smile on him, Derrick completely forgotten. Mel offered a smile and a wink, though he was certain she would be just as confused as he was if she'd heard what Kristen had said.

  Derrick was less than amused that he was so completely outmaneuvered by Kristen again. It was bad enough to have left him standing in the middle of the dance floor, but to have another man take her home, after insulting him? And what the devil was going on with her and Ashby? She knew she was antagonizing him, the wench. He raked his fingers through his hair in complete exasperation. He really had half a mind to issue challenge to Bard and be done with it, but he didn't think that would win him any favors with Kristen.

  Oliver, having watched the entire scene from not far away, sauntered over and offered his opinion, wanted or otherwise.

  “Well, brother. I can't say as I've ever seen you so bloody undone by a woman before.” He said as he offered Derrick a brandy.

  “What in blazes are you on about?” Derrick took the brandy and downed it in one drink.

  Oliver lifted a knowing brow. “Don't delude yourself into thinking the entire ton didn't just witness that scene between you and the lovely Lady Kristen. It'll be all 'round the rumor mill tomorrow morning, you know. They're even saying it's quite possible you've lost your heart to the lady.”

  “Bloody hell.” Derrick snatched Oliver's glass of brandy and drained it in one gulp, then set both glasses on the nearest table.

  Oliver chuckled. “I take it that's not agreeable to you?”

  “Listen, I'm not going to marry the chit, if that's what you mean. I find her intriguing, that's all.”

  “Uh-huh, so it'd be alright with you then if I tried my han
d for her affections? She's damn fetching, you know.” He asked teasingly, not expecting the reaction he got.

  Derrick hauled his brother up by his coat lapels, a feat all the more surprising since he had never laid a hand on Oliver before that moment. A black scowl mottled his features and his eyes were blazing so bright Oliver was a little nervous.

  “She's off limits, Oliver.” He said in that deadly calm voice that brooked absolutely no argument.

  Remembering where he was and who he was talking to, he shoved his brother back in disgust, not at all sure what had come over him.

  “Bloody hell, indeed.” Oliver said as he walked off laughing and shaking his head, though happy to come out of that unscathed.

  Derrick felt ridiculous. Kristen had managed to put him on the defensive and cause him to act out of character. The bloody woman was a mystery, one that he'd like to uncover, but was also exasperated by. Then he frowned. When Scott got wind of what happened tonight, especially that bit of nonsense with Oliver, Derrick would be hounded with questions; questions that would invariably lead to the discussion of marriage. Scott would insist that Derrick hold up his end of the marriage contract, and that was simply something Derrick couldn't do. Bloody hell.

  ***

  Kristen bid Lord Bard good evening and went inside to find Mel. She wanted an accounting of what was actually said between her and Derrick when they danced, and she wanted to know her thoughts about Ashby showing up. To Kristen's chagrin, Mel was conspicuously absent. She sighed and went upstairs to her room, not actually believing she'd get any sleep, but at least hoping to sort through everything on her mind.

  Through the whole evening she'd only met one gentleman that would suit her purposes and that was Lord Bard. While she liked him well enough, she didn't feel any particular spark toward him. Not that she was expecting that since she planned to buy a husband anyway, but still, a girl wanted to feel something for the man she was going to marry. So far, the only man who made her feel anything was Derrick. It stood to reason then, at least to Kristen, that she would have to deal with this Derrick situation before she could ever hope to find a suitable husband.

  Kristen didn't bother to ring for Sarah at that late hour. She undressed herself and adorned a simple cotton nightgown that covered her from neck to foot. Sitting at her dressing table, she yanked a brush through her hair, thinking she was going to have to come up with a way to get rid of Derrick's attentions. She knew them to be dishonorable and he'd never be able to love her, at least not the way she wanted to be loved, though she’d not be admitting to anyone that she actually wanted love in her marriage. She could accept an arranged marriage when her own emotions weren't involved. But, with Derrick, she didn't think that would be the case since her body tingled just being in the same room as him.

  All that aside, there was also the disturbing news she'd received from the mysterious woman that night, as well. At the time, Kristen had been quick to believe her and offered her own sympathy and dislike to the hurting woman. But, when Kristen brought it up to Derrick, he seemed genuinely confused. Of course, she didn't know him well, but what she did know of Derrick was mostly honorable, at least where women were concerned. Well, that wasn't true either. He had tried to seduce her in the garden, knowing full well she needed to find a husband. But, while Kristen couldn't explain it precisely, in retrospect, there was something about the woman that was off, and her story didn't ring true. At least, not to Kristen.

  And, then there was the matter of Ashby showing up. She knew it would only be a matter of time, but she had hoped it wouldn't be so soon. There was only one gentleman on her list of possibles, and she wasn't sure Lord Bard was the one. She had to assume that Ashby had followed her, and now knew she was staying with Mel. Would it be better to move out of Mel's house? It would perhaps give her a little more time, and keep Ashby guessing. But, where could she go? He'd most likely check all of the hotels nearby. And, there could be no question of her intentions to thwart him. No, Ashby would be on her far too soon. She'd simply have to move up her time table and marry Lord Bard.

  Sighing, she set the brush down and got up from the dressing table, crossing her room to the bed. She lay down and snuggled into her pillow, but as comfortable as her bed was, sleep eluded her for the better part of the night. Her mind was too focused on all of her problems, and having a solution that may or may not work certainly didn't help. Of course, her thoughts went to Derrick more often than she cared to admit. Still, when she finally fell asleep, it was to a fit of dreams involving amber eyes that glowed, floating toward her from all directions.

  Chapter 14

  The next morning Sarah came into Kristen's room and opened the curtains, letting the sunlight stream in.

  “Good morning, Kristen. Lady Atchkinson said you wouldn't be up yet and that I should wake you. Your gentlemen callers are likely to arrive soon. She also said you wouldn't have time to eat first, so Mrs. Sterling shall be along shortly with some toast and jam to tide you over. I'll lay out your dress while you wash.”

  She walked to the sitting room to select a gown. Kristen, who'd been propped up on her elbows, flopped back down. She was exhausted. She didn't feel like greeting the day with gentlemen callers, but knew it was expected of her. Mentally preparing herself for the role she knew she had to play, she took several deep breaths, and then threw the blankets off her and rolled to a sitting position. As she stretched and yawned, there was a knock on her door.

  “Come in.” She called.

  Mrs. Sterling walked in with a tray for her breakfast that she had missed. There was another maid following close behind with a fresh pitcher of water to wash with. They set their things down and curtsied before leaving the room. Deciding to bathe first, Kristen walked over to the washstand and poured the water into an elegant bowl. She dipped the wash cloth into the cool water and wiped her face, sighing in satisfaction as the strain of her sleepless night eased with the cool water running over her skin. When the washing was done, she plucked the toast and hot chocolate from the tray and went to sit in the chair by the window. Sipping on the hot chocolate, Kristen felt her confidence and mood improve as the warm liquid trickled down her throat. Funny how such small things could make such a big difference.

  As she sat there staring at the garden below, Sarah returned. “I'm ready to help you dress Kristen, unless you require that I come back?”

  “No, that's alright. I'm ready.” Kristen smiled warmly.

  She left the empty cup on the small table next to the chair, then went to the dressing room adjacent to her own rooms to remove her nightgown. She stepped into the dress for that day, and then Sarah helped her fasten it in the back. The dress was dark green with a silver brocade pattern at the bottom of the skirt. In the front, it split open to reveal a lighter shade of green silk underneath. The sleeves came to just below her elbows and had the same silver brocade at the ends as at the bottom of the dress. Kristen liked the way she looked and smiled approvingly.

  She sat down so that Sarah could fix her hair, but suddenly had the urge to be difficult. “Sarah, leave my hair down, if you please.”

  “But Kristen, it's not appropriate to receive “

  “Nevertheless, I'd like it down.” Kristen insisted kindly.

  “As you wish.”

  Sarah did as she was asked. She pinned half of it up in the front so it did not look as if Kristen were without grace. When she'd finished, she took her leave, and Kristen took a deep breath to steady her nerves. If she were being honest with herself, she'd left her hair down for Derrick. He seemed to like her hair and the fact that she completely disregarded fashion in that way. But, she was finding it was better not to be honest with herself.

  Deciding it was well past time to greet the day, Kristen left the comfort of her room and walked down the stairs. She came into the parlor and found Mel sitting there having tea with one of the gentlemen that Kristen had danced with last night. She didn't recall giving this gentleman her card, though, so she wasn't
sure why he was there.

  “Lord Oliver, I didn't know you'd be paying us a visit. Is your brother with you?” Kristen asked, a hopeful note in her tone.

  Derrick had introduced them last night and Oliver had immediately asked for a dance. A circumstance that seemed to irritate Derrick, so naturally Kristen had agreed.

  “Ah, good morning Lady Kristen. I'm afraid that my brother isn't here. I had some business with Lady Atchkinson and thought I'd pay my respects to you, as well.”

  Kristen looked at Mel suspiciously. She knew that Mel wanted to see Kristen and Derrick together, hopeless romantic that she was. And, it would be just like her to involve his family.

  “Indeed.” She said flatly.

  “Well, you look lovely today, Kristen. Decided to wear your hair down, did you?” Mel said, a touch of censure in her voice, though Kristen ignored it.

  “It is hard to get used to it being up. I beg your pardon if it offends, Lord Oliver.”

  “Not at all, madam. Actually, it's quite fetching.” He smiled genuinely.

  Kristen blushed, his gaze reminding her of a similar one she'd received from a like pair of eyes. Mel cleared her throat, reminding Kristen of where she was. She promptly took her seat next to Mel and picked up a cup of tea, sipping to hide her embarrassment.

  As the three chatted, another visitor arrived to join them. Lord Bard was shown in by Chester, and he was carrying a rather large bouquet of roses that he handed to Kristen, then bowed graciously as she stood to put them in a vase. She curtsied and smiled.

  “These are most lovely, Lord Bard. Thank you.”

  “They pale in comparison to you, m'dear.” He kissed the back of her hand, a gesture Kristen didn't care for, though she wasn't sure why.

  She smiled tightly and pulled her hand away the moment it was appropriate to do so. Both Mel and Oliver seemed to notice she was uncomfortable with it, but the lord seemed oblivious.

  "Lady Kristen, I wonder if you might wish to accompany me to the theater this evening. I'm told it's quite a good show. And you too, of course, Lady Atchkinson."