Destiny of the Heart (Viking Destiny)

by K. Young

  Mel inclined her head politely, but left it to Kristen to respond to the invitation. Kristen briefly flicked her eyes to Oliver, hoping he'd have something to say about it, but she silently chastised herself. It shouldn't matter what Derrick thought because he was not courting her, hell he'd already refused to marry her. And, even if he changed his mind, she had already determined he was not the marrying kind. So why this hesitation? This was a perfect opportunity to get to know Lord Bard better.

  "Yes, thank you. That would be lovely, Lord Bard." She smiled brightly.

  They sat down together and the conversation flowed easily. If Oliver thought anything untoward of her intentions, he didn't let on about it. They all laughed and joked over tea, and more and more callers came to join them. Soon, Kristen had received more flowers then she had vases readily available, so she sent Chester to put them in water elsewhere. By the time they'd all left, Kristen felt more exhausted then she thought was possible.

  “Well, that went well.” Mel said as she collapsed onto the couch after seeing their callers off.

  “Yes, I suppose it did.” Kristen s aid, not really feeling very happy.

  “What's the matter, dear? You have more suitors to choose from then even I expected. And, Lord Bard is quite smitten with you. This will make things so much easier.”

  “Yes, you're quite right, of course.” Kristen just couldn't manage to summon enough inflection in her voice to sound encouraging.

  Meloney clucked her tongue knowingly. "You know, now that Ashby has shown up, you'll have to make a decision soon."

  Kristen groaned. "I know."

  "Have you narrowed your list?"

  Kristen scowled. "List? There's only one person on that list and I'm not at all sure I like him." Kristen burst out angrily.

  Mel didn't take offense. She knew what was really bothering Kristen, despite everything going on.

  “You're upset that he didn't show up, aren't you?”

  “He who?” Kristen was being obtuse; she knew exactly who Mel was referring to.

  “Don't play coy, Kristen, it doesn't become you. You know perfectly well that I meant Derrick.” Mel scolded.

  “I've no idea what you're on about Mel. I've already told you that I find that man reprehensible.” Kristen insisted.

  “Yes, yes. So you've said. I still think you should admit that you like him and work from that. At least marriage to him would always be interesting.” Mel pointed out reasonably.

  "I gave him the opportunity, if you'll recall. He declined. I haven't the time to convince him that I'm the gal for him. If he didn't figure that out before, then it's too late for him now."

  "That's a bit harsh, don't you think? I mean, how would you have reacted if someone showed up on your doorstep saying your mother had signed a marriage contract for you? You'd be absolutely furious, and you know it. Now that he's had time to adjust, I'm sure he'd be interested in revisiting that contract."

  Kristen stood up. “I think I'll go riding. Care to join me?” She asked as she walked out of the room.

  Mel smiled and just shook her head. Kristen was as stubborn as they came, perhaps that was the Viking in her, but Mel knew she had feelings for Derrick, even if Kristen wouldn't admit it. She followed Kristen upstairs to change into her riding habit, but Mel was sure things were going to get very interesting, indeed.

  ***

  An hour later, both Mel and Kristen were in Hyde Park riding. It was fairly quiet that time of afternoon as it was not usually the hour to be out riding ones horse socially. There were a few members of the ton that were out and about, still chatting amicably and sharing the latest gossip - of which mostly centered around Kristen and Derrick. Mel wouldn't tell Kristen, of course, but it was rumored that the beauty of the season had managed to capture the notorious Shane's heart.

  Kristen noticed that several people were giving her their fair share of attention. She nodded and smiled politely, but she didn't stop to converse with anyone. Still, the looks she got from them was uncomfortable and she felt the need to go faster than their present trot. Looking at Mel, Kristen gave her a wicked smile, one Mel knew meant trouble was bound to find them.

  “Now, Kristen...”

  She got no further than that as Kristen took off like a bat out of hell. Mel sighed.

  “Lord, that girl will be the death of me.” She said out loud.

  Then, out of nowhere, a man on a horse came up behind Kristen. Mel smiled when she saw who it was, but for some reason, Kristen didn't slow her horse. That had Mel frowning.

  Kristen had left her hair down and it was streaming about her, so she couldn't readily see who it was. A moment of fear struck her heart as she considered that it might be someone her stepfather had sent, or worse, whoever it was that wanted her dead. She threw caution to the wind and dug her heels into the horse's side. The animal sped up, more than game to increase the speed for he was an animal meant to race, and she leaned into him, expertly riding at such speed. When she glanced back to see that her assailant was gaining on her, panic rose in her throat. She again dug her heels in, but the horse refused to go any faster.

  The thought that she was racing around the park in broad daylight briefly touched her mind, as did the fact that she was likely to be the topic of conversation in every drawing room for the next week. Would the nightmare her stepfather created never end? She whipped her head around to see that the rider was too close for comfort, and leaned even closer to the horse, silently praying that it would go faster. But, it was no use. The rider finally caught up with her and dragged her off her horse onto his. The fear that had bubbled up at being yanked off her horse quickly dissipated as she was shoved into the familiar lines of Derrick's body.

  “Have you lost your bloody mind?” He yelled as he slowed his horse from the break neck speed to a normal pace.

  He grabbed the reins of her horse and pulled both animals from the main part of the park to an area more secluded so that he could thrash the girl and not embarrass himself in the process. His heart was still racing and it wasn't entirely from the adrenaline of the ride.

  “I beg your pardon?” She asked haughtily.

  “You could have been killed, you silly girl. What do you think you were doing taking off on an animal like that?”

  “Silly girl?” She screeched, outraged that he would dare treat her this way. She reached around and slapped him soundly. “For your information, I've been riding since I was five. I hardly think there was cause for alarm, although you've certainly given that impression to the ton, having snatched me off my horse. Put me down, you odious man!” She yelled back.

  Derrick was still reeling from the slap that she'd dealt him. He realized his behavior was a bit irrational, but when he'd seen the horse take off, he felt an intense fear the likes of which he'd never felt before, nor did he care to feel again. That it was directed at a woman, this woman, was something he didn't dare examine too closely. But then, as he was gaining on her and she looked back, he saw her dig her heels in and give way to a chase, leading him to believe that she was an expert rider and was merely running from him. That knowledge fed into his fear and was better left alone just now, especially with her in such close proximity.

  He brought the horses to a stop near Mel, and for the benefit of the ton, he put her down and handed the reins to her.

  “It seems your horse had quite a spook. Are you sure you're alright, m'lady?”

  Kristen realized that he was covering up for what had just transpired and silently thanked him, though she would have preferred that society didn't think she couldn't ride. But still, he could have come out and ruined her reputation quite hastily. That he didn't meant he wasn't a complete ass.

  “Yes, thank you, sir. I don't know what came over him, I assure you.” She said sourly.

  “Well, might I offer an invitation to the theater this evening for my part in scaring you?” He asked.

  “While I'm sure that would be lovely, I'm afraid I have prior plans with Lord
Bard for this evening." Kristen said without much enthusiasm.

  Lord Bard would make a good match, and she should be grateful, but she still couldn't trudge up the least bit of interest.

  "I beg your pardon?" He asked angrily.

  Kristen lifted a brow. "He asked first. I accepted."

  Mel cleared her throat. "But, we'd be happy if you would join us as well, Derrick."

  He grinned, somewhat mollified, while Kristen whipped her head around to glare at Mel, who shrugged innocently.

  "I'd be delighted. Thank you very much, Mel."

  Kristen climbed her horse and trotted off without so much as a word to either of them. Mel chuckled and glanced at Derrick.

  "You'll certainly have your hands full with that one." She said.

  "Mel, what kind of trouble is she in?"

  Mel's smile faded a little. "It's not my place to tell you that, Derrick. But, suffice it to say that it's important enough for her to find a husband when she'd really rather not. I'll see you this evening."

  Mel inclined her head and headed off after Kristen, knowing full well Kristen would be quite angry with her. When she caught up with Kristen, it was to receive a frosty glare and the silent treatment for most of the way back to Mel's place.

  “Oh, give over Kristen. It would've been rude to refuse the man who just saved your life, especially with the most salacious gossipers there to witness it.”

  “He did not save my life and well you know it. What he did was make me look like a silly twit who cannot handle a horse.”

  “He was concerned, thought your horse had gone mad. It was rather romantic if you ask me.” Mel said dreamily.

  “Well, I didn't. And I certainly don't want to spend three hours stuck between him and Lord Bard. I love you Mel, but where Derrick is concerned, you're not thinking clearly.”

  “Me? Darling, it seems to me that you're the one not thinking clearly. How can you possibly think that he doesn't want you after that?”

  “I don't doubt that he wants me, Mel. That's never been in question. What he wants is a mistress, and that I can never be.”

  Mel shook her head, exasperated with Kristen's blatant stubbornness. One would think that Kristen would trust the very friend she came to, asking for help in finding a husband. After all, Mel had more experience in these matters, being married to an equally notorious rake. She knew Derrick could be callous with his words, hell even her Guy had been at first. But, she also knew Derrick would come around eventually, if he could get over the big secret he used to keep people at a distance. Not that Kristen would care one fig for what Charlie's preferences were, but Derrick seemed to think otherwise. However, Mel knew from experience that neither would be able to resist the other for long, just like her and Guy. With a little prodding, these two would find their way to each other.

  Chapter 15

  Derrick walked into his town home in a fine rage. Kristen was the most stubborn, incredibly interesting woman he'd ever met, and he was no closer to winning her over than he had been in the caves. And he certainly didn't like the idea of Bard taking her to the theater. Derrick thought he might commit an act of violence if she ended up marrying that wretched man. He handed his gloves and riding crop over to his butler, who bowed and accepted the items with care.

  “M'lord.” He said by way of greeting.

  Derrick briefly glanced at the butler and nodded. Williams could tell he was in no mood to be trifled with and winced slightly as he began to impart the news of the day.

  “M'lord, forgive me, but His Grace is in your study.”

  Derrick took a deep breath and sighed heavily. "Just great. Did he say what he wanted?"

  “No, sir. But, he did look to be in a good mood.”

  Derrick shrugged. "Well, that's something at least. Thank you, Williams."

  Williams bowed and went about his chores while Derrick squared his shoulders and headed for his study. He was rather surprised that Scott was there. Usually he called his younger brothers to him when one needed to be raked over the coals. Oliver and Charlie thought it was because he liked the home advantage. Derrick thought he just liked inconveniencing the rest of them.

  When Derrick walked into the study, Scott was sitting at the window reading a book. He looked up and smiled.

  "Ah, there you are."

  "Here I am."

  Scott set the book down and stood up. Derrick noted that despite Scott giving up his more rigorous male activities since getting married and settling down, he was still quite fit. It was a Shane trade mark to have golden eyes and dark hair, though Derrick, Tristan, and Oliver looked the most alike. Scott and Charlie took after their mother while the younger three took after their father.

  "I understand wedding nuptials will be forthcoming soon." Scott said with a broad smile.

  Derrick lifted a brow. "Who's getting married?"

  Scott frowned. "Are you deliberately trying to annoy me?"

  Derrick laughed. "Certainly not. I'd rather not be lectured, thank you."

  "I've heard you're quite infatuated with a certain young woman, a woman I picked out for you, I might add. Made an ass of yourself at a ball and everything."

  Derrick nearly choked and walked over to his brandy table. "Drink?"

  "Yes, thank you."

  Derrick poured a glass for Scott and one for himself. He turned and handed the glass to his brother before taking a long drink from his own glass.

  "Scott, let me be perfectly clear as you seem to be getting conflicting information. I am not getting married."

  Scott snorted. "My boy, if this girl has you chasing her across the ballroom floor and nearly ripping the head off an opposing lord, I think you should reconsider the contract."

  "Good lord, where did you hear such nonsense?" Derrick asked appalled, but only because he knew it was bloody well true.

  "Don't bother denying it. I have it on three separate eye-witness accounts." Scott said knowingly before taking a drink. "My advice is to snatch her up before she's taken."

  Derrick rolled his eyes. "Yes, well I'll be sure to take it under advisement."

  "Charlie seems to like her. Oliver, too." Scott said cautiously.

  Derrick narrowed his eyes. "Your manipulations won't work on me, Scott."

  "I'm just saying. Now, Nicole decided to make this trip with me, so I've sent missives to Charlie and Oliver as she'd like to have dinner tonight."

  Derrick straightened his spine. "I have theater plans."

  "With Kristen?" Scott asked hopefully.

  Derrick gave his brother an annoyed look. "In a manner of speaking."

  "Well either you do or you don't, my boy. It's as simple as that."

  "Nothing is that simple and well you know it."

  "Fine, fine. Be difficult if you wish, but I warn you, keep dallying and you'll regret not taking action. It's been my experience that when a woman causes you to take leave of your senses, love isn't far behind." Scott clapped Derrick on the shoulder.

  Derrick groaned. "Really, you need a hobby. One that doesn't involve meddling in my affairs."

  Scott chuckled. "We'll do an early dinner so you may keep your plans. In the meantime, Nicole and I will take a stroll through Hyde Park. It's a lovely day and the doctor recommends she walk. Good for the baby, don't you know." He said proudly.

  Derrick couldn't help but grin as he loved his niece Rebekah, and was hoping they'd have a boy this time around. Scott finished his brandy and set the empty glass on the brandy table, then waved as he left the study to find his wife. Derrick plopped into a chair. He was actually looking forward to dinner with his family tonight. It was always nice, so long as Scott didn't bring up Tristan or Morocco. He sighed through his nose and prayed that Scott didn't put him in a foul mood before seeing Kristen. Then he frowned as Scott's words came back to haunt him. He didn't love her, did he? No. Certainly not. But...

  ***

  Kristen decided that she wanted to dine out before the theater, so she and Mel went to the Alban
y to enjoy a peaceful dinner. Actually, Kristen was hoping to miss Derrick's arrival altogether, and then perhaps he wouldn't be inclined to come that evening. She was going to have the devil's own time explaining it to Lord Bard as it was. But, Kristen was quickly learning that things were never going to go the way she planned them.

  As they walked into the dining room of the Albany, they heard raucous laughter from a table near the entrance. Kristen briefly glanced at them, not thinking anything of it, and stopped dead in her tracks. She didn't believe it. Derrick was there, with Oliver and Charlie, so she could only surmise the other two were the Duke and Duchess of Hollingsworth. She grabbed Mel's hand and turned to leave, but got two steps before someone called her name.

  "Kristen?" Derrick asked, standing up.

  All the members of his table turned to look at the woman they'd heard had completely muddled their dear brother's brain. Charlie and Oliver waved enthusiastically. Nicole smiled brightly. Scott regarded her with calm interest.

  Mel pulled Kristen toward the table. She briefly considered digging her heels in, but was sure that wouldn't go over very well with the duke and duchess, and offending them could seriously hurt her chances on the marriage mart. She went along, albeit it in silent protest.

  "Lord Shane." Kristen inclined her head politely.

  Derrick smiled and the frigid ice around Kristen's heart melted just a little more. She didn't understand why this man did the things he did to her. She was so sure that when she had heard of her mother and Mel speak of love....she stopped that thought right there. She was not in love with Derrick Shane. What a horrible thought! No, it was best she continue with him as she had been, or better yet, not at all.

  "Kristen, I'd like you to meet my other brother Scott, and his lovely wife, Nicole. Scott, Nicole, this is Lady Kristen."

  Kristen curtsied and smiled warmly. "Your graces."

  "Oh, stuff! Please call me Nicole. Would you care to join us?"

  Kristen smiled. She liked Nicole immediately, and she certainly wasn't at all what Kristen had imagined a duchess to be like. Kristen looked at Mel.

  "Oh, I'm terribly sorry, where are my manners?" Derrick asked himself reproachfully. "Scott, you remember Lady Atchkinson, Guy's wife?"