Destiny of the Heart (Viking Destiny)

by K. Young

  "Well, that relieves my mind a great deal. Thank you."

  Tristan looked at her much like a shrewd businessman observes his cargo at the docks before accepting it. Kristen was rather uncomfortable with the way he was staring at her, but decided she would give him the opportunity to get to the point of this discussion.

  "I think Derrick was right. You are hiding something, and the maids had nothing to do with your previous refusal to marry him."

  Kristen lifted her chin a notch. "Well, you are certainly welcome to believe whatever you like."

  Tristan chuckled. "As you wish. But, I can pretty much guarantee that whatever it is you are hiding from Derrick, he can handle it. You would be better off telling him the truth."

  Kristen smiled tightly. "Tristan, I appreciate the dress. It was a lovely gesture. But, you will forgive me if I don't take romantic advice from a pirate who has forced himself on an innocent young woman."

  Tristan scowled. "Did she tell you that I forced myself on her? Of all the ridiculous notions! I did not force myself on her."

  Kristen shrugged. "Close enough."

  "Good lord, is this what Derrick has to put up with?" Tristan laughed. "I assure you that Chelsea is in the very best hands, and no harm shall befall her."

  "I think it best we move on to other topics if you have them to discuss. Otherwise, I have a wedding to prepare for." Kristen's tone was only moderately icy as she didn't want to fight with her future husband's twin brother.

  Tristan nodded, realizing it was perhaps a mistake to offer advice to Kristen when she was so clearly entrenched on Chelsea's behalf.

  "Very well, the last item of business I wanted to address with you is in regard to Derrick's smuggling business. You are familiar with that, are you not?"

  "Yes."

  "Excellent. There isn't much that my brother Scott and I can agree on, but we do agree that the smuggling should stop before he gets himself killed. I understand that you have a wedding contract you wish for Derrick to sign?"

  "Yes." Kristen had a sinking feeling about what Tristan was going to ask her to do.

  "Very good. I'd, well, we really, would like to ask you a favor."

  "We who?"

  "Me and Scott, of course."

  "Hang on, I'm sorry. But, do you mean to tell me that you and Scott correspond even after he ousted you?"

  "Of course. We have a common interest in protecting Derrick."

  Kristen leaned back in her chair. She narrowed her eyes and studied Tristan carefully, taking in what she knew was coming and processing all of the pieces. Tristan smiled, but since she didn't say anything else, he continued.

  "We'd like you to make it part of the marriage contract that he end this stint of smuggling before it gets him killed."

  "You do realize the hypocrisy of a pirate asking me to stop his brother from smuggling, don't you?" Kristen asked.

  "Yes, of course. But we're not discussing my life, we're discussing Derrick's. I should think you would want to help keep him alive as long as possible."

  Tristan had no idea just how right on the mark he was with that comment, but Kristen couldn't worry about that now. She had spent half the night tossing and turning, worrying that the minute she said "I do," someone would step out of the shadows and take him from her. She already decided that she needed to tell him the truth before they got married.

  "The thing is, I've already promised Derrick I'd not interfere with his activities."

  Tristan looked at her in surprise. "I beg your pardon?"

  "I can't add that to the contract, Tristan."

  "But, he could die."

  "I understand that, but it is his life to live. Do you think he enjoys the thought of you out to sea as a pirate? You are far more likely to wind up dead, no offense."

  "None taken."

  Tristan frowned. He had been counting on her to agree, thinking her feminine sensibilities would be enough to sway her to his side. But, he hadn't counted on her being so calm about things. And, he seriously had to wonder about her feelings for him if she was so willing to let him continue his activities. But, Chelsea insisted Kristen loved Derrick, so Tristan went with that. In his experience, women knew love better than men.

  "So, you are telling the Duke of Hollingsworth no?"

  "I'm telling you no. His grace is not here, but if he were, the answer would still be no."

  Tristan chuckled. "I admire your courage. Scott isn't used to hearing no."

  "I'm sure he will adapt."

  "I do very much like you, m'dear. Well, I shall pass that along to Scott in our next correspondence, then. We had to try."

  "Had to try what?" Derrick asked from the doorway.

  Kristen turned to look at Derrick, and in that moment something washed over her. Something she didn't understand, but knew to be true. She was marrying the man she was supposed to, and no matter what happened, she wouldn't regret her decision.

  Derrick looked between her and Tristan, wondering what they had talked about while he was gone.

  "I was just asking Kristen to put a clause in your marriage contract that stated you would continue with this smuggling nonsense." Tristan said, smiling.

  Derrick stepped into the study and shut the door, then rounded on Tristan.

  "You what?"

  "Seems Scott agrees, don't you know. Though, I'm not entirely sure how I feel about that, to be honest. Me and Scott agreeing on something? Just doesn't seem right, does it?"

  Derrick couldn't believe his ears. His brother did not just admit to corresponding with Scott, and concocting a plan to control his life by including his wife. He glared at his brother, lips thinning into a straight line, and crossed his arms over his chest. Kristen noted that in that position, Derrick was particularly imposing.

  “Well seems I've put my foot in it then, eh? Think I'll leave you two to talk things over.” Tristan got up and walked toward the door of the study.

  Kristen wasn't sure that was a good idea as Derrick was staring daggers at his brother. But, when Tristan reached the door and stopped in front of Derrick, he did nothing but let his brother pass, albeit with promised retribution glittering in his eyes.

  After Tristan left, Kristen looked pointedly at Derrick. “I didn't agree."

  "Well that's good. I have enough people watching my every move, I don't need my wife to do it, too."

  Kristen frowned. "They're just worried about you."

  "They're controlling and egotistical."

  "And that doesn't sound familiar to you at all?" Kristen asked, lifting a brow.

  Derrick ignored her implication. "I believe that you mentioned something about a contract. Tristan's steward can draw up whatever you need.” He said dryly.

  "Thank you."

  Derrick nodded. He looked at her a moment, unsure of what to say.

  "Kristen, if my activities bother you, I will stop. Just say the word."

  Kristen was surprised. She certainly hadn't been expecting that, and it was a friendly gesture. But, it wasn't his smuggling that concerned her.

  "You may do as you please with that, Derrick. As I've said before, I have no wish to curtail your activities. So long as you are discreet, you may do as you like."

  Derrick stiffened. "Are you implying that I may see other women?" Kristen missed the harshness of his words.

  "If that is your wish. But, as I said, only if you are discreet." It broke her heart to say those words, it truly did. And, if she were honest with herself, she was hoping Derrick would refute them and promise loyalty to none but her.

  Kristen waited for him to speak with bated breath. Derrick stood there staring at her, incredulous that she honestly believed he wanted anyone other than her. But, he didn't know how else to tell her that. He had told her repeatedly already.

  He sighed loudly. "I don't know how to make this any clearer to you - "

  Kristen shook her head. "It's fine, you don't need to explain."

  "There's nothing to explain! I don't want anyone e
lse but you. How many times do I have to say that?" He raked his fingers through his hair in frustration and stalked across the room to put some distance between them.

  Kristen tilted her head to look at him, wondering if perhaps she were pushing him too far. A man could only deal with insecurities to a point, she supposed. But, still. It's not like she didn't have firsthand knowledge of how men like Derrick could ruin a woman's life. She didn't want to wake up one morning hating Derrick. It would break her heart.

  "I just meant -"

  "Enough. If you continue this bit of nonsense, I'm likely to bend you over my knee and spank you." Derrick added hotly.

  Kristen's jaw dropped. That he dared to speak to her like that was...was...well, it was just like a rake! She snapped her mouth closed and glared at him.

  “Fine. We'll leave that discussion for another time. I'd like to get this contract out of the way if you don't mind.” She said icily. “And, for the record, I don't think you would like to try bending me over your knee.”

  Derrick's lips twitched. He was still mad, but she managed to make him want to laugh anyway. He wouldn't give her the satisfaction, though. “I'll sign whatever you want, but I don't care to know the details. However, I think whatever money your mother left you is yours, and I don't want any of it.”

  Kristen frowned. “Derrick, that is not remotely realistic, not to mention it isn't a very good practice. I could put something completely ridiculous in there that doesn't benefit you in the least, oh like say, no more smuggling.” She pointed out reasonably.

  Derrick had no intention of quibbling with her over the marriage contract. He wanted her happy and that meant he would sign whatever she wanted him to sign. Hell, she could include an infidelity clause and he would be perfectly happy to sign it. He wanted to see her like she was last night at dinner.

  “If it pleases you to do so, then do it.”

  “It pleases me to discuss this with you. There are some things about me that you need to know. We're completely binding our lives together and I think we should at least look at this together. I'd also like to be familiar with your holdings, as well. I realize this is a marriage of convenience, but I “ She stopped short and had to look twice to be sure, but Derrick set his jaw and his amber eyes began glowing a rather dangerous shade.

  From experience, Kristen knew that she had just made him extremely angry, but she didn't understand why. It couldn't possibly have been the comment about the marriage, could it? Unless, of course, he had changed his mind. In her present mood, she was feeling bold enough to ask.

  “Derrick, if you have changed your mind “

  “Finish that sentence and I may just wring your neck! You'd like me to change my mind, wouldn't you? Well, I'm afraid I'll just have to disappoint you, m'dear. I believe I've made myself clear on this matter more than once. We're getting married, end of discussion. Now, do what you will with the bloody contract and I'll sign the damn thing. I'll leave you to your designs and see you at the church when you are finished.” With that, he turned on his heel and slammed out of the study before Kristen had time to register what just happened.

  Meanwhile, Derrick was fuming. He couldn't believe she still thought to make theirs a marriage of convenience. After everything they had talked about. He bloody well felt like wringing her neck. Ever since he had met the vixen, he'd been frustrated more oft than not. He needed to relieve his aggression before the wedding and he knew just who to take it out on, too. Stomping across the yard, Derrick headed to the stables, knowing his brother would be there at this time of the morning. When Tristan saw Derrick coming, he waved. Derrick joined Tristan in the stables, but when he walked up to his brother, he plowed his fist straight into Tristan's mouth.

  “You bloody well should have kept your mouth shut! Perhaps that will keep it closed for a few days.” Derrick growled and turned to leave.

  “Whoa, not so fast brother.” Tristan jumped up and tackled Derrick, knocking him to the ground.

  ***

  Kristen paced the floor of Tristan's study, desperately trying to figure out what had just happened when a knock sounded at the door.

  "Come in." She called absently.

  A slender man opened the door and walked in. He was carrying a record book of some sort and had blank parchment neatly tucked inside. He wore a fashionable business suit, the kind you would normally see in London, but certainly not one typically worn on a Caribbean island. The man had oily hair, even more pronounced by the gossamer that he used to slick it back with, and his small, beady eyes and hooked nose only added to the overall disturbing appearance. All in all, the man reminded her of a rat. She eyed him warely.

  He approached her and bowed formally. "M'lady." "Good day, sir." She replied politely.

  "I am Mr. Crenshaw. Lord Shane has asked that I see

  you in regards to the contract you wish to make before the marriage."

  "Oh, yes of course. Please, have a seat."

  "Thank you, m'lady."

  He walked to the chair in front of the desk and sat down. Kristen remained where she was and watched as the little man prepared. He situated the parchment on the book and pulled out a pen and ink, then dipped his pen in the ink, and looked expectantly at Kristen.

  "Now then. Where shall we begin, m'lady?"

  Kristen took a deep breath. She was suddenly nervous and found it hard to breathe. She stared at the man for a moment, then cleared her throat. The little man was looking at her, concern on his face, but it did nothing to steady her. She became dizzy from the lack of air and swayed slightly.

  "M'lady? Are you ill? Should I fetch Lord Shane for you?" He moved off the chair he had been sitting in.

  "No." She croaked. "I'm alright."

  Mr. Crenshaw watched her with a measure of kindness in his eyes as he sat back down. He might look like a rat, but he was quite patient. Kristen took several deep breaths to steady her nerves and gave him a tight smile.

  "Alright, I'm ready." She said.

  Mr. Crenshaw nodded and lifted his pen again. Together they spent the next hour going over the details of the marriage contract. There were several points he stopped and asked if they should fetch Lord Shane. Kristen would have preferred Derrick to be there, but he had flatly refused. She knew that many of the points within the contract were not typical, thanks to her mother, and she really thought he should be present.

  "Lady Kristen, if I may, this is a most unusual contract. I really think Lord Shane should be present."

  "I agree. You're welcome to try and persuade him to join us if you like. He doesn't seem inclined to listen to me."

  Mr. Crenshaw nodded. "Will you excuse me a moment?"

  "By all means."

  Kristen smiled as she watched him leave the room. He was a jittery little fellow, and she appreciated that he had Derrick's best interests in mind, but she had a sneaking suspicion that when he returned, he would be quite shaken. And, she didn't have to wait long. Not even two minutes, by her estimation, since leaving the room and Mr. Crenshaw was back without Derrick, and looking shaken just as she had assumed.

  "Well?" She asked.

  He cleared his throat. "It seems Lord Shane is perfectly happy to sign whatever you have put to paper here and says that if I question you again, he will shove this pen up my a-, well anyway, please forgive my insubordination, m'lady."

  Kristen tried not to laugh out loud, she really did, but the poor fellow looked so nervous she couldn't help herself.

  "Oh, Mr. Crenshaw please forgive me, but Derrick is indeed stubborn. I've taken no offense to your questions, and quite agree that he should be here. Fear not, I'll not tell him." She patted his hand gently and walked around to sit in Tristan's chair.

  After they had finished her contract, Mr. Crenshaw pulled out a small ledger from the stack he had with him.

  "This is a small accounting ledger for Lord Shane's shipping exploits. He doesn't have his estate books here, but said to impress upon you that this is a good faith preview and t
hat he will be delighted to show you the rest of his records upon returning to London."

  Kristen was surprised. She hadn't expected Derrick to show her any of the estate books, but here he was showing her the smuggling books. As she looked over the figures, she was certainly impressed. Derrick had more than doubled his profits each year. She knew he had money, but she was beginning to suspect that he had almost as much as her, and she had far too much as it was.

  Feeling more at ease with things between her and Derrick after seeing his private books, Kristen excused herself so that she could get ready for her wedding. Mr. Crenshaw told her that he would have the contract completed and ready to sign before the nuptials, then he took his leave so that she could proceed. She smiled as she watched him leave. Derrick said that he wanted her for his wife. Maybe she had misjudged his motives. Surely a man seeking only a marriage of convenience, or even a mistress, would not bother sharing his private business affairs with her. Of course, he still didn't know about her past and that he was in danger just being associated with her. She sighed, wondering if Derrick would still feel the same when she told him the truth.

  Chapter 32

  Chelsea and Kristen stood in one of the small rooms off to the side of the small church. Kristen had been surprised when she entered the little building. The church itself was quite impressive with its stained-glass windows, but Chelsea had gathered some maids and come that morning to decorate with flowers and bows. The little church smelled like an exotic island, and Kristen decided that she couldn't think of a better place to get married. The only thing missing was Mel.

  When Kristen walked into the room she would be using to get ready, Chelsea had the dress hanging up and was standing there with pins and flowers in hand.

  "Oh, there you are. Come quickly, I shall do your hair." Kristen smiled. Bustling clearly suite Chelsea. "Have you been here all morning?" Kristen asked as

  she sat down.

  Chelsea went to work on Kristen's hair, sweeping it up and pinning it, then adding flowers here and there. Kristen couldn't see it yet, but she had to wonder with the speed at which Chelsea was pinning it up. She chewed her bottom lip absently.