The Convenient Bride (The Clearbrooks)

by McCarthy, Teresa

"They heard the scream," he said, glancing at the door.

  "What the devil is going on in there?" It was the duke's voice, and the man didn't sound amused.

  Trying to calm her erratic pulse, Briana picked her book off the floor just as the duke and his wife came rushing into the room. "What on earth—"

  The duchess stopped and turned, a look of astonishment crossing her face as she stared at Clayton, then Briana.

  His Grace lifted his right brow. "Clayton?" There were more questions in that one word than in an entire speech.

  Before Lord Clayton could answer, Briana crossed the rug and took the duchess's hands in hers. "Oh, Jane, while I was waiting for you, I fell asleep in the chair. And you will never guess what happened. It was so silly. When I awoke, I found—"

  "A mouse," Clayton put in as he stepped forward.

  Jane looked horrified. "A mouse? Here? In my house?"

  Briana swallowed in admiration at Lord Clayton's quick comeback. "Yes, it was a gray little thing with big whiskers."

  Clayton's smiling eyes froze on her face.

  "There are no mice in this house," the duke said firmly.

  "Are you calling Miss Garland a liar?" Clayton asked.

  The duke's lips thinned. "I didn't say that."

  Jane glanced at the two men, then tucked Briana's arm in hers. "Come into the drawing room, Bree. I am so sorry we were late. Roderick had an impulse to make another stop along the way."

  Roderick cleared his throat.

  Jane blushed. "Well, you did. But if you care anything about me sleeping here tonight, you'd best clear it of any mice."

  Roderick glared at his brother. "I will clean all the beasts from this room, never fear."

  "The entire house, Roderick," the duchess said. "I mean it."

  "Of course, dear, the entire house."

  As Briana turned from the room, she heard the duke mention something about his favorite wine. Clayton seemed to find the duke's comment terribly funny.

  "I believe it was a mouse by the name of Marcus,” Clayton put in, “and then there was his brother, too, Your Grace. Thirsty little devils, don’t you know."

  The library door slammed behind the ladies and Briana jumped.

  The duchess laughed. "Don't worry. Roderick and his brothers always act like that."

  "Yes, I saw them go at it many times when I stayed at Elbourne."

  "They adore each other."

  Briana smiled. "If that's adoration, I wonder what love is."

  The duchess's blue eyes sparkled. "Love is wonderful, Bree. Simply wonderful. Now, let's go over what kind of home you need for that women's shelter. I have a few ideas that may help you. If you would only let me run things, it would simplify matters."

  Briana shook her head, knowing that Jane was trying to shield her from the ton's gossip. "I need to do this. Not for me, but for Clarice."

  Jane's blue eyes softened. "It will be a difficult venture for an unmarried female, but I will do all I can to support you."

  Briana heard the shouting in the library and wondered what the duke would say about that.

  Chapter Four

  Briana sat in the Earl of Stonebridge's drawing room, watching with increasing trepidation as the frown on her godmother's face deepened.

  The previous evening Agatha had been so upset during the carriage ride home from the duke's, she had almost broken her parasol by gripping it so tightly. She had stared into Briana's eyes, looked away, and compressed her lips into a harsh line of disapproval. A minute later she spoke in a brusque tone, announcing she would speak with Briana the following morning.

  At the time Briana had been grateful for the silence because her encounter with Lord Clayton had confused her. But now, she wondered if giving her godmother time to think about the situation had been the wrong thing to do.

  As to Lord Clayton, the harder she tried to forget about yesterday's incident, the more it raced about in her brain. The handsome lord had rekindled feelings she had thought long gone. He was a dangerous sort, always playing with her heart.

  Even though Alistair had returned to the army, he had been safe. Their relationship certainly wasn't as intense as what Jane and Emily had with their spouses, even before they had married.

  She wondered if it had ever been love between her and Alistair. She just wasn't sure about anything anymore.

  "It's not as if I am going off to fight Napoleon, Agatha."

  The older lady was walking about the room, her trusty parasol tapping the floor with each agitated step. "Napoleon is resting comfortably at St. Helena, so fighting him is not possible."

  "But it's only a house party."

  Agatha turned, her gray eyes narrowing considerably. "A house party? It is an assignment from Whitehall to find a spy in the trenches, child. There is every reason to worry. They should have never asked you. I don't care if there is a chance in a million that the enemy will be there. I don't want you involved."

  Briana glanced at the door to make certain it was closed. Living in the earl's London townhouse had been wonderful, but sometimes privacy was at a minimum, especially with three-year-old Gabrielle and a new baby in the house.

  "If it were anything high risk, Whitehall would have sent in the army," Briana said calmly. "I am only helping you."

  Agatha's lips puckered. "I don't need help, and I don't see why Whitehall decided to go over my head on this!"

  Briana wasn't going to touch that comment. It was better to play upon her assets. "The invitations were sent out weeks ago. Everything about this mission fits in perfectly."

  "Yes, and it seems the Director of Operations thought so, too. I am not happy about Headquarters going behind my back like this. I was to be the only one involved."

  Agatha pointed the parasol at Briana and lifted a gray brow. "I don't like it. Your mother wouldn't approve."

  Briana smiled, not the least bit afraid of Agatha's trusty parasol. Some men avoided the alleged weapon at all costs, but to Briana it was a loving reminder of her godmother's eccentricities. "My mother knows nothing about this, and you are not going to tell her."

  "Your mother entrusted me to find you a husband. And I intend to do just that."

  Briana picked up her tea and sipped the warm liquid, peering over the rim of her cup. Finding a husband was the last thing on her mind. "I am two and twenty. I believe I can make that decision by myself."

  "I know what you have decided, but as your godmother, I have a solemn duty to see you married."

  Briana laughed. "Good grief, I am no child. I can take care of myself."

  "I should never have included you in my dealings with Whitehall, even if it was just paperwork."

  "Though secret it may have been, I was only adding up columns of numbers and going over some research for you. It's not as if I was in the front lines at Waterloo."

  "You have a high intelligence, my girl, but don't think to use it on me. I needed someone like you to help me, but this—this is outrageous! Since you had clearance on my behalf, you now hold a position I never intended you to have."

  A bark erupted from the comer of the room.

  Agatha's steely eyes glinted with triumph. "Nigel, you are of the same opinion, I believe."

  The earl's massive dog barked again. The parasol swung wide. "Ha! See, he doesn't like it one bit either. Paperwork is one thing, child, facing the enemy quite another."

  Briana settled her cup on the rosewood table to her left. There was no stopping Agatha when she started her little speeches, so all Briana could do was try to calm her godmother down.

  "I understand your concern. However, we both know this is probably a wild-goose chase. Nothing will come of it. Afterward, I will see to a few things in London, then visit my mother. This is, in truth, the only excitement I have had in years."

  "Excitement? Bah. You should be married to some nice gentleman instead of searching out spies and whatnot. I am not too old to do my duty, young lady. Do not forget who I am."

  "But—" />
  The parasol thwacked against the fireplace. "I will do everything in my power to see you don't go. It's not as if I haven't done anything like this before."

  Briana bit down on her anger. "This is too important to keep me behind and you know it. Your people need someone like me who can fade into the crowd. I am perfect. As you said yourself, there may have been a leak already. In fact, you might be the one in danger. I don't think it a good idea for you to go along at all."

  "I don't want you hurt." The lady's words flowed together while her bottom lip trembled.

  Briana's heart clenched as she picked up Agatha's tea and handed it to her. "I won't be hurt."

  Agatha took the cup and sank into a wing chair beside the hearth. "There has been talk of Grimstoke being involved. This could be more than just a hunch. We are talking about a possible link in a plot against the Regent's life."

  "I am aware of that. But could this be a decoy to throw Whitehall off course? Grimstoke is Prinny's good friend. It all seems a little far-fetched if you ask me."

  Agatha's eyes closed and she shook her head, as if remembering something she would rather forget. "There have been greater men who have given away their best friend, my dear. Never let your heart get in the way of your work."

  Briana brushed her hand against Nigel's soft fur as the dog moved beside her. Her heart was never going to get in the way of anything ever again. "I can fade away easily enough. If Lord Grimstoke is passing on information that can hurt the Regent, he must be apprehended along with the enemy."

  Lines of worry creased Agatha's brow. "Whitehall should never have asked you. They have other people who do these types of things. Trained specialists, for heaven's sake."

  Briana took the elder lady's hand in hers. "It will probably come to nothing. Lord Grimstoke said something to the prince in anger and now Whitehall thinks the man is an enemy of the Crown. It's all so absurd. Look at it this way, maybe I will be able to clear Violet's father of any wrongdoing."

  "It is more complicated than that, I am afraid. There are particulars you need to know."

  Briana's curiosity rose. "Particulars?" What had Whitehall not told her?

  Her godmother rested her parasol against her gown and sighed. "The source is thought to be a servant or a family member of Grimstoke. Possibly even a guest at his party."

  Briana leaned forward, her senses humming. "And this unidentified informant has led Whitehall to believe some exchange will be taking place?"

  Agatha nodded. "Whoever the source is, they gave us quite specific information. How they passed on the communication, I don't know. It is not being shared with me."

  Briana glanced at the door, then shifted her wary gaze back to Agatha. "Servants have been known to make the best spies."

  A wry smile flashed across the older lady's face. "Anyone can be a spy, my dear. Don't let one's outward appearance fool you. But in this case the source has led us to believe there may be a missive exchanged in Grimstoke's library somewhere in the vicinity of his desk."

  A bubble of laughter escaped Briana's lips. "In the vicinity of his desk? That is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard. You must be jesting!"

  Gray eyes sparkled back at her. "I admit, it does sound rather absurd and could mean nothing, so why don't you stay here with Emily and the children while I go on that wild-goose chase?"

  Briana's green eyes tapered into suspicious slits. "You are not getting rid of me that fast"

  Agatha blinked, looking close to tears. "I lost my true love more than ten years ago, child. You are as close to me as Emily and her family. I don't want you hurt"

  Briana put her hand in Agatha's. "I won't be hurt. I promise."

  "Promises cannot be kept as we wish them. I know that from my own experience."

  Briana felt for her godmother, but she wasn't ready to step aside. "For all we know, it's just as you said, and this entire mission will lead to nothing at all."

  The door swung open and both ladies turned their heads. Lord Clayton stepped into the room and Briana's heart gave a sudden kick. Was it only yesterday that he had held her?

  Even though he was only the third son of a duke, he had a certain air about him that demanded instant attention. And it didn't hurt that he looked magnificent in his navy blue coat and tan breeches.

  A slow smile spread across his lips. It was a smile that had given hope to many women in the ton that this man would choose them for his bride. "Ah, forgive me, ladies. I had no idea you were here. I was to meet with my sister."

  Violet-blue eyes twinkled at Briana. Though it wasn't unusual for Emily's brothers to walk into the room unannounced in the middle of the day, she found it unsettling that this man, who had caught her sleeping in the duke's library, was standing before her now.

  The memory of the way he had held her flashed in her mind. The scent of bayberry. The gentle force of his hand against her mouth. The softness of his eyes. The quickness of his mind. And he remembered it all. The insufferable man!

  "Good afternoon, my lord," Briana said, growing hot with embarrassment. Uncomfortable under his scrutiny, she pulled her hand from Agatha's, accidentally knocking the creamer onto the rug. Nigel jumped and barked, tipping over the teapot. Agatha tried to calm the dog, but to no avail. The dog kept yapping.

  Agatha looked up. The parasol swept through the air as the lady tried to keep Nigel away from the steaming tea and cream. "You took us by surprise, my lord. Nigel! Stop that!"

  The scene seemed to amuse Lord Clayton. "It looks as if poor Nigel was taken by surprise as well."

  Briana leaned over to dab at the rug with her handkerchief. Nigel barked louder, thinking it was a game. A shrill whistle pierced the air. All heads snapped in the direction of Lord Clayton, including Nigel's. Briana stared at the towering man in stunned amazement.

  "Forgive me," he said smoothly. "It was my unannounced visit that caused this mess. Let me call for help."

  In three long strides he was across the room and pulling the bell cord. "From previous encounters, I have found that Nigel can turn the calmest settings into a production fit for the stage." His wry grin shot straight through Briana's heart.

  "Well," Agatha sighed, walking toward the door, parasol in hand, "you are quite right about that, my lord."

  Briana stood and peered anxiously at her godmother. Why was she leaving her with this man? "Agatha?"

  Agatha glanced Briana's way, a definite gleam in her intelligent gray eyes. Without a word to her godchild, she switched her gaze back to Lord Clayton. "If you are to meet Emily, I am certain she will be here in a few minutes. Probably checking on the babe. So, if you would be so kind as to keep my goddaughter company while I see to a few things. I don't think a chaperone is necessary with the door open, now, is it, my lord?"

  Lord Clayton's eyes flickered with mischief. "Certainly not, madam. You can trust me."

  Agatha looked him up and down. "Indeed."

  Lord Clayton made a quick bow and held the door open for Agatha to depart

  Briana was so mad she could spit. Agatha! Don't you dare leave me!

  But before Briana could open her mouth, the point of that trusty parasol sailed past the door and disappeared.

  Dropping back into her seat, Briana gaped at the mess on the floor. What could she say to this man? What should she say to this man after yesterday? She stared at Nigel's big brown eyes. The dog seemed to understand her situation better than anyone else did.

  Lord Clayton took a seat across from her and picked up the empty teapot, setting it back on its tray. "So, Miss Garland, we meet again."

  Briana slowly raised her eyes to gaze at him. She wasn't afraid of the man. It was just that he was so... so charming and infuriating at the same time! "So we do," she said sweetly.

  Her eyes slanted slightly, daring him to mention yesterday's fiasco. He was nothing at all like Alistair. Where Alistair held a quiet gentleness, this man held an authoritative air that suggested he could obtain anything he wanted.

&
nbsp; He cleared his throat and leaned back in his chair, his grin twisting her heart until she could barely think anymore. He was remembering yesterday. She could see it in that gaze. Drat him and his alluring smirk. Alistair had never made her feel like this.

  "Your mother is well?" he asked politely, the smile slowly fading as if he suddenly remembered her mother.

  It was all Mama's fault, she told herself. Lady Garland should never have mentioned marriage to this man.

  Briana wanted to leave the room immediately. The poor lord had to act like the perfect gentleman and sit with her until Emily appeared.

  But if Briana knew anything about Agatha, the lady would make certain Emily was late. Not only that, her godmother would make certain to detain the maid who was to clean up the mess as well.

  "My mother is ill with the headaches, my lord. She is resting in the country. I am staying with my godmother and the earl until the end of the Season."

  He nodded, glancing up at the mantel clock. It seemed he was contemplating the weight of the world. Yesterday didn't mean anything to him. What a goose she had been even thinking it had.

  Little did she know that in the back of Clayton's mind she was a slim but potential candidate for his bride, even though Emily had commanded otherwise.

  Oh, Clayton knew he would never love Miss Garland. But he could respect her. She had spirit, gentleness, and intellect, all wrapped tightly into one neat little package. If Emily didn't come through with a list, he was definitely putting Miss Garland on his.

  "The, uh, weather has been rather fair for June," he said, wondering what was going on inside that little red head.

  "Yes, it has been rather fair."

  He tapped a finger against his knee. "Your mother is faring better, I presume?"

  He distinctly remembered the summers this female had spent at Elbourne Hall. Briana Garland had been a sweet, biddable girl without a spiteful bone in her body. Her meekness had amused him more than once during those carefree years. But now, well, she seemed different. A bit more unyielding than he remembered, and definitely able to stand on her own two feet. She had pluck.

  Two lovely green eyes stared back at him, and a strange sensation swept through him. "Better? I believe I mentioned that my mother is recuperating in the country, my lord," she said stiffly. "And she is not better."