The Convenient Bride (The Clearbrooks)

by McCarthy, Teresa

  Violet was a small replica of her father. Short and plump, with curly brown hair. But what she didn't have in looks, she had in heart.

  Briana gave a reassuring smile, but her head still ached from the accident. For reasons she didn't want to admit, she made no mention of Lord Clayton's attending her wound.

  "As you can see, I am quite fine indeed," she said to Violet. "Only a small cut behind the ear. But it is dear Agatha I am worried about."

  "Papa has sent Chloe to watch over her. She is the best of maids. She took care of me when I had the inflammation of the lungs last year. Oh! I must say I adore your gown."

  Briana dropped her gaze to her green gown trimmed in white ribbon and lace. Besides everything else going wrong, it seemed Emily had made a switch of Briana's dresses—actually her entire wardrobe. All her gowns were of the latest fashion, including her sleepwear. It amazed Briana how Emily could get away with something like this, but she had. She must have made plans for the extensive wardrobe weeks ago.

  Emily had probably thought she was doing Briana a favor— her friend had even hinted as much—but the beautiful clothing would make it extremely difficult for Briana to fade into the walls, especially with the low-cut necklines and fancy laced bodices. Briana had never thought Emily would truly do something like this, but then again, Emily's plans were never commonplace at all.

  "Thank you. I believe this is the latest creation of Madame LaPorte. But I must say that your father has been exceedingly generous. I cannot thank him enough for his wonderful care of my godmother. She is more fragile than she looks, you know."

  Lord Grimstoke had indeed been most gracious, insisting on the very best for both his female guests.

  Violet smiled, giving Briana's hand a squeeze. "I vow that woman is more robust than Prinny himself."

  Prinny himself? Thoughts of the mission assaulted Briana's conscience. What about the assassination plot? And Lord Grimstoke? Would she find some damaging evidence that would convict Violet's father? The very idea sickened her. Grimstoke could not be involved. He could not.

  Briana managed a chuckle. "You know my godmother. She thinks she can do anything. But she must be kept in bed for the next few days, and I daresay that will be the real challenge."

  "Oh, I know. Chloe informed me that Lord Clayton was at her bedside all night. How lucky you were he came along when he did. Along with the doctor's orders, his lordship has agreed that keeping the lady abed with laudanum is the wisest choice if she becomes disagreeable. I believe Lord Clayton is very concerned about Miss Appleby. He is quite the honorable gentleman."

  "Yes, quite honorable," Briana said, her memory of Clayton kissing her still clear in her mind. "We were fortunate indeed. I had no idea he was invited to your house party."

  Briana distinctly recalled his name not being on Agatha's list. Was he pursuing her? Did he even know she was attending Grimstoke's party? No, of course not. Her mind was running away with her. She meant nothing to him. He only wanted a convenient and biddable bride. Had he not told her so the night of the ball?

  Still, she wondered what reason had pressed him to seek a bride now? Was the duke pushing him to marry?

  "Let's sit down, Bree. These new slippers are hurting my feet. I think the ribbons are cutting off my circulation."

  Briana laughed as they made their way to the window seat.

  "Now," Violet said, smiling, "back to Lord Clayton. He was invited at the last minute. Mama was surprised at his wish for an invite, but one cannot slight the son of a duke."

  I did, Briana wanted to say. Yet she could not deny the hint of disappointment she felt at the thought of Lord Clayton looking for a convenient bride at Grimstoke Hall. She was not certain of his reasons for wanting to marry so quickly, but she had to admit his help the past twenty-four hours had been nothing but wonderful. He had been an angel throughout their entire ordeal.

  Why, the man had apparently even charmed Agatha during the night. This was the Lord Clayton Clearbrook most people knew, the man most people adored, especially women. This was the man Briana had fallen in love with when she had been sixteen.

  Violet pressed a hand against the windowpane. "Oh, look. There he is now."

  Briana tried not to show her surprise as she peered out the window. Lord Clayton was standing in the gardens below, speaking to Violet's father. When Lord Grimstoke looked away, Lord Clayton quickly lifted his gaze. Briana blushed and leaned away.

  It seemed Violet had missed the exchange, for her eyes were glued to another gentleman walking toward the two men.

  Briana noticed Lord Clayton stiffen. It was only slight, but he had done it all the same. The man joining the circle was Lord Kingsdale.

  Violet rested her brow against the pane. "Is he not handsome?" Her voice was filled with awe.

  "Very handsome."

  Too handsome for his own good, Briana thought with a frown. Lord Clayton was worming his way into her heart whether she liked it or not. A wink, a word, a smile—anything he did affected her.

  Violet tilted her head toward Briana. "You had a fondness for him a while back, did you not?"

  Briana felt her color rise. She had never told Violet about her feelings for him, had she?

  "Oh, I know he is a rogue," Violet said with an embarrassed chuckle, "and that is why you finally broke your liaison, but I vow the man is simply too dashing to dismiss."

  A small lump of jealousy coiled in Briana's breast. "Y-you are in love with him?"

  Violet frowned. "Would you mind if I were?"

  Briana shook her head, turning her gaze back to the three men. "Why should I mind?" Violet would probably fit into Lord Clayton's plans quite nicely. He would be able to go about London without his wife's interference, and Violet would gladly stay in the country, where she felt more at home. Lord Clayton's obligation as the son of a duke would be fulfilled.

  Violet sat back. "Well, with Lord Kingsdale one never knows what he will do next. And whether you agree with me or not, I fear the man still has a liking for you. You were ever the intellectual and he seems to like women with brains."

  Briana could not hold back her surprise. She had thought her friend was speaking of Lord Clayton. For a reason she didn't want to identify, her heart swelled with relief.

  "I am not interested in Lord Kingsdale, Violet. And for your sake, I would stay away from the man. He is, well, not what the ladies would call gentle."

  Violet turned toward the window with a sigh. "How very puzzling. And I thought him such an agreeable man. I think Papa likes him."

  Briana leaned forward as Violet's father left the gardens. The remaining two men were still exchanging words. Lord Clayton glanced up at her, his expression hard as he looked back at Kingsdale.

  Violet put a hand to her mouth, a mischievous smile springing to her lips. "Mercy me! Lord Clayton seems to know we are watching him."

  Briana turned away, quite embarrassed to be caught staring. Why did she have a feeling the men were arguing about her?

  Violet's eyes gleamed with adventure as she rose from her seat. "Papa thinks he is looking for a wife."

  "A gentleman from such a fine family must marry sometime," Briana said, trying not to show the anxiety growing in her breast.

  "Oh!" Violet exclaimed, clapping her hands. "Speaking of family, did you know his cousin, Sir Gerald, is attending the house party? He is a friend of Papa's and arrived only yesterday."

  "Is he?" Briana remembered Emily mentioning the man's name a few times, but for the life of her she couldn't recall what her friend had said about him. She had also seen his name on the list of attendees, but she had not known he was Lord Grimstoke's good friend. Agatha had been planning to go over the list in the carriage before the accident.

  "They met at one of Prinny's parties last year," Violet said, lowering her voice. "I am ashamed to admit it, but Papa likes to gamble, and it seems Sir Gerald has the same vice. But I cannot lie, Bree. I rather like the man."

  A hint of a smile touched Bri
ana's lips. Violet's tastes in gentlemen changed like the rain in spring. "Ah, now we are getting somewhere. Does your father agree to the suit?"

  "Oh, it's nothing like that. Papa thinks I need an older gentleman. But Sir Gerald wears the latest fashions. His neckcloth is tied to perfection, with just the right amount of starch. Some would say he's a bit arrogant, but I believe they are only jealous because he enjoys the finer things in life."

  Briana listened intently to Violet talk about the man. If Grimstoke were involved in the plot against Prinny, could Sir Gerald be involved as well? She battled against the very thought of Violet's father's being embroiled in the horrid scheme.

  "If you are feeling better, Bree, there will be a little soirée tonight. Nothing as formal as a ball, but Papa has hired some strings for the evening. I vow if any of the three gentlemen we talked about asks me to waltz, I will just swoon."

  Briana broke into a smile. "You will not."

  Violet sighed dreamily. "I suppose not. But Papa said Lord Clayton was very concerned about you last night. Maybe that's why he kept looking at you from the gardens. Don't deny it, Bree."

  Briana slid her finger over the nightstand. "The man found my carriage overturned, and he sees me as an obligation, nothing more."

  "If that's the way you see it, I cannot change your mind. But it could be that the man has eyes for only you. I heard when he arrived last night, he asked for a bedchamber near Miss Appleby and you. He made it abundantly clear to Papa he was going to take full responsibility for both of you while you were here. And I can tell you that Papa didn't like that at all."

  Briana felt an inexplicable tenderness toward Lord Clayton for his gallantry. "Why would your papa object?"

  Violet giggled. "'There will be no impropriety in my house,' he said. Meaning you and Lord Clayton."

  "Ah, I see." Briana's eyes crinkled with amusement. That, of course, was never going to happen.

  "But Papa is quite strict with things like that. He will demand satisfaction if any of his guests are compromised. I hate to say it, but he has done so many times before."

  "Compromised?" Briana squeaked. "Really, Violet, what do you think of me?"

  Violet rushed to her friend's side. "Oh, no, I am not accusing you, Bree. I am only warning you. Last year, Lady Farrow and Lord Commings were stuck in a cottage for a few hours during a snowstorm. Papa insisted they marry, and there was nothing for it but for them to do as he said. It was unfortunate for them that the archbishop has good friends in the area and visits many times during the year. A special license was easily obtained and the couple was forced to marry."

  "I knew they were married under strange circumstances," Briana said, frowning, "and they are never seen together..."

  "Indeed, they are not. Lady Farrow believes Lord Commings had it planned all along. He wanted her father's money, you see. Well, that's what she thinks anyway."

  "I feel sorry for both of them."

  "I don't believe things are as bad as they appear, but I only told you the story because rumors have it Lord Clayton is searching for a wife. Papa is becoming ever so stuffy lately. He wants no scandal attached to his name. He was quite upset when Lord Clayton insisted on watching over your godmother."

  Briana could not hold back her laughter. "Yes, I know. A maid was posted outside during the night. And speaking of your papa, I have heard he has an excellent book collection about the ancient pyramids of Egypt. I was wondering if I could see it."

  Briana contemplated how a man who was so afraid of scandal could ever be involved in an assassination plot against the Prince Regent. It just could not be so. This mission would probably turn out to be nothing at all.

  "Of course you can see them," Violet said as she walked toward the door. "Truly, Bree, reading is one thing, but a lady must be careful. Being labeled a bluestocking is quite another."

  Briana felt sorry for her friend. How could a woman not be curious? "I don't intend to marry like you do, Violet."

  Violet's hand fell from the door. "Goodness' sakes, why not?"

  "I have my reasons." Briana didn't want to explain herself. Instead she reached out to her friend. "If you wish to make me happy, you will lead me to that collection, and I promise I will make it to the dance tonight."

  "Oh, Bree! That would be wonderful! I would be in your debt if you stood by my side for a bit. But I will not push you if you are still nursing your injury."

  "Consider yourself in my debt."

  Violet gave Briana a hug. "I am so glad you came."

  Briana smiled as they left the room. She needed to make her way to the library without anyone the wiser. She hated to use her friendship with Violet, but the Regent's life was at stake. And if Whitehall's source was to be believed, and Grimstoke was involved, Briana had to search for evidence. Whoever had forwarded the information about Grimstoke must have had good reason. Revenge, perhaps? That was always a good motivator, truth or not.

  Of course, there was a slim chance the information was true. Agatha had mentioned other agents with more significant leads, searching Bath. But it didn't undermine the fact that the Prince Regent had a long list of enemies for one reason or another. Many were not happy with his extravagant ways. There could be a number of people that could be plotting against him.

  Questions danced around in Briana's head as if she had downed two bottles of champagne. Was Lord Grimstoke merely a pawn in a game of revenge? Was this investigation at the house party a total waste of Whitehall's time? Briana didn't know what to think, but since Agatha was still in bed dosed with laudanum, she would have to make the investigations by herself.

  Drink in hand, Lord Grimstoke sat in his chair and lifted his head as the maid walked into his private sitting room.

  "There be nothing in her reticule or her belongings, my lord," Chloe said. "I looked everywhere."

  "Dash it, Chloe. She has ties to Whitehall. We cannot let her out of our sight."

  "And what about us? When will we be leaving this place?"

  "As soon as I get my money. The Regent played me for the fool last year at the tables and I intend to see the right of it."

  "Your wife?"

  "She don't know a thing. Sits in bed eating rolls all day. It's Violet I'm worried about. Got herself set on marriage to a gentleman of the ton. Won't work. No one will be the wiser, but when I leave, well, by Jove, we must take her with us."

  "Oh, love, she won't want to come along. Why not send her to that cousin in India? Seems like a fine gent. Wanted to marry the girl for years. He won't mind if there's talk."

  Grimstoke steepled his hands against his chin. "Simon always had a liking for her. He may be twenty years older, but I can count on him. Owes me a favor, too. He will see I did the right thing with Prinny and all this. Violet won't like it, but it will be the best thing I can do for her. Never liked scandals, you know. But once I run off with you ..."

  He shook his head. "No, no. Have to have her settled. That's what I'll do. Simon it is. He'll take care of her like a queen. Violet needs pampering, you know. After we are settled in America, well, who knows, Simon might take it upon himself to move there too. In fact, I'll make it worth his while."

  His gaze was tired. "Good thing I have you, Chloe."

  Chloe snuggled against his chest. "Good thing, Grimmy."

  "You'd best get back to Miss Appleby. That goddaughter of hers is my daughter's friend. Quiet little thing. Don't want her involved in any of this. Might upset Violet, you know. If we can keep Miss Appleby in bed, all will be good. Add a little more laudanum, enough to have her sleep the day away. Can't have her dead, won't look good. Magistrates and all that."

  Chloe pulled away, her eyes wide with curiosity. "Did you have something to do with the carriage yesterday?"

  "No, by Jove, not my style. Don't know what happened there. Meant to take care of Miss Appleby when she arrived. You know, put the laudanum in her drink. Make her too tired to follow up on us. Well, it worked out nice and tight for us, did it not?"


  The maid gave him a saucy smile. "What about your contact? Won't he be leaving you a message about the money?"

  "Yes, well, can't have him knowing we have trouble. Won't be any good to us at all. And to tell you the truth, don't know if the contact is male or female. But all I have to do is pass on the exact schedule Prinny will be taking when he visits Bath again. The Regent always lets me know his plans in case I want to join him. He don't tell many people."

  He sent a concerned look toward the door and lowered his voice. "They plan to take the Regent on the road. Scare him a bit, you know. He's been very careful since the crowd turned on him a while ago. Keeps his itinerary private."

  Chloe's fingers moved seductively over his cravat. "It ain't right that old Prinny took your money at that game down in Brighton. Ain't right at all."

  Grimstoke wrapped his hand about her waist. "That's right. Cheated me, he did. Took almost everything I had in one roll of the dice. Ain't going to let that go, no matter who he is. Let them kidnap the fat old goat. Should wake the country up a bit, I daresay. It will give the old boy a good scare, too. They'll let him go, of course. They ain't going to kill him, you know."

  The maid frowned. "But what if they do kill him?"

  "They ain't going to. Be a blasted mess. They only want to scare him. Let him know they ain't fond of his excessive living. Some fanatical group, don't you know. Knew we were old friends."

  Grimstoke tapped angrily against the side of the chair. "We still keep in touch, though it pains me every time I put my hand to the pen. My blasted luck never holds up when I've been out drinking all day. But that's neither here nor there. Whoever wants the exact route and time is willing to give me money so I can leave this country for good."

  "But I thought you said the Prince cheated you."

  "Yes, well... indeed he did. He should have known I wasn't up to snuff that night. Could have let me slide a bit, don't you know. Never you fear, Chloe, we will sail off into the moonlight together."

  Chloe's brows knitted into a frown. "And you have the information?"