A Season To Remember

by Gayle Ava Stone, Jerrica Knight-Catania, Catherine

  “I must see to my sisters first,” Devlin stated evenly.

  “Then you will lose Louisa to me.”

  How dare he call her by her Christian name? Devlin took a deep breath. He would not make an issue of it at the moment. There were more important matters, such as Trent’s intention to marry Louisa. “She may not have you.”

  A confident grin spread across Trent’s face and he chuckled. “She will.” He took a drink of the dark liquid. “Her choice will be either to marry me or settle with whomever her grandfather decides.”

  “He would really force her to marry at Christmas?” Devlin hadn’t truly believed it would come to that. Was Danby so controlling of his family?

  “Yes, of that I have no doubt.”

  Dread filled him. If he did not marry Louisa before then, she would be lost to him.

  “Perhaps I can speak with him, explain.”

  Trent barked out laughter. “Clearly you have not met His Grace.” He downed the rest of the liquid and set the glass on his brother’s desk. “I can promise you this. If you do not ask for her hand, I will. Unfortunately she has a preference for you and since I can’t have the lady I truly want, we will be a fitting match.” He grinned. “I will make sure of it.”

  Devlin clenched his fists.

  Trent turned on his heel and marched from the room. Devlin tossed back the drink once again longing for his former profession. It was certainly easier to outwit the French than navigate society with three sisters and hold onto the lady he wanted until he was free to marry her.

  Devlin made his way back to the ballroom to look for his sisters. They were standing on the other side speaking with Louisa. A smile pulled at his lips, and he walked in their direction. Before he reached them, however, the orchestra began their next song and Trent appeared out of nowhere to escort Louisa to the dance floor for his first waltz.

  Once again the headache began at the base of his skull. Why was he plagued with headaches all of a sudden? He couldn’t remember having one before, unless he had overindulged the night before. It was Louisa who was doing this to him, or perhaps his sisters. Or maybe a combination. A man should not have to concern himself with more than one lady at a time.

  Trent whisked Louisa down the floor and back, pulling her close to his body, bending and whispering something that made her laugh. She was radiant tonight, and it appeared Trent made her happy. Should he just let her go? Let her be with a man who could take care of her now?

  No! She was his, and nobody else was going to marry her but him. Devlin marched to the waiter not far away and grabbed the wineglass from his tray, downed it, and then took another. This was going to be a long, miserable night. At least until he had the chance to dance with Louisa.

  Louisa took a deep breath as she stepped outside onto the terrace. It was nice to be alone for a moment, away from the crowds, the noises, the overabundance of perfume and body odor. The rest of the guests had just finished dining and would be filling the ballroom once again, but she had to leave, just for a few moments of silence.

  Maybe she wasn’t cut out for society. Maybe she should settle in as a vicar’s wife as everyone thought she should. She certainly had more than enough excitement these last few weeks and could do with a less strenuous schedule.

  There was really only one thing she wanted, and he wasn’t available for the taking.

  Her emotions were in a complete turmoil. Jordan had flirted outrageously with her all evening and if she didn’t know better, she would think he truly wished to court her. It was absurd, of course. The man was simply going along with the plan set in motion. But should she risk this? Each time she glanced in Marston’s direction he was glowering at Jordan, barely paying attention to her. Had they gone too far? Was he angry with her? Had he realized what they were about and no longer want her?

  What was she going to do?

  Louisa’s stomach tightened. What if they had miscalculated and she had lost Marston already?

  Tears sprang to her eyes. Why couldn’t this be simpler? Why couldn’t he marry her now? Then at least she would be married to the man she loved, and not to someone chosen by her grandfather, or to any other gentleman she could never give her heart to.

  Devlin entered the ballroom and looked for his sisters. They hadn’t returned from the retiring room yet and they did seem to spend quite a bit of time there. Was it normal? He hadn’t really been around them much to take note, nor had he ever paid attention to the comings and goings of other ladies.

  He scanned the crowd. Louisa was not here either.

  Where was Trent? Devlin began his search in earnest. The two weren’t alone together, were they? He marched across the ballroom and entered the card room. Trent wasn’t in there either. Where the bloody hell was everyone?

  He resumed his place on the far wall, where he had stood most of the night, and waited. Penny entered and drew up to his side, an innocent look on her face. Devlin was immediately on alert, especially since the other two sisters were still missing.

  “Where is Calista?”

  Penny looked up at him with her wide blue eyes. “She wished to remain upstairs. She heard Lord and Lady Ellis had arrived.”

  Devlin stiffened. That man deserved to be shot after what he had done to his sister. Perhaps he should go to Calista, offer what comfort he could. But, he couldn’t very well go into the ladies’ retiring room. He would just wait for her to return and if she wished to leave he would take her home, even if he had to miss his dance with Louisa. He would explain later and hoped she understood.

  “Did Miranda stay with her?”

  “Oh, no. Miranda overheard a couple talking about Lord Stalbridge.”

  Devlin stiffened further. He should go find Miranda right now and talk some sense into her, again! But he couldn’t leave Penny alone.

  Penny sighed. “Isn’t Miss Whitton lovely this evening?”

  “Yes, she always is.”

  “She and Mr. Trent make a striking couple, don’t they?”

  “I wouldn’t know,” Devlin bit out.

  “I just saw her step out onto the terrace. I wonder what it would be like to have hair as pale and golden as hers.”

  Devlin turned toward her. “Was Trent with her?”

  Penny blinked and frowned. “I would assume so, I suppose. Why would a lady want to walk in a romantic garden by herself?”

  Devlin bit back an oath. Calista was upstairs, probably crying her eyes out. Who knew what trouble Miranda was causing because she just couldn’t let something go? At least Penny was in no danger, but Louisa was.

  Bloody hell. Who should he go after first? One of his sisters or Louisa?

  His head began to pound.

  Louisa. He had to save her from Trent, and he prayed Calista would soon recover and Miranda didn’t land herself in trouble. He grasped Penny’s elbow and practically dragged her over to where Madeline stood conversing with a group of ladies, where she would be safe. “Stay right here. Do not move from this area. I will be right back.”

  “Louisa.”

  She stopped walking and slowly turned. Marston strode toward her.

  “We have a few matters to discuss.”

  She lifted her chin. She would not beg him. “I believe we have said all that is needed.”

  “No, we have not.” He took her hand, placed it in the crook of his arm, and led her away from the house until he stopped beside a fountain and then turned her toward him.

  “You can’t seriously be considering Trent as a potential husband, are you?”

  She didn’t know what she had expected, but his angry, demanding question was not it. “And why not?”

  “Because he is all wrong for you.”

  “He is certainly better and more exciting than whomever my grandfather will pick.”

  “It is excitement you want?” he questioned.

  “Well, at least a more exciting life than most vicars’ wives enjoy.”

  “Vicars’ wives?”

  “Yes,
everyone has always thought I should marry a vicar, that I have the demeanor for it.” She sighed and settled onto the bench before the fountain. “Since my mother passed, I have essentially filled her role in the community, caring for my father’s parishioners, listening as he rehearsed his sermons, and such.”

  He settled beside her and grinned. “Do any of these people know you eavesdrop and can shoot a gun with deadly accuracy? I am not sure I’ve met a vicar’s wife who did those things.”

  How dare he make light of her situation? “I am being serious.”

  “I’m sorry. I know you are.” He brought a hand up to caress her cheek. Louisa fought the urge to lean into it. “But are you so certain that is your fate?”

  “I am not willing to wait until Christmas to find out.” If he wasn’t going to fix everything, then she no longer wanted to be out here with him. “Now if you will excuse me, I must return inside.”

  He stood and gently grasped her elbow. “Please, give me more time.”

  “I do not have the time to give,” she argued.

  “But my sisters, I can’t just abandon them.”

  Louisa straightened. “I would never ask you to do such a thing.”

  “I know, and that isn’t what I meant. As a new bride you should have all of my attention. I would not be able to give you that. The moment my back is turned, I am certain one of them will have a mishap.”

  She didn’t point out that while they were out here in the garden those sisters were in a ballroom filled with bachelors, without his protection. “You need to give your sisters a little more credit.”

  He shoved his fingers through his hair. “I do.” He sighed. “I try, but it is hard.” He turned and grasped both of her shoulders. “You don’t understand. I was never supposed to be Marston. I was never supposed to be in charge of estates and attend parliament. I was never supposed to be the one who made sure my sisters had a secure, happy future. I am not sure I can do it all. I wasn’t trained to. My father and brother were much better suited for this. What if I miscalculate and let them marry someone who is all wrong for them and their lives are ruined? Or what if I am not paying attention one evening and some rogue sweeps one of them off her feet and ruins her?”

  In those words, she understood. He loved his family, but he was scared to death of making a mistake.

  “What if one falls in love with an unsuitable gentleman?” he asked.

  “What if that gentleman is perfectly suitable for her?” Louisa countered.

  He shook his head. “You don’t understand. There are a number of gentlemen in the ballroom right now who by all appearances would make a respectable husband, but I know differently.”

  “How so?”

  Marston glanced over his shoulder into the ballroom. Gentlemen hear things that are more often discussed in gaming hells, clubs, Gentleman Jackson’s and such. What a gentleman puts forth in a ballroom is often in complete contrast to his character. From early childhood, future lords and ladies to reared on how to best present themselves to the ton. I would rather discourage a gentleman who I know would hurt my sister, then deny his offer and have to explain why to my sister.”

  “You should give them more credit. They are more intelligent than you believe.”

  For a moment Marston’s eyes hardened. “I will not allow them ever go through heartbreak.”

  Louisa studied his eyes. They were filled with pain, longing, and a wealth of emotions she could not name. Did she risk letting him know how much she cared? Did she confess her love? Could she trust Jordan’s opinion that Marston loved her? She needed to know the depth of his feelings. “What of your heart?” She paused and swallowed. “What of mine?”

  Movement at the doors caught her attention. His sisters were standing there, but Marston couldn’t see them because he was facing her. If she let on they were there, he may stop speaking, and she desperately need him to answer her questions.

  He studied her, his eyes boring into hers and jaw clenched, bringing more definition to his face. Marston’s hand caressed her cheek. For the longest time, he said nothing, simply looked at her as if weighing his words or thinking through a problem. Her throat tightened and tears blurred her vision. He was taking too long in answering. She should have never pushed him to declare himself. In doing so she just may have lost him.

  “Marry me.”

  Louisa jerked back. This was not what she expected him to say. “Pardon?”

  “Marry me.”

  “You mean to marry before they do?”

  “Blast it, yes. I thought it was difficult to keep an eye on those three, but I can’t do that if I am worried about who might court you, or worse, marry you before I have a chance.”

  A smile pulled at her lips and she blinked back her tears.

  “At least if you are my wife, I don’t need to worry about you any longer.”

  Wanting her and loving her were two different things, however. “Why should I marry you?”

  He looked deeply into her eyes. “Because I love you. I need you.”

  A grin broke on her lips.

  “I want you to tell me when I am wrong, be a steadying influence on my sisters. Help guide them so they don’t do something horrendous that would see them ruined.”

  “Yes, I will marry you.”

  He placed both hands on her face and drew her in for a kiss. Louisa could have easily been lost, had she not known three people were watching them. She broke away and hugged him.

  “You will help with my sisters, won’t you?”

  “Of course, Marston.”

  “And you will help me keep them out of trouble?”

  “Of course, Marston.” She rolled her eyes and giggled.

  “And stand by me if I need to take drastic steps.”

  She pulled back and gazed up into his face. “I can’t imagine why that would be necessary. Your sisters are sensible, level-headed and intelligent. I don’t believe it is worth considering.”

  “Promise me.”

  Unmasked love shone in his eyes and it warmed her very being. “Of course, Marston.”

  “I like the sound of that.”

  Louisa suspected she would use that phrase quite often in the future. “I have another phrase you might enjoy hearing just as much.”

  “What?” He kissed the tip of her nose.

  “I love you.”

  “Excellent. You will be married first thing tomorrow.”

  Louisa stiffened. She would know that voice anywhere. She looked beyond Marston. “Hello, Grandfather.” She stepped away from Marston and quickly curtseyed.

  “Louisa, you’ve done well. But, I knew you always would.”

  “Don’t you think tomorrow is a bit soon?” Panic surged through her.

  “Not at all.” Marston grinned before he bowed to the Duke of Danby.

  “There is no point in waiting once a decision is made,” her grandfather insisted. “Now I’ll make arrangements at St George’s and have a note sent around as to the time.”

  “But, how is it even possible?” Louisa asked. This was happening much too quickly. Yes, she wanted to marry Marston, but so soon?

  “I heard all I needed to know about you two at Bentley Manor and since you came to Town the moment I arrived.” He frowned at her as if he didn’t quite approve of her past behavior. “I am glad I had the forethought to bring the remaining special licenses with me.” He glanced around the group and added in a gruff tone, “Now, I just need to find the rest of your stubborn cousins.” He turned and made his way back into the ballroom.

  Marston snaked an arm about her waist and drew her close before he bent and whispered in her ear, “Tomorrow isn’t soon enough.”

  Her skin heated. Soon, she would be his. This devil may no longer haunt her dreams, but he would fulfill her nights.

  To Enchant an Icy Earl ~ Catherine Gayle

  To Charley, Clayton, Mr. Ed, Mike, J.T., and all of the other men who’ve come into my life with walls around your hearts that could ri
val the Great Wall of China. Thank you for teaching me to take out my tiny chisel and hammer and begin to break through. Thank you for trusting me to do it.

  “Fordingham, you look like you could use a drink.” Viscount Dering made to clap a hand over Fordingham’s shoulder, but stopped himself just before he made contact—most likely due to the frosty glare aimed squarely in his direction. “Come, we’ll play a hand of Vingt-et-un. Get foxed together. Put a little life in your eyes.”

  But little did Dering know that Tristan Cavendish, the fourth Earl of Fordingham, had no desire to get foxed or play cards, or do anything else whatsoever with the viscount tonight…or ever at all, for that matter. Whether it was possible to put “a little life in his eyes” or not was a matter Fordingham held in sincere doubt. He briefly passed his gaze over the entirely-too-jovial man, lifting a single eyebrow in practiced and perfected disdain, and then stoically returned his attention to the entryway to Godfrey House. “Not tonight.”

  Running off to the card room would be counter-productive. He was here tonight for one reason and one reason only: to compel his wayward brother Wesley to meet with him, by force if necessary. Doing so would require Fordingham to be present amongst the other revelers here at the soiree upon Wesley’s arrival. It would be entirely too easy otherwise for the younger brother to learn of the elder’s presence and subsequently make his escape, with Fordingham being none the wiser until it was too late.

  As that very thing had already happened in some manner or another twice since the Little Season began, Fordingham had no intention of allowing another opportunity to slip through his fingers.

  Dering, however, did not scamper off as he ought to have done after Fordingham’s dismissal of him. Instead, he let out something which sounded distinctly like a chuckle. “You can’t think to stand there scowling all night. You’ll scare off all the ladies.”