Billionaire Romance: MAXIMILIAN (An Alpha Bad Boy Contemporary Mystery Romance) (Mysterious Billionaires Book 3, Anthologies & Collections) (79 page)

Stanbury manor

High noon

With hurried steps, a handsome young man marched down a luxuriously decorated hallway. Even though his expression was one of annoyance, it did little to obfuscate his excessively good looks. He wore all white, a sharp contrast with his fashionably long black hair. He was tall and lean, yet his shoulders were notably wide, making the suit just
perfect
on him. His face was handsome, yet possessed a boyish quality that only made the intensity of his presence more profound. Baubles and trinkets of all sorts adorned the walls around him, but in his fury he paid them no heed.

“Father, what is the meaning of this?” he shouted as he entered the sitting room at the corridor’s end. The chamber was meant for work and reading, yet it simply
screamed
luxury. Lacquered wood, fur and high quality leather made up the majority of the furniture, and expensive paintings hung from the walls. Opposite from the door was an impressive desk almost completely covered with papers. Behind it sat a man in his forties. The years were not kind to his face, but it was apparent that he been quite handsome in the past. The clothing he wore more than made up for the effects of age.

“This room is meant for me to work in, silly boy,” the man behind the desk said, putting his quill back in its place. “Why do you ask me questions you already know the answer to? Have I not taught you better than that?”

“Ah, I see that you are determined to deprive me of a straight answer. Very well, then. I will play your game. I have heard—from a member of the staff, no less—that you have arranged for me to be married!”

“You’ve heard correctly, my boy. Your mother has agreed to it as well, so do not dare go and pester her about it. She is feeling ill again, I am afraid. As for not giving you a straight answer, why would I? I see that you are having all the fun in the world playing the fool. Why should I not try it once in a while?” Even though what he said had seemed like a joke, the older man’s expression was completely serious.

“
Why
?” the young man asked and approached his father’s table, completely ignoring the quip.

“Do I need to spell it out for you, or are a man of Stanbury descent?”

The young man paused for a moment. He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and straightened his back.
I will not let him get to me.
By the time he had opened his eyes, he was no longer angry, yet his position did not change even a little bit. “As expected, you keep insisting on playing this game with me, father. I am asking you, why, of all people, are you marrying me to the heiress of a disgraced house?” he asked.

“From where I am standing, Martin, you two look like a match made in heaven,” the old man replied, this time with a slight chuckle.

Martin stared into his father’s eyes for a moment before breathing in deeply and speaking again. “Everyone knows just how deprived of assets the Ashdowns are, father. Even as displeased as you are with me and my life, even you must realize how bad this will be for both of those things!”

“And why, pray tell, do you think so? You are not exactly the most well reputed young man of your generation. Were it not for me and my money, you’d have liquidated your assets by now and spent most of it on whims and fancies!”

“If I am as worthless as you say, then why, for the love of all that is good and proper, are you doing this to me?” He crossed his arms on his chest.

“To introduce you to the real world, first and foremost. You have been living a life that does not become you, Martin, and I will put a stop to it. You are my son, and you will act like it! Tell me, how many highborn marriages have you brought close to dissolution thus far? As a matter of fact—don’t! I do not want to know.”

“Is it my fault that I am so charming that women cannot help but fall head over heels over me?” Martin replied with a mischievous smile.

“No, I am afraid that the fault is all my own. I am afraid that I have spoiled you, Martin. But that ends, right here and now. You are to grow up and become a real man, or you will go down along with the Ashdowns.” The Lord Stanbury put his foot down.

“So you would turn me into a scoundrel by fact as well as reputation? It is always comforting to know that family will always be right behind me.”

“Not necessarily, Martin. The Ashdowns do have the potential to rise up again; they are just short on assets to make it happen. If you behave, I will help you revive your new estates, and you will be in for a rather good life. Should you stick to your old ways, however, you will find that things will go rather differently.” The older man raised both his eyebrows, adding some flair to the dark gaze that he directed toward his son.

Martin thought about his answer for a good moment or so.
I will not give in.
“I think you know this story. ‘A wolf once tried to change his nature by changing his appearance, and thus get plenty to eat.’ We all know how splendidly that went for him.”

“Do not be silly, boy. Your appearance is the last thing I want you to change. Everyone agrees that it is the best thing about you.”

And then everyone wonders where I got my snark.
Martin turned around and made his way toward the exit.

“I will need you at your best tonight. We are meeting the Ashdowns for dinner,” the Lord Stanbury commented just when Martin was about to leave the room.

So soon? Very well then. I will take part in this game.
“Understood, Father,” he said as stepped into the hallway and closed the doors.
However, no one ever said that I have to do it by your rules.

Chuckling slightly, he adjusted his sleeves before proceeding down the hallway. There were things to be done, and so little time for preparation.

Stanbury Manor gates,

Twilight

Lillian gracefully exited the rented carriage, all while holding up the edges of her gown. The coach was expensive, but one had to travel in style.
At least, that is what Mother always says.

The servants were well taught in their trade, and experienced as well, but Lillian’s beautiful appearance still made them stare involuntarily. She wore a tight-fitting white corset gown that made her tiny waist even more pronounced, hid some things to invite curiosity, and made some other things stick out
just the right way
. Her golden hair had been lifted up and shaped into a veritable castle of spirals on her pretty head, and the makeup applied to her face made it seem almost angelic.

“Oh, would you look at that! Is it not absolutely
divine
?” the Lady Ashdown commented, having exited the carriage right before Lillian and taken in the sight of the grounds. As was usual for her, she wore mostly purple.

I know that you have seen it before, mother.
She turned her gaze toward the mansion and its surroundings. Her mother had always liked to exaggerate, but this time her elation was justified. The Stanbury Manor, along with its courtyard, was impressive in every way. The grass was perfectly tended to, the white sculptures were well maintained, and the structure was as well-put-together as it was large. “Indeed it is,” Lillian said, smiling all the while.

“And look at all this hired help, so eager to wish us a warm welcome!” The Lady Ashdown discreetly unfurled a fan, hid her lower face behind it, and used her chance to whisper to her daughter. “You will never have to work in your life, I promise.”

Nor will I get a say in anything again,
she thought, but again refrained from saying anything. She had to be absolutely immaculate tonight, and upsetting her mother again was not the way to do it. “Shall we proceed, then? I am eager to meet my future groom,” she said courteously.

Visibly pleased with her daughter’s demeanor, the Lady Ashdown gestured for the help to escort them through the front gate and over the courtyard. One man stayed behind near the coachman to instruct him where to go, but the others went in front and behind the two women.

“I dare say, this place is as remarkable as everyone says!” Lady Ashdown broke the silence.
It is always good for the servants to like you,
she always said.

“Thank you, madam,” one of the men replied, while the others merely smiled. They were being paid well, that much was apparent from their very appearances. The Lady Ashdown smiled in response, more due to the conclusion she had made than the servants’ happy circumstances.

Lillian said nothing, although she kept smiling herself. It was not her duty to run the show, after all. She was to present herself as the beautiful, graceful, and above all well-bred girl that any man would want at his side. Surely a rogue such as the future Lord Stanbury would overhear the help talk from time to time.

Yet… this estate really is stunning.
She turned around as discreetly as etiquette would allow. Every little detail was in its proper place. The family of her future husband was indeed in possession of assets even other nobles could only dream of.
Then why has he turned out to be such a disreputable character?
She could not think of an answer.

“Here we are, my ladies,” another servant commented as he helped the women climb the stairs. They did not need it, but they took the offer regardless. A moment later, the doors were opened, and a long, exquisitely decorated hallway lay before them. At its end was another pair of doors, no doubt leading to the main hall. “You are expected, of course,” the servant said, waiting until they went inside before he closed the entrance behind them.

“Now, do not worry, my dear. Be your usual, perfect self, and I am certain that your betrothed will just
love
you!” the Lady Ashdown said as she folded her fan.

Instead of replying, Lillian straightened her back and put on her best smile. She had done it just about at the right moment, too, for the pair of doors that led to the main hall were just then opened almost simultaneously. It was grand in every imaginable way. Expensive paintings done by famous artists adorned the surrounding walls. Furniture that was obviously handcrafted by the finest of carpenters waited for them to grace it with their noble backsides. An imposing crystal chandelier hung in the center of the room, and directly below it stood two members of the Stanbury household: the Lord and the Lady. The heir was notably absent.

“Welcome to our humble abode!” The head of the family greeted them with open arms and a sincere smile.

“It is a pleasure, of course. But I would hardly call
this
humble, Lord Stanbury! Such luxury! Such fine taste! Why, your line must have been collecting these for
generations
!” Lady Ashdown said, her smile practically extending from one ear to the other.

“Nonsense! It is all the work of my lovely wife! She is the one who chose the decoration; I am merely the unfortunate who had to pay the bills! But it
is
worth it, for the sheer awe the place evokes, yes?” He smiled as he gave his response.

The Lady Stanbury smiled as well, sincerely, yet far less mirthful. She was a thoroughly beautiful woman, but it was obvious that she was in poor health. Her neck was as thin as a tree branch, and not even generous amounts of makeup could hide the fact that she had slight bags under her blue eyes. She always wore black by choice, and this evening was no different despite its joyous nature.

“Why, my dear, you have amazing taste! Don’t you think so, Lillian?” Lady Ashdown asked her daughter.

“Quite so! I am afraid that I’ve been caught by surprise by all of this… splendor!” Lillian spoke with awe in her voice. She did not have to fake it; the feeling was genuine.
So, this is what it means to be truly rich.

“Pish-posh, my dear! Please, be my guests and make yourselves comfortable! The help shall serve you with refreshments shortly.” Lord Stanbury extended his hand toward a nearby sofa. Lillian had never seen a more comfortable-looking thing in her life. With graceful steps, she and her mother took the invitation, and sat on the expensive piece of furniture. It was not as comfortable as it seemed. By all means, it was
better
.

“Might I know where my future husband is, my Lord and Lady?” Lillian asked, and everything around her went silent immediately.

“He is… He shall be here shortly,” Lord Stanbury said, after a good bit of consideration. “I have sent the lad to do some business in my stead. Matters of grave importance, I might add. He should be back shortly, but if anything gets complicated… then I am afraid that we just might be forced to do this without him.” His face was expressionless, but it was not difficult to tell from the tone of his voice just how displeased he was.

Is the entirety of our wedded life going to be like this?
Lillian could not help but feel a little sad. She had hoped for a man to love, a husband who would love her back. Not someone who would skip something as important as meeting his bride! But there was nothing she could do. It was either this, or watch the rest of her life evaporate as the family debts kept piling up.

“Is that so? Well, I am glad that my future husband is so reliable of a man, then!” She took special effort when she presented her smile, careful so as not to make it appear mocking or fake. Everyone present smiled back, and she instantly felt guilty for taking part in this large game of make-believe. Yet this was the reason she was born: to be a proper lady for a good husband.
If only he were actually good, though.

A voice rang out as the front doors opened again. “I see that you are all having yourselves a good time! Judging from the smiles and everything else, of course!” It was deep yet youthful, belonging to a man in his prime. All eyes turned toward the entrance, then, and into their sight waltzed the graceful-yet-powerful figure of Martin Stanbury.

Is that him?
Despite all the bad things she had heard about her betrothed, Lillian could not help but be absolutely smitten at once by the man’s overwhelming beauty. Their eyes met for the first time, blue facing blue, and she could immediately tell that he felt the same. Yet something was clearly wrong with him. The way he moved, the way he stared at her, it was all somewhat erratic, and it took her a good while to realize the reason.
He is drunk!
He has dared to get himself drunk on this very night!
It took all the force of will Lillian could muster not to frown.

The Lord Stanbury did not have the same problem. He appeared completely composed, as if he had half expected something like this to happen. “Martin, my boy! So glad that you’ve made it, more or less on time! And to think we were all about to start chatting without you!”

“Oh, I would not have missed
this
for the world!” Martin said as he made his way toward Lillian and her mother. He held his liquor well, that much was obvious, but being drunk in this situation was less than acceptable regardless of how much (or how little) in control of his actions he was. With a single motion, he took the hand of Lady Ashdown, kissed it, and said, “Charmed, milady.”

“Always a pleasure to meet a fine young man,” she replied with a fake smile.

“And is this delicate flower my bride-to-be?” He turned toward Lillian and gave her another look while he moved closer. He took her hand as well, and she felt how strong, yet gentle, his own pair was. Smiling seductively, he pressed his lips to the back of her hand, and a slight chill started to slowly work its way up her arm. Then, she perceived something else that instantly shattered the sensation: the smell of liquor was all around him. It even overpowered his cologne.

“Pleased to meet you, beautiful Lillian,” he said as he raised his head and graced her with another gaze. “I have heard so many wonderful things about you that I just cannot wait to get to know you better.”

The combination of pleasant and unpleasant sensations that he evoked in her interacted in such a manner that Lillian did not know how to respond. So she did the only thing she could: she smiled gracefully. “Thank you,” she said.

“Perhaps our betrothed pair would enjoy a moonlight walk to get to know each other?” Lord Stanbury said, all too eager to get his son out of his immediate proximity.

“What do you think, Lillian?” Martin asked her, still seeming to gaze straight into her soul with those eyes of his.

“I think that would be just wonderful,” Lillian answered, dazzling the room with the sight of her perfect teeth.