Deceiving the Duke of Kerrington (Ladies of Deception) (15 page)

Chapter 18

Hope was
agitated the entire next day. When she wasn’t fretting about the upcoming ball
that evening and the dancing that she would be required to do, she was busy
trying not to think of Pierce and the unsettling feelings she had for him. The
day drug on in endless monotony; while the men gallivanted around participating
in such endeavors as archery, shooting, and riding; the women found their
entertainment in what Hope found to be extremely dull and tedious
pastimes—embroidery and gossiping. She had no idea who lady such and such with
the dreadfully long teeth was, nor lady so and so who had a penchant for
slurping when she took her tea, so she sat back and daydreamed about her
writings that she had been severely neglecting since arriving at Ridgecrest
Manor to dull the boredom.

She was relieved
when it was announced that it was time to begin preparations for the ball. She
was also greatly relieved to have gone the whole day without a single glimpse
of Pierce. She knew tonight she would have to fake like she enjoyed his
company, or at least tolerated it, long enough for the engagement to be
announced and the congratulations given. She wondered to herself how long she
would have to be there before she could politely make her excuses and leave.
She hoped that she would find some way to be able to escape the ball early.

The dress she
was to wear to the ball was exquisite; its ivory skirts were overlaid with gold
silk, the bodice and sleeves being made of the same shimmering gold silk as
well. It hugged her every curve just as if it had been made for her not Noelle.
She knew immediately when she had chosen to wear it that the amber necklace
Pierce had given her would match it perfectly. She had a strong desire to wear
the gift, knowing it would complete her ensemble, but her pride prevented her
from putting it on. The last thing she wanted to do was give him the pleasure.
Instead she opted for the simple ruby pendant of her mother’s, hoping it would
prove her point.

And indeed, it
did just that. When Pierce arrived at her door to pick her up the first thing
he did was look down at the offending necklace and snarled, “Why in the heavens
are you wearing that?”

“You don’t like
my dress?” Hope asked innocently.

“It’s not that,
your dress is beautiful. Why aren’t you wearing the necklace I gave you? It
would go perfectly with that gown.”

She reached up
and clasped the ruby in her hand, “I suppose I just thought this would look
better.”

“Perhaps you are
just trying to incense me,” he pointed out.

“Why would my
choice of jewelry cause you any concern?”

“It’s not your
jewelry that concerns me, it’s your attitude. Now hurry up and go put my
necklace on. We mustn’t keep everyone waiting.”

“I’m perfectly
capable of deciding what jewelry I would like to wear.”

He turned her
around and lightly tapped her on the rear end, shocking her. She turned to him
and gasped, “Are you always so controlling?”

“Are you always
so uncontrollable?”

“I think, your
grace, that you’re the only one who has a hard time managing me. Maybe you
should rethink this arrangement.”

“Not on your
life, now be quick.”

By the time Hope
returned, the sparkling amber teardrop necklace in place on her delicate
throat, Pierce was anxious to put their fight behind them and to enjoy the
evening. He could hardly wait to hold her in his arms, to dance with her as he
looked into her captivating eyes that so perfectly matched the stones hanging from
her throat.

But he should’ve
known the little hellcat would endeavor to make the evening anything but
enjoyable. The minute she stepped into the ballroom, all heads turned to stare.
He noticed the look of interest that crossed many gentlemen’s faces, and he
couldn’t say he blamed them—Noelle was by far the most beautiful girl in
attendance. He watched as her eyes widened with wonder as she took in the
elegant scene before her.

This was the
first ball Hope had ever attended and she was fascinated by the sight of so
many beautifully dressed people amid such beautiful surroundings. She stood in
the entrance to the grand ballroom and took it all in; from its walls hung with
shimmering oriental fabric in red and gold, to the ornate wood columns and the
decorative plaster on the ceiling. That combined with the soft glow from the
candles created an almost magical ambience.

Pierce watched
her in awe, her excitement surprising and delighting him. Surely she had
attended many balls and should’ve grown bored of such opulence by now, but with
her it was as if she was seeing the world for the first time and taking it all
in. And he soon noticed that he wasn’t the only one charmed by her.

Lord Terrance
had edged his way to where they were standing and bowed slightly before her,
“It is with great honor that I stand before you, milady. May I request this
next dance?”

Hope looked at
him apprehensively before agreeing, allowing him to take her hand and lead her
onto the floor. Pierce watched the couple in shock, he had intended to claim
her for the first dance and was incensed that the puny Lord Terrance had beat
him to the punch.

He sulkily
watched the pair perform a country dance and noticed that Noelle wasn’t the
most graceful dancer, though her beauty distracted anyone from noticing. He
briefly wondered if her ankle was still giving her problems and made a mental
note to ask her when they danced.

It was with
increasing alarm and annoyance that Pierce watched one man after another seek
her hand in a dance. He quickly joined in the dancing, hoping to distract
himself from the unfamiliar twinges of jealousy that were ever present in his
chest. He had just finished dancing with Lady Smythe when he noticed Elliot
step forward to claim Noelle for the next set. He quickly and impolitely turned
from Lady Smythe and stormed over to Elliot and Noelle, tapping Elliot
forcefully on the shoulder.

“Pardon me, but
I believe this dance is mine.”

“Oh really, is
your name on her card?” Elliot asked as he reached to see for himself.

“Well yours
certainly isn’t so I suggest you leave so I can dance with my fiancée.” Elliot
looked at the pair shrewdly before bowing slightly and slowly retreating.

Hope turned wide
eyes on him as he pulled her almost forcefully into his strong arms as the
musicians struck up a waltz. “That was hardly necessary, Pierce.”

“At least you’re
back to calling me by my given name.”

“That’s beside
the point. The point is that you are intruding on the dance I should be
enjoying with Lord Martineau.”

His powerful
arms drew her closer, smashing her chest against his hard one. “Would you
rather he be holding you like this right now?”

“You’re
insufferable, and rude, and arrogant.”

“And you have a
gift for flattery. Now stop talking and just dance.”

Hope reluctantly
did as she was told, but only because if she didn’t concentrate she would
inevitably trip and make a fool of herself. She tried to focus on counting out
the rhythm of the waltz to avoid the overwhelming sensation of being held so
tightly in Pierce’s arms. His masculine scent surrounded her, reminding her of
what it felt like to kiss him, to taste him. She felt herself growing hot at
the thought.

“Are you okay?”

“What do you
mean?” She barely managed to stammer, tripping slightly on his foot in the
process.

“You seem to be
struggling with the dance and I was just wondering if your foot was still
bothering you.”

Hope was
grateful for the excuse, though her foot had long ago ceased bothering her she
quipped, “Yes it is bothering me, but not as much as my partner. Maybe I should
sit out the remainder of this dance.”

Pierce waltzed
her in the direction of a far balcony where the doors were pushed wide open
allowing a cool breeze to filter into the ballroom. He smoothly danced her out
onto the balcony and into one dark corner before stopping, though his arms
never let her go.

“What is this
about?” She asked, looking up into his handsome face that looked almost
frightful in the moonlight, the shadows dancing on his face making his eyes
appear even more wicked.

Without saying
another word, Pierce dipped his head and placed his hard lips on hers. She
fought him at first, refusing to open her mouth to his but it wasn’t long
before the feelings she had been fighting for so long resurfaced and before she
knew it she was kissing him back with abandon. She reached up and placed her
arms around his broad shoulders, toying with the dark hair at the base of his
neck. His hands were on her neck, cupping her face as he ravenously kissed her
with a passion and desperation that was foreign to even him. He felt a lock of
her silky hair break free from her pins and fall down to caress his arm. He
longed to reach up and unpin the rest to let it flow down her back in waves of
glimmering honey to see what it would look like in the light of the moon. Just
as he reached one hand up to do just that, they were interrupted by a loud
gasp.

“What the devil
is going on here?”

Pierce turned,
trying to shield Noelle with his body but he felt her move to the side to see
who had spoken.

“Devon? What are
you doing here?” Her voice was weak.

“That’s what I
should be asking you. I myself have only just arrived to surprise you. I
figured somebody from the family should be here to support you at your
engagement ball. What’s your excuse for being out here acting so wantonly with
him?” He gestured one hand angrily at Pierce.

Before she had a
chance to answer, Lady Tolliver had made her way out to the balcony and was
standing just behind Devon with a horrified expression on her face, “What, pray
tell, is going on here?” Hope closed her eyes, hoping that when she opened them
again she would find herself in her bed instead of standing here facing this
humiliation.

Pierce answered
her, “Look, it’s not what you think…”

Devon cut him
off angrily, “Oh I’m pretty sure it is what I think. I saw you both with my own
two eyes. I should call you out for your appalling behavior towards my sister.
If you hadn’t planned on announcing your engagement tonight I wouldn’t hesitate
to do just that.”

Pierce ran a hand
through his hair. “An engagement?” Lady Tolliver shrilled, “I most certainly
would hope so after your scandalous behavior tonight. Your grace I am ashamed
of you.”

“Enough!” Pierce
snapped, “We’ll go back into the ballroom now and make the announcement
immediately.”

Devon turned to
Noelle, “I suggest you fix your hair before making an appearance or there will
only be more talk.” Then turned on his heel and disappeared back into the room,
Lady Tolliver huffing right behind him.

As soon as they
were alone Pierce turned to her and helped right her hair, “Don’t worry, I’ll
take care of all of this.”

Hope tried to
swallow the emotion that was clogging her throat. She was humiliated that they
had been found in such a scandalous manner and now Lady Tolliver would think
they were announcing their engagement just to save her reputation. She didn’t
say a single word as she allowed Pierce to lead her back into the ballroom to
make the dreaded announcement.

Chapter 19

“Excuse me
ladies and gentleman, I have an announcement to make.” Pierce spoke loudly then
waited while the talking died down before continuing, “I just wanted to let you
all know that I have fallen madly in love with the most beautiful, charming
lady in all of England and fortunately for me, I have asked her to become my
wife to which she has agreed.”

The cheers and
hollers of excitement that went out couldn’t seem to block the sound of Hope’s
heart beating in her ears. The flowery words of Pierce’s announcement confused
her. She knew he was just trying to save face, to keep up appearances but his
words cut straight to her heart. She desperately longed to hear him speak those
words, but not in jest and it had only further hurt her to hear the words he
spoke knowing they were a lie. He pulled her close as toasts were made on their
behalf but she just stood stiffly at his side, hoping the attention would end
so she could slip away and be by herself.

Finally when she
could take it no more, she grabbed Pierce’s jacket sleeve and whispered in his
ear, “I’ve got to go. Please excuse me.”

He turned
worried eyes on her, “Is everything alright?”

“Of course not,
now please let me sneak off to the lady’s retiring room for a moment for some
privacy.” He reluctantly let her go and watched as she half fled out of the
room, amidst whispering and murmuring.

As Hope fled,
she was half-tempted to go to her room and leave the ball completely behind but
she knew that would just cause a scene. Instead she went to the retiring room
and prayed that it wouldn’t be overly crowded. She was surprised to notice only
one other person in the room as she entered, until she realized that other
person was Eliza. The woman sat perched on a pink velvet stool, her legs
crossed daintily and a conniving smile on her face.

She took one
look at Hope’s tear streaked face and said in a sugary voice, “Oh child,
whatever is the matter? Surely you aren’t upset that you are to marry the most
eligible bachelor in all of London are you?”

Hope just stared
at her chewing on her bottom lip nervously. She didn’t trust the girl and
hadn’t a clue what her motives were, “I just came for a bit of privacy, do you
mind?” She walked past her and tried to make her way behind the dressing
screens that had been set up for privacy.

Eliza reached
one hand out and grasped Hope’s arm sharply, pulling her to a halt, “No need to
get snooty with me. If one of us should be upset, it is I. You have managed to
steal the one thing I want and I fully intend to get him, regardless if he
marries you or not.”

“I didn’t steal
anything, I didn’t even know anything about you until a few days ago. And I’m
sure Pierce will do as he pleases, if you are who he wants then I’m sure he’ll
find a way to have you.”

“Enough!” Both
girls looked up in shock to see an outraged Pierce filling the doorway.

Eliza abruptly
released Hope’s arm, “You can’t be in here, it’s highly inappropriate.”

“I don’t give a
fig about proprieties right now, all I care about is talking to Noelle, now
kindly leave us. Now.”

“Pierce you
can’t mean that, what about us?”

“There is no us,
not now and not ever. If you don’t leave now I won’t hesitate to throw you
out.”

“But…” Pierce
reached for her then as if he fully intended to go through with his threats.
Eliza did the only smart thing she could do at that moment and made a hasty
exit. As soon as she was gone and the door had shut firmly behind her, Pierce
walked over and scooted a small dressing table in front of the door.

“There, that
should allow us a few moments of peace.” He walked over and reached for Hope
but she recoiled.

“Why are you
here?”

“We need to
talk.”

“About what?
About those lies you spouted off in front of half the ton? I’m sick of this
farce, it keeps getting more and more ridiculous. You don’t realize that you’re
toying with real people who have real emotions.”

“I’m a real
person with real emotions too, you do realize?”

“Could’ve fooled
me.” She snorted.

He went and sat
on the stool previously occupied by Eliza and took one of Noelle’s slender
hands into his own, “Do you really believe me to be so uncaring?”

She shrugged,
“If you really cared about me you wouldn’t have said those things out there,
they aren’t true and were hardly necessary.”

Pierce pulled a
reluctant Hope down into his lap and held her close. She eventually quit
fighting and fitted her head into the crook of his neck where he felt wet tears
trail down his throat only to disappear into the snowy folds of his cravat.

“My little minx,
are you truly so upset by what I said?” She nodded, causing her thick hair to
rub up against his throat and chin in a tantalizing way as he inhaled her clean
scent.

“You didn’t have
to lie, to say those things—besides, you never asked me to marry you, you
won
me remember?”

“Is that what
this is about? Do you want a real proposal?”

“That’s hardly
necessary, I’ve already been forced into the arrangement.”

“Such loving
words,” he chuckled. “Then tell me what bothered you so?”

Was he dense?
She looked up into his black eyes and said, “The part about falling in love
with me,” she averted her eyes once more.

He reached
forward and lifted her chin with one long, brown finger so that she was gazing
once more into his eyes, “Pray tell why that bothered you so, aren’t you in
love with me?”

She gasped. How
did he know? Stammering she said, “I—I’m not sure—I.”

“Say it,” he
growled, his voice low and husky.

Figuring she had
no choice she looked at him bravely and said, “I love you.” Hope was surprised
at the relief that flooded through her to finally speak the truth. She knew she
risked further heartache by her admission, but at least he knew how she truly
felt. Every part of her being longed to cry out that she was madly, deeply in
love with him and to have him reciprocate, though she knew the possibilities
were remote.

Without warning,
Pierce pulled her in for a tender kiss then pulled back and whispered, “I love
you too, I wasn’t lying out there. You have no idea how relieved I am to know
you love me as well. I don’t know how you did it, minx, but you’ve completely
stolen my heart.”

Hope felt faint,
she could hardly believe the words he was speaking were true. “But what about
Eliza?”

“What about
her?”

“I thought you
were in love with her.”

Pierce snarled
and Hope would’ve laughed if the mood hadn’t been so serious between them,
“Don’t ever speak such atrocious things. I thought I was once but now I realize
what I felt for her was child’s play. What I feel for you is real, this is what
love is supposed to feel like.”

She snuggled
into his chest, “Why didn’t you marry her?”

He took a deep
breath, “I almost did. I had planned on asking for her hand but luckily I found
out her true motives before I was permanently stuck. I thought she was the most
beautiful, kind, tender hearted…”

Hope put up one
hand to stop him, “That’s enough of you spouting off her many virtues.”

He bent forward
and placed a kiss on the palm of her outstretched hand causing her to shiver. “I
said I thought that’s how she was, but I now know how disillusioned I was.
Besides, I had yet to meet you—the real most beautiful, kind, tender hearted,
genuine, stubborn, obstinate…”

“Okay, that will
be enough,” she laughed, “Please continue.”

“Then don’t
interrupt me. Now where was I? Oh yes, I thought that she was everything I
could ever want until I overheard her talking to her friend one night about how
she had me right where she wanted me, eating out of her hand. Apparently she
was more in love with my money and title and the thought of one day being a
duchess than she ever was with ‘obnoxious little Pierce’ as she put it.”

“No! She said
that? Right out in the open for anyone to hear?”

“No, she had
snuck off from the ball and when I went looking for her I heard voices in the
library and found her and Lady Heather discussing her victory in snagging the
most wealthy bachelor in London. I was sick and heartbroken.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be sorry,
it’s the best thing that could’ve happened. If I hadn’t been privy to that bit
of information I would’ve asked her father for her hand and wed her in a
heartbeat and later realized the miserable mistake I had made. No, it was
better to find out then.”

“What did you
do? Did you confront her?”

“No, I started
lavishing every available lady of the ton with praise and attention except her.
I earned quite the reputation as a rake and she became distraught by my
behavior. She thought I was just sowing some wild oats and that once I got it
out of my system I would come back and beg her to become my wife, but she was
wrong. The more she tried to win back my affections the more jaded I became
until one day I just up and left on a tour of the continent. I was gone for
over a year and by the time I came back she was married to Lord Norton, a Baron
with very little wealth and lots of gambling debt. I’m still not quite sure how
that match was arranged, but I figure due justice was served and I was just
glad to be rid of her. I suppose when her poor husband died she figured she
could just waltz back into my life and we could pick up where we left off. She
was surprised to find out I was betrothed and even more shocked to find out
that I was actually in love with you. I think I fell in love with you that
first time I saw you sprawled out on your father’s floor in your morning dress,
your hair strewn wildly about you.”

Hope blushed, “Oh,
what I sight I must’ve been.”

“Just so, I will
never forget that sight for the rest of my life.” He reached for one of the
loose curls framing her face and wrapped it around his palm, “And I can’t wait
to see you like that again, soon, after we’re married. I want your hair down
and loose all around me.”

Hope blushed and
reached up to kiss him sensuously, “Then your wish will be my command.”

He groaned,
“This is agony, you’re killing me.”

“If you’re going
to die, then I insist you take me with you.”

“I wouldn’t dare
leave you behind, you’re mine now…we belong together forever.” And he kissed
her once more, a long lingering kiss that spoke more eloquently than any words
of his deep love for her.  

When they
eventually parted Hope said, “I think I’d rather stay here and live happily
ever after. How soon can we be wed?”

Pierce laughed, “Are
you anxious to be my wife or for the marriage bed?”

“Both,” she
smiled up at him saucily.

            Pierce groaned, “I have half
a mind to go purchase a special license tonight and marry you first thing in
the morning. I’d do it too if I knew my mother wouldn’t kill me.”

            “Oh, we couldn’t have that.
Now, enough talk of dying, just kiss me.” Pierce eagerly complied, drowning in
the sweet depths of her mouth.

            For the first time since the
charade started, Hope felt optimistic and believed that just maybe the hand of
God had led her to this very fate, to Pierce, and she silently thanked
providence for intervening in their behalf.