His Perfect Bride (19 page)

“Who else would gain from this? We have been running this club for quite some time, and there have been no other enemies or significant incidents until now. The timing coupled with the recent threat from Kirkwood is very telling,” Jonathan explained.

“I have a man following him.” Greyson waved away Jonathan’s certainty. “He said Kirkwood’s movements have not been unusual. Not only has he not been frequenting lower establishments to recruit help, but he has not received any unusual visitors as of late.”

“I would not expect there to be,” Jonathan declared in a superior tone. “He would not dirty his hands with that. It’s more likely he sent a servant to take care of it.”

“I can’t have every member of his staff trailed,” Greyson spat darkly, sitting forward in his chair.

“I believe we have taken every possible precaution. However, these are new circumstances, and we have to proceed accordingly,” Richard intervened.

“Agreed.” Greyson settled back down, but Richard could still see the fight in his eyes.

“I have another situation I must disclose. Early this morning, there was a fire in the kitchen at my townhouse,” Richard said, earning an expletive from Jonathan and a raised brow from Greyson. “We were able to put it out quickly and minimize the damage, but the fact is still the same.”

“Was anyone harmed?” Jonathan inquired.

“No. We were very lucky. Cook awoke unusually early and discovered the fire. I would not like to think of what would have happened otherwise.”

“Was it an accident or an attack?” Greyson asked.

“I’m not sure yet. Both scenarios are plausible. I too have increased my staff due to recent threats, and loyalties can always be bought.”

“This only increases the possibility of Kirkwood being involved with the break-in here. He isn’t very bright or patient, so I can easily see him attacking on two fronts. I’m sure he would see it as a perfect way to increase the distress of his victim,” Jonathan stated with confidence.

“Regardless, we have much to do before turning our accusations into confirmations.” Richard thought of all the work he had before him. He had originally hoped to see Brianna today, but now it seemed like an impossibility. Life in London was becoming less desirable than he thought feasible.

Chapter 12

Richard gratefully entered Lord and Lady Ransley’s townhouse. Despite his expectation of being unable to see Brianna today, he was here, seconds away from seeing her. Lord Ransley’s invitation surprised him when it was delivered earlier this afternoon. After the taxing day Richard had endured, he could not resist accepting the chance to spend time with Brianna.

Elizabeth also sent word Brianna had been acting unusual these past few days. Although he had not noticed her odd behavior yesterday morning, it confirmed Jonathan’s observations from later that day. Tonight he determined to somehow speak with Brianna alone, even if he had to resort to begging.

As he entered the drawing room, four happy faces greeted him. Brianna, however, was not even looking in his direction. Her reaction was not the welcome he hoped for, but one he expected.

“Good evening,” Richard responded to their greetings.

“It’s so good of you to join us this evening, Stonemede.” Ransley stood and clapped him on the shoulder.

“I appreciate the invitation,” Richard returned, then nodded toward the women. “I count myself lucky, for it’s not every day I’m given an opportunity to spend time with such beauties.”

“It’s us who have all the luck, my lord.” Lady Ransley’s slight blush colored her cheeks. “Please come and have a seat.”

Richard chose to sit next to Elizabeth although Lady Grace’s eyes pleaded with him. If truth be told, he preferred to sit beside Brianna, but judging from her lack of reaction to him, he assumed she would not appreciate the attention.

In addition, his position next to his sister gave him a perfect vantage point from which to observe Brianna. She wore a light pink evening gown cut so low his mouth dried. He lost coherent thought as his eyes affixed on her supple breasts. Dragging his eyes from the display, he concentrated on making sure his gaze didn’t stray again.

The conversation consisted of mundane topics before dinner was announced. Feeling relieved to be out of temptation, he happily offered his arm to escort Brianna to dinner. Although her slight touch shot fire through his arm, she didn’t appear to be similarly affected.

Once they were seated and the first course placed in front of them, he turned his attention to Brianna.

“How have you been feeling, Lady Brianna?” He intently watched her reaction.

Her wide eyes shot to his, but she quickly relaxed her expression. “I have been perfectly fine, my lord. And you?”

“Quite well.”

Due to her reaction, he wanted to question her further, but he knew this was not the time, and as their interactions were under scrutiny, it was not the place either. They passed the remainder of the meal engaged in conversation mostly centered on the comings and goings of the ladies over the past week. Brianna didn’t add much to the conversation, nor did she consume much. As dinner progressed, his anxiety increased, and he found himself counting every bite she took and noting each of her expressions.

“Ladies, please join me in the drawing room while the gentlemen enjoy their port,” Lady Ransley instructed as she stood.

He watched as Brianna rose and followed her mother. He didn’t think she would acknowledge his presence, but right before she exited the room, she shot him a look so full of sadness it hurt him to see it. She smiled a weak smile before disappearing. Sighing, he turned his gaze to Ransley, who appeared amused by something.

“What do you think of my daughter, Stonemede?”

“I find both of your daughters to be sweet, well-spoken ladies.” Richard accepted the offered glass of port.

“Very diplomatic,” Ransley complimented, raising his glass to Richard. “I was referring to the fact that you seem to be quite taken with Brianna this evening.”

“I’m simply concerned over her well being. I noticed she didn’t appear to have much of an appetite tonight. Has she been unwell?”

“She is the picture of health. I daresay she was simply nervous to be sharing dinner with someone of your caliber.”

“I don’t recall her behaving in that manner at Ransley.”

“Women are strange creatures.” Ransley shrugged.

“Yes, they are,” Richard readily agreed.

He didn’t believe he would ever understand the inner workings of Brianna’s mind. She confused him in the most frustrating way, which was another thing he would have to work on once they were wed. If she were unclear, he would simply demand she explain herself until her response completely satisfied him.

“Since you didn’t broach the subject in front of the ladies, I imagine you were hoping to keep your domestic troubles to yourself.”

“I didn’t see any reason to discuss it. Women have a way of overreacting and analyzing trivial matters until they have complied conspiracies out of nothing.”

“Then you are convinced the fire was an accident?” Ransley questioned, obviously well informed of Richard’s misfortune.

“I don’t see how it could be anything other than that.” Richard didn’t want to involve anyone else in his problems. Whoever caused the fire, whether accident or not, was still out there, and he refused to offer any information to anyone unless their reason for needing it was more substantial than curiosity.

“You should have your man take better care when hiring staff. In my household, we don’t stand for inadequate help.”

Richard was in no mood for a lesson on staffing by a man who obviously had no idea what he was talking about. He bit his tongue, for after working hard at Ransley to establish a good relationship with his soon-to-be father-in-law, he refused to ruin that now. Nodding in agreement, Richard listened as Ransley continued on with his advice.

Knowing it would not be proper to excuse himself from his host in favor of seeking out his daughter, Richard leaned back in his chair and listened. He answered at the appropriate times, but didn’t elaborate, hoping to expedite the process. His thoughts were on Brianna, and his restlessness threatened to show. When Ransley finally decided the time had come to join the ladies, Richard did not rush and followed behind his host, not wanting to appear too eager.

In the drawing room, he noticed Brianna seated by herself while Elizabeth and Lady Ransley flipped through music sheets. Grace was now absent, and he suspected she had been dismissed due to her age. Unable to wait any longer, he turned in Brianna’s direction. She raised her head and watched him approach, her expression not changing from mild boredom.

“May I join you?” He sat without giving her a chance to refuse him.

“I don’t imagine I have a choice.”

“Have I done something to upset you? When we spoke last, it was on more amicable terms,” he reminded her, keeping his smile in place and his voice light. It would not serve him to have anyone question the nature of their conversation. Considering Ransley’s observation of their interaction during dinner, Richard imagined they were under closer scrutiny in this more informal setting.

“No, my lord,” she replied, shaking her head as if to reinforce her words. “I’m simply . . . preoccupied today. I’m sorry if my attitude came across differently.”

“I see. Then perhaps we could go for a stroll to make up for your inattention?”

“I don’t see why I can’t simply agree to give you my full attention here.”

“The other occupants ensure that the atmosphere isn’t conducive to a private conversation. I don’t believe you would care for me to say what I wish to in front of everyone.”

“You are probably right,” Brianna admitted. “Where were you planning to take me for our stroll? I can’t imagine my mother allowing us to go off without a chaperone.”

“That is true, but I’m sure we can work something out. How about the terrace? Considering the hour, I believe it’s a perfect location. We will have privacy, and as we will be noticeable from the ballroom, your family can be assured of your safety.”

“All right, I imagine the terrace would be acceptable. Please excuse me.”

They stood together, and he watched her cross the room. As she quietly spoke to Lady Ransley, Richard noticed the woman’s mouth turn up in a smile. He had no doubt his request would be granted. When Brianna approached him and nodded, he offered his arm. She took it and, without a word, he escorted her from the room.

Walking through the empty halls, Richard wondered how to broach the subject of her illness. If she were reluctant to speak to him, it would not be met well, regardless of his approach. He decided it may be best to simply ask.

When they reached the terrace, several servants were leaving after having lit the torches, providing a supplement to the moonlight. Lady Ransley obviously requested they make haste preparing for his and Brianna’s arrival. Looking over at Brianna, he wondered what she said to her mother to garner such a response.

“What is it you are preoccupied with?” Richard tilted his head.

“Nothing of great concern.” She dismissively waved her hand as she strolled to the edge of the terrace and looked out over the dark garden.

“Is it your illness that troubles you?” He took note of her slight intake of breath.

“I have no idea what you are referring to.”

“You can’t lie to me. I can see it. Among other factors, your face is lacking your normally vibrant color, and you didn’t consume much.”

“I didn’t realize my every movement was under scrutiny,” she snapped.

“It is when I have a reason to be concerned. Please tell me. Are you ill?” He lightly turned her face toward him. Her breathing stopped, and she gazed at him with longing in her eyes. As his head slowly dipped down, she removed his hand and stepped a few paces away from him. Her back was to him as she gazed out over the railing against the house, and it made him think about how they first met.

“I don’t have an illness. I have simply been unable to enjoy a restful night’s sleep for a few days now. The exhaustion simply is becoming uncomfortable, for I have found myself fighting sleep at the most unusual times of the day.”

“Perhaps you need someone in your bed each night to tire you out.”

“You may be right,” she concurred, then turned to face him with a mischievous smile. “I’ll have to keep an eye out for someone who could aid me with that.”

Knowing she only wanted to provoke him, he refused to overreact to her words.

“Make sure to take note of all the qualities you need before making your selection,” he instructed, taking a step toward her. “You must have someone with an abundance of stamina and expertise.”

“He also must be handsome.”

“Strength would also be a good quality.” Another step.

“He must not be married either.”

“Certainly not,” he agreed, taking the last step, putting him within arm’s length of her. “He should be available and quite ready for marriage as well.”

Brianna lifted her face to his at the exact moment he leaned his down to her. Her lips were as sweet as honey, and so eager. Her hands clutched onto the lapels of his jacket as he drew his arms around to pull her closer. It had been difficult to see her each day and be denied this wonderful melding of mouths. He wanted so much more, but knowing the chances of being caught were considerable, he withdrew from her much too soon.

“Marry me.” Richard’s voice was gruff with passion.

“I . . . I don’t know.”

“Then don’t think about it, just accept me. If you do, we can rush to Gretna Green, and I’ll make you mine tonight.” He knew it was not likely for her to agree to such a plan, but he could not refrain from asking. Painfully aware of how simple it would be to whisk her away into the night, his body buzzed with the need to act. The hope welling up inside him made him fantasize about all sorts of impossible scenarios.

“Don’t be ridiculous. We could never do such a thing. If for no other reason, think of how it would rob my parents of the opportunity to host such a grand affair.”

“Then don’t deny them. We can have the most outlandish, extravagant event of the Season. It will be whatever you wish it to be,” Richard whispered, looking deep into her eyes. “Will you marry me?”

Brianna bit her lip, staring back at him with a face full of indecision. Her hesitation brought him a relief so intense he thought he would suffocate with the force of it. She was considering his proposal instead of outright refusing him.

“I need more time,” she said at last. “Considering the magnitude of the decision, can I have more time to determine my answer?”

“You may have as much as you would like.” Encouraged by her consideration, but wrestling with the desire to persuade her further, he fought to restrain himself. “Allow me to escort you back to the drawing room.”

As she took his arm and permitted him to return her to her parents, he worked on keeping his breathing even and calming his pounding heart. If he entered that room showing an ounce of the pleasure he felt at this moment, someone would suspect something.

Once she was safely back, Richard took his leave of them. With the strain he had experienced throughout the day, he would not be able to control himself for any length of time.

Although the day had been difficult, and he knew the next few days would be equally so, he felt as though he were invincible. Brianna was becoming more amenable to accepting him. He could not have envisioned a more perfect ending for an imperfect day.

Brianna tried to keep her eyes firmly fixed on the ground as she shrugged her shoulders further into the grey cloak. She was wearing her oldest and least fashionable garment under the cloak she borrowed from James. Although too large, the size helped to disguise her feminine form. Ashley insisted they not draw attention, but Brianna could not control her wide-eyed stare as she took in her new surroundings. How could she not be curious?

They were deep within Cheapside, and Brianna knew her mother would faint if she had any notion of her present location. This was her only opportunity to satisfy her curiosity of how the other side of society lived, and she fought with herself to keep her interested gazes to a minimum.