His Perfect Bride (5 page)

“Not since the one occurrence years before. I simply thought it best to be prudent, considering the number of men recently rejected for membership,” Greyson assured. “While we are on the subject, I would like to recruit your help gathering more information about some new applicants.”

“Who are you looking into?”

“The two applicants are Erik Langley, Viscount Tarrington, and Alan Parks, Earl of Kirkwood. I have heard very little, which isn’t unusual, considering my position within society. My information, however, isn’t favorable to either of them.”

“What have you found out about them?”

“Tarrington is young and only recently inherited, but other than his pretentious attitude, I know nothing of him. Kirkwood is some years ahead of us, and I understand he has had memberships revoked in the past. That is all I know.”

“I have no knowledge of Tarrington, but I’ll do my best to find out what I can. Kirkwood, however, is never up to any good and should be an easy rejection.”

“That is what I suspected,” Greyson said, nodding.

The downside to Greyson being in charge of the club dealings was that his limited acknowledgment from society made information difficult for him to obtain. Although Greyson wanted nothing more than acceptance into high society, he was constantly denied. Richard pitied his longtime friend and would frequently bring him along to events as a guest, but he knew Greyson resented the necessity.

“Incidentally, did you have an opportunity to stop at the club today?” Greyson asked.

“I have yet to do so. Is there something amiss?”

“No, but when I visited there earlier, Nathaniel informed me that your solicitor tried to contact you. He had been unable to locate you and hoped I would be able to pass on the message.”

“Ah, yes. No doubt my solicitor needs to see me due to my efficient steward at Stonemede,” Richard replied sarcastically. “Well, I suppose I should go tend to matters. However, I shall inform you if I discover anything of interest in regard to the two applicants.”

“Thank you. I do hope everything is well at Stonemede.”

Richard nodded and then took his leave. He hoped his assignment from his friend, as well as the difficulties at Stonemede, would take his mind off of the most incredible hazel eyes he had ever seen.

Chapter 4

He’d failed miserably, Richard noted. He had spent the past hour hearing about all the troubles his steward experienced at Stonemede, but his mind remained on Lady Brianna Denton. Deciding to forgo taking his carriage home, he hoped the fresh air would clear his head of thoughts of her. The day, surprisingly clear and dry, was a pleasant change from the normally wet London.

As he passed by the numerous shops down the busy street, he wondered what had possessed him to ask his solicitor to inquire about Lady Brianna. It should not matter to him how appropriate her social standing would be for the position of his marchioness, since she didn’t meet his requirements. Any lady bold enough to kiss an unknown man was not his idea of an obedient soft-spoken wife.

Richard tried to think of the other ladies he met to determine which ones satisfied his requirements. Unfortunately, he could not picture a single one. His search was not being conducted favorably, and considering the nature of evening balls, the setting was not conducive to his purpose. At his next opportunity, he would pick several ladies to call upon to give him a better chance at determining their eligibility.

“Mr. Richard? Is that you?” He heard a familiar voice calling from behind him.

Not knowing anyone who would address him thusly, he ignored her, assuming she spoke to another gentleman. Then he stopped, suddenly realizing who the voice belonged to, for he had been hearing it inside his head all day.

His mind must have conjured her, for the odds of her passing at the exact time as he was unfathomable. Richard felt anticipation welling up inside him as he slowly turned toward her voice. He sighed. She looked as spectacular in her day clothes as she had the other evening in her ball gown. The soft pink fabric taunted him as it encircled her perfect form.

“Lady Brianna, what a happy coincidence to see you here,” he replied, enjoying the way her face lit up with a brilliant smile.

“You remember me,” she said, pleasure clear in her voice.

How she could possibly imagine he would have forgotten her, he could not understand.

“I find it difficult to forget such a beautiful lady.” He omitted the fact that their unorthodox introduction would forever be preserved in his mind.

“So, what brings you here?” she asked, cocking her head, unable to hide her blush at the compliment. “Are you looking for something in particular? I may be of assistance, for I’m quite familiar with the shops in this area.”

Her companion, who appeared to be a maid, gasped at her offer, but Lady Brianna continued watching him expectantly. Would she ever cease to surprise him? From the companion’s reaction, this was not the behavior she typically exhibited, so why was she acting so now?

He wondered if someone had put her up to this. Had she found out who he was, and now she would hunt him like the rest of them? If not, then why would she choose to associate with him, a proclaimed untitled gentleman? He had so many questions, and he felt the compulsion to ferret out all of her secrets.

He’d been on the verge of allowing her to join him when he caught himself and realized what was happening. He was becoming too involved with this unsuitable lady, for she already fascinated him. If he didn’t proceed carefully, he could easily become engrossed until it was too late to escape.

“Thank you for your kind offer. However, I’m merely passing through to attend to some business. It was lovely to see you again.” His voice came out more abrupt than he’d intended.

“Yes, very lovely,” she replied, her smile falling.

Richard didn’t hesitate long enough for her to question his sudden change in mood. With a polite nod, he turned and made his way back to his town house. All the while he reaffirmed his resolve to keep away from this fascinatingly beautiful lady.

Brianna allowed her dance partner to lead her to her mother. The end of yet another ball neared, and she’d been unable to locate Mr. Richard. It had been too long since she’d last seen him, and she began to wonder if he was purposefully avoiding her.

She’d felt so lucky the other day when she and Ashley had run into him on their way to the milliner’s shop. He appeared even more handsome in the light of day, and Brianna found herself wanting to spend the day with him. At first, she thought he seemed pleased to see her, but after her offer, his immediate departure confused her. Although not the worst she had done, she knew her behavior verged on improper. Still, her actions had not warranted his immediate departure.

Now Brianna once again searched for him, while doing her best to appear nonchalant so as to not alert her mother. She desperately wanted to apologize to Mr. Richard if she offended him, and, if not, she wanted an explanation. Spending time with him was necessary in order to determine if he would be a suitable husband, and she tired of waiting.

Casting him from her mind, she scanned the ballroom for another target. If Mr. Richard was unavailable, she would have to find another potential candidate for the position. Spending all her time looking for someone who was not there did nothing to aid her search. In addition, the activity only served to depress her.

“Hello, Brianna. Has any gentleman caught your eye as of yet?” Jillian asked as she appeared by Brianna’s side. This was also Jillian’s first Season, and although Brianna had not spent time getting to know any of the other girls, she was on favorable terms with Jillian.

“Not exactly, though my mother has found her pick.”

“Mine, too. Let me guess, your mother has her sights on the Marquis of Stonemede?”

“Of course, as I’m sure your mother has the same idea. Have you been introduced?” Brianna asked, although she suspected Jillian’s mother had been first in line. “I have not had the pleasure, much to my mother’s dismay.”

“We were introduced, and I was able to share one dance with him. I must say, he is an exceptional dancer.”

“How wonderful,” Brianna responded, trying to keep the surprise from her voice. She had imagined someone with his advanced years would have trouble walking, and therefore dancing would not be an option.

“You will soon have your chance, although he has not appeared this evening.”

“That is quite all right. My mother may hope for the marquis, but, between us, I have an entirely different agenda,” Brianna replied proudly.

“Really? Then you would not be competition should I decide to pursue him?”

“Certainly not, and I wish you luck, for I imagine you are not the only one who has shown preference to him.”

As the two girls enjoyed their light-hearted conversation, Brianna allowed her tense body to relax. If the marquis was not in attendance, she had no reason to fear her mother tonight. She looked around and noticed a striking man walk past her. His hair shone like gold, and his face boyishly handsome. She had never seen him before, so she watched as he approached a chaperone. After a few words, she deduced he was being denied a dance with her charge. Brianna had never witnessed such a display, and her curiosity as to why he would be turned away piqued.

“Jillian, do you know who that gentleman is?” Brianna nodded to him.

“I believe he is Baron Marks’s youngest son.”

“Why do you suppose Sarah’s chaperone denied him a dance?” She hoped Jillian would fill her in. It was commonly known that Jillian’s mother was a considerable gossip. After beginning her Season, Jillian saw the trouble such a practice caused, so she kept away from anyone she believed would spread gossip around.

“I’m not certain.” Jillian pressed her lips in a tight line.

“The information shall not be passed on from me. I simply don’t wish for my mother to grant him dances with me if he should be avoided.” Brianna widened her eyes in sincerity. It was obvious Jillian knew more than she let on, and Brianna’s curiosity always got the best of her.

“Well, as I said, I’m not certain,” Jillian replied hesitantly. “However, I have heard his father cut him off, so he is penniless. It’s also said that he is anxious to find an heiress to set himself up and prove his worth to his father.”

Brianna swiveled back toward the gentleman in question to see him through new eyes. His financial situation suited her perfectly, as well as his good looks. He didn’t appear powerfully exciting or as devilishly handsome as Mr. Richard, but he had a certain charm, which appealed to her. She could not be certain if pity or admiration brought it on, but, regardless, she was happy to have two candidates to consider. Her next task was to spend as much time as possible with them to determine which one, if either, would be more suitable.

Excusing herself from Jillian, Brianna slowly edged away from her mother. With an innocent expression, she headed in the gentleman’s direction, keeping her pace slow as to not betray her goal. Stopping a few feet from him, she took a deep breath, smiled, then turned and went up to him.

“Excuse me, I have misplaced my dance card, and I don’t wish for my mother to find out. Would you mind partnering me in this dance, so she will not be suspicious?”

His mouth popped open, then turned to a smile. “I would be honored.”

“Thank you,” Brianna said politely with a coy smile.

“I’m Gregory Locke. May I have the pleasure of your name?” he asked, after executing the first steps of the dance.

“I’m Lady Brianna Denton. I apologize for the improper introduction. My mother would be quite upset if she noticed me sitting out,” she expertly lied.

Mr. Gregory laughed, apparently delighted by her brazenness. “How are you enjoying the Season?”

“I like the parties and dancing very much. What about you? Have you found the debutantes to your liking?” she asked, hoping to keep the conversation away from pleasantries.

“They all seem quite agreeable. You, however, are the first one to ask me to dance.”

Brianna blushed, not sure if he intended the remark as a compliment or not. As the dance steps separated them, she took the time to determine her response. Examining him more closely, she noticed he was not the most skilled dancer, but he did appear to be trying. His lack of technique didn’t bother her, for his good looks gave her leave to excuse a small flaw or two. He raised a brow, waiting for her reply. Still unsure, she kept quiet.

“I’m glad you asked me,” he said with a boyish smile that called her to smile back.

As the song ended, Mr. Gregory hesitated, and she realized he didn’t know who to return her to. Then she became aware of the dilemma; she didn’t know who he should return her to either. Alarm prickled her skin. Her mother was sure to disapprove and could potentially say something so Mr. Gregory would see through her flimsy excuse to dance with him.

Inwardly sighing in relief, she saw her father exiting the card room, so she motioned for Mr. Gregory to take her to him. Stopping a few steps from her father, Mr. Gregory turned to her.

“Lady Brianna, it was a pleasure,” he said, bowing.

“Thank you for the dance, Mr. Gregory. I do hope we can share another in the future.” She kept her voice low, hoping her father could not overhear her words.

Mr. Gregory gave her a strange look in response, making her feel slightly uncomfortable, but he quickly masked it with a smile before walking away. Turning to her father, she prepared for a lecture, but he only shook his head and offered his arm.

“I’m sorry, Father, but with the number of guests, we were unable to locate Mother.”

“Then allow me to escort you. I’m sure she will be fascinated to hear of your dance with Gregory Locke. Although I know you will soon hear it from her, I must say he is unsuitable for you. For you and your mother’s well being, you should stay away from him.”

“I understand, Father,” she replied obediently.

Her father didn’t have any idea what was good for her, and she had no intention of staying away from Mr. Gregory, at least not until she discovered if he would suit her or not.

Over the next several gatherings, Brianna managed to spare a considerable amount of time for Mr. Gregory. He appeared to be a decent gentleman, and she found she enjoyed his company. Fortunately, she also avoided the impending meeting with the Marquis of Stonemede, much to her mother’s displeasure. She sincerely hoped by the time the introduction took place, he would have already secured his bride, and she would have nothing to fear from him or her mother.

Her luck had not been all good, however. She had also been unable to locate Mr. Richard, regardless of which event she attended. She had even gone so far as to take several trips to Hyde Park throughout the day and shopped incessantly, hoping to catch sight of him. With how well things were progressing with Mr. Gregory, she had hoped to cast Mr. Richard from her thoughts, but she found it impossible. There was something about him, and although their two encounters had been brief, they stood out in her mind.

This obsession with him finally caused her to recruit some unwilling help. Ashley had been extremely reluctant to offer assistance until Brianna mentioned knowledge of her relationship with James. Since Brianna had begun to view Ashley as her friend, she had not wished to force her to cooperate, but desperation clawed at her, and she needed help from both Ashley and James.

Brianna shoved the needle deep into her needlework, then disgustedly tossed it aside. Why was Mr. Richard making this so difficult for her? Ashley gave her a concerned look and then put her own needlework aside as well.

“Lady Grace, that is beautiful. You have done a fine job today, and I believe you have earned a break.” Ashley turned to Grace with a warm smile.

Seeing the joy such simple praise gave her sister, Brianna could not resist smiling, pleased they had not gone forward with their plan to run Ashley off.

“Thank you, Miss Ashley. I didn’t think I would enjoy needlework this much.”

“I’m glad to hear you are enjoying yourself. As I told you before, you will never know if you are partial to something if you don’t try it first.”

“I understand that now.”

“Good, now I believe Cook has prepared some of her muffins. Why not ask her for one?”