Denial sat on the tip of Grace’s tongue, but she couldn’t bring herself to actually say no. “Please.”
Sitting up, Grace studied her sister’s elegant entrance. Brianna’s transformation from wild debutante to perfect marchioness always stunned Grace. Not once since her sister’s marriage to Richard had she seen Brianna do anything questionable or appear with so much as a hair out of place.
“I hear my plan to help along your marriage prospects is flawed.”
“I’ve missed you too. And it is a pleasure to see you,” Grace sarcastically replied as if her sister had offered the pleasantries.
With a sigh, Brianna perched on the edge of the bed. “Yes, as I said in the drawing room, not ten minutes ago.”
Crossing her arms, Grace narrowed her eyes. “You said that to mother, not me.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. You know my sentiments were for all of you.”
“I know,” Grace said, then let out a long breath.
She truly did know. She simply felt the need to take her irritation out on someone. Not only was Brianna convenient, but she and Richard had shattered Grace’s much needed break from the stress of seeking a suitable husband.
“Tell me what troubles you.” Brianna gently touched Grace’s hand. “I’m only thinking of you. I had hoped my interference would help, not hurt.”
“I don’t want to marry one of those dull, interchangeable men of the Season. What you and Richard have is beyond compare, but not realistic.”
“Hold on a moment. I—”
Grace put her hand up to stop her sister’s protest. “You were lucky. Most aren’t. Realistically, I only want someone who can hold an intelligent conversation. Otherwise, I’m not interested.”
Silence echoed in the room and rang in Grace’s ears. Brianna sat perfectly still with pinched lips and a look in her eyes Grace didn’t like. Her sister had her own way of approaching problems, and she never feared a challenge.
Uneasiness made Grace shiver. Although, if Brianna chose her husband, their mother would be appeased, wouldn’t she? Or perhaps Grace would stop caring about the woman’s opinion.
Brianna’s eyes softened. “Please just give the guests a chance. We have invited not only the young and eligible, but the older and wiser as well. I want you to have as much of a selection as possible.”
Reluctantly, Grace nodded. “I’ll do my best.”
Her sister brightened as she clasped Grace to her. “You won’t be disappointed.” Brianna practically skipped toward the door. “I’m really glad you’ve come. I’ve missed you.”
Waving her sister off, Grace dropped herself back on the bed, relieved to hear the gentle click of the door. This holiday season would prove to be less relaxing than she had hoped.
Later that night, as she crawled into bed, she couldn’t stop thinking about her predicament. Likely her mother would never offer the same enthusiasm or caring toward her as she did to her eldest daughter. And it would upset Grace until her dying day. So, what was the point of marrying?
The creaking sound of the door opening made Grace smile. He wasted no time in coming to her. As the mattress depressed under his body, Grace threw out her arms. This made her visits to Stonemede worth so much more.
”Night-night, Aunt Grace.”
Her arms tightened around his small body as she took in a deep breath of his sweet scent. “Good night, Joseph. I love you.”
Before long the sound of his even breathing filled the room. Her heart ached. Her nephew was the closest thing she would ever come to having a child of her own.
Chapter 2
Braiden ambled aimlessly through the extensive garden at Stonemede. The freezing air didn’t put him off as it had many others. As a matter of fact, today he welcomed the biting cold. It had been his companion for over two years now.
Part of him missed the fond memories stirred by the chilling air. After all, he and Tabitha enjoyed the only pleasant part of their relationship in the winter. The beginning of the following season brought the downfall of their happiness.
Fortunately, Stonemede held no memories of his wife. Her reluctance to spend time with him encouraged them to spend the holidays apart. He set her out of his mind as he ran his fingers along the petals of one of the heartier flowers in the garden. The beauty emerging in the harsh environment always surprised him.
Seeing a woman on her hands and knees tending to the plants stopped him in his tracks. Her round bottom was framed as her gown had been tightly tucked under her knees. The sight shot a stab of longing through his body. For far too long he’d survived without pleasant female companionship.
Normally he would have moved on and left the woman in peace, but something in the weather or the bitter memories changed that.
“Good afternoon,” he said before he could stop himself.
When her head twisted back to look at him, she gasped, then jumped up as joy crossed her face. A face he recognized.
“Braiden!” she exclaimed as she threw herself into his arms.
The feeling of Grace’s warm body pressing against him left him speechless. Although it wasn’t the first time she’d hugged him, his reaction now felt very different. The comfort her arms offered reached a long forgotten part of him.
Gripping her tightly against him, he buried his face in her hair. She smelled of sunshine, flowers, and the earth she’d been tending. As she shifted in his embrace, her soft breasts pressed against his chest, filling him with lust.
Immediately he dropped his arms and stepped back. Grace had breasts? Since when? The teenage child who’d spent hours in his company, flirting and entertaining him, in no way resembled the woman before him. It had almost been two years since the last time he’d seen her. Surely a person couldn’t change so drastically in that time.
“It’s good to see you,” he offered, hoping she’d excuse his reaction.
She grinned, bringing out the girl he remembered. “It is wonderful to see you as well. What have you been doing recently? I expected to encounter you in London over the Season.”
Clearing his throat, he tried to think of an appropriate response. In the end, he decided to dodge her question. “I hadn’t realized you had experienced your first Season yet.”
“I reached my eighteenth year before the Season began. Experiencing the joys of Society was hardly something I could pass on.” Sarcasm dripped from her words.
He tilted his head to the side. “How could a beautiful lady such as yourself not find enjoyment in the Season? I would have thought the men would be very attentive.”
Grace sighed as she studied her gloved hands. “My complaint is not from the attention, but from the men themselves.”
Suddenly uncomfortable with the conversation, Braiden nodded. He didn’t like that Grace sought a husband. When he looked upon her, he still saw the youth he’d come to know. Since she was like a sister to him, he wondered if he should aid her in her search. Surely she was much too young to make a lasting decision such as marriage.
Thinking it over, he realized Grace would make a fine duchess. He wondered if she and Thomas would deal well together. After all, if Thomas found the right woman, he may reconsider his stance on the title. The more Braiden thought on it, the more he liked the idea.
He allowed a slow smile to spread across his face as he offered Grace his arm. “Would you allow me to escort you back to the house? My cousin Thomas accompanied me, and I don’t believe the two of you have had many occasions to visit.”
“Normally I would be overjoyed to prolong my time in your company, but I’m covered in dirt after having promised Richard I would oversee the uncovering and recovering of the plants this winter.”
“Then I bid you a good day. I look forward to catching up with you later.”
As he made his way back towa
rd the manor, he wasn’t discouraged by her rejection. Honestly, he felt better than he had in years. Purpose flooded him and offered his existence a minute amount of meaning that had been missing.
Although he intended to sacrifice Thomas to the matrimonial altar, he couldn’t bring himself to feel guilty. First of all, Grace wasn’t the typical manipulative woman who set out to make a man miserable. But he also knew if Thomas settled down he would find contentment in producing an heir and grooming his child for the dukedom.
“What are you grinning about?” Thomas demanded as he met Braiden at the entrance of the garden. “I haven’t seen you display this much happiness in far too long.”
Knowing he had no right to joy when his wife lay in the ground, Braiden schooled his features. “I just had a pleasant conversation with Lady Grace Denton. Do you remember her?”
“Lady Stonemede’s younger sister? I only vaguely recall the child.”
Braiden shook his head. “She’s not a child anymore. After experiencing her first Season, she’s ripe for marriage.”
“I stand corrected.” Thomas eyed him quizzically.
His cousin might not be pleased with a marriage so quickly, but frequent reminders of Grace and her suitability should help aid Thomas’s decision.
“Come. Let’s join the others. I have a feeling this gathering will be well worth our time.”
“Thank you, Lord Rayburn,” Grace muttered, trying to hide her boredom. “I will try to remember to quiz all my potential dance partners prior to accepting.”
“You shall not have to do so with me. I’m quite skilled in all the dance steps, including the proper distance to hold a lady for the waltz.”
“I’m certain all your partners have appreciated that.”
Fixing her attention on her lap, Grace tugged at a ruffle in order to hide her yawn. In the past the family holiday event didn’t include stuffy evenings in the drawing room with everyone pretending to enjoy themselves. If this was the extent of the activities Brianna had planned, Grace would do her best to invent an excuse to return to London for the remainder of time.
“Lady Grace,” Braiden said as he stepped in front of her. “I wonder if I could have a word with you.”
“Of course. Lord Rayburn, please excuse me.”
“Certainly, we can speak more later.”
Forcing a smile, Grace tried to contain a wince. The viscount appeared to be a genuine, friendly man, but due to his great age, she didn’t believe they would ever be able to share enough interests to lead a bearable conversation.
“Where would you like to go? A walk around the room?” Braiden asked.
“You can take me anywhere.” She knew her relief showed through when he shot her a look. She only grinned in response.
Being with him was effortless and something she enjoyed. Although she hadn’t seen him in a good long while, falling back into their relationship came easily. The young girl she’d once been had fancied herself in love with him at one time.
“I believe I have determined your problems with men of your acquaintance,” Braiden informed her as they made a slow circle around the large room.
Resisting the urge to scoff, she tilted her head and watched him out of the corner of her eye. “Then, please enlighten me.”
“The weak fops in London didn’t possess the characteristics you crave in a husband.”
“Which characteristics would those be?”
The conversation, as well as his serious expression, made her want to laugh. What could possibly have possessed him to take an interest in her dealings over the Season? Regardless, she enjoyed his concern as well as the joy he emitted today that had been lacking yesterday.
He straightened his back. “First you need someone who is strong. Those men who can hardly lift a stone are worthless to you. He should also be smart. After all, you need someone to match your wit. The typical attributes of caring and good looks should be considered as well, for your comfort.”
Unsure if she should laugh or pass out from shock, Grace merely stared at him. “And where do you propose I find such a man?”
He tapped one of his long fingers against his chin. “Not in London, at least not at this time of year.”
She stopped walking and faced him, curiosity burning every part of her. Could he be referring to himself? Did Braiden want to marry her? A fluttering arose in her chest.
Although she’d known him years ago, she wasn’t sure she did any longer. But he had a good heart and was powerfully handsome. Being a duke, he needed an heir, and a child was all she could ask out of life. Did she want to marry him?
Something about him, and the pain he carried, called out to her. They would deal well together. On further thought, she realized Braiden was a perfect candidate for her. But did she really want to marry him? He was a friend, and for years she’d thought of him as nothing more, but now . . .
“I appreciate you compiling a list for me. I shall keep it in mind as I make my decision. Although, I’m not sure such a man exists.”
Determination flooded his eyes as he pressed his lips closed. Did he intend to fight for her? She smiled. Like her sister, she never backed down from a battle. Anticipation pricked her skin.
Braiden wasn’t like all those other boring men. He would make someone an excellent husband. Suddenly her outlook on the holiday gathering appeared brighter. She couldn’t wait for him to continue his pursuit of her. First, she needed to determine what her answer would be when he asked for her hand.
The next day, as she sat on a blanket enjoying the delectable picnic Brianna arranged for the guests, she realized making a decision wasn’t nearly as easy as she thought.
“I don’t know,” Abigail replied to something Grace hadn’t heard. “Perhaps you should have invited Lord Dixon.”
“No. At the moment he isn’t a good candidate for marriage.” Brianna held her hand up to her mouth. “He’s involved in a scandal.”
Rebecca Doutree leaned forward, her eyes alight. “I hadn’t heard about a scandal.”
Grace nearly choked on the bite of scone she’d taken. Rebecca was a good friend, and in all the time they’d known each other, Grace had heard nothing except the lady’s contempt for scandals.
“I’ve only recently heard whispers. Nothing more,” Brianna offered.
When Grace recovered, she pinned her friend with her gaze. “When did you take such an interest in the misfortunes of others?”
A deep pink color crept up Rebecca’s face. “I simply like to keep abreast of what others are spreading. It . . . helps me ferret out the reality for myself.”
Although not satisfied with Rebecca’s assurance, Grace decided to leave her alone regarding the matter. Spying Braiden crossing the lawn, her earlier thoughts of him returned. What would her mother think if she married a duke?
The thought of her mother’s reaction to her being a duchess made Grace’s skin tingle. The woman could hardly ignore the daughter that held such a position. A marriage to Braiden was more beneficial than she originally thought.
“What do you think of Braiden?” Grace asked, hoping to change the subject.
In unison, all three women turned their eyes to her. What did she say? Since their last words had been about a scandal, she hoped they didn’t think she referred to the ridiculous notion that Braiden hired the highway men to kill his wife.
“In what capacity? I think a good number of things about my brother from day to day,” Abigail said, her tone cautious.
“I just . . . Well, worry over him. I know his wife has only been gone slightly over half a year, but he doesn’t seem to have healed. Do you suspect he ever will?”
Brianna wiped a speck of dirt off her skirt. “He carries a great deal of pain.”
“Yes,” Abigail leaned forward, sadness in her eye
s. “Tabitha’s short life was cut off far too soon. I don’t know if Braiden can ever fully heal. Their love was strong.”
With a nod, Grace turned her eyes back to Braiden. The torment he carried clung to him like an outer layer of clothing. Perhaps he was ready for a change in an attempt to move on. She could help him. Could that be why he chose her? His trust in her meant more than she could say. Her mother never deferred to her for anything of such great importance.
She sat up straighter. Determination flooded her. She couldn’t let him down. After all, as a duke, Society would be expecting him to remarry soon.
“It seems to be more crowded than I remember,” Thomas remarked while they shared a private brandy in Braiden’s quarters.
“I understand from my sister that Lady Stonemede intends to have Lady Grace affianced this holiday.”
Thomas laughed. “The poor girl. I’d wager to say she’s unmarried for a reason.”
“Why do you say that?” Defensiveness rang in Braiden’s words.
Grace was like a younger sister to him, and he wouldn’t stand for one ill word to be spoken about her. Perhaps his cousin didn’t deserve her. He would have to locate a better suited man for her. The thought had him freezing in shock. His purpose was to see Thomas married, not Grace. Why should he care what the lady did?
“A woman with her temperament, wealth, connections, and beauty has no short supply of suitors. My guess is she has rejected them all.”
With a slow nod, Braiden thought over Thomas’s observation. “I’d venture to say you are right. It would take a special sort of gentleman to win her over.”
Winning the Duke Page 2
