Winning the Duke

by Jenn Langston

  A smile lit Brianna’s face as she relaxed. “Richard can be a difficult man at times and very stubborn. I suppose it was my persistence that won in the end.”

  “Persistent how?”

  Her sister’s smile waned as a blush covered her cheeks and she averted her eyes. “I-I can’t say for sure. I suppose I reminded him I was there. After little encouragements, he realized he couldn’t live without me.”

  “Interesting.” Nodding, Grace tried to think about how she could do the same with Braiden. She certainly couldn’t hide in his bedchamber after everyone went to bed. Considering his beautiful state of undress last night, she realized how much an invasion of his privacy her presence had been.

  “If it isn’t trouble with a particular man, are you planning for the future? I don’t believe you shall need it. Look around. Every invitation sent out came back accepted, and we had quite a few unplanned attendees. The manor and surrounding inns have no vacancies.”

  “That is truly a testament to your superb hostess skills.”

  “Don’t be obtuse. Most of them came for you. I have noticed how often you have been accompanied by a gentleman.”

  “Yes. Your guests have been most attentive.”

  Brianna placed her hand over Grace’s. “How can I help you?”

  Feeling weary Grace ran her eyes over the group of people. As everyone had their backs to her, she couldn’t identify the majority of them. Then her eyes fell upon Mr. Everett’s profile. He whispered something to Lady Laura Simpson, Baron Conway’s widow. Lady Conway smiled widely, then swatted at his arm.

  A great idea hit her. She could make Braiden jealous. He may not want to marry her, but she could tell he desired her. Not only had she felt the proof in his embrace, but his reluctance to leave her when they were together painted a clear picture.

  “Perhaps I should attempt to spend my time with only the men I feel I could possibly marry.” She turned back to her sister, a glimmer of hope forming in the pit of her stomach. “You can help me by deflecting the other gentleman and freeing my time.”

  “Certainly. Just tell me who you want to see. As hostess, I can always rearrange things to my benefit.”

  This would be the hard part. Grace took a deep breath. “Well, Mr. Everett is one.”

  Brianna nodded as if expecting to hear his name.

  “Another would be . . . Lord Donetic.”

  “Braiden?” Brianna’s voice raised an octave, earning them disapproving glances from the people sitting nearby.

  “Only because I’ve enjoyed his company, and he can give me insight into how best to pursue Mr. Everett should I decide he is right for me,” Grace quickly explained.

  Her heart raced as her sister observed her. Did she see through the lie? Had it been a mistake in recruiting help? Should she throw a few more gentlemen in to deflect Brianna’s notice? The idea of spending more time with any other of the gentlemen present proved too distasteful.

  “Very well. Who else?”

  “For now, it would be easier for me to eliminate one man at a time.”

  Brianna nodded her approval. “I will help as much as I can. Keep in mind how quickly rumors spread. If you spend too much of your time with him, people will speculate. I have already heard mention of you and Mr. Everett. It may be more beneficial for you to devote more time to Braiden or other men in order to keep everyone guessing.”

  “I will. Thank you.”

  After squeezing Grace’s hand again, Brianna made her way back to sit beside her husband. Grace noticed they exchanged words, but she didn’t care what information was being relayed. After all, it could only help her case for Braiden to believe she would marry his cousin instead. She only hoped her plan would work.

  That afternoon as she walked through the freezing garden with Mr. Everett, she applauded her decision to agree to let Brianna help her. Not only had her sister distracted two different gentlemen from asking for a private moment, but she arranged for Mr. Everett to accompany her while she tended to her garden duties, and she assigned Braiden to sit beside her at dinner.

  “The day would be nicer if it weren’t so cold,” Mr. Everett complained.

  Her head shot up from the plants she bundled. “I’m sorry, Mr. Everett. You can return if you’d like. I don’t need an escort.”

  “Don’t be absurd. I wouldn’t imagine leaving you out here. And call me Thomas.”

  “All right, Thomas, then I’m Grace.”

  He grinned. As he was handsome and very sweet, she realized he would have been a good choice for a husband. If only she hadn’t been so set on Braiden. And the fact Mr. Everett clearly fancied Lady Conway posed a problem as well.

  “Now that we are on closer terms, can I ask you an impertinent question?”

  Curious, she stood and dusted her gloves off. “You may ask. I simply reserve the right not to answer.”

  “That’s fair. I know Braiden tried to be discreet, but I know he followed you out of the ballroom last night. What happened between you two? Ever since then, he’s been irritable and more prone to drink excessively.”

  She grimaced. She should have known he wouldn’t ask anything she had any desire to answer. Although Braiden and Thomas appeared close, she didn’t know if she should confide in him if Braiden hadn’t.

  “You are right. A very insolent question. I suppose I’ll admit we had a conversation he didn’t particularly like. Especially my contribution.”

  Thomas rolled his eyes. “I already surmised as much.”

  “Why don’t you ask him?”

  “Not only is he family, but Braiden is a good friend of mine. He’s been through a lot in his life, and over the years, I’ve learned when to pry and when to leave him alone.”

  “Is he that upset?” Grace shivered as the wind increased in strength.

  “I’ve never seen him like this. His mood is strange.”

  Guilt assaulted her, making it difficult to swallow. Thomas was right. Braiden had been through enough to add her declaration to it. At least she knew his answer. After all, a man in agreement would be full of joy. Her plan to make him jealous was destined to fail. Why should he care who she married if he had no desire to do so himself?

  Disappointment made her weak. Although the biting cold lashed at her, she had no desire to return right now. Her outlook once again appeared bleak. Taking Thomas’s arm, she allowed him to lead her wherever he chose.

  “Don’t worry about Braiden,” she said. “I’ll talk to him. Then he can go back to his normal brooding self.”

  Thomas let out a long breath which produced a puff of steam. “I suppose that is his new normal. I wish we could reverse time a few years. That Braiden had a lot more life, and a lot more fun.”

  She nodded, unable to respond over the lump in her throat. Today she would have to tell Braiden she no longer wanted to marry him. What would he think of her? Tears threatened and she couldn’t stop her sniffle as she attempted to hold them back. With the manor in sight, she couldn’t afford to lose her control.

  “Are you all right?” Thomas asked as he turned her to face him.

  “Yes.” A lone tear broke free and tumbled down her cheek. Once released, she couldn’t help herself. She burst into tears.

  Thomas pulled her against him and patted her back. “What’s this about? I didn’t mean to upset you. Is this about Braiden? He’s going to be fine. There is no need for this.”

  His voice and hands soothed her, even though his words brought no comfort. She would let him believe her outburst was due to Braiden’s situation, since the truth wouldn’t suffice.

  When she composed herself, she drew back, but he didn’t immediately release her.

  “I’m sorry about that,” she whispered in an unsteady voice.

  “I’m the one who should a
pologize here. Although he’s in a strange place right now, he’d strangle me if I brought you back damaged.”

  “There is no need for him to know about this. He is going through enough to add my silly, girlish emotions.”

  “You are fine, then?”

  She smiled as best as she could. “Come. Let’s go back. As you indicated earlier, it’s freezing.”

  After releasing her, he led her back toward the manor, all the while watching her closely. He also held her tighter than necessary, but she couldn’t complain. She needed his strength right now.

  Once inside, they nearly plowed into Braiden.

  “I apologize, Your Grace,” she said, hoping the formality would put distance between them. “We didn’t see you there.”

  “I noticed. You two seem preoccupied with one another.” Braiden’s right eyebrow rose as he looked at his cousin.

  Thomas puffed out his chest. “Look here. There is no need for reproach. You saw us, so you were the fool to not get out of the way.”

  “True. I did see you both.” The intensity in Braiden’s voice indicated he meant more than simply restating Thomas’s offhand comment.

  Had he witnessed her crying and now he was upset with Thomas? She couldn’t bear the thought, but she also had no excuse to offer. Thomas would have to come up with something on his own.

  “What are you doing here?” Thomas asked. “If you are contemplating going outside, don’t. The weather isn’t pleasant.”

  She lightly touched Thomas’s arm. “I never should have made you go out there with me.”

  “Don’t be silly. For you, I have no problem risking the cold.”

  His teasing brought her laughter despite the hole growing in her chest. Braiden didn’t appear amused, but she didn’t care. Since she didn’t possess the capability to talk to him right now, she would have to do so tonight. Then he could continue on without having to worry about her any longer.

  “Please excuse me, gentlemen.”

  Without waiting for a response, she headed to her bedchamber. Once inside, she lay on the bed, pulled a blanket over her, and curled up until her body stopped shaking.

  She needed to figure out how to give up Braiden as well as her dream of having a child without losing a grip on herself. Tears spilled from her eyes again. Why was this so hard?

  Chapter 5

  Picking up his fork, Braiden put a piece of venison in his mouth and chewed, but he didn’t taste it. He was too angry to notice anything besides the overwhelming fury inside him. Why had the world conspired against him?

  To his left Grace laughed at something Lord Rayburn said. He gritted his teeth. She appeared to be flirting with every man she came in contact with today. That is, everyone except him. How could she practically propose to him and then offer her charms freely to each gentleman in the room?

  Just like Tabitha. The thought caught him unaware and only served to enrage him further. Grace existed on a different plane from his wife, and the two women held no comparison.

  “Your Grace,” she said, finally turning to him. “How are you enjoying dinner?”

  Her formality irritated him. Although expected upon this occasion, the sound of it on her lips mocked him. He got the feeling she did it on purpose.

  “Very much, my lady. And you?”

  She smiled, but it didn’t reach her eyes. Why was she acting so odd? Had his reaction to her almost proposal hurt her? He hadn’t exactly said no, but he hadn’t said yes either.

  “It is impossible for one word of complaint to be uttered about Lord Stonemede’s table.”

  “Agreed.”

  “Lord Donetic, I . . .” She cleared her throat and put her shoulders back. “I asked you a question the other night. Do you recall?”

  Shock left him speechless. How dare she bring this up here? Did she honestly expect him to partake in this conversation over dinner with everyone in attendance?

  He nodded, not trusting himself to speak.

  “Wonderful. You had so kindly offered to furnish an answer for me, and I wanted you to know I no longer need one.”

  “Why is that?” He ground out, irritated at the necessity of talking in riddles. Why didn’t she plan to sneak into his room for this? She’d never had qualms about doing so before.

  “I wish to rescind the question.”

  His jaw dropped before he schooled his expression. Was that why she extended her charms on others? To find a different man to marry? The idea she no longer wanted him left a sour taste in his mouth and stole his appetite. He knew he shouldn’t care, but he couldn’t help but wonder what happened to change her mind so swiftly. He hadn’t been gracious that night, but she hadn’t even given him time to make a decision yet. Now she didn’t care.

  Then his eyes fell on Thomas. His cousin watched the two of them closely. What had he missed? Realization struck him. The garden. Grace and Thomas couldn’t keep their hands off one another on their walk earlier. It had angered him then, but now the memory made him seethe with rage. He resisted the urge to cover his face with his hand as he gritted his teeth. Why did he care? After all, it was his idea for the two of them to marry. What was wrong with him?

  “Are you all right?” Grace whispered to him under the guise of taking a sip of water.

  “Perfectly.” He forced his attention away from his now less than favorite cousin on the other side of the table. “I just find myself surprised.”

  “I apologize. That wasn’t my intention.”

  “Then what was it? You aren’t making any of this easy to follow.”

  Red crept up her face as she opened her mouth, but Brianna called the ladies to the drawing room, saving her from giving an answer. As she escaped from him, he couldn’t remove his gaze from her.

  He didn’t understand his own reaction. Having decided against marrying Grace, he should be overjoyed by this new development, not angry. But he was. The truth behind his response only served to fan the fire within him. He wanted to marry Grace. But he couldn’t.

  “Braiden?” Thomas said as he sat beside him. “What is the trouble? It looked like Lady Grace upset you again. Will you tell me now what she said to you?”

  Swirling his port around his glass, Braiden contemplated his answer. Considering Thomas had designs on Grace, he couldn’t tell him exactly what had occurred. The vision of her in his cousin’s arms continued to enrage him.

  “You seem to have developed quite an interest in her as of late.”

  “Under your urging.” Thomas crossed his arms as he leaned back in his chair.

  “I only suggested you spend a minute amount of time with her.”

  “It isn’t my fault the lady seeks me out.”

  Taking a long drink of port, Braiden thought it over. If Grace had decided to move her attention from him to his cousin, Thomas wouldn’t be at fault. However, sharing intimate time in the garden went far above that.

  “As you say.”

  “Do you have something specific you would like to convey? If not, stop acting like an ass.”

  “If you don’t care for my company, you can sit somewhere else.”

  Thomas stood. “That is an excellent idea.”

  The remainder of the time, Braiden sat alone, warning others off with his glares and disinterested atmosphere. He was irritated at Thomas, Grace, and himself. How could she lose desire in him already? Part of him wanted to change her mind. To make her want him again. But he couldn’t. It wouldn’t be fair to her.

  Once everyone filed into the drawing room, Braiden headed directly for the back of the room. He knew in his current state he should excuse himself, but he didn’t want to miss the opportunity to further observe Grace. She sat in the chair almost directly in front of him, so he would be able to make his obsession less noticeable.

&nb
sp; “Braiden,” Abigail said in a scolding tone.

  He immediately stopped moving and faced her. “Yes?”

  “Why aren’t you integrating with the guests? Your prowling back here is gaining attention.”

  “I thought people had begun to ignore me.”

  She shifted. “Generally they do, but you aren’t normally like this.”

  With a sigh, Braiden lowered his shoulders. His sister was right. Although his behavior in the past had been excused, he didn’t want the possibility of raising suspicion now.

  “For you, my dear Abigail, I will control myself.”

  Offering a sympathetic smile, she clasped his arm. “I know the holidays are hard. But take heart, we will get through them together.”

  He nodded, then took up a spot against the wall by the window when she moved away. Allowing her to think his strange mood stemmed from his loss of Tabitha had been easier than the truth. She remained happier with the illusion of his love match with her friend.

  Needing to focus his attention on something else, his gaze sought out Grace again. She hadn’t moved from her chair but now Thomas sat beside her. Anger pumped through him. Had she called him over with her smiles? Or had Thomas been the one to approach her? Braiden silently cursed his lack of notice.

  He clenched his hands tightly as he saw his cousin lean scandalously close to Grace to whisper something. Part of him wanted to sit beside Laura and see if Thomas appreciated it. However, he remained still, silently watching as his cousin received smiles and laughter from Grace.