Whirlwind Wedding

by Jacquie D’Alessandro

  Austin contemplated his friend with surprise. "She's my sister. Why the hell shouldn't she be here? Besides, you know my family. They travel in packs. Like bloody wolves. I'd wager any sum that my brother is about to make an appearance."

  As if on cue, Robert emerged from the coach, a huge grin lighting his face. Damn it! What was Robert up to now? And why had Elizabeth come here instead of sending a message? Turning away from the window, Austin slammed his snifter onto his desk and stalked toward the door.

  "Austin! How wonderful to see you!"

  Her mother-in-law's words jerked Elizabeth's head around. Striding down the corridor toward the foyer, anger evident in every taut line of his body, was her husband.

  Dismay washed over her. Good heavens, what was he doing here? Why wasn't he in Surrey?

  She stood frozen in place, her eyes riveted on him, and tried to hold back the swell of love and longing that hit her, but it was a hopeless task. Dear God she'd missed him so much!

  But it was clear from his expression that he had not missed her. In fact, as he strode into the foyer, he completely ignored her.

  He bent down and accepted a kiss from his mother. "This is unexpected" he said in a tight voice. "I trust all is well?"

  "Oh, yes," the dowager said with a smile. "Caroline, Elizabeth, and I had a hankering for the shops. Robert kindly offered to escort us to Town."

  Austin turned a narrow-eyed glare on his brother. "How dutiful of you, Robert."

  Robert's smile could have lit the entire room. "No trouble at all. Always happy to accompany a coach filled with lovely ladies."

  Austin cocked a brow at Caroline. "Didn't you shop enough when you were here several weeks ago?"

  A gay laugh trilled from Caroline. "Oh, Austin, how amusing you are! You should know that a woman can never spend enough time in the shops."

  Elizabeth stood in an agony of embarrassment. Her husband had yet to so much as acknowledge her presence. An awkward silence ensued. Heat crept up her neck and she wished she could simply sink through the floor. Just when she thought he meant to walk away without greeting her, he turned and stared directly at her.

  The icy fury shooting from his gray eyes chilled her to the bone. And although he stared directly at her, it seemed as if he were looking through her, as if she weren't really there.

  Any hopes she may have secretly harbored that time would soften him toward her died with that single look. How on earth was she going to survive this visit? Not being with him, agonizing over what she'd lost, was a pain she could barely stand.

  But seeing him look at her like this, with all the warmth and caring extinguished from his eyes, inflicted a piercing ache that weakened her knees.

  But she'd done what she'd had to do. For him.

  Determined not to let him see her inner torment, she forced herself to offer him a smile. "Hello, Austin."

  A muscle ticked in his clenched jaw. "Elizabeth."

  She tried to moisten her parched lips, but her mouth had gone dry. "I… I thought you were in Surrey."

  His glacial expression could have frozen fire. "Surrey?"

  "Yes. For the annual inspection of the crops…" Her voice trailed off into an agonizing embarrassed silence as he simply stared at her.

  "Do you have something to tell me?" His clipped question hung in the air between them.

  She felt the weight of everyone's eyes on them, watching their tense exchange. Humiliation washed over her, and if she'd thought her legs would cooperate, she would have run from the house. "No," she whispered. "Nothing."

  She was saved from enduring further attempts at conversation when Miles joined them. He greeted everyone, but Elizabeth noticed that his bow to Caroline was stiff and that Caroline steadfastly looked at a place over his shoulder.

  "I'd like a word with you in my study, Robert," Austin said in a voice that resembled a growl.

  "Of course," Robert said. "The moment I'm settled in-"

  "Now." Without another word Austin turned on his heel and strode down the corridor.

  A deafening silence ensued. Finally, the dowager cleared her throat. "Well! Isn't that… nice? Robert, it appears Austin wishes to speak with you."

  Robert's brows almost disappeared into his hairline. "Indeed? I hadn't particularly noticed." With a jaunty salute, he ambled down the corridor Austin had just stalked down.

  The dowager turned back to the silent group with a smile that could only be described as desperate. "They're going to talk. Isn't that… nice? I'm sure this is going to be a wonderful visit."

  "Wonderful," Caroline echoed looking everywhere but at Miles.

  "Delightful," Miles agreed in a gloomy voice.

  "Marvelous," Elizabeth said in a weak voice. She hoped she lived through it.

  The instant Robert closed the study door, Austin bit out, "What the hell do you think you're doing?"

  "Following your orders, brother dear. You said you wanted to speak to me now, so here I am. Speak away."

  Austin forced himself to retain his casual posture: hips leaning against his desk, legs outstretched arms folded across his chest. If he didn't, he would be across the room in two strides, picking Robert up by his cravat.

  "Why did you bring them here?"

  Robert's face bore a mask of utter innocence. "Me? I didn't bring them here. You know how women love the shops. I-"

  "Elizabeth hates the shops."

  Robert's nonplussed stare clearly indicated that this was news to him. Austin studied his brother through narrowed eyes and tried to contain his anger. "Can you explain why Elizabeth thought I was in Surrey? And then perhaps you'd enlighten me regarding what the annual inspection of the crops entails."

  "Surrey? Crops? I-"

  "Enough, Robert. I'll ask you one more time. Why did you bring Elizabeth here? Don't lie to me."

  Apparently the glacial fury in his tone served as a warning Robert decided not to ignore. Dropping all pretense of innocence, Robert said, "I brought her because it was painfully obvious to me when I saw you yesterday that you're miserable without her. And a blind man could see that she is equally miserable without you."

  "If I'd wanted her here, I would have sent for her myself."

  Temper flared in Robert's blue eyes. "Then I cannot fathom why you didn't do so, because it's clear you want her here, and even clearer that you need her here. You're just too stubborn to admit it. Whatever problems you're having, you cannot solve them if you're apart."

  "Indeed?" Austin said in a deadly calm tone. "And when did you become an expert in marital relations- mine specifically?"

  "I'm not. But I know you. I saw how you were with her. I saw how you looked at her. Whether you want to admit it or not, I know you care about her. Hell, let's just say it. You love her. And you're ill-tempered, unhappy, and damn near impossible to be around without her."

  Pain and anger scissored through Austin, but he forced his features to remain blank. "You've clearly mistaken my feelings and mood Robert. I am not unhappy, I am busy. I'm responsible for six estates and there is a great deal of work that requires my attention."

  Robert made a disgusted sound. "Then you clearly don't know the difference between busy and unhappy."

  Austin turned a frosty glare on his brother. "I know the difference." Believe me, I know. "I will not tolerate this interference in my marriage. Is that clear?"

  "Perfectly." He went on as if Austin hadn't spoken. "What has Elizabeth done to anger you so? Surely, whatever it is, you can forgive her for it. I cannot believe she would intentionally hurt you."

  She intentionally ripped out my heart and showed herself for a calculating schemer. Pushing himself away from his desk, Austin said in a deceptively mild tone, "I think it would be best, and certainly much smarter, if you ceased expressing opinions on subjects you know nothing about."

  "Elizabeth is wretchedly unhappy."

  His insides involuntarily pinched but he ruthlessly pushed his sympathy aside. "I cannot imagine why. She is, after all, a d
uchess. She lacks for nothing."

  "Except for a relationship with her husband."

  "You forget that our marriage was one of convenience."

  "Perhaps it started out that way, but you fell in love with her. And she with you."

  If only that were true. "Enough. Stop worrying about Elizabeth and me and turn your energies toward more productive endeavors. Why don't you find yourself a mistress? Concentrate on your own life instead of plaguing mine."

  Robert's brows raised. "Is that what you've done? Found yourself a mistress?"

  Austin barely managed to swallow the bitter laugh pushing at the back of his throat. He couldn't imagine touching another woman. Before he could issue a retort, Robert continued "Because if you have, then you're a bigger fool than I thought. Why you would want another woman when you could have Elizabeth is beyond me."

  "Has it not occurred to you that perhaps Elizabeth does not want my attentions?" He forced the question past his lips.

  A bark of incredulous laughter escaped Robert. "Is that what this is about? You think Elizabeth doesn't want you? Good God Austin, you're either an idiot or you've gone daft. The woman adores you. A blind man could see that."

  "You're wrong."

  Robert's eyes turned troubled. "You're throwing away happiness with both hands, Austin. I hate to see you do that."

  "Your concern has been duly noted. Now, this discussion is over." When it appeared Robert was about to argue, Austin added "Permanently over. Is that understood?"

  Robert huffed out a clearly frustrated breath. "Yes."

  "Good. I cannot ask you to leave now, but I shall expect you and this houseful of company you brought here to depart by tomorrow afternoon. And until then, you will keep them occupied and out of my way."

  Without another word Austin quit the room, resisting an almost violent urge to slam the door.

  She was here. In his house.

  He didn't want her here. He didn't want to see her.

  God help him, how was he going to manage to stay away from her for the next twenty-four hours?

  Chapter 20

  Late that afternoon, Austin stood alone in his private study, staring out the window, seeing nothing. When a knock sounded on the door, his hands clenched. If it was her-

  He cut off the thought. "Come in."

  Caroline entered the room. "May I speak with you?"

  He forced himself to offer her a smile. "Of course. Please sit down."

  "I'd prefer to stand."

  He raised his brows at her militant tone. "All right. What did you wish to speak to me about?"

  Clasping her hands in front of her, she drew a deep breath. "I'll start by saying that as my brother, I hold you in the greatest esteem and affection."

  A tired smile tugged at his lips. "Thank you, Caroline. I-"

  "But you're a complete nincompoop." Annoyance wiped the smile from his lips. "I beg your pardon?"

  "Did you not hear me? I said you're a-"

  "I heard you."

  "Excellent. Would you like to hear why you're a nincompoop?"

  "Not particularly, but I'm certain you're going to tell me anyway."

  "Yes, I am. I am referring to this situation with Elizabeth."

  His jaw clenched. "Situation?"

  Blue eyes flashing, she said "Don't pretend you don't know what I'm talking about. What have you done to her?"

  "What makes you think I've done anything to her?" "She's miserable."

  "So everyone is determined to tell me."

  She sent him a searching gaze. "I cannot fathom this icy indifference. I thought you two were so well suited but she is clearly unhappy, and you're stalking about like a bear with a thorn in its paw. I've never known you to treat a woman, even the most annoying woman, with anything but the most respectful manner. Yet you're treating your wife as if she doesn't exist."

  She doesn't. The woman I fell in love with doesn't really exist.

  "Austin." Reaching up, she laid her palm against his cheek, tenderness replacing all vestiges of anger in her eyes. "You cannot allow this unhappiness to continue. It is obvious to me that you care deeply for her, and she for you. Please, search your heart and find a way to solve whatever problems you and Elizabeth are having. Now. Before it's too late. I want you to be happy, and the pain I see in your eyes tells me you're not. But you were. And it was because of Elizabeth."

  Her tender words curled around his heart and squeezed like a vise. Yes, he'd been happy. For a very brief time. But it had been based on an illusion. And while he appreciated Caroline's concern, he'd had more than enough of first Robert, and now her, interfering in his life.

  They were not aware of the circumstances, and he'd be damned if he'd tell them, or anyone else, that his wife wished to dissolve their marriage. Not until it became absolutely necessary. If it turned out that Elizabeth was pregnant, they would have to make the best of their marriage.

  A knock sounded. "Come in."

  His mother entered. "Am I interrupting?"

  "Not at all." He stared pointedly at the door. "Caroline was just leaving."

  "Excellent. The coach is awaiting us for our ride through the park, Caroline. I'll join you in just a moment. I need to speak with Austin."

  Caroline closed the door softly behind her. Austin propped one hip on his desk and regarded his mother. "Are you here to call me names, too?"

  Her eyes widened. "Names?"

  "My siblings have seen fit to call me a fool, an idiot, and my favorite, a nincompoop."

  "I see."

  "I'm gratified that at least my mother is above name-calling."

  "Naturally. Of course, if you weren't already laid so low, I might be tempted to label you a pinheaded dolt, but under the circumstances, I'd prefer merely to tell you that it hurts me to see you, and Elizabeth, so unhappy." She took his hand between her own and squeezed it. "Is there anything I can do to help?"

  Bloody hell, he preferred the name-calling to this tender, warm concern.

  "I'm fine, Mother."

  "You're not," she corrected in a tone that belied further arguments. "I knew something was amiss when you sent Elizabeth to Wesley Manor so abruptly. The poor girl's misery is palpable. As is yours. I've never seen you so angry and distraught." Her gentle blue eyes rested on his. "Your father and I suffered through many misunderstandings when we first wed-"

  "This is not a misunderstanding, Mother."

  He hadn't meant his tone to sound so harsh. She studied him for a moment before speaking. "I see. Well, I can only tell you that with great love comes other powerful emotions. When you love hard you fight hard." A sad smile curved her lips. "Your father and I did both."

  Sympathy pinched him and he squeezed her hand. His father's sudden death had devastated them all, but particularly her.

  "She is your wife, Austin. For the rest of your life. For your sake, and for hers, try to solve whatever troubles are facing you and make a happy marriage. Don't let pride stand in your way."

  He lifted his brows. "It sounds as if you think that I am to blame for the problems in my marriage."

  "I didn't say that. But you are experienced and worldly whereas Elizabeth is not. She is going to make mistakes, some serious, some not, until she gains her footing in the world she's now in. Be patient with her. And with yourself." She pressed a soft kiss onto the back of his hand. "She is the right woman for you, Austin."

  "Indeed? Are you the same mother who was apprehensive about my marrying an American?"

  "I cannot deny I had some reservations at first, but I've spent the last three weeks getting to know my daughter-in-law. She is a lovely, intelligent young woman and has the makings of a fine duchess. And she loves you. And I suspect you feel the same way about her."

  She offered him a gentle smile, then left the room. Austin stared at the closed door and exhaled a breath. His family was going to render him a candidate for Bedlam. He needed to get out of this house. Immediately.

  Before he could take one step, howev
er, his mother's words crashed over him. She loves you. Pain and anger combined with a bone-weary sadness, slumping his shoulders. His mother, Caroline, Robert-none of them knew how wrong they were about Elizabeth's feelings. She'd managed to fool every member of his family.

  And I suspect you feel the same way about her.

  Groaning, he raked his fingers through his hair. Yes, damn it, he loved her.

  But he'd gladly give up everything he owned to make the damn feeling go away.

  Austin strode into his private study at ten the next morning and halted at the unwelcome sight of Miles lounging in a wing chair. Damn it, if Miles had it in his mind to take up where his family had left off yesterday, Austin was bloody well going to plant him a facer. The urge to hit something was strong, and with very little provocation that something could be Miles.

  Miles looked him up and down then slanted a pointed glance at the mantel clock. "Ten a.m. is a bit early for dressing in formal wear… or am I simply not privy to the latest fashion trend?"

  "I'm not on my way out," Austin said barely keeping his impatience in check.

  "Ah. Then you must be on your way in. From where, I wonder? You're looking a bit ragged about the edges."

  "I was at my club, if you must know." Austin made an exaggerated show of looking about the room. "Where is the rest of my esteemed family? Hiding behind the draperies?"

  "Your mother and Caroline are visiting the jeweler. Robert and Elizabeth are also out-where, I do not know."

  Austin strode across the study floor, paused at the decanters, then moved on. He'd had more than enough brandy at White's last night. And instead of finding the oblivion he'd sought, all he'd gotten was a wretched throbbing headache… and a loss of several hundred pounds at the faro table.

  "You seem nervous," Miles remarked from his chair.

  He halted and realized with no small amount of irritation that he'd been pacing. "I'm not nervous."

  "Really? I've seen gentlemen poised on the brink of imminent fatherhood who were more relaxed than you."

  Imminent fatherhood. The casual remark stung like salt on an open wound. Smothering a vicious curse, Austin walked to the window and pulled back the curtain. Staring through the glass with unseeing eyes, he concentrated on bludgeoning back the torturous images conjured up by the words imminent fatherhood.