"How primitive." Remarked Lady Wembley as she clutched at the trim of her bodice.
God, but that woman gives me a headache! Mirabelle thought.
"If you'll excuse me, I need to check on Lady Gasden." Mirabelle mumbled.
She could feel Lucien's eyes on her as she bent over the older woman. He was always watching. So attentive but out of reach. Their eyes touched across the lawn, he smiled and winked. She felt a blush creep up her neck. Why did he wink suggestively, as if it was some sort of promise? Mirabelle rolled her eyes and turned. Suddenly wanting to be anywhere but in the middle of Lady Gasden's garden party, she surveyed her surroundings. Having been a guest to the house many times, she was familiar with the grounds. Scanning the crowd, Mirabelle was confident most were focused on a game of Pall Mall that had just begun further down the lawn. Knowing Lucien wasn't, that his eyes were on her, she slipped away and snuck into the maze behind the party.
It took Mirabelle a matter of minutes to find the center and rush into the path leading to the opposite entrance. As she ran, she heard a swift stride behind her. She knew it was Lucien. Once out of the maze she rounded a fountain and slipped into the small Grecian temple. Mirabelle pressed her back against a pillar and tried to breathe slowly. She wasn't sure if she wanted to be found.
"If only I had an apple, fair Aphrodite." Lucien whispered close to her ear. She felt the heat of him, smelled sandalwood, citrus, soap and leather. Mirabelle shivered and turned, pressing herself to the pillar. His face was so close, she reached for him and he stepped away. Disappointment swelled.
"Why are you here, Lucien?" Mirabelle complained. If he was only going to add to her frustration, he might as well leave.
"I couldn't watch you slip away and not follow." He leaned his back against the pillar, using it as a barrier between them. "I'm almost out of sonnets. Perhaps we could go to Hatchard's and find something new for me to read tomorrow."
Mirabelle squeezed her eyes shut, forcing down the scream that threatened. Was this all an elaborate joke? Why was he always flirting and then stepping out of her reach? Why did he insist on smothering her with inane and boring diversions?
"I've heard of a new exhibit you might enjoy. I think mother would be glad to chaperone us..."
Like a crack splitting a dam, Mirabelle cursed and stormed around the pillar.
"I can't do this anymore, Lucien!" She gasped, her eyes wide and her body trembling. She felt like she was losing her mind. Lucien's face fell and his brows pulled together as he stepped towards her.
"Are you calling off our engagement, are you jilting me? Tell me what you want, Mirabelle. I'll do anything." He looked so scared; his tone caused Mirabelle to calm. Slightly.
"No! I'm not calling it off but I can't do it anymore, Lucien." She turned away and began pacing. "I'm not a debutant, I'm six and twenty. I know you mean well but after twelve, now thirteen suitors, I've been courted to death!" Mirabelle turned to him and grabbed his lapels. "I haven't waited this long so that you could push me into store after store, Lucien!"
He pushed his hair back and groaned.
"I just wanted everything to be perfect, Mirabelle."
"I know and I've tried to be patient but if I eat any more chocolate, I'm going to need a new wardrobe and then you definitely won't want me."
"Sweetheart, you could swallow a horse and I'd still desire you. Tell me what you want." Lucien begged as he lifted his hands to her face. Mirabelle could feel how tense and unsure he was.
"I want us to start our life! I want to be your wife and the mother of your children. I'm done playing silly society games." Mirabelle leaned against him. "And more than anything, I just want you to kiss me, Lucien." She whispered against his lips. "Please, kiss me."
"I'm afraid." He confessed as his lips traced hers. "I don't know if I'll be able to stop."
"Then don't." Mirabelle sighed and his tongue dipped into her mouth.
Lucien leaned against the pillar, pulling her with him, and kissed Mirabelle until the tension left her body.
Several minutes later, she sighed against his mouth and raised her head.
"We should probably get back." She hated the words as she said them. When they were married, they could disappear for as long as they liked.
Lucien nodded as he threaded his fingers with hers and led Mirabelle back to the maze. They took their time, not wanting to break contact. Once Lucien was sure it was safe, Mirabelle slipped out of the maze and they found The Mothers.
"I'll talk to them tonight. I'll post an announcement tomorrow and we can wed once the banns have been read. Of course, The Mothers will have to pull every string they can to arrange a wedding at such short notice." Lucien’s voice was low as they walked towards his carriage.
"Get a special license. I'm not waiting three more weeks for the banns, let alone however long it will take for a wedding." Mirabelle was calm but her tone suggested that arguing wouldn't help.
"The Mothers won't take it well. They're expecting us to have a ceremony at St. George's." He countered.
"I'll set Hanover Square on fire before I wait that long. Between the two of us, we can bring them around." Mirabelle patted his arm as they joined The Mothers. "In fact, why not break the news now?" She winked and climbed in. "Maman, Madeline, there's something we need to discuss." Lucien cursed as he pulled the door shut.
Chapter 10
"But, mignon! You would have the most beautiful wedding if you would just wait!" Celine wailed. As Lucien had foreseen, The Mothers were distraught.
"Oui! Anna and Alice would make such a gown, ma princesse!" Mother pleaded. Lucien looked at Mirabelle. He could tell by how she held her head and the way her shoulders were pulled back that she wasn't going to budge. He rarely saw her and The Mothers at cross purposes. Lucien knew Mirabelle would prevail but he hoped the fight would be less traumatic, for himself.
"I'm afraid that I'm partially to blame." He took Mirabelle's hand and squeezed it. "If I hadn't taken so long to come to my senses..." She sighed and leaned towards them.
"Maman, Madeline, I know you're disappointed. Seven or eight years ago, I would want all of that. A grand wedding would have been a dream come true. Now, I just want to be married. I'm tired of worrying about my reputation and pleasing people I don't even like." Mirabelle sat back and turned to Lucien. "And if I hear once more from the likes of Lady Wembley about how beautiful you are without your clothes on, I'll scream."
The Mothers looked at him accusingly.
"Really, Lucien!" His mother scolded as she shook her head. He loosened his collar and cleared his throat.
"I can assure you, Lady Wembley would not know." He argued, though he was certain it wasn't helping his case. Three scowling faces were aimed at him. Mirabelle rolled her eyes.
"She was merely sharing something that was conveyed to her. But Lady Wembley is hardly the first to tell me how magnificent my future husband is." She grumbled.
Lucien flashed his most boyish smile at the women around him.
"Then we must blame my parents for being such attractive people. I can't help that I'm a work of art." He teased. Mostly. The Mothers groaned and Mirabelle snorted.
"True. But you didn't have to invite half the ton to the exhibition." Mirabelle declared as she crossed her arms and looked out the window. The Mothers made a poor attempt at suppressing their giggles. Lucien knew his mother was enjoying his discomfort.
"I'm sorry." He tugged her hand free and kissed the top of it. "I should have known my past wouldn't be ignored. I just hoped that more people had better manners."
"Pfftttt!" Celine waved. "Manners are something that other people have. One never bothers about their own behavior."
"In light of everything, I think it's a lot to ask of Mirabelle to wait much longer. Not to mention, someone's liable to say too much and we'll have a disaster on our hands if she injures them." Both mothers sighed and nodded. "I'll visit the Archbishop after I drop you off. If he's available, I should have a
license by this evening." Lucien said softly. He knew Mirabelle would be relieved but he couldn't help but feel a little guilty for causing The Mothers disappointment. He told himself they'd forgive him soon enough. The sooner they married, the sooner there would be grandchildren.
Lucien looked at Mirabelle. The idea of his child in her arms made his chest tight. The idea of making that child made him tight in a different area. He was suddenly quite anxious to get that special license.
Chapter 11
Breakfast was chaotic the following morning. Anna and Alice had begun work on a dress as soon as Lucien had proposed and we're working like demons to have it finished. They kept Mirabelle in her dressing room until they couldn't work over the sound of her stomach. She was the last down to breakfast. She rushed into the dining room to find everyone in discussion. Lucien stood and smiled, causing Mirabelle's stomach to flip. She took a deep breath and shook her wits into place. Breakfast. She nodded and went to the sideboard to make a plate.
The Mothers accepted that there would be no grand wedding but were determined to make the best of it. An intimate family ceremony would be held at Clerendon House in two days time. They had their heads together over lists and menus. Alastair and Elise were discussing changes he had planned for a section of the garden. At Gilles’ request, he was creating a layout that was a smaller version of what she had at Longwood. Short paths would be lined with various herbs and flowers, allowing her to find her way by smell and touch. Lucien and Gilles were continuing a debate that started in Parliament the evening prior.
As Mirabelle took her usual seat between Alastair and Lucien she was disappointed that she could still sense her brother’s hostility towards Lucien. She had attempted discussing their engagement with him but he would have none of it. He would change the topic or leave. Gilles assured her he would come around. He needed time to see that Lucien wouldn't hurt her and that she was happy. Deciding to be grateful that he loved her enough to feel so protective, Mirabelle set her hand on Alastair's arm and squeezed. He turned to her and his eyes searched hers. I love you. She knew he'd see. He nodded slightly and touched the back of her hand briefly.
She turned her attention to Lucien. He was laughing and his shoulder brushed hers as he shook. Apparently, the debate with Gilles ended with a grape being lobbed across the table and landing in Gilles’ coffee. Maman looked up and narrowed her eyes at both men. Both cleared their throats and busied themselves with eating. Mirabelle raised her coffee cup and did her best to keep her lips straight. She took a sip and turned to Lucien.
“I have an errand and I was hoping you would accompany me.” She smiled sweetly and waited expectantly. Apparently, he wasn't fooled. Or he'd been warned. His eyes widened and he looked to Gilles for support. He shook his head and became engrossed in his plate.
“Of course. Anything.” Lucien attempted gallantry.
“Excellent! I’d like to call on Lady Gasden. She's still not feeling well and I thought having some company might bring her around.” Mirabelle had to bite the inside of her cheek to keep from laughing at Lucien. His face twisted in horror and he groaned. He looked as if he was six and presented with a bowl of peas.
“Really, Mirabelle? Couldn't we do anything else? Perhaps we could find some barn cats to bathe or I could run naked through some rose bushes.” He slouched in his seat for a moment before Madeline’s head jerked in his direction. He sat up straight and turned to Mirabelle. “What if I bought you something very large and very expensive?” He begged. Mirabelle laughed and shook her head.
“That won't work, I'm afraid. You forget that I've enough money to buy myself whatever I want.” She teased.
“Ah! But you don't have palace money. I could buy you a palace.” Lucien boasted.
“How lovely for you.” She said sarcastically as she reached for the jam. “I'm not really in the mood for a palace, today. I want to visit Lady Gasden.” Lucien grumbled and pouted over his plate. Mirabelle tried to eat while imagining Lucien naked in the garden.
An hour later, Lucien was still complaining as he helped Mirabelle to the seat of his phaeton. Once he was seated, he set the team in motion.
“I thought that once I was an adult I was done being dragged into old dragon’s dens. She's only gotten worse since we were children.” He sighed as an overturned cart stalled traffic.
“She's only worse to you because you give her so much to comment upon.” Mirabelle relaxed and smiled as she watched Lucien fidget with the reins. He was leaning forwards, his elbows resting on his knees. His tailor certainly knew how to fit a coat; the muscles of his back were visible as the fabric stretched. It took a great deal of self control on her part not to run her hand down his back. Would he believe she was an ardent fan of Bath Superfine? Looking at his thighs didn't help. Wrapped in buff colored inexpressibles, his muscles flexed as he tapped his booted feet impatiently.
“I don't understand why you choose to call on her and seek her out at parties while I spend a great deal of time avoiding her.” A moment later, “Really?” Lucien gestured towards the line of carriages and hackneys in front of them in exasperation.
“I like her. I think we’re quite alike.” Lucien laughed and shook his head. “In fact, I plan to be just like her when I'm her age.” Mirabelle stood and craned her neck. “I think they've got it just about cleared.” Lucien tugged her arm, pulling her back to the seat unceremoniously.
“You should have made me aware of your plans before I proposed.” He leaned and nudged her affectionately with his elbow.
“She's alone, Lucien. Her son is horrid and never visits. That's all the family she has. Why do you think our mothers spent so much time with her? I'm sure that there will come a day when everyone washes their hands of me. I hope that at least one person will make time to visit.” Mirabelle was watching the scene ahead but could feel he was staring at her. She turned and raised a brow.
“You're probably right, you're almost more trouble than you're worth as it is. Age will only make you worse.” She could tell he was teasing but she swatted his arm anyways. “I suppose it makes sense that you start paying your penance in advance.” Just then, traffic started moving and he sat up. “As I'll have made a vow to keep you in sickness, I'll have to endure your exile with you.”
“I was lead to believe that you would be more romantic than this.” Mirabelle mumbled. Lucien laughed.
“I can't think of anything more romantic, my love.” He'd recently adopted the endearment and it made her tingle. “It's too easy to imagine a life with someone when they're young and beautiful. It's another thing to imagine them old and surly and still look forward to the prospect.”
“Oh!” Put like that, it nearly made her toes curl. “That's the sweetest thing anyone has ever said to me!” Mirabelle would have thrown her arms around his neck and kissed him until she was senseless if she could. Instead, she had to fan her eyes and blink rapidly until she was no longer on the verge of becoming a watering pot.
Once they were moving again, it was a short drive to Lady Gasden’s. Mirabelle noted that Lucien grumbled less as he lifted her down. When the butler led them to Lady Gasden’s personal sitting room, the old woman’s eyes lit up with joy. Mirabelle caught Lucien's eye and looked at him pointedly. See. This is why. She thought.
“What a lovely surprise!” She gushed as she gestured for them to sit close to her. Mirabelle kissed her tissue soft cheek and sat on the lounge closest to Lady Gasden's chair. She looked up as she patted the spot next to her. Lucien sat obediently. “So kind of you to accompany your lovely fiancée, Your Grace!”
“It's my pleasure.” He lied as he reclined and crossed his legs.
“I'm sure she gave you no choice!” Lady Gasden cackled as the tea tray was placed before them. Without asking, Mirabelle started pouring. “I'm glad you came to your senses while I was still around to see it. You had me quite worried for years, Lucien.” He groaned as he took a biscuit. “I was sure some other rake would turn her head and steal
her out from under you or you'd compromise some chit and find yourself stuck.” Mirabelle smiled as she handed her cup to her.
“I'm surprised you didn't take it upon yourself to set me straight.” Lucien grinned as he took his cup from Mirabelle. “Thank you.” He murmured as he took a sip. Mirabelle knew that she should try and change the topic but she was enjoying herself.
“I had considered it but I hoped that you'd eventually see what was as plain as the nose upon your face.” Both looked at her in surprise. She chuckled and shook her head. “You were just as obvious as she was!” Lady Gasden said as she pointed at Mirabelle. “In fact, I think you fell in love first, Lucien.” He raised a brow and looked at her dubiously. “I remember when you were children. You must have been eight or nine, Alastair pushed her and you were furious!” Her eyes misted over and she looked at them warmly.
“Alastair pushed me?” Mirabelle was shocked. He had always been so protective and even as a child he wasn't prone to emotional outbursts.
“Oh, yes!” Lady Gasden laughed. “You beat him in a foot race and he said something inappropriate in French. Except he mispronounced something or used the wrong tense or gender and you corrected him.” Lucien snorted.
“That sounds about right. She’s remarkably proficient at cursing.” Mirabelle elbowed him. Lady Gasden snickered.
“Alastair didn't take it well. He pushed her and she landed on her little bottom and was set to bring the wrath of hell upon him but you stepped between them and called him out!” Mirabelle gasped and covered her mouth. Lucien's eyes widened and he smirked. He remembered. “You told him that a gentleman would not stand by and see a lady treated so scandalously. Mirabelle jumped up and stomped her little feet and wailed that she was most certainly not a lady. You told her to hush and that you were defending her honor!” Lady Gasden laughed for several moments until she was wheezing. When Lucien looked at Mirabelle, his eyes were warm and a smile tugged at his lips. There was nothing she wanted more than to lean close and press her lips to his and thank him for defending her. She felt herself sway and was saved when Lady Gasden sighed and continued. Mirabelle gave her attention once more. “Being the little gentleman that he was, Lucien allowed Alastair to pick the weapon. Alastair being Alastair picked chess.” Lucien groaned.
Wicked And Wild: Spencers in Love Book Two Page 4
