The invitation to dine had come as a surprise to her because Phillip hadn’t mentioned anything about supper earlier that day. She assumed that he must have shared the news of their engagement with his parents. Yet, oddly enough, no one had commented on it since she and her aunt had arrived.
“It’s nice to finally meet you as well, Mrs. Remington,” Colette Sinclair said.
Meredith glanced across the table at her aunt, who managed to appear pleased to be there, for Delilah had been fit to be tied that afternoon after Phillip left. She was more than a little angry that Meredith would pass over the Duke of Havenfield in favor of the Earl of Waverly.
“I don’t understand why you never mentioned him to me, Meredith!” she’d said. “You could have let me know that you were romantically interested in the earl. I would have understood! He’s handsome, charming, and close to you in age. Then I would not have encouraged the duke when he pressed his suit with you. Now I will look the fool, just as he will!” She wrinkled her nose in distaste.
“I’m terribly sorry, Aunt Delilah. It all happened so fast with Lord Waverly that I didn’t have time to think about it.”
“Well, apologies aren’t going to be of much use to me tomorrow when the duke comes to call on you.” Delilah gave a disgruntled sigh and folded her arms.
“I can handle him, Auntie. Don’t worry. I will accept full responsibility. But there is something I wish to discuss with you. . . . When should I let Lord Waverly know that I actually am not worth millions of dollars and have no fortune?”
Their great charade had been weighing on her conscience since she first came to London, and it had grown even heavier since she fell in love with Phillip. She despised lying to him. She had been so close to telling him the truth last night, when she was naked in his arms. That had been the moment to confess to him, yet something held her back, and she remained silent.
“Good heavens, Meredith! Don’t you dare say a word to him about the money! Not yet anyway!” Delilah gasped, looking quite appalled.
“But I can’t keep it a secret forever, and I feel—”
“Of course you can’t keep it a secret forever! I’m not expecting you to,” Delilah exclaimed in exasperation. “But you mustn’t tell him until after you are wed, when it’s too late for him to do anything about it, and he can’t back out.”
“But he’s not marrying me for my money,” Meredith protested heatedly. “He loves me! I have to tell him the truth.”
She didn’t want to pretend anymore.
Phillip deserved to know the truth about her. Even though he wasn’t interested in her money and had no need for it, lying to him and his family about who she really was made her feel even worse about this charade than she already did.
“You cannot tell him just yet, Meredith. When word gets out that we have lost our money, my prospects will dwindle. And I still need to catch a husband, don’t forget. Yes, I’m still in the same position, even after you marry Lord Waverly. I have to marry a wealthy man to take care of my children and me. We need to follow my plan as we agreed upon before coming to London.”
Meredith paused.
Yes. The plan. She couldn’t jeopardize Delilah’s chances. She simply couldn’t do that to her. None of it seemed fair though. None of it. A lady should not have to be dependent upon a man for her very survival.
“I will be an outcast when word gets out, while you will be safe,” her aunt continued, her expression drawn with worry. “I need to protect myself and Harry and Lilly.”
“Will you be able to find a husband by the time I marry Lord Waverly?”
“I certainly hope so. I have a couple of irons in the fire, but they all believe I’m the wealthy widow of an oil tycoon. Which, in all rights, I was supposed to be . . .”
“I just feel terrible about lying to Lord Waverly and his family.”
“We’re not truly lying, Meredith. We are just delaying when we reveal what we already know. We are merely holding on to the truth a little longer than necessary. Think of it that way, if it helps ease your conscience.”
Meredith grew thoughtful.
Delilah shook her head ruefully, her blond curls dancing.
“I’m still so angry at Joseph for leaving me with nothing, completely unprovided for. He had promised me everything. Yet here I am, at my age, in this dreadful position of having to find a husband. For the third time!”
“I’m sure it wasn’t done deliberately, Aunt Delilah. Uncle Joseph wouldn’t want you in this position any more than my father would wish for me to be penniless either. They were both only human, ordinary men, and they both made mistakes.”
“But we’re the ones paying for those mistakes!” Delilah hissed angrily.
Meredith again thought of her sweet, jovial, and handsome father, who would breeze into her life with adventurous stories and extravagant gifts, and then would disappear as quickly as he came. He would be devastated to learn he’d left his only daughter with nothing.
Wouldn’t he?
“I won’t say anything to Lord Waverly yet, I promise. But as soon as I am married, I shall have to tell him, Auntie . . .” Meredith would wait, for she could not ruin things for her aunt, but she was not happy about it.
“Well, I’m very close to winning over a sweetheart from my youth, Nicholas Clark, who still carries a torch for me, so it shouldn’t be much longer. He’s not as rich as I would like, but he will simply have to do,” Delilah said with a heavy sigh. “Well, I suppose we should hurry now and dress, so we are not late for dinner with Lord and Lady Stancliff at Devon House.”
That evening, Meredith had chosen to wear a lovely gown of royal blue silk that accentuated the color of her eyes. She knew that Phillip liked when she wore the color blue, and it made her happy to please him.
Now that they were gathered around the Sinclairs’ gorgeous dinner table at Devon House, Meredith ignored the twinges of guilt that still pricked her conscience. This incredible family was so warm and welcoming to her, and she hated deceiving them.
She instantly liked Phillip’s cousins, Mara Sheridan and her husband, Foster, the Earl of Sterling. They were recently married and expecting their first child. Mara, aside from being stunningly beautiful, had a serenity about her that was quite enchanting. She and Mara had had a wonderful conversation about her bookshop.
Colette and Lucien Sinclair were as gracious as ever, and Simon had greeted her as if she were an old friend. She already knew Paulette Hamilton Reeves, Lady Cashelmore, but this evening she met her dashing Irish husband, Declan Reeves, the Earl of Cashelmore. They were a lovely couple, who were clearly still in love with each other.
Meredith was amazed at how at ease she felt with this family and how grateful she was to become a part of it when she and Phillip married. It was odd that no one was mentioning their engagement, for she thought that was why she was invited. But perhaps Phillip hadn’t told his family yet?
“We’re so happy that you could join us this evening, Mrs. Remington,” Colette said. “We have so enjoyed getting to know your niece the past few weeks.”
Delilah smiled at her. “I’d no idea she had been spending so much time with you and your family. Meredith seems to have kept that from me.”
“It wasn’t a secret, Aunt Delilah,” Meredith tried to explain. “It just never came up, but you knew I was spending time at the bookshop.”
“I suppose so.” Delilah shrugged her delicate shoulders helplessly.
They were just finishing dinner when Phillip rose from his seat, looking quite handsome in his evening attire. He gently tapped his crystal wine glass with the edge of his knife to get everyone’s attention.
Meredith gazed in adoration at the man who’d been seated beside her. Was it only last night that he had made love to her? That she was naked in his arms and kissing him passionately? She felt her cheeks redden slightly at the memory.
“I have an important announcement to make.”
His family looked toward him with curiosity
. Meredith suddenly had a feeling she knew what he was going to announce. Her heart began to beat faster.
“Don’t tell us, Phillip! You finally won at cards?” Simon teased, an amused grin on his face.
“I did actually win at cards,” Phillip said charmingly. “But in all seriousness, I’ve won something far more valuable than a card game. I’ve won the heart of the most beautiful, the most talented, and the most wonderful woman I have ever met.”
Everyone grew still, staring at him with stunned expressions.
He turned to Meredith then, looking at her with such love in his eyes that it took her breath away. He knelt down on one knee and presented her with a stunning sapphire and diamond ring.
With tears welling in her eyes, Meredith blinked, trying to contain the emotions that overwhelmed her.
“Meredith Rose Remington, I think I fell in love with you the moment I first saw you, although I was too stupid to realize it. I have since come to my senses and discovered that not only am I madly in love with you, but you are the woman I want to spend the rest of my life with, because somehow you have changed my life for the better. I want you with me always. Will you marry me?”
With a shaking hand, Meredith reached out to touch his cheek. She loved this man. Nodding her head, she murmured a soft yes, as the tears she had tried to contain now spilled down her cheeks. How had she gotten so lucky that this wonderful man wanted to marry her?
“Yes,” she murmured. “I would be honored to be your wife.”
Phillip took her hand and slipped the sapphire and diamond ring on her finger. As he leaned in to kiss her, everyone at the table erupted in shouts and cheers.
“I love you, Merry,” Phillip whispered in her ear. “Thank you for saying yes.”
“Thank you for asking me,” she answered softly back to him.
Phillip stood and reached for Meredith’s hand to help her to her feet.
Colette was by her side before she realized it, hugging her. The scent of jasmine and tuberose enveloped Meredith. It was the perfume she had given Colette.
“This is absolutely wonderful news!” Phillip’s mother cried, her eyes glistening. “I knew something was happening between you, but I had no idea it had progressed so quickly. Needless to say, I am overjoyed to have you join our family, Meredith.”
“I am so happy, too, Colette. Now you can truly be my mother.” Meredith began to cry openly now.
“And I am quite proud to call you my daughter.” Colette hugged her again, with tears in her own eyes.
By marrying Phillip, Meredith would have a family again, parents again. It was all too wonderful. Everyone crowded around them both, offering heartfelt congratulations.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better sister,” Simon said to her, handing her a handkerchief.
“Nor I, a brother,” Meredith answered, wiping her eyes.
It amazed her to think that she would now belong to a large family, and her heart filled with happiness and love. Her life was about to change for the better.
It would be a new chapter for her. And Phillip.
Together.
21
Mark My Words
Charles Ridgley, the Duke of Havenfield, felt nervous for the first time in his life, and he did not like the sensation. He was a grown man, a powerful duke, and used to getting his own way. Why would calling upon a mere woman, and an American at that, cause him so much apprehension?
Ah, but it was more than just a mere woman.
He was calling upon the lovely Miss Remington.
Something about that woman set her apart from every other lady he had ever known. He was bewitched by her. He couldn’t stop thinking about her, from the way she looked, to how she acted so indifferently toward him. That was the most maddening aspect of it all, he concluded. He wanted her. Plain and simple.
And he wanted her to want him.
He rang the bell to Lady Eastwood’s townhouse and was escorted to the drawing room by a gangly young footman.
Pacing the room, he was eager to get this over with. He’d ask the girl to marry him, require a very short engagement, and then wed as soon as feasible with as little fanfare as possible.
He wanted Meredith Remington as his wife, in his house, and in his bed by the end of the next month. He could wait no longer than that.
And she should be thrilled with the offer to be his duchess! Any woman would want to marry a duke, let alone one as handsome and distinguished as he was. Miss Remington should count her lucky stars that he wanted her so desperately.
Yet, he wasn’t so sure that she did. And that was the crux of the problem right there. It infuriated him and excited him that she appeared lukewarm to his advances and had skillfully avoided any physical contact with him.
“Good afternoon, Your Grace.” Delilah Remington entered the room with her young niece.
Charles stopped pacing to observe the object of his affection.
Meredith Remington looked like spring itself, in a filmy gown of the palest yellow with little ruffles along the hem. Her silky chestnut curls held a tiny sprig of white rosebuds above her temple. With her creamy complexion, stunning blue eyes, and those luscious, pouty lips, she was irresistibly beautiful. Her fair skin glowed with an inner radiance he had not noticed before.
Something about her had changed, but he could not say what. It was as if a flame had been lit within her. She seemed more womanly, more desirable. She took his breath away, and he had a momentary burst of panic.
Miss Remington favored him with a cool smile as she gracefully took a seat upon the sofa. Her aunt sat beside her, somewhat nervously. The aunt was attractive enough, but Charles had no interest in her.
He only had eyes for Meredith.
“Good afternoon, Mrs. Remington. Miss Remington.” His gaze fixated on Meredith as he walked toward the two women and took a seat on the leather chair across from them.
“You look even lovelier today than I’ve ever seen, Miss Remington. You’re like a veritable breath of spring.”
“Thank you, Your Grace.” She sat rather primly with her hands folded in her lap and kept her eyes downcast.
Perhaps she was nervous after all? She had to know why he was there. Her aunt must have told her that he was going to propose marriage to her. He held on to the fleeting hope that this beautiful woman cared for him and was overcome with emotion.
“You’re looking quite fine this afternoon, Your Grace.”
At the sound of the aunt’s voice, Charles suddenly recalled that he was not alone with Meredith. He needed to be alone with her. He had so much he wished to convey to her, to sway her to want him.
He turned to face her aunt.
“Thank you, Mrs. Remington. Might I have a moment alone with your niece?”
The two women exchanged uncomfortable glances. He saw Meredith nod her head as if to say it was fine if her aunt left.
Delilah Remington gazed briefly at him before saying to Meredith, “Are you quite sure?”
“Yes.”
Delilah slowly rose to her feet, looking a little worried. “I shall be just outside the door if you need me.” She gave them a reluctant glance before she left the drawing room, closing the door behind her.
Mrs. Remington was acting rather peculiar, but he didn’t care. Finally, he was alone with Meredith!
In a swift motion, he moved to the spot on the sofa beside Meredith recently vacated by her aunt. Being this close to her made him slightly giddy from the lovely scent of vanilla and lavender that enveloped her. How he wanted her! Once he proposed, he couldn’t wait to kiss those luscious lips of hers. And once they were married, he could kiss her any time he wanted, as much as he wanted.
It would be a dream come true.
“Your Grace, I know why you’ve come to see me today,” she began in a soft voice, “but there is something that I—”
“Miss Remington,” he interrupted her, unable to contain himself. “You have been in my every thought since I first saw you
at the Braithwaites’ ball weeks ago. I find you to be the most beautiful woman I have ever known.”
Before he realized what he was doing, he leaned in, cupped her sweet face in his hands, and kissed her. He placed his mouth over her delicious lips and lost himself in the delectable feel of her.
But then what he felt was her small hands firmly pushing against his chest as she pulled herself away from him and his kiss.
“Please, stop that!” she cried, rising to her feet. She moved hurriedly away from him, standing before the mantel, her cheeks red and her expression shocked.
Stunned that she had rebuffed him, he stared at her.
So no kissing before marriage with this one then?
Fine. If that was how she wanted things to be, then so it would be. She was raised well as a proper lady, and he appreciated that. He could wait. It wouldn’t be easy, but he could wait until they were legally wed. It would be well worth it when he finally had his way with her.
He rose from the sofa also.
“I beg your pardon, Miss Remington. You have quite swept me off my feet this afternoon, and my feelings for you are . . . I assumed that since you knew why I was here—”
“I do know why you are here, Your Grace, and that is why I must speak to you before this goes any further.”
She paused, seemingly reluctant to speak, and turned rather turbulent eyes toward him. It was then that her words tumbled forth quickly.
“I am aware that my aunt gave you permission to ask for my hand in marriage, and I am not unaware of what a great honor that is, but my aunt should not have given you the impression that I would accept such an offer from you.”
Charles felt as if he had just been punched in the gut.
He stared at her in disbelief. Was he hearing her correctly? Had she just refused his offer of marriage before he could even ask her properly? She couldn’t possibly mean what she was saying to him!
“I beg your pardon?” he managed to mutter. “Miss Remington, perhaps you misunderstood what your aunt and I discussed. I wish for you to be my wife. I am bestowing upon you a great honor in asking you to become the Duchess of Havenfield and helping me to raise my children.”
The Unexpected Heiress Page 20
