His Perfect Bride

by Jenn Langston

  “Don’t be ridiculous. We could never do such a thing. If for no other reason, think of how it would rob my parents of the opportunity to host such a grand affair.”

  “Then don’t deny them. We can have the most outlandish, extravagant event of the Season. It will be whatever you wish it to be,” Richard whispered, looking deep into her eyes. “Will you marry me?”

  Brianna bit her lip, staring back at him with a face full of indecision. Her hesitation brought him a relief so intense he thought he would suffocate with the force of it. She was considering his proposal instead of outright refusing him.

  “I need more time,” she said at last. “Considering the magnitude of the decision, can I have more time to determine my answer?”

  “You may have as much as you would like.” Encouraged by her consideration, but wrestling with the desire to persuade her further, he fought to restrain himself. “Allow me to escort you back to the drawing room.”

  As she took his arm and permitted him to return her to her parents, he worked on keeping his breathing even and calming his pounding heart. If he entered that room showing an ounce of the pleasure he felt at this moment, someone would suspect something.

  Once she was safely back, Richard took his leave of them. With the strain he had experienced throughout the day, he would not be able to control himself for any length of time.

  Although the day had been difficult, and he knew the next few days would be equally so, he felt as though he were invincible. Brianna was becoming more amenable to accepting him. He could not have envisioned a more perfect ending for an imperfect day.

  Brianna tried to keep her eyes firmly fixed on the ground as she shrugged her shoulders further into the grey cloak. She was wearing her oldest and least fashionable garment under the cloak she borrowed from James. Although too large, the size helped to disguise her feminine form. Ashley insisted they not draw attention, but Brianna could not control her wide-eyed stare as she took in her new surroundings. How could she not be curious?

  They were deep within Cheapside, and Brianna knew her mother would faint if she had any notion of her present location. This was her only opportunity to satisfy her curiosity of how the other side of society lived, and she fought with herself to keep her interested gazes to a minimum.

  Although still morning, the street was dark as if constantly under shadow. Even while riding in the hackney, she felt a change in the atmosphere, alerting her when they neared their destination.

  Returning her eyes to the back of Ashley’s skirts, Brianna once again wondered if her friend really knew where she was going. Ashley only visited Madam Hershal a few times, and it occurred long ago. Brushing aside the excitement at the prospect of being lost, Brianna reminded herself of Ashley’s confidence.

  “We have almost arrived,” Ashley muttered under her breath. “Remember what I told you.”

  “As promised, I’m not looking at anyone, or anything, for that matter.”

  “Good.”

  When they arrived at the nondescript house, Ashley knocked on the wooden door while Brianna waited behind her. Glancing around Ashley, she was disappointed by the appearance of the house. Being the home of a witch, she expected to see something unusual. This place appeared normal and certainly didn’t help answer any burning questions.

  The door slowly swung open, and Brianna held her breath, waiting with both anticipation and trepidation. Before them stood the most beautiful woman Brianna had ever beheld. Her hair was so golden it shone as if explaining why the sun didn’t shine in this part of London, for the sun didn’t stand a chance against the competition. Her skin was fair, and her face appeared to have been crafted by an artist. Everything and everyone measured beside her was put to shame.

  Immediately Brianna thought they were at the wrong house. This woman had the appearance of an angel, not a witch.

  “Good morning, Madam Hershal,” Ashley said, forcing Brianna to tear her eyes from the vision. “I hope you don’t mind our unannounced visit. We are here to seek your counsel.”

  “I don’t mind in the least,” she assured in a musical voice. “Please come in.” Madam Hershal smiled warmly while waving them inside.

  “Madam Hershal,” Ashley began. “I’m not sure if you remember me. I’m Ashley Grant, and this is my friend Brianna Denton.”

  “I do remember you, my dear. Come, we can talk in the main room.”

  As she turned to lead them, Brianna nearly clasped her hands together in excitement. Since the exterior didn’t live up to her expectations, she had high hopes for the interior. The front hallway was very long. However, due to her ignorance of this style of house, she could not say if it was standard or not.

  They continued along until the hallway opened up into a large room. The pieces of furniture were so extravagant, Brianna stopped and stared. Nothing in either of her father’s holdings could compare to the caliber of Madam Hershal’s furnishings. The only thing stranger than their value was the fact that none of the pieces went together. They were mismatched, and Brianna could not find any correlation or reason as to why each one was selected.

  “Do you like my furniture?” Madam Hershal inquired with an amused smile.

  “Yes.” Brianna felt embarrassed her observation was noticed. “Every piece is quite stunning. I must say, you have exquisite taste.”

  “Thank you.” Madam Hershal lovingly stroked the back of a chair. “Although they don’t share the same pattern, I see such beauty with them together as a whole.”

  Brianna didn’t understand, but she nodded in agreement anyway. Not only would questioning her be rude, but Brianna also didn’t want to incur the anger of a witch, even one who looked like an angel.

  “Please have a seat,” Madam Hershal offered, spreading her arms out to encompass the room.

  Brianna could not decide where she should sit. They were so fine, she was concerned to put even her slight weight upon them.

  “Thank you.” Ashley, however, didn’t appear to have any trouble selecting a seat, as she perched herself on a chair.

  “Would you care for some tea?” Madam Hershal asked.

  “That sounds wonderful,” Ashley replied, most likely not wanting to offend the strange woman.

  Brianna watched as Madam Hershal glided from the room. Her movements were so graceful, Brianna felt awkward in her presence. She sat quickly, not wishing to further display her gracelessness. As they waited for Madam Hershal to return, the delay became too much for Brianna. Would her questions be answered? Did she really want them to be? Her chest began to tighten, and her palms grew sweaty.

  Madam Hershal returned shortly after with the cart and began serving the tea. Brianna nonchalantly wiped her palms on her dress to ensure she would not drop the delicate cup.

  Gripping the cup tightly with her unsteady hands, she took both the fine cup and saucer from the woman and, using all her concentration, directed it to the table beside her. Once settled, she let out the breath she held before turning to the two women who were eyeing her strangely. Although Ashley looked worried, Madam Hershal wore an amused expression.

  “Now, how can I help you two ladies?” Madam Hershal lifted her own cup of tea and sat down to face them.

  “Since you have practiced as a midwife, we would like to ask you some questions,” Ashley informed her.

  “I’ll be happy to supply you with answers to the best of my ability, but I don’t pretend to know everything.”

  “That is all we can ask.” Ashley calmly took a sip of her tea. “First, we would like to know what the symptoms are when someone is with child.”

  “There are many, and sometimes none at all,” Madam Hershal answered cryptically.

  “Is there nothing more specific you can tell us?” Brianna asked, not wanting their trip to be wasted.

  The golden eyes were suddenly upon her, and Brianna fell speechless from the intensity she saw within them. Madam Hershal’s narrowed gaze drifted to settle upon Brianna’s midsection before turning
back to her face. The fervency she saw before was gone, replaced by an amused twisting of her lips.

  “Is there something more specific you would like to ask me?”

  Brianna tried hard not to squirm. Madam Hershal acted as if she knew all of her secrets.

  “I wish to know if I’m with child. I have experienced some unusual symptoms, and I don’t have any other explanation for my illness.” If Madam Hershal were unable or unwilling to help, Brianna would prefer to spend the remainder of her stolen morning finding someone else who could assist them.

  “That was not so hard, was it? I have always found direct speaking provides you with the answers you are looking for,” Madam Hershal told them. “The answer to your question is simple. Yes, you are with child.”

  Brianna’s eyebrows rose, and she glanced over to see Ashley’s gaping mouth. This visit was becoming stranger by each passing minute.

  “How can you be so certain? I have not noticed a physical change in my appearance. As we have never met, it would be impossible for you to detect a slight physical transformation, had there been one,” Brianna explained, disbelief clouding her voice.

  “I can see it since I know what I’m looking for. In my profession a midwife does not become as accomplished as I without having a particular understanding of women in your condition.”

  “I must say, I’m thoroughly impressed.” Ashley stared at Madam Hershal as if she held all the knowledge of the world.

  “Thank you, Ashley.” Madam Hershal inclined her head, then slid her eyes back to Brianna. “I see you are not as trusting as your friend. Although that increases difficulty for those around you, I would say a little distrust is a good characteristic to have. Now, come here so I may assess you.”

  “What does that entail?” Brianna shifted uncomfortably, wishing they could simply leave.

  “I will not harm you or your child. I only wish for a better look.”

  Never being a coward, Brianna stood and took the steps that put her directly in front of Madam Hershal. With a closer view, Brianna noted the woman was not as young as she’d originally thought. Though Madam Hershal still radiated beauty, Brianna could only imagine her magnificence in her prime. At this proximity, Brianna felt as though she was seeing a different person than the one who’d greeted them at the door. The reasoning behind the allegations of witchcraft were becoming clear.

  “What do you see?” Brianna wondered if Madam Hershal’s penetrating gaze could see through her skin to verify there was an unborn baby within her.

  “I would say you are into your second month,” Madam Hershal declared.

  Panic squeezed Brianna’s chest. That was the verification she needed, for the dates matched up. The doubt she’d clung to suddenly disappeared, leaving her with nothing left to hold herself up. Her legs became weak, and the room spun.

  “Brianna?” Ashley exclaimed. “Are you all right?”

  “Help her to the chaise.”

  Brianna felt hands on her, pulling and pushing until she no longer needed to hold her body up. Something cold and wet touched on her face, breaking her from her trance. She blinked and focused on the worried faces above her.

  “I’m truly sorry.” Brianna didn’t recognize the rough voice passing through her lips. “I normally have better control over my emotions.”

  Madam Hershal laughed, a sound so pure, Brianna had to fight back tears. “Don’t concern yourself over that, my dear. Your control will return sometime after the babe is born.”

  “This is normal?” Brianna gasped.

  “Yes, it’s completely normal. Drink some tea. It will help you feel better,” Madam Hershal instructed.

  After her high emotional state, Brianna’s sickness returned, and she knew she could not touch the beverage for fear it would not stay down. On the other hand, she didn’t want to offend the woman who had been so kind. Eyeing the teacup, she decided refusing the tea was not worth the risk.

  “I apologize, but I don’t believe I would be able to keep anything down at the moment.”

  “I’m not surprised you have already begun experiencing morning sickness.” Madam Hershal nodded.

  “Unfortunately it has not been limited to the morning.” Brianna closed her eyes against the wave of nausea, grateful for the cool towel on her face, for it helped control the urge to retch.

  The sounds of rustling and movement distracted her, but she didn’t care enough to lift her head and discover what it was. A short time later, a shadow passed over her face, forcing her to open her eyes. Madam Hershal stood over her.

  “Drink this,” the woman insisted, pushing another teacup into Brianna’s hands. “It will help.”

  Brianna pulled herself into a sitting position, then eyed the cup. The clear liquid inside appeared to be water, but there was a shaving of something brown floating on the surface. She opened her mouth to complain, but one look at Madam Hershal’s expectant face had her placing the cup to her lips.

  Immediately her body began to reject the vile taste, but Madam’s intense golden eyes urged her to swallow it down and take another sip. The second gulp was slightly less horrible.

  “Good girl, finish the cup, then you shall see.” Madam Hershal chuckled lightly.

  While forcing herself to consume more, Brianna wondered where Ashley was. It didn’t seem the action of a friend to sit back and watch as her companion was tortured by a witch. Brianna twisted her body around to search the room and found Ashley sitting in the same place, sipping her tea and smiling encouragingly at her. Shaking her head, Brianna turned her attention back to the cup.

  Once she’d suffered through the drink, Madam Hershal straightened, took the cup, and disappeared into the other room. Not only did her body accept the abominable liquid, but she really felt better. The torture now seemed worth the results.

  “Better?” Madam Hershal inquired as she entered the room, holding a piece of white linen.

  “Much better, thank you. May I ask what the drink consisted of?”

  “It’s a mixture of water and this.” Madam Hershal handed Brianna the linen.

  Reverently taking the material, she folded the edge back to uncover what appeared to be some type of root, which explained the brown debris she saw in the cup.

  “What is this?” Brianna asked.

  “An old family remedy. Every time you begin to feel signs of discomfort, shave a piece off and place it in some water. I know it does not have the most pleasant taste, and the longer it soaks, the more prominent the flavor becomes, but you will grow accustomed to it. Keep in mind it’s more effective the longer it spends in the water. You will have the option of consuming a small amount of the strong beverage or a large amount of the weaker one.”

  “Thank you.” Brianna committed the instructions to memory.

  “The portion you drank came from a pitcher I mixed up early this morning. If you prepared it in the evening, it would be ready once you awaken.”

  There was a knock at the front door, and Brianna felt guilty for taking up so much of Madam Hershal’s time. They had obtained more help than they came for, and Brianna felt immense amounts of gratitude. Knowing for certain she was with child would allow her to move forward and construct her plans accordingly.

  “That is the woman I made the drink for this morning,” Madam Hershal informed them as she stood up. Both girls stood as well, and Ashley went over to Madam Hershal and grasped her hands.

  “Thank you for your assistance.” Ashley’s voice was thick with emotion. “You once again have been a tremendous help.”

  “I can’t express my appreciation enough,” Brianna added. “How much do I owe for your services today?”

  “Nothing. It was an honor for me to help a friend of Ashley’s. She stood by me during a very trying period, and I owe her immensely.”

  “Nonsense, it was you who was there for me.”

  The knock sounded again, drawing their attention back to the door.

  “We should be on our way,” Brianna remind
ed them.

  Madam Hershal nodded and then led them down the long hallway.

  “Before you leave, I would like you to know that although I’m no longer practicing midwifery, you may seek me out anytime you desire,” Madam Hershal assured them.

  “Thank you,” Brianna said.

  As they made their way back to the house, Brianna thought about her next course of action now that her condition was confirmed. Telling Richard would not be an easy task, and determining the time and place would be equally difficult. She refused to think about his reaction to the news, since she had no desire to add to her worry. Taking a deep breath, she decided to trust he would be able to calmly accept their new circumstances.

  Chapter 13

  Richard sighed in frustration. Nothing was going according to plan. A week passed since the fire and break-in, yet they had not made any progress finding the culprit. The only information they discovered was some of the staff recently hired, both at his home and the club, were working for someone else. Their failure to return to their posts following the attack offered a clear indication of which staff members were involved.

  Jonathan remained convinced it was Kirkwood, but without proof, they could not approach him. Through this ordeal, no one had been affected more than Greyson. He ran himself ragged spending all his days and nights at the club. The culprit clearly intended to return, considering the stolen key, and the fact didn’t sit well with any of them. Although the door locks were changed, Greyson determined to catch them or, at the very least, prevent a reoccurrence. Richard knew his friend held himself responsible for the break-in. Greyson even went as far as to offer to make reparations using his personal funds, to which Richard and Jonathan refused.

  As if Richard didn’t have enough to worry about, his solicitor had requested his presence yesterday with more grievances from Stonemede. The estate was too large for the steward to handle alone considering his lack of experience. Discovering a solution to petty complaints from the tenants went beyond the man’s capabilities.