by K. Young
Mel curtsied as well. "It's nice to see you again, your graces."
"Ah yes, lovely to see you again, Meloney." Scott said merrily.
Mel smiled and inclined her head. "We'd be delighted to join you, Lady Nicole."
"Splendid. But, just Nicole if you please. The title is sill among friends and family." Nicole winked at Kristen, and Kristen got the distinct impression that Nicole would be just like Mel. Both trying to get her to marry Derrick.
She grinned despite herself.
Derrick grabbed two more chairs and set them right next to him, of course. Mel took the lead and sat in the chair next to Oliver, leaving Kristen to sit in the chair next to Derrick. Kristen gave Mel a stony look before taking the seat, and Mel smiled unabashedly. She knew she'd pay for it later, but in the meantime, Mel thought things were working out perfectly. And, Mel noted, Scott seemed to be taking an interest in Kristen, as well. Perhaps Scott could convince her that Derrick was a worthy match.
"So, my dear Kristen, tell us something of yourself." Scott said.
Kristen looked at him and smiled kindly. "There's not much to tell, your grace. I'm in town for the season. The rest is quite the usual drollery, I'm afraid."
Scott chuckled. "Well, I meant to know how you've managed to capture the attentions of my dear brother here." He clapped Derrick on the shoulder.
Derrick gave Scott a warning glance. The last thing he needed was his family scaring her off. But, to his surprise, Kristen wasn't scared. In fact, she was her usual self.
"Ah, well as to that, I'm afraid I hit him over the head with a vase. I think there might have been permanent damage."
Scott's fork had stopped midway to his mouth. He blinked several times, looked at his wife, then Derrick, and finally back to Kristen. Derrick grimaced and glanced at Kristen. She didn't look the least bit afraid. Finally, Scott burst out laughing. Derrick's shoulders relaxed.
"Good lord, Derrick. Is she the one from the cave?" Scott asked.
Derrick's fork clattered to his plate. "How in blazes did you find out about that?"
Scott merely waved his comment away. "Kristen, I must tell you what a pleasure it is to meet you. I've heard so much about you. Do you really fight with men?"
Kristen wasn't surprised that the duke had heard of her since he'd signed the marriage contract with her mother, but he seemed uninterested in bringing that up, so she followed suit and left it alone. She surmised the rest of the family didn't know about it, and she would respect the duke's wishes to keep it that way.
"I'd prefer not to if I can help it, but I do believe a lady should be able to take care of herself. I have fought with men in the past, yes."
Scott looked at her as if she were a delightful gem. Nicole covered her smile with her hand, knowing then and there that Derrick had met his match in the lovely Kristen. Oliver and Charlie exchanged knowing glances. Mel grinned.
"How very interesting. Would you share a story with us?" Scott asked.
Kristen pursed her lips in thought for a moment and decided there was no harm in telling them a story. Perhaps it would even make Derrick leave her alone. So, she launched into a story about Kristen and her mother traveling around Europe the previous season and how they'd run into a carriage of brigands on the road. The brigands thought they'd help themselves to Kristen and Marie's belongings, but were quite surprised when they discovered that the two women they believed to be defenseless, were in fact, quite capable of wiping the floor with them.
From there, more and more stories went around the table. Scott talked of Derrick's childhood. Mel told them stories of Guy. Charlie and Oliver teased Derrick. Kristen and Nicole discussed their hatred of balls. All in all, Kristen felt very comfortable. It was the first evening out that she'd enjoyed since coming to London. And, she didn't even mind that it was with Derrick's family. She glanced at him and found him giving her a strange look. She leaned over.
"Derrick, are you alright?" She asked quietly.
"Concerned for me, m'dear?" He asked, just as quietly.
She lifted a brow. "Must you always try to get a rise out of me?"
"Madam, you steal my joy." He teased.
She laughed softly and shook her head. "You're incorrigible."
Unbeknownst to either of them, everyone at the table was watching them. Derrick and Kristen seemed to light each other up. Whatever Kristen's fear about Derrick, it seemed she didn't think of them so much when he was around.
And, whatever issues Derrick had with monogamy and settling down were a long way from his mind in her presence. Scott was of a notion that she may just be one of the best things to happen to the Shane family, because if Derrick could settle down, perhaps the others could, too. Of course, he didn't get too excited yet. She still didn't know about Charlie.
Dinner continued for a couple of hours and no one thought of the time. That was until Lord Bard showed up. Kristen saw him walk toward her and her smile faded. Lord Bard looked rather angry; nevertheless, he approached the table. Kristen would give him points for bravery, but she wasn't sure he had any sense. After the way Derrick reacted to Lord Bard the other night, she thought she should excuse herself. She glanced at Mel to let her know this was all her fault, and then stood up.
"Could you all please excuse me for just a moment?" She asked evenly.
Derrick followed her gaze and his lips tightened at the sight of Lord Bard. What the devil was he doing here, and how did he know they were there? He folded his arms across his chest and gave the bounder his darkest scowl. Scott cleared his throat, no doubt trying to get Derrick's attention, but Derrick simply ignored him.
"Derrick, love, your eyes are rather bright. Do calm down, they're only talking." Nicole said gently, knowing full well what could happen when his eyes lit up like that.
Scott knew, too. In fact, they all did. Of the five brothers, Derrick was probably the most dangerous when he was of a mind to be. He didn't act on that unless pushed, but when Scott had banished Tristan to the seas, they'd all been introduced to this side of Derrick. Charlie and Oliver had nicks and bruises aplenty, but it was Scott who wasn't able to walk for a week. His eyes were the tell-tale sign that he was being pushed too far.
Mel moved over to Kristen's vacated seat and put a hand on his arm.
"Remember her troubles, Derrick." She whispered softly.
Derrick turned to look at her slowly. He didn't know what it was, but something in the sadness of Mel's eyes made his heart wrench for Kristen. She didn't want to get married. She didn't want to be in London, going to the theater, and to balls. She would rather be at home reading, or out at sea on an adventure. He turned back to look at Kristen with Lord Bard, happily noting that Bard was becoming more and more furious by the moment. Derrick also noticed that everyone's tension seemed to ease, so his eyes must have stopped glowing. Damn his eyes for giving his intentions away, he thought angrily.
Chapter 16
Kristen felt incredibly uncomfortable with Derrick and his family watching her, but she figured it was better than Lord Bard making a scene and embarrassing them both further.
"Lord Bard, what are you doing here?"
"I might ask you the same question." He replied defensively.
"Lady Atchkinson and I came to have an early dinner and ran into the Shane family. They invited us to join them. I could hardly say no."
"Madam, you are a lady of worth, and you seem quite straightforward, which I very much like. So, I'll ask you plainly, do you have tender regards for Derrick Shane? Because I'll not be fiddled about."
Kristen stared at him in open-mouthed shock. Whether or not she liked Derrick, she certainly didn't like the tone in which Lord Bard was speaking to her now. She straightened her spine, squared her shoulders, and drew her lips in a tight line.
Lord Bard knew he had crossed a line and mentally cursed himself for his jealous outburst.
"Lord Bard, I do not belong to you. I am here for a season, and it is customary for ladies to make the
Lord Bard's eyes grew cold and hard, like the steel of a sword. His lips tightened, but he refrained from yelling at her.
"I believe I must excuse myself from our plans this evening. Given the nature of today's events, I'm not feeling quite myself and don't wish to ruin your evening. Enjoy your supper." He bowed and left abruptly.
Kristen took a deep breath. She watched as the only person on her list of possible marriage partners walked out the door of the hotel, and she was certain he would not call on her again. Whatever his impression, he seemed to think he could control her, which she was relieved to discover now and not after it was too late. But still, Bard's leaving did put a little more pressure on her.
"Kristen?" Derrick asked cautiously.
She rounded on him and glared with all of the frustration and anger she felt inside. None of this was Derrick's fault, of course, but he just couldn't leave well enough alone, and now he had caused her a substantial delay in something she had very little time to begin with.
"Let me make something perfectly clear to you, Derrick Shane." She said stonily. "You have just ruined any chance I had at a decent marriage with Lord Bard. I'm not interested in your silly games. I'm not a toy for you to play with when it amuses you. Either buck up and accept the marriage contract or leave me the hell alone. Either way, no more games. Do you understand?"
Kristen placed her hands on her hips and never took her eyes off of him. He had gone pale and then blushed furiously. Kristen lifted a brow. He nodded. She stepped around him and walked back to the table. She put a smile on her face, though she knew it didn't reach her eyes, and everyone at the table looked at her with concern.
"I do beg your pardon, your graces, but I'm afraid I must take my leave."
"Whatever for?" Asked Nicole. "Is everything alright?"
"Yes, your grace. But, I believe I've neglected some responsibilities this evening and must return to take care of them. I'm terribly sorry to disturb your evening." She looked at Mel and told her with her eyes they were both leaving. "Charlie, Oliver...it was nice to see you both again. Thank you all for your hospitality."
Mel stood up and curtsied to the duke and duchess. Derrick walked around the table and sat down miserably. Scott flicked a glance between Derrick and Kristen, and then frowned. As Mel and Kristen said their goodbyes and left, the mood around the Shane table became a lot less festive and cheerful.
"What the bloody hell just happened?" Asked Oliver.
"Like to know that m'self. Derrick?" Scott gave him a pointed look.
"Yes, and what was that bit of nonsense about a marriage contract?" Charlie asked, oblivious to the fuming glare he was getting from Scott.
Derrick shrugged. "I messed up."
"I beg your pardon?" Scott asked.
"Look, let's just leave it be, shall we?" Derrick picked up his glass of wine and took a long swallow from it.
Everyone around the table knew better than to push the issue, but they were all surprised that Derrick had just let her walk out of there. As if they hadn't seen and heard that exchange between them. Scott was beginning to think that Kristen was exactly what Derrick needed, but she was also a smart girl. She wasn't going to fall victim to Derrick's charms. She would have a ring or none of him. Scott was damn proud of her, he was. Derrick may be his brother, but it was high time he settled down and got out of the smuggling business.
***
The ride back to Mel's house was ripe with bitter silence. Kristen was fuming, and Mel was at the center of her
anger. Mel was actually quite concerned.
"Kristen, do tell me what happened." Mel said. "No."
"Why ever not?"
"Because you'll just find some way to help Derrick
rather than help me."
"Kristen!" Mel exclaimed in shock.
Kristen turned accusing eyes toward Mel. "Don't play
innocent, Mel. I'm not a fool. I can see what you're doing, encouraging Derrick the way you have been. You were supposed to be helping me find a husband, yet you have had something negative to say about everyone except Derrick. I've made myself clear on that situation."
Mel was stunned. She had no idea Kristen would be so upset. Kristen and Derrick were having such a good time earlier. She didn't understand what had happened.
"What did Lord Bard say? You were having such a good time - "
"I'm moving out." Kristen interrupted.
"What?"
"I don't think I can meet my objective staying under your roof. I'll find lodgings elsewhere."
"Don't be ridiculous. What will you do when Ashby comes for you?"
"He could just as easily come for me at your house. There is a country party scheduled for this weekend. I will move out after that."
The carriage slowed to a stop as they reached Mel's house. Kristen looked out the window briefly, and then opened the door.
"Oh yes, Lady Sheffield's country party should be a good place to meet some eligible bachelors. They always show up for the hunt. When shall we leave?" Mel asked as the footman helped them down from the carriage.
Kristen waited until they were walking up the steps before answering. "I don't think you should come with me."
"What?" Mel asked, faltering on the steps.
"You heard me." Kristen hardened her heart.
Mel was hurt. She knew Kristen was mad, but to be deliberately cruel, to shut Mel out, that just wasn't like her. Mel could only guess it was because she was under a lot of pressure.
"Kristen, that doesn't make any more sense than you moving out of here. You will need someone to help you navigate the list of possibles."
"Oh yes, because you have done such a fine job of that already?" Kristen snapped.
Mel gasped and stopped short. They reached the front door, but neither of them knocked. Kristen looked back at Mel after she had spoken and felt a twinge of guilt. It wasn't fair to be so cruel to Mel when she had just been doing what she thought was best. But, Kristen was so angry right now she couldn't help it. The words left her mouth before she could think about them.
"I'm sorry." Kristen said curtly, and then knocked smartly on the door.
Mel didn't respond, but tears streamed down her face. She felt like she'd just lost her best friend. Had she truly done the right thing, trying to push Derrick and Kristen together? But, she didn't have time to ponder it further because Chester opened the door and Mel quickly swiped the tears away.
Kristen walked inside and handed Chester her reticule and jacket and then went straight upstairs. She hadn't called off going to the theater with Derrick, but he hadn't come after her either. She had given him a chance to pursue her, and he hadn't taken it. She knew he wasn't interested in her for marriage, and that was exactly the problem. Much as she wanted to, she couldn't give him what he wanted. She had her future to protect. And, she'd done a bang up job of that, hadn't she? It was all well and good to blame Mel for this mess, but really, Kristen was just as much to blame. She was the one that was attracted to Derrick.
Kristen went to sit in the chair by the window. She liked to sit there when she needed to think, and now was certainly one of those times. Lord Bard and Derrick were out of the picture. Having put things to Derrick the way she had, she would be extremely surprised if she ever saw him again. He was a rake, so it stood to reason that he would run in the opposite direction with such an ultimatum. But, Lord Bard's withdrawal was certainly different. He would have been an excellent candidate, except for his control and jealousy issues. She shook her head in irritation at the thought of Bard tracking her down at the Albany as if he owned her. She would be damned if she'd marry a man like that.
A short time later, Kristen was still sitting in her chair when she heard a commotion downstairs. She could have sworn she heard Derrick's voice, but that would be
impossible. She made it clear that she wasn't going to give him what he wanted. But, curiosity beckoned, so she got up from the chair and crossed the room to her door, then opened it a crack to hear better. Sure enough, it was Derrick's voice drifting up the stairs.
"I want to see her, Mel."
"Well, she doesn't want to see you. Now, I think you should leave."
"But - "
"No buts. I've helped you enough and gotten into a heap of trouble for it. If you want her, you will have to marry her, and that's just the way it's going to be. Now, good night."
Kristen smiled. She could just imagine Derrick's face. The frustration and indignation were probably lighting his eyes right up. And, a little of her anger with Mel seeped out of her, too.
"Now, Derrick....Derrick Shane, you get back down here right this minute!" Meloney shouted.
Kristen heard Derrick pounding up the stairs and quickly shut the door. She rushed back to her chair and picked up a book seconds before Derrick burst into her room.
"You're not marrying anyone else and that's final!" He bellowed.
Kristen looked at him calmly and lifted a brow. On the inside, her heart was hammering so hard in her chest she thought for sure he could hear it. Could it be that he had come to propose to her after all? Had she been wrong?
"Does this mean you wish to marry me yourself?" She asked, hoping that her voice didn't sound as breathless to him as it did to her.
"No."
Any hope she had of things working out with Derrick crashed, and her heart sank. She knew she shouldn't have hoped he might court her; it was stupid for her to fall for him even a little. She turned her head and looked out the window.
"Then I'm afraid I must marry someone else. Good evening, Lord Shane."
Kristen was feeling dangerously close to tears just then and did not want him to see her cry. She didn't know why she was so emotional about it, anyway. She knew what he was when he first refused the marriage contract, and then in the cave when he made the suggestion that she should be his mistress. Why should she have expected him to change? He barely knew her.
