by Tracy Kay
Simon regarded Damon with interest. He had been unaware of Madeline’s marriage. He was vaguely disappointed that it hadn’t been him. Ah, well, it was what he got for dragging his feet. With sincerity, Simon pumped Damon’s hand in congratulations and friendship. “Damon, I believe we met at our ball some weeks ago. As I recall, you are friends with Brandon.” The men’s voices faded away as Madeline and Deirdre helped Gretchen up the stairs to her room.
He watched her with growing anger as she left the Malany’s estate with her new husband and sister. She always had to interfere with his plans, first Joselyn, and now, Gretchen. It wasn’t fair. Why couldn’t Farrington have killed her? His problems would have been solved. Since Farrington couldn’t get the job done, he would have to take matters into his own hands. He had hoped that Farrington’s hatred of the Cathcart family would have worked in his favor, and Farrington would have eliminated Madeline for him. But the man was an imbecile. He couldn’t get it right.
Madeline should have stayed away. But no, she had to come back and she was ruining everything. He watched her with her new husband, all haughty and superior. Wait until her husband figured out what a stupid bitch she was. They wouldn’t be so happy then. Maybe her husband would beat her. With his large size, he would cause her a lot of pain. Maybe he would even kill her. But with his luck, her husband was an idiot. No, he couldn’t rely on her husband to do his work for him. She had to die by his hands. He watched her get into the carriage as a plan began to form.
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
“Warren, I am not getting married!” Gretchen yelled at her brother. They had been arguing over the topic for the past few days and she was tired of the fighting. Warren refused to listen to her. She didn’t want to marry and she didn’t understand why he was being this insistent. She was content with her life. She didn’t see how being married would improve her situation, but rather, make her miserable.
“You do not have a choice, Gretchen,” Warren replied with irritation. He could not understand why she was being stubborn. She would be much happier married and settled in her own home than running her brother’s household. With her married, perhaps Simon would find the need to marry and provide an heir. Someone had to be sensible in this family. “It is time you were married. Either Lord Ruxford or Henry Cummings would make a good husband for you.”
“Not for me, they won’t. I will decide when it is time for me to marry, if I decide to marry,” Gretchen argued, frustrated with her brother and her inability to make him understand.
“I don’t think so, Gretchen. This is one decision which is not yours to make,” Warren said authoritatively.
“Choosing a husband is not my decision? When did you come up with this antiquated idea?” Gretchen glared at her brother with irritation. Her day simply kept getting worse. First, she had to endure an hour with both Lord Henry and Lord Ruxford, and then, the humiliation of needing Madeline’s assistance up the stairs and into her bed. She had a headache that wouldn’t quit and she was exhausted. She had to postpone her meeting with her housekeeper and her visit to her aunt. Simon had dealt with her mare which had given birth only an hour ago. It was something she had wanted to do herself, but she had been too ill to do so. The only good part of her day was Madeline’s visit and the news of her recent marriage. Now, she had to endure yet another of Warren’s marriage lectures. She didn’t think she could take much more today.
“When you have refused every proposal brought to you,” Warren snapped with annoyance. It was time for her to be married and have children. He didn’t understand why she was so averse to getting married.
Warren hadn’t notice that his sister’s skin was too pale, her hands were shaking, and her face was worn and pinched. If he had noticed, he would have saved his argument for another day. Although they frequently disagreed, he was fiercely protective of his sister. He wanted only what was best for her and for her to be happy.
“Finding the right man takes time, Warren. I am not going to marry just anyone.” She gestured with exasperation.
“You will marry either Ruxford or Cummings. Choose!” Warren demanded, pressing Gretchen to make a choice.
“No!” Gretchen yelled with furry. “I won’t marry either man.”
“Then you will marry Ruxford,” he stated, making the decision for her.
“No!” She shouted, shaking her head adamantly.
“What do you have against Ruxford, Gretchen?” He was becoming frustrated with her and her objections to marrying.
She took a deep breath to calm herself and gingerly sat on the edge of the settee. Her head was pounding and the room was beginning to spin. Speaking slowly and deliberately, she said, “I don’t like him.”
“You will in time.”
“No, I won’t. He is not suitable for me,” Gretchen disagreed, choosing her words carefully.
“He comes from a good family, Gretchen, and you can’t expect to marry anyone better titled. You have waited too long for that,” Warren countered. He didn’t understand what she found wrong with the man. Ruxford was a perfectly suitable man, a bit formal, but suitable, and Warren was certain she would come to care for him in time.
“I could care less about his title or his wealth, Warren,” Gretchen explained, gripping her hands tightly to fight off her pain.
“Then what is the problem?” He demanded angrily.
“I cannot tolerate the man,” she said between gritted teeth.
“Well, you had better start tolerating him because come spring, he will be your husband,” Warren ordered loudly, leaving no room for argument.
“No!” Gretchen shrieked and stood. “He will not! How dare you expect me to marry that retched man? I will run away first.”
“You will marry Ruxford and that is final!” Warren shouted in return. He had enough of her stubbornness. He was going to have to force her to marry for her own good.
In the cold fireplace, a fire sparked and blazed to life with a roar. Furious and in pain, Gretchen picked up the nearest object and threw it. The crystal dish smashed against the wall next to her brother. “I will not marry that man!” She screamed and picked up another object to throw at her brother.
“What is going on here? I could hear you out in the street.” Raven demanded as he entered the tension filled room. “Gretchen, put that down,” Raven ordered calmly.
Stopping in mid-throw at Raven’s voice, Gretchen glanced at him and put the figurine down, much to the annoyance of her brother. His sister never listened to anyone when she was this enraged. Her fury had to burn itself out. That is until now.
“What is this all about?” Raven demanded again in a steady, calm voice.
“He . . .” Gretchen pointed at her brother, shaking with emotion, “wants me to marry Lord Ruxford and I refuse.”
“You will marry him, Gretchen. It is for your own good,” Warren shouted, infuriated with his sister for her obstinacy and her obedience to a man he didn’t know.
“How can it be for my own good when I hate the man?” Gretchen yelled in return, trembling with rage, pain, and fear. She couldn’t marry Lord Ruxford, she couldn’t.
“Calm down, both of you. Now sit,” Raven ordered and pointed at two seats in opposite sides of the room. Warren sat in the indicated chair with an expression of uncertainty on his face. Gretchen sat on the settee with a huff, crossed her arms, and glared at her bother. Raven watched them both for a moment before speaking again. “You will not have to marry a man you hate, Gretchen, so calm down.”
“Who the hell are you to make that promise?” Warren blustered, red faced, and indignant at the man’s interference and his calm. He stared at Raven with confusion. He didn’t understand why he felt so intimated. Raven wasn’t much larger than Warren; however, he felt compelled to do as Raven ordered. The man exuded an authority which Warren hadn’t encountered before.
“I am Raven,” he said simply, as if that was enough information. “And don’t take that tone with me. I won’t tolerate it,” Rave
n warned quietly.
Gretchen lifted her chin defiantly at her brother. “I will speak to Simon. He is the head of this family and he won’t force me to marry Lord Ruxford or Lord Henry.” Now that Raven had appeared, she felt more calm and confidant. The room had stopped spinning and the pain in her head had become a dull ache.
“I have decided to take the decision out of Simon’s hands. He has allowed you to do as you please for too long. It is time for you to marry,” Warren argued, although with less heat with Raven’s presence. “Ruxford has wealth and is well titled. Cummings comes from a good family, and he has some wealth, as well as the title he gained from his brother.” Warren crossed his arms and glared at his sister. “Ruxford or Cummings. Now choose!”
Gretchen glared back at him. “As I said before, I do not care about wealth or titles,” an exasperated and exhausted Gretchen explained to her thick-headed, infuriating brother. “I would rather marry Raven than that imbecile Lord Henry or that scary Lord Ruxford.” She glanced over at Raven and smiled to take the sting away from her words. “No offense, Raven.”
Raven grinned and winked at her. “None taken, luv.” Unbeknownst to Gretchen, Raven was a very wealthy man from the many companies he owned and co-owned, including Ravenleigh Shipping. He had never found much use for his wealth, preferring the simple life as a sailor on the Deliverance.
“And who exactly is this man?” Warren uncrossed his arms, gestured at Raven, and raised his blond brows mockingly.
“He is the first mate on the Deliverance,” she answered haughtily.
“A sailor,” Warren snarled with derision as if it were a curse. “And where exactly did you have the opportunity to meet such a man, young lady?”
“He is a friend of Brandon Cathcart’s and he is a friend of mine and Simon’s.”
“And you think this man would be a suitable husband for you?” Warren barked with a harsh laugh of contempt.
“Certainly better than Henry Cummings or Lord Ruxford, of which I am not going to marry either,” she replied decisively. Catching a movement from the corner of her eye, Gretchen glanced up and saw Simon lean against the doorframe and cross his arms. If the scowl on his face was any indication, he was not pleased. Gretchen quickly glanced back at Warren.
“Yes, you are.” Warren was annoyed and not at all happy with this Raven fellow’s interference. He wondered how his sister had gotten involved with such a man.
“No, I am not,” she snapped in return.
“Enough,” Raven interrupted, having had enough of the bickering. He was also very concerned with Gretchen’s coloring. She didn’t seem well and it worried him. “Warren, she is not marrying either of these men and . . .”
“Who the hell are you?” Warren yelled at Raven, standing up to confront the imposing man. Warren did not appreciate Raven making him feel like a school boy.
“Stop yelling, Warren. You are acting like a child,” Raven said in a calm and menacing voice. “Sit down.”
“I will yell if I damn well please. Now who the hell are you?” He demanded again, feeling threatened and uneasy.
“As I said, my name is Raven and I am a close friend of Gretchen’s,” Raven patiently explained. “Please, sit down,” he ordered again firmly. Raven felt like he was talking to a belligerent child. This particular brother of Gretchen’s was stubborn and a bit irritating. It was obvious to him that Warren was oblivious to Gretchen’s current state of health and pushing her too hard. His behavior was provoking Raven’s temper, which was not an easy thing to do.
With a grunt, Warren sat back down. “You have no authority where she is concerned.” Warren crossed his arms and glared at Raven.
“No, he doesn’t, but I do.” Simon entered the room, having heard enough of the conversation and decided it was time to put an end to it before Raven lost all patience with Warren. He regarded his younger brother with annoyance. Warren shouldn’t have tried to intimidate Gretchen. She deserved better than that. “If Gretchen doesn’t want to marry Cummings, then she won’t, and she certainly won’t be marrying Ruxford. He is unacceptable. ”
“Simon, it is time for her to marry,” Warren grouched. Why did no one understand that it was time for Gretchen to marry but him? She should have babies by now.
“I agree and I will make that choice soon, but it will be my choice, not yours, Warren,” Simon stated with finality in his voice. He was not going to allow his brother to force Gretchen into a marriage she didn’t want or to a man unsuitable for her.
“You are going to allow this man to influence you?” Warren gestured at Raven, appalled at the thought.
“No, however, I will consider his advice and I do trust his opinion. But more importantly, I trust Gretchen. If she believes that Cummings and Ruxford are wrong for her, then I will listen to her and respect her decision.”
“They are titled and wealthy men. Gretchen will never find better matches.” Warren stared at his brother in disbelief. He was letting their sister ruin her life by indulging her.
“Titles and wealth don’t always make a good match, Warren.” Simon sighed in frustration. This was an old disagreement of theirs and he was getting tired of it. “I have met Cummings and Ruxford. I don’t think either man would do well with Gretchen.” Simon had been making quiet inquiries about both men and he was not impressed by the results.
“So you would allow her to marry this . . . sailor, who is beneath her?” Warren challenged. “Because that is her choice.”
Simon regarded Gretchen with mild surprise. “Gretchen, is Raven your choice?” He watched Raven curiously. He did seem to know how to handle Gretchen’s temper and had a calming effect on her. He might be the man for her, Simon mused. It was definitely something to consider.
Gretchen lifted her chin defiantly. “If I have to choose today, then yes, Raven is my choice.” She felt confident that her brother wouldn’t allow her to marry Raven and it was unlikely that Raven would agree either.
Raven raised one sculpted, black eyebrow at her and studied her intently. He found it interesting that she would choose him as a husband. She had no idea what she would be getting herself into if he agreed, but it gave him something to think on. He decided to stay quiet on the matter, but in his own way, he let her know what he thought of her manipulation. He smiled arrogantly at her when she gasped.
Gretchen stared at him wide-eyed. She would swear he had given her a mental smack on her bottom in reprimand for including him in her argument. How did he do that? That ability of his was unnerving; truly, it was.
Simon watched the couple with interest. There was more going on between them than friendship. Soon, he would have to step in before it got any further, either having them marry or end the relationship. “Gretchen, I will discuss it with Raven in private, and if he is agreeable to a marriage with you, I will consider it.”
“Oh.” Gretchen blushed and looked down at her clenched hands in her lap. She hadn’t anticipated her brother agreeing to such a match. She gazed shyly up at Raven who winked at her. He knew she had been bluffing and he would make everything right, she was sure.
“I can’t believe this,” Warren said to no one and then turned to Simon. “If you don’t make an appropriate choice by her birthday, I will,” he gave his ultimatum and angrily left the room.
Gretchen snorted. “In his deluded dreams.” Gretchen smiled in satisfaction. She knew Simon wouldn’t force her to marry.
“Don’t be so smug, Gretchen. You may have gotten your way today, but you will marry and soon,” he stated with finality and determination in his voice. “And Gretchen, if you don’t decide on a husband, you will marry who I select for you, like it or not,” Simon added before exiting the room.
“Oooh!” Gretchen screamed and threw a pillow after him.
“Gretchen, luv, there is no need to get upset,” Raven placated, watching her intently. He didn’t like seeing her this agitated. Although he was mildly amused at her choosing him as a husband, the thought of him marrying
was laughable. However, he did understand why she chose him. She was being pushed into a corner and she was comfortable with him.
“No need?” She huffed as her cheeks turned an angry red. “Simon threatened me. Simon. He has never done that before. He is going to force me to marry,” she complained with fury and fear. She did not want to get married. No man was ever going to understand her. Why couldn’t her brothers see that? She had a terrible temper and she was terrified of what she could do. She was afraid, truly afraid.
“Gretchen, luv.” Raven sat next to her, taking her hand in his, and lightly rubbed her wrist with his fingertips in soothing circles. He wrapped a sense of calm around her to help put her at ease. “You have time to make your decision. Choose a man you are willing to marry and present him to Simon. Most likely, he will agree.”
“But there is no one I want to marry,” she pouted in frustration. “No one understands.”
Raven brushed a stray hair off her flushed cheek. “I am sure there is someone who suites you, luv.” Raven stood and pulled her up with him. “Come, show me what you have been up to while I was away. I want to see the paintings you have been working on.”
“You do?” She was surprised at his request and his interest in her hobby.
“Yes, I do.” Placing a hand at the small of her back, he led her to her studio in hopes of getting her to calm down and to forget about her disagreement with her brother.
Gretchen leaned into him and met his blue eyes in wonder. With Raven’s simple touch, her anxiety, anger, and fear slipped away, leaving behind only tranquility and calm. She was still tired, but her headache was all but gone, and she was looking forward to showing him her paintings. If only she could marry a man like Raven, but perhaps a little less imposing, and well, not so tall. She did get tired looking up at him, and sometimes, he made her feel so small and vulnerable. Her brothers were big men too, but it wasn’t the same. When Raven entered a room, everyone noticed. She noticed.
