***
Piper clutched Sybil’s hand as they made their way through the crush of the crowd. People parted for them slightly and she realized they were drawing a great deal of attention. Men seemed to stop their conversations to admire the two women walking by and whispers followed behind them.
Piper turned back briefly to see a black look on Barrett’s face. His arms were crossed over his chest. She smiled just a little. He didn’t seem to enjoy being here either.
“I have never seen a man glower the way he does. What do you see in him Piper?” her aunt huffed from behind her.
“Why do you think he is so upset?” Sybil asked. She turned back to her aunt, but Piper saw her crane her head to look at Ethan.
“He’s sweet on Piper,” her aunt stated matter-of-factly.
“He won’t marry me,” Piper couldn’t help but add. Maybe she hoped her aunt and her cousin would disagree and say he would change his mind.
“No dear. It’s unlikely. Although, your mother would disagree. Perhaps that is why she asked Mr. Maddox to be your guardian.”
Piper stopped moving. “She asked him what?” She knew he would look out for her, but her actual guardian?
“Oh dear, I have said too much,” her aunt’s brow creased in worry.
“She may as well have asked a wolf to watch the sheep,” Sybil added dryly.
Piper laughed. “And he thinks I’m funny.”
Sybil giggled. “You’re much funnier than me but maybe your mother is right. If he is talking about your sense of humor then he really is sweet on you.”
Piper turned to give Barrett a sly glance. His eyes bore into hers. She quickly turned back around, and she nearly ran into a gentleman who had stepped in front of them.
“Pardon me.” She gave him a quick curtsey and went to step around him. He put his hand out to stop her. It came down on her upper arm.
Piper looked up at him in confusion. He was well dressed and good looking enough, but he made her slightly uncomfortable.
“Forgive me. But I saw you passing by and I was hoping to ask you to dance.” His hand tightened on her arm. It was terribly forward.
“I do not believe we’ve met,” Piper tried to deflect his question.
“Asher Grey. And you are Miss Baker.” He still had not released her arm.
“I’m Barrett Maddox,” Barrett growled from behind her.
He pushed around her and Asher quickly let go of her. Barrett towered over the other man as Ethan pushed his way through as well.
“I was simply asking the lady to dance.” Asher tried to straighten up to be taller.
“Miss Baker is used to English traditions. She is generally acquainted with men before she dances with them,” Barrett’s voice ground out.
Piper bristled. This is exactly what she feared he would do. Hoping to make a point that Barrett wasn’t wanted, she turned to Mr. Grey. “I would be happy to dance Mr. Grey.”
He smiled and took her hand, leading her to the floor. Piper glanced around again. It was a ball to rival any in London. With glittering gowns and well-dressed men, New York was a sparkling city. There would be close to twenty such parties this season.
She turned back to give Barrett a look of triumph only to see a beautiful woman with raven hair hanging on his arm. Barrett held his usual dark look but Piper bit her lip. If that woman was any closer, she’d be in Barrett’s skin. Piper suddenly deeply regretted agreeing to dance with Asher Grey.
The orchestra struck the first notes and Mr. Grey began the steps to a waltz. At best, he was an average dancer. Piper tried not to be too terribly bored. He droned on about his real estate investments and his tenant houses. She was sure he did well for himself and he was attempting to make that abundantly clear.
Twice she glanced over at Barrett. The first time the woman had her lips pressed to his ear. The second she actually had her hand on his chest.
Mr. Grey continued lecturing her on his success. Finally, to break the monotony of the conversation, she asked, “How did you know who I was?”
“Poor cousin to a Viscountess. Everyone knows who the two of you are,” he twirled her as he spoke. Biting back a retort, Piper looked at the man she was dancing with. She didn’t have to marry an Englishman but she did need to marry someone with some manners. This man had none.
Piper’s eyes sought Barrett again. The woman had finally left. Piper wondered who she was to be so touchy with Barrett. Jealousy prickle down her spine.
When the dance finished, he asked for another. She told him to find her later, she must check on her family.
One dance and she was ready to go home. Her heart was not in it this evening. Between her mother and her confusion over Barrett, Piper longed for a quiet place to think. But she didn’t leave. Instead, she danced the night away. Each with a new man. She trilled with laughter. She flattered and she pouted as the situation called for. Several men asked to call on her the next day.
The hostess, Mariel Westchester, toured her around the party, introducing her to several eligible men and affluent ladies.
“I am so glad you came, Miss Baker,” Mariel whispered in her breathy voice.
“Thank you for inviting me.” Piper plastered a smile on her face.
“Oh, we wouldn’t miss having you. You and your cousin bring so much joie de vivre to New York’s society. We really are ladies of culture now. We travel, we decorate our homes in the latest fashion. I even have a French chef.” Mariel looked very pleased with herself and Piper nodded accordingly. “I will introduce you to Phillip Stanford next. He had made a fortune in the transportation business and I know he is looking to settle down. You are just the type of lady he would be interested in.”
Mariel beamed at her as though she were bestowing a great favor. “Oh, thank you.” She felt a blush creep into her cheeks. What type of lady was Mariel talking about?
The conversation came to an abrupt halt when another woman stepped up next to Mariel. Piper instantly recognized the woman who had been next to Barrett earlier.
“Mariel, darling, you must introduce me to your friend.” She smiled but it didn’t reach her eyes.
Piper looked at the woman in front of her. She was perfection. Raven colored hair and sparkling black eyes. Classic features and full lips topped a stunning body. Piper wasn’t intimidated. Normally, she could go head to head with a beautiful woman. But she wasn’t sure if she could compete for Barrett’s affection, at least not after yesterday.
“Miss Piper Baker this is Mrs. Samantha Fox.” Mariel looked from one woman to the other. She looked slightly confused.
“Pleasure.” Piper gave her own cold smile.
“We have a common friend I noticed. How do you know Barrett?” Mrs. Fox raised her eyebrows.
“His Grace?” Piper asked. Her tone was frosty. She didn’t like this woman calling him Barrett and her English roots balked at this woman’s lack of decorum. In a public setting, Mrs. Fox should have referred to him by his title or at least Mr. Maddox. Mrs. Fox wanted Piper to know they were intimately acquainted.
Mrs. Fox pursed her lips. Piper felt victory surge in her chest but Mrs. Fox’s next words crushed her victory. “Of course, it was just our relationship was so familiar. I forget about his title.”
Mariel gasped at the implication. Piper gritted her teeth. “You must not be English.” She refused to give this woman a shred of information and she wouldn’t give Mrs. Fox the satisfaction of asking anything about her relationship with Barrett. Besides, she reminded herself, Barrett wasn’t hers to be jealous over.
They assessed each other, neither speaking and Mrs. Fox finally gave in to her curiosity. “You arrived together did you not?”
Piper still did not answer. Mariel stepped in, looking nervous. “Miss Baker’s cousin is a Viscountess. I’m sure they’re acquainted in England?”
“Of course.” Mrs. Fox visibly relaxed.
Piper said nothing, and the silence stretched out. She was sure Mrs. Fox was a woman w
ho was used to getting her way but Piper would not be intimidated. Mrs. Fox gave her a long glance and opened her mouth to speak several more times. Piper drew herself up. She was ready for whatever Mrs. Fox asked.
“I’ve kept you ladies too long. I look forward to seeing you again.” Mrs. Fox gave her another long glance before she retreated.
“I cannot believe that just happened. It was rumored they had a relationship but to admit it like that. Disgraceful.” Mariel raged now that the other woman had left.
“Relationship?” Piper finally indulged her curiosity now Mrs. Fox was gone.
Mariel shrugged giving her a sidelong glance. Then she pulled her to the side and whispered in her ear. “Mr. Maddox is rather popular with the ladies. He constantly casts such dark glares, I never understood it myself. But he usually picks the widows or…” Mariel trailed off. Piper could only assume she meant paid companions.
“And Mrs. Fox?” Piper glanced in the direction the widow had gone.
“She married a man forty years her senior and quickly became a rich widow. Reminds me of a snake.” Mariel pursed her lips again. “But no matter, we were going to find Mr. Stanford. He is a fine, upstanding man.”
But they weren’t able to find Mr. Stanford. They did meet several other gentlemen. None of them made any impression on Piper. They were dull or overly enthusiastic.
Many of them were terribly forward and looked at her as though she was another trophy they wanted to hang on the wall. Or a possession to be bought. She had noticed something else, men were more aggressive this evening. She didn’t know if it was the New York society or her particular situation. At least, Barrett kept his distance, though in the end she was glad he was here. She didn’t know what it meant that she had come to depend on him so much.
Mrs. Fox jumped into her thoughts and jealousy clouded her mind. Was that what Barrett really wanted? The woman was beautiful and experienced. She blushed. She had told Barrett she had never even kissed a man. He must think her foolish after all these experienced women.
Then Piper chastised herself. It didn’t matter what Barrett thought of her. She had to focus her energy on other men. Men who would marry her.
As the party began to wind down, Piper stepped out into the courtyard for a moment for a breath of air. She had been surrounded all night and she was tired of trying to slip out of some man’s grasp. She wanted to go back to her cousin’s home.
Soft voices of men and women around the courtyard floated in the air but she couldn’t see anyone. They had all had tucked themselves away. Asher Grey and another man approached. Piper felt her shoulders slump. Asher Grey was the last man she wanted to talk to.
“Miss Baker, nice to see you again. I never did get that second dance.” Asher looked irritated but there was nothing to be done for it. He was not a man she considered a suitor.
The man next to him was a good deal taller than Asher. He had rather refined features and dark hair and eyes. He wasn’t as handsome as Ethan or Barrett but he wasn’t unpleasant to look at. “I’m so sorry Mr. Grey; this evening has just flown by.”
“Good evening, Miss Baker,” the other man spoke as his eyes travelled the length of her.
“Oh yes, this is an acquaintance, Phillip Stanford.” Asher seemed reluctant to make the introduction.
“Pleased to meet you.” She smiled pleasantly.
“Miss Baker, perhaps we could take a walk around the garden instead.” Asher stepped toward her reaching for her arm.
Instinctually she moved back, “Thank you for the offer but I must return. I only stepped out for a breath of air.”
“Don’t be a cad, Asher. Ladies don’t walk with men they’ve just met.” Mr. Stanford gave her a knowing smile. “We will both escort you back inside.” He held out his arm for her to slip her hand through. She had to admit, he, at least, had manners.
Asher huffed behind her. She was thankful to be given a reprieve from that man.
Phillip steered her around the crowd. She might have had trouble locating her aunt and cousin but Barrett stood a full head taller than most every guest.
She pointed him out and Phillip angled them in that direction, Asher still trailing behind them grumbling.
“Have you enjoyed the party?” he asked as they slowly made their way through the crowd.
“Very much so, it rivals any I have attended in London.” She hadn’t enjoyed it very much but that wasn’t what a lady said in this situation. It briefly occurred to her that would have told Barrett the truth. He had that effect on her.
“Did you participate in many London seasons?” he asked, his full attention on her.
“I only came out last year and my mother decided my opening season be in London.” She wondered at what age girls entered New York society. She was only nineteen.
“You didn’t tell me your opening season was in London.” Barrett’s voice vibrated through her. She was enjoying Phillip’s company. It didn’t melt a girl’s bones but it he was pleasant and likable. She found him refreshing after a trying evening. She resented Barrett for reminding her some men were more than pleasant and likable.
“It was as my mother wished,” she raised her eyebrows as she spoke.
“Why didn’t she want it to be in Boston or New York?” Barrett persisted.
“Mr. Stanford, this is Lord Maddox, Duke of Manchester. Your Grace, this is Mr. Phillip Stanford.” Piper pointedly ignored his question.
“Delighted!” Stanford beamed. “You must all join me for dinner tomorrow night. I’m having a small affair. I would be so honored.”
Barrett Maddox assessed the other man. Even Piper could see he was gritting his teeth. “We will see you tomorrow.”
“Wonderful. Miss Baker, I look forward to seeing you again.” He bowed and left. Asher was still standing behind her.
Barrett turned to the other man. He looked like a tiger, ready to attack. A low growl emitted from his throat and he took a half step closer to Asher Grey who promptly stepped back. “We’re leaving. Good night.” He gave Asher one more look of disdain before taking Piper’s arm and marching towards the front doors.
“But my aunt,” she cried.
“She’ll be along in a minute.” He kept pulling her towards the door.
“This isn’t proper.” She pulled ever so slightly, trying to get out of his grasp without alerting anyone there was a problem.
“I’m English. I’m well aware of what is proper,” his teeth were clenched as he spoke. “Who sponsored you last season in London?”
“What does it matter?” She yanked a little harder.
“Answer,” he growled as he moved them towards the doors.
“The Duchess of York,” she replied, irritated with his tone and his question. “She was a friend of my mother’s.”
He stopped walking. “Why would your mother do that?” Barrett’s gaze bore into hers. It was so penetrating; it was difficult to resist.
“I don’t know. She didn’t say other than she missed her family and England,” she huffed as she spoke.
“Are you telling me the truth?” He peered harder at her.
“When do I ever keep anything from you? I seem incapable of it. Why are you asking?”
He straightened, eyeing her cautiously. “First your mother takes you to England for your first season and then she asks an aristocrat to help you find a husband. You don’t find this strange?”
Piper’s shoulders slumped. “Barrett, please can we discuss this later? I can’t think about it now. Will you take me home? I want to see mother and make sure her condition hasn’t worsened.”
“Of course.” They walked out the doors but Piper knew this conversation was not over.
TAMING A DUKE’S RECKLESS HEART
CHAPTER NINE
The carriage ride was tense. He didn’t try to kiss her which she was alternately sad and grateful for. He claimed he would send the carriage back for her aunt and cousin. Her aunt was going to be furious she and Barrett had ridden h
ome together alone. She sighed at the thought. It was one time he hadn’t even attempted to touch her, and it could absolutely ruin her. Piper noticed him glance up at her sigh, but he didn’t move closer or ask her what was wrong. His arm was flung over his eyes as he sat with his head resting on the back of the seat. His legs spread out before him. She had the urge to crawl onto his lap and settle herself between those powerful thighs.
Giving herself a shake, she pulled her mind back to the ball. She wanted to ask him about Mrs. Fox. The bitter taste of jealousy filled her mouth. She told herself multiple times it was none of her business, but then again, Barrett was always inserting himself into her life.
“I saw you talking with that woman tonight. She was beautiful, Mrs. Fox.”
“Who told you her name?” His tone was sharp. His arm flung off his eyes and he sat straight up.
“She introduced herself.” Piper leaned back. Her mouth opening in surprise.
He glared at her, saying nothing. She straightened. “Stop glaring. You just dragged me from a party and probably ruined me. I can ask you questions.”
It was his turn to sigh. “I am sure no one noticed. And she is no one. Or rather, she is someone I knew a long time ago.”
The carriage pulled into their drive. “That is not much of an answer,” she sniffed.
“Piper, let’s go check on your mother.” He took her hand to help her out of the carriage and they walked up the drive to the front door.
He followed her up the stairs. “I haven’t seen your mother in a few days, may I visit too?” his voice was soft. She nodded her head yes.
Her mother was sleeping peacefully. Her breathing seemed better, and she wasn’t huddled under the covers.
“She’s improving,” Dr. Thompson announced by way of greeting.
Piper broke into a grin. She beamed at Barrett who blinked at her.
Taming A Duke's Reckless Heart: Victorian Historical Romance Page 7
