“Now see here Piper, you cannot talk to our guest that way.” Her aunt stood as well. She looked furious, and Piper hadn’t even told her about the dinner. Piper bit her lip.
She turned back to Mr. Abbott. “My mother is very ill. I’m sure my aunt has told you, but you may visit if you like.”
“Oh, I couldn’t. Wasting disease. No, I couldn’t possibly.” He shook his head and then went back to devouring his breakfast.
Piper looked at the man in complete awe. How could her mother ever have thought this man would save them? He couldn’t get out of his own way. She shook her head. She had to save them. There could be no doubt. Barrett flashed in her mind. She told herself for the thousandth time she had to move on from him. He wouldn’t make her his wife. This wasn’t just about her. She had to do this for her mother too. She would find another man who made her feel as anchored as Barrett did. She had to.
Piper seated herself to be served. As she did, a note arrived for her. Her name was slashed across the front in the strongest letters she had ever seen. It could only be Barrett’s writing.
She scanned the contents. He wanted to pick her up to attend dinner tonight. Had he gone mad? It was completely indecent. Not to mention, she absolutely could not be alone with him.
She got up and went to the study. Then she wrote a quick note back saying she wasn’t attending. She gave no other explanation and then sent the message on its way.
She returned for breakfast. A cup of tea and some pastries would help improve her mood. She sat and ate, which would have made her feel better but Mr. Abbott kept blathering on about his important business and special affairs. Piper had to pinch herself under the table several times to keep from rolling her eyes.
Forty-five minutes later Barrett came bursting through the door. Piper nearly jumped out of her chair at the sight of him in the dining room. When she wasn’t with him, she could convince herself she never wanted to see him again but when he stood there, she was drawn to him like a moth to a flame.
He was so powerful and tall. Everything about him screamed masculinity. She looked at his muscular thighs, thighs that had held her up. His muscled arms had wrapped around her and held her tight to him. Her cheeks turned pink to remember their time in the hall yesterday.
“Who is he?” Barrett growled.
“Mr. Abbott, my mother’s fiancé,” Piper replied as she stood.
Barrett glowered at the man. “The one who left you on the docks?”
“Now see here,” Mr. Abbott started.
Barrett stepped up to the man. “Get out and don’t come back.”
Mr. Abbott was rendered speechless but Aunt Lizzie was not.
“Mr. Maddox! You cannot go ordering people about in my niece’s house.”
“Get out.” Sybil entered the dining room.
“Sybil, this is not acceptable,” Aunt Lizzie blubbered.
Mr. Abbot placed his napkin on the table and headed for the door. “Tell Mrs. Baker I will not be treated this way by her family. Good day.”
A small amount of satisfaction rippled through Piper. With any luck, Mr. Abbott would never return.
Barrett turned back to her. “Why are you not going to dinner tonight?” He crossed his arms over his chest.
“Oh dear Lord, I give up! Piper you are attending that dinner or I am returning to England,” her aunt railed.
Piper stepped around the table. “Shhh, Auntie. You’re not going anywhere. And I can’t go tonight. You are going with Sybil to the Senator’s dinner. I have no chaperone.” Piper turned back to Barrett. “I will tell you plainly Barrett…”
“Piper you can’t call him that!” Aunt Lizzie sat heavily in her chair.
“I can’t go with you. I can’t see you anymore.” She turned her face away. It was so very painful to say after what they had shared the night before. Tears threatened to burn down her cheeks but she held them in. She had cried enough. Her fists clenched at her sides to hold the emotion in.
“Thank the Lord!” Aunt Lizzie exclaimed from the chair.
“Love, that is hardly the solution. I am sure we can still see—” His hand reached towards her but didn’t touch her.
“You know we cannot. You will marry your English lady, whoever she is, and I will marry some business man. You have already admitted we have no future. We are only delaying the inevitable.” Piper bit her lip. A tiny part of her wanted to beg him to reconsider but she would not.
He stepped very close to her. His eyes scanned her face as if he were searching for something. His voice dropped so low she could barely hear. “I meant it when I said I would always take care of you.” Then he stepped back and raised his voice. “I need to speak with your mother. Lady Vesser, could I see her briefly?”
“Of course,” her aunt agreed. “I will accompany you.”
Barrett gave her a brief nod before he walked out the door toward the stairs.
***
Twenty minutes later, Barrett was gone but Piper was summoned up to her mother’s room. Her aunt was still there and she gestured for Piper to take a seat.
“Your Great Uncle Walton Barrist has passed.” Her aunt gave her a side long look but didn’t make eye contact.
“I’m sorry.” Piper raised her eyebrows in both confusion and suspicion. She had no memory of such an uncle.
“He has left you a nice sum of money. It should buy you some time at any rate.” Her aunt looked everywhere but at Piper.
This whole thing was odd, not just because of the way her aunt was acting, but it was suspicious that when they were their most destitute, money suddenly appeared. Barrett had just left. Did he have anything to do with this? “I don’t know what to say…” she started.
“His Grace has also requested to escort you to the party this evening.”
“Do you really think that is wise?” Piper was growing more certain Barrett had something to do with this.
“You will both be properly chaperoned.” Her aunt did not make eye contact and Piper tilted her head. Something strange was happening.
“I heard shouting downstairs,” her mother croaked out.
“It was nothing, Mother. You need your rest,” Piper soothed.
“Tell me.” Her mother lay back on the pillow but her eyes stayed on her daughter.
Piper sighed. “Did you really ask Barrett to be my guardian?”
Her mother closed her eyes. Piper instantly felt guilty. “I couldn’t leave you alone in this world. He hasn’t proposed?” her mother asked as she sank deeper into the pillow.
“No, Mother. He has feelings of some kind for me but his first allegiance is to the Dukedom.” She bit her lip.
“Well, start looking for someone else then,” she said before she drifted off to sleep.
Piper and her aunt exchanged a long glance. She had been prepared to marry to save the family, but her mother had wanted her to wait to find love. Was her mother still worried the illness would claim her life? Why else would she want Piper to continue husband hunting?
Her aunt returned to breakfast; but Piper sat with her mother for a few more minutes and then wandered downstairs. It was ten o’clock which meant calling hours would begin. Any gentleman who was interested could stop by for a chaperoned visit.
She tried not to sigh as she heard the many voices coming from the drawing room. Several gentlemen had arrived early.
By the time Piper walked through the door, Phillip Stanford and Asher Grey had already arrived. She squared her shoulders. How could two such opposite men be together?
Asher jumped from her chair and hustled to her side. Even his movements were abrasive, and Piper found herself taking a half-step back. He had sandy colored hair and light blue eyes but there was a hardness about his lean figure that set her on edge.
“Miss Baker, a pleasure,” he remarked as he kissed her hand. It was forward of him to do so after one meeting and his lips lingered on her skin. She fought down a shiver of revulsion.
She withdrew her hand, as Phillip also stood
. He smiled, kindness lighting his face. He bowed to her and offered the seat next to himself. Piper sat.
“Good morning, Miss Baker. A pleasure to see you again.”
“And you as well.” She smiled her most beguiling smile.
Sybil walked in and both men glanced at her cousin. She could see a faint hunger in Asher’s eyes. As if she needed another reason to not like this man.
Ethan came in behind her and Sybil turned to beam at him.
“They make a handsome couple,” Phillip remarked.
“Marrying into the aristocracy,” Asher mumbled bitterly.
“I am looking forward to seeing you this evening.” Phillip grinned and Piper tried to return his enthusiasm. It was utterly ridiculous to go to this dinner with Barrett.
“I am as well,” she tried her best to sound convincing.
“I cannot make it this evening. I seem to be missing all the fun,” Asher grumped. He was clearly put out about something.
“Sorry, my friend. Perhaps a carriage ride later in the week. We could get a group together. Make a picnic. Perhaps we’ll go to the Pleasure Gardens of Lower Manhattan. Your cousin and Mr. Wright could join us. What do you say, Asher?”
“Five is a crowd,” Asher grumbled.
His attitude was astonishing but Piper breathed a sigh of relief. She would prefer not to picnic with Asher. She was not sure she considered Phillip an option, but she could tolerate his company for a few hours. “I will talk to Sybil and Mr. Wright and see if they are interested.”
Phillip beamed. “Wonderful.”
Asher sat sullenly while Phillip and Piper continued to chat. When the men finally took their leave an hour later, Piper breathed a sigh of relief. More callers arrived, however, and Piper was kept busy most of the day.
***
She dragged herself up to her room, wishing she didn’t have to go to this dinner. That wasn’t entirely true. A part of her was always excited to see Barrett, but she had told him just this morning she didn’t want to see him. He had completely ignored her.
Piper checked her reflection one last time. She wore a beautiful pale blue dress which brought out the color of her eyes and the creaminess of her skin. She wondered if Barrett or the dressmaker had picked it out. Some blues clashed with her auburn hair but this color was stunning.
She headed out of her room and began descending the staircase. The clock chimed eight as Barrett walked through the door. He hadn’t even bothered to pull the bell and be let in by the butler. Piper shook her head. He was incorrigible.
His gaze swept up and down her as she continued walking down the stairs. “Why aren’t you wearing any jewelry?” he asked by way of greeting.
An elderly woman walked in behind him. She was kind looking but positively ancient. This must be their chaperone.
Piper reached the bottom of the stairs. “Good evening to you, too.” She stood straight, her back stiff.
“Don’t be offended, Piper. You always look stunning. A woman of your stature should be wearing jewelry to match her beauty.” His fingers lightly brushed her collarbone.
She took a half step back. “I don’t have any.”
“You could borrow some from Sybil.”
“Sybil gives me enough. Too much.” Piper turned away.
“It’s commendable that you don’t take handouts, Piper, but you should try to look the part just now. Do whatever you have to do.” He crossed his arms over his chest.
“Thank you for the advice. Who is my chaperone?” she asked, simply to change the subject. It was on the tip of her tongue to ask if her inheritance was also a handout but he wouldn’t admit it even if it was. If he had gone through her aunt, he didn’t want her to know.
“Lady Stewart. Let’s go, we are going to be late.” He took her arm to lead her out the door.
“Hold out your arm like a gentleman and stop dragging me around.” She scowled at him.
He stopped. “What has gotten into you tonight?”
“This is a terrible idea,” she said.
“Well, it’s done now, so let’s make the best of it. Can we get in the carriage? I want to make a stop on the way.” He held out his arm and she slipped her hand through it. Then he helped her into the carriage. Lady Stewart came next. She sat across from Piper. Barrett gave the driver an address and then climbed in planting himself next to her.
The carriage began to roll down the drive and Piper twisted her hands. How was she going to be strong enough to avoid Barrett’s advances tonight? Part of her wanted him so desperately while the other part knew it was a mistake to keep seeing each other. Even sitting here, she was so aware of every inch of him. She wanted to press her body against his. Her thoughts were abruptly interrupted by the sound of snoring.
Lady Stewart had promptly fallen asleep. Barrett reached out and pulled her body against his. Piper started to tell him to stop but realized it was completely useless. Instead she enjoyed the feel of his hard muscles pressed against her softness. Barrett leaned his head down but she turned her face away so he couldn’t kiss her.
Instead his finger’s trailed along her collar bone. Piper leaned against him. She closed her eyes for a second, enjoying the comfort of his arms.
Neither spoke but it was a companionable silence. His fingers continued to dance along her skin. “We’ll be there in a moment.”
“Where?” she reluctantly asked. She didn’t want to break her silence. It was casting a spell on her.
“The jewelry shop.” His finger’s brushed just above her exposed breasts.
“Barrett!” she cried out.
“Shhh. You’ll wake Lady Stewart. I’m not going to buy you jewelry Piper, we are simply going to borrow some for a few weeks. I do enough business here that the jeweler will allow it.”
“Who have you bought jewelry for?” Jealousy laced her voice and he gave her a smug smile.
“No one as beautiful as you.” His fingers just brushed the top of her breast just as the carriage stopped.
“I bet you say that to every woman you bring here.” She huffed.
He smiled wickedly. “I have never brought a woman here. You are the first.”
“Oh.” She didn’t know quite what to make of his response.
“I am not trying to woo you, Piper. I simply want to help you look the part. The more beautiful you look, the easier it will be to find a suitor.” He grimaced on the last word.
“Then why are you holding me?” pain laced her whisper.
He closed his eyes for a moment. “I promise I won’t kiss you. I just want to be close to you even for a little while.”
She nodded. She wanted to be close to him too.
The carriage stopped and after a few moments, the driver opened the door. They climbed out and approached the shop. The street was completely deserted and the shop was pitch black. Barrett banged on the door of the shop. After three attempts the jeweler finally came to the door.
“Mr. Maddox. What a pleasant surprise. It has been a while. Do come in.” The jeweler stepped back to permit them through the door.
“I apologize for the late hour. Miss Baker is in need of some jewelry for this evening. If we could have some other sets sent to her home. She will be returning them in a month’s time. I will gladly pay a retainer.”
The jeweler raised his eyebrows. Piper wondered what he was more puzzled about. Her name as a single woman here alone with a single man or the fact she was borrowing jewelry.
“I am Miss Baker’s guardian, and I am outfitting her for the season,” Barrett added drily.
The man smiled in comprehension and then set to work unlocking cases and pulling out jewels. Within minutes he had Piper draped in diamonds with a set of sapphires and another set of rubies to be sent to her home in the morning.
He pulled a case of hair jewels out and began to delicately place stones in her hair. He held up a mirror. They looked utterly amazing. Her loose coif sparkled with thousands of tiny lights.
She couldn’t loo
k at Barrett. She thought she might cry. To even get to borrow these stones was such a beautiful treat. She didn’t know what to say.
“Stunning,” the jeweler breathed. “You should always be draped in such gems.”
“I agree.” Barrett came to stand next to her.
Piper gave them a small curtsy in response. She didn’t trust herself to speak.
“Thank you, Monsieur Chapeau. I will be back in the morning.” Barrett’s eyes never left her.
As the jeweler repacked his cases, the jeweler brushed by Piper and whispered, “It takes a woman as stunning as you to capture the heart of a duke.”
“Oh, I haven’t…” She started but stopped as Barrett reached her side. He held out his elbow to Piper who took it and the two made their way back to the carriage.
Lady Stewart was still asleep in the carriage as they slid back in their seats.
Piper fingered the jewels at her neck, and Barrett’s hand came up to do the same. “You should always look this way.” His lips grazed her neck. “Beautiful dresses and fine jewels are meant for you.”
“This is too much.” But her body was pliant as he pulled it closer against his large frame.
“It isn’t enough,” his voice was gruff. His hand skimmed down her arm.
“I am certainly decorated like a lady.” She bit her lip. It didn’t make her one.
“It isn’t the clothes or the jewels that make you a lady. You are one, Piper. I have known since the first moment I met you that you are a cut above.” He squeezed her arm as he snuggled her closer.
“It doesn’t change much does it?” She spoke as much to herself as she allowed him to fit their bodies together. She was actually feeling quite relaxed. Her head rested against his chest and she closed her eyes sighing softly.
“What doesn’t change?” There was a slight edge to his voice but she was so relaxed, she ignored it.
“Whether I look like a lady or act like a lady, I am not a lady. I will never be one.” Her hand found his and she squeezed it. “Your lady, whoever she is, will be beautiful in her jewels.” Resignation filled her voice. She would cherish these moments with him. But that was all they were, moments.
The carriage rolled to a stop. They had arrived at Phillip Stanford’s. Piper sighed heavily. She was so comfortable against his strong body she didn’t want to get up. “Must we go inside?”
Taming A Duke's Reckless Heart: Victorian Historical Romance Page 9
