The Wicked Wallflowers

by Tammy Andresen

  “Either you wish to marry me or you don’t.” She stabbed at the cloth again. She looked more like she was committing murder than art. “Either way, make up your mind and be done with it.”

  He stared at her, shaking his head. He tried to decide who was more surly, Helena or his mother. “You don’t wish to know any more about me?”

  She shrugged. “You need a wife, I a husband. Neither of us is enamored with the idea of matrimony.”

  “How do you feel about wicked mother-in-laws?” He sat back in his chair as he lifted his brows.

  She snorted. “Sounds dreadful.”

  “Yes,” he answered with a smirk. “It does. And it proves my point. There’s more we should know.”

  She set down her needlepoint with a huff, her hands landing on her legs with a decided thump as the lines in her face deepened. He suffered a moment’s doubt. Helena did not like him. What would life be like with a woman who could barely tolerate his company? Oh wait, he knew that already. She waved her hand at him. “My decision will likely be the same but pray ask me what you need.” Then she let out a huff of breath as she rolled her eyes. “I did not realize a man would need such assurances.”

  Bloody hell and damnation, why was he here and where had he made an error? She was the second woman, no, possibly third, to question his masculinity in as many days if he counted his mother sending him that bloody list. “I did not realize a woman could be so completely devoid of any romantic intention.”

  A gasp from the chaperone in the corner made him wince. Perhaps he’d gone too far. He opened his mouth to say as much when a knock sounded at the door. The butler stepped inside. “Lady Helena, a Lady Caroline is here to see you.”

  Helena straightened, the stern lines on her face magically softening. At least Pierce thought it must be magic, he couldn’t seem to make them go away no matter what he said. Then again, he wasn’t as pretty as Caroline.

  “Send her in,” Helena said in a breathy voice her hands smoothing the folds of her skirt.

  Pierce raised his brow. Could Helena be more obvious in her affection? He pictured Caroline in that red dress and his own gut tightened. He hadn’t expected to see Lady Caroline again. Truth be told, he’d spent half the night lecturing himself to stay far away from her. His mother would never approve of such a woman, not that he cared. But he hated that his family name and reputation had been damaged. They were the one thing that had carried him through life and he’d see them restored now.

  Caroline breezed into the room wearing a gown the color of new grass, making her eyes sparkle in the morning light. A smile graced her lips as she looked to Helena but disappeared as soon as she caught sight of him. “Lady Helena,” she nodded, then pressed her lips together. “My lord.”

  He stood as did Helena, then they both stepped forward. “So good to see you,” Helena gushed.

  Pierce frowned. He hadn’t gotten a greeting like that from either woman. He had to confess, this was not a reaction from the fairer sex that he’d grown accustomed to. Most women liked him a great deal.

  “You as well,” Caroline answered as she looked in the corner. “I hope I’m not interrupting. I see you have a guest.”

  “Don’t be silly,” Helena answered. “You’re more than welcome to join us.”

  Caroline gave a small nod. “You know, the three of us make a party. It’s delightful out this morning. Does anyone fancy a walk in the garden?”

  Helena bobbed eagerly, linking her arm through Caroline’s. “What an excellent idea. Come along, Marksman.”

  He straightened, his arms crossing over his chest. He had half a mind to refuse. Helena was already far too familiar ordering him about. But Caroline looked over her shoulder and mouthed the word, “please.”

  Dropping his arms again, he followed. He might be as bad as Helena when it came to Caroline.

  “Did I hear that you and Lord Marksman are discussing marriage?” Caroline asked Helena.

  He was only dimly aware of her words as he watched the swing of her hips. Was she checking his story from the night before?

  “Yes, yes. So much discussion.” Helena waved her hand. “Thank you for your discretion last night. I know that it isn’t at all ladylike but as we talked of matrimony, I just needed to know what,” Helena’s voice dropped, “kissing might be like.” Then Helena leaned close. Pierce could swear she was a completely different woman. Around Caroline, she was lively and animated. Sympathy rose in his chest. Helena faced difficult choices for her future to be certain. “Have you ever wondered?”

  Caroline visibly swallowed. “Haven’t you heard? I already know. I’ve been completely and shamelessly ruined and now I shall live my life as a spinster.” She gave Helena a forced smile. “And I must apologize for interrupting. I was worried…” Caroline tapered off. She looked back and their eyes met.

  Helena stopped to open the door to the garden. “Your concern is touching. And your continued confidence most appreciated.” Helena looked back at him too. “Lord Marksman and myself are still very much deciding our future.” Then she turned to Caroline. “Tell me more about being a spinster. You can afford to live on your own without a husband or guardian?”

  Pierce was sure he’d decided on their future. While he appreciated Lady Helena’s bargain, he needed a woman who wasn’t irritated by his every word. Otherwise, he’d be building a third house. One for himself, one for his wife, and another for his mother.

  Caroline gave a tentative nod as she nibbled her lip. “My mother came to her marriage with a large dowry and a fair bit was set aside for me. I’m very lucky in that regard.”

  Helena caught her breath. “You’re free to do as you choose.”

  “I suppose I am.” Caroline shrugged. “Some days, it feels less like freedom and more like a prison sentence, but I’m determined to make the best of the situation.”

  His chest rumbled with dissatisfaction. “I can’t believe that a woman of your obvious…” he paused, trying to choose the correct word, “endowments can’t still find a suitable husband.”

  “I quite agree.” Helena squeezed Caroline’s arm. “Or at least a dear friend to share your life with.”

  Pierce nearly choked on his own spit. Was Helena applying for the position of dear friend? “I too am looking for a dear friend to share my life with, Lady Helena.”

  Helena frowned, more deeply than he’d ever seen before, as she stared at Caroline’s delicate features. “If we wed, Lord Marksman, it will be a bargain of mutual advantage, not a friendship.”

  Caroline’s eyes widened as she looked back at him, her lips parting. This had gotten very uncomfortable and yet also amusing. “We need not discuss any of that yet, my lady.” He stepped up to Caroline’s other side. “For now, let’s just enjoy the fine morning and the excellent company.”

  * * *

  Caroline should have learned last night to stay out of Lady Helena and Lord Marksman’s business. Several circumstances were off-kilter. First, Lady Helena practically trembled with excitement as she tightly grasped Caroline’s arm. The other woman’s interest was not normal and it was making Caroline mildly uncomfortable.

  Second, Helena and Marksman seemed to barely tolerate each other’s company despite the kiss they’d shared the night before. Caroline had at least confirmed that every word Marksman had said last night had been true.

  And third, she’d come here to make sure Helena was not being taken advantage of, which clearly she wasn’t. The reason Caroline had stayed…she was jealous.

  She hated seeing Marksman with the other woman. She’d suggested this walk, just to keep the couple from being alone. Well, they’d been chaperoned, of course, yet somehow she needed to know what was happening between them.

  But the entire charade was silly. Here she was, trying to research rakes, knowing that she should stay far away from this particular rake, when she’d invited him for a walk in the garden with his soon-to-be fiancée. What was wrong with her?

  “I quite agre
e, Lord Marksman. The company is outstanding.” Helena gave her arm another squeeze. Caroline winced. Just slightly, but Marksman caught the gesture. He paused, his eyes studying her.

  Then, he cleared his throat. “Shall we walk?” Then he reached for Caroline’s hand and pulled her away from Helena.

  “Let’s,” Helena replied, linking her arm with Caroline’s. She was stuck between the two of them in the oddest way. Even stranger, she pressed closer to Marksman to put distance between herself and Helena.

  “What shall we discuss?” Caroline asked, attempting to fill the awkward pause with anything.

  Helena bounced again. “There is a garden party on Friday. I’d be delighted if you came as my guest.”

  She drew in a quick breath. She should say no. It was a terrible idea to go anywhere with Helena but if she wanted to do her research, she needed these sorts of invitations. “I’d be delighted.”

  Marksman let out a rumbling breath that vibrated through her own body. “Who’s garden party?”

  “Lady Shrewsbury,” Helena gushed. “You’d like her. She’s been a widow since she was twenty years old. Loves being alone.”

  Caroline pressed her lips together. She did not love being alone, but she simply wasn’t sure what other options she had at the moment. “How lovely.”

  Marksman let out another sound of dissatisfaction from deep within his throat, but he didn’t say anything as they turned the corner.

  Helena, however, continued prattling on about the party and the various women she was acquainted with. It might have been one of the oddest turns about the garden Caroline had ever experienced.

  Once they returned to the terrace, Marksman gave her arm a small tug. “I’ve another appointment. Can I walk you out, Lady Caroline?”

  “Leaving already?” Helena said, her voice taking on a high-pitched whine. “But you’ve only just arrived.”

  Caroline nibbled her lip. Was Helena finally showing some interest in Marksman? Not that he seemed to mind, but the whole walk had been odd indeed. “Don’t be sad, Lady Helena,” Caroline soothed. “I’m sure Lord Marksman will visit again soon.”

  Marksman chuckled. “I don’t think it’s my company she’ll miss.”

  Helena blushed, her cheeks turning a deep red. “I’ll miss you both. But Lady Caroline, you don’t have to go just because he’s leaving.”

  Caroline swallowed. Being alone with Marksman was a bad idea, but being alone with Helena wasn’t all that smart either. She liked the woman but she didn’t want to give her the wrong impression. Somehow, she felt that Helena wanted more from her than she could give. “How kind. But I must go. I’ll see you on Friday.”

  Marksman pulled her toward the doors and opened the heavy wood panel with a yank. Helena disappeared from view as they started down the hall and the door snapped closed behind them. “We are supposed to be chaperoned.”

  “We’ll find your maid in just a moment.” He walked more quickly, placing an arm about her waist so she might keep up. Then he dropped his lips close to her ear. “Unless you prefer the company of women to men, you might want to limit your time with Lady Helena.”

  Her breath caught as she looked up at him. A mistake, because their lips were mere inches apart. Why was she staring at them when she should be listening to his words? “Prefer…” Several details clicked into place. “Oh dear.”

  He kept walking. “This is information I’d ask you to keep quiet. Her reputation is at stake. I wouldn’t have mentioned it at all except you’re bound to figure it out sooner rather than later.”

  “But, the two of you are considering marriage.”

  “A marriage of mutual convenience. And while I do not need a great deal of affection from my wife, I would prefer that she not be revolted by my very touch.” As if to highlight his point, he tightened his grip on her waist.

  “I see,” she answered. “So you’re looking for a marriage of convenience provided the woman prefers men? This is what you’re looking for?”

  His feet stopped and Caroline jerked to stop as well. “That isn’t exactly how I’d phrase it.”

  Suddenly she wanted to know. Was he actually interested in her? He’d been very attentive. “How would you phrase it then? What are you looking for in a wife?”

  Chapter Five

  Pierce said a string of swears inside his head. His mother often said that he was impulsive and thoughtless. He hated proving her right. But he could see hope in Caroline’s face. Those large green eyes glanced up at him and her lush pink lips parted, color blooming in her cheeks. Her body had tensed.

  Desire made his stomach clench. He wanted to kiss her. She’d be so easy to take to his bed. Keep there. But he needed more than she offered, which was difficult to even accept. What more could a man really ask for? She was feisty, sweet, beautiful, and, if rumor was true, rich. The problem was she didn’t have the key quality he desired above all. The ability to restore his family’s worth in the eyes of society. The rest was of far less consequence.

  The sad part was that he truly liked Caroline and it was that feeling that compelled him to be honest. “My brother not only managed to spend all the family funds but to ruin our good name in the process. I can’t get a man to do business with me after what he did.”

  She gasped, her face scrunching before she dropped her gaze to the floor. “So, you need to make connections.”

  He nodded. “I do, unfortunately.” He started walking again. “I don’t even like society, but I see no choice but to participate. I need the connections to restore my family’s wealth.”

  “And a dowry like Lady Helena’s would help with that too,” she said quietly as she looked to the floor.

  He wanted to hold her closer. Instead, he slipped his arm from about her waist and held out his elbow instead. “The money would help, I suppose. More to move my mother out of my country estate and build her own dowager home. But I need connections above all else.”

  She still hadn’t looked up at him. “I guess neither of us has many choices.” She gave a shrug. “We’re trying to make the best of the ones we have.”

  That was true. At least on his part. “What choices have you had to make?”

  She placed her hand on his elbow. She still hadn’t looked at him. As he glanced over at her, he watched her nibble at her lips. “I’m not sure I should tell you.”

  “Tell me what?” Pierce desperately wanted to stop again. Honestly, he wanted to press her against the wall and kiss her until they both forgot about choices and duty and just… He stopped, not wanting to finish that thought.

  They’d reached the front of the house, the maid sat in the front room just to their left. Upon seeing her mistress, she jumped from her chair. “Lady Caroline.”

  The maid’s wide brown eyes stared at him.

  Caroline slipped her hand from his elbow. “We’ll finish this discussion another time perhaps.”

  He didn’t want to finish later, he wished to know now. “Well that’s dissatisfying, to say the least. Here I’ve divulged rather personal information and you can’t tell me a thing about yourself?”

  She finally looked at him then. He wished he hadn’t said anything at all. Her skin around her eyes was taut with tension. “There is little point in us getting to know each other better. Is there not?”

  He wanted to say there was a great deal to be gained. But he realized that she was likely right. “I’ll feel better if you don’t go to that garden party with Helena. Her affection for you is only going to hurt her and make you uncomfortable.”

  She gave a stiff jerk of her chin. “I know you’re right but I have to go.” Then she started for the door. “Come along, Jane.”

  His fingers itched to pull her back. Why did she have to go? He wanted to ask her but she was out the door before he had the chance. Why did she need to attend? He supposed there was only one way to find out.

  * * *

  Caroline stood under a pear tree, noting that the smell of the flowers was a bit of
f. Like day-old fish or a crowded party. How had she ever thought these trees romantic?

  Worse still, Lady Helena had talked incessantly since her arrival. Lord Parks was also in attendance and had been staring at her almost without pause, making her skin crawl, and their hostess had visibly wrinkled her nose at Caroline’s attendance. This might be the worst party ever.

  Caroline straightened her spine. She wasn’t here to have fun. She had a job to do. The night before she’d finished reading her friends’ stories. Penny and Annie had both had real triumphs. After reading the details of their romances, she hadn’t the heart to start her own tale of woe. A fact she was glad for now. Seeing Lord Parks would be even more bothersome if she’d relived every detail the night before. And…she’d reread the story of how Fin had punched Lord Parks in the face, breaking his nose. She could swear that his hawkish beak was now crooked, which gave her an immeasurable amount of satisfaction.

  She’d have to remember to thank Fin the next time she saw him. His actions, though not intended for her benefit but Chloe’s, still brought her happiness at this dreadful party.

  “Why is Lord Parks staring at you?” Helena whispered far too close to her ear.

  She sighed. “He’s the sort of man no upstanding woman should consort with.”

  Helena straightened. “Should I go over and tell him to keep his eyes to himself?”

  Caroline gave Helena a small smile. She appreciated the thought. “No, Lady Helena, but thank you. He is best ignored.”

  “Who are we ignoring?” a deep voice rumbled behind her. She recognized Lord Marksman’s voice even without seeing him. Her stomach began to flop about.

  “Lord Parks has been ogling Lady Caroline since her arrival,” Helena sniffed. “I don’t like it.”

  Lord Marksman came to her other side, subtly brushing her back. “We are in agreement, Lady Helena. Neither do I.”