The Wicked Wallflowers

by Tammy Andresen

  * * *

  Pierce had been worried in the carriage but as Caroline’s hip brushed his, his fears evaporated. He’d convince her that just like Penny and Wes, they deserved to be with one another. She’d make an excellent countess and an even better wife. No one would fill his life the way Caroline would.

  The group assembled in the library as the staff served champagne. Then, Luke raised his glass. “I’d just like to say that before I met Annabelle, I was adrift in this world. I mean, I have always been tied to my lands and the people who depended on me, but I had no family to speak of. Then I met a girl and her tribe of misfits.”

  Annabelle swatted at her husband as Chloe clucked her tongue. “Stay quiet at a few balls and you’re labelled a misfit.”

  Luke ducked his head. “I meant that in the best way. A perfect debutante would never have suited me. Anyway, you ladies have become my family and your husbands my dearest friends.”

  Then he turned to Caroline and Pierce. “I might never repeat this, but I even like you, Marksman.”

  A chuckle went about the room as Pierce raised his glass. “I like you too, Lord Harding, and what’s more, I’ve spent the last few years searching for the right connections, but the truth is, the ones we’ve formed here are far stronger than anything I was trying to manufacture.”

  “I’ll drink to that,” Wes said.

  “Me too,” Luke added. “See, this is how I ended up liking him despite his attempts to steal land out from under our noses.”

  Pierce gave Harding his best look of disapproval. “I was only trying to get a shipping business off the ground and we’ve accomplished that, haven’t we?”

  Luke slapped Pierce on the back. “We have. Another reason to celebrate.”

  Wes dropped his glass, eyeing the other three. “Are you going to ship my barley?”

  Dryden reached out a hand to his friend. “You know that we are. If these ladies are the misfits then we are the rogue lords of the ton and we must stick together.”

  Pierce wished he could kiss Caroline. Because Luke’s words had struck a chord with him and so had Dryden’s. This was far better than any connections he might have made. This was a family. The first real one he’d ever had in his life.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Dinner was a delight with roasted pheasant and a delectable yam pie. At its conclusion the men had retired to smoke and the ladies to the music room. Caroline waved to her friends as they settled into various chairs and settees. “I’ll be right back.”

  “Where are you going?” Annabelle asked sitting up. “We’re just getting comfortable.”

  She winked at them. The champagne loosened her limbs and excitement skittered through her veins. “Just to the powder room. I’ll return shortly.” Then she slipped from the room.

  But as she made her way down the hall, she heard the men’s voices filter down the stairs and she glanced up to the hall above. Was the door open?

  “Excuse me, gentlemen,” Pierce called as he stepped into the hall and closed the door. Before she could think, she dashed for the stairs, hoping to intercept him. She hadn’t made it halfway up when he stepped in front of her. Without a word, he swept her into his arms and carried her the rest of the way up. His rock-hard body pressed against her, making her breathless as they moved with amazing speed. Then, he rattled the knob on the nearest door, the heavy wood panel swinging open.

  “Pierce,” she whispered, “What are you do—”

  But she couldn’t finish. He covered her lips with his. At his touch, warmth and light spread through her even as desire pulsed between her legs.

  He kissed her with an intensity that stole her thoughts, her words, as his lips caressed hers over and over. Then, he guided her mouth to part, his tongue sweeping against hers.

  She gasped, the sound filling his mouth and he smiled against her lips. “Caroline,” he mumbled between kissed. “I can’t tell you how long I’ve dreamed of kissing you like this.”

  “Yes,” she murmured. Then he claimed her mouth again, their tongues and lips exploring until she could hardly breathe with want. She’d dreamed of it too. This and so much more.

  He slid his hand down her front, skimming across one of her breasts, making her moan in pleasure. “We belong together like this. We were made for each other.”

  Her heart agreed. But her head had other ideas. “I’ll never feel for another what I do for you.”

  “Caroline,” he rasped, his lips taking hers again. “I know that this doesn’t help you with your book but it certainly helps me with my future plans of marriage.”

  She stilled, not sure she wanted to hear what he said. That wasn’t true. She completely wanted him to say the words, she dreaded answering them. “Pierce. We don’t need to plan. Let’s just enjoy this moment.”

  He shook his head. “I want to court you.”

  Blast. She should say no. He needed someone so much better than her. But as she looked into his eyes, she couldn’t force the words out.

  Instead she bit her lip. “I want that too.” At least that wasn’t a lie. But it wasn’t quite the truth either.

  He cupped her cheek. “Bring your aunt to my house for dinner tomorrow night. We can discuss the details.”

  Caroline nodded. She’d have a lot to explain tomorrow.

  * * *

  Pierce watched out the window as his mother droned in the background. “You should stand up straight. You’ll end up with a hunched back.”

  “I’m a grown man, mother,” he said by way of reply. Then he turned back to look at her. “I don’t need your advice.”

  “Clearly you do,” she answered with a huff.

  He turned toward her, his irritation bubbling to the surface. “You should stop harping on your only son. You’ll end up with a withered soul.”

  Her face paled as her lips drew into a tight line. “How dare you. Your brother would never—”

  “You loved my brother.” He turned back toward the window. “Not that your affection did him much good. But he wouldn’t have spoken to you that way because you did not address him in such a fashion.” Pierce pressed his lips together. He shouldn’t be poking these wounds. He’d yet to tell the countess about Caroline, which was not news she’d take kindly.

  “I don’t know what you’re accusing me of, but you were always difficult. Whiny as a child, sniffling about your toys or having to go away to school.”

  Pierce drew in a deep breath. If he’d whined it was because he hadn’t gotten any toys. His brother had them all. And he’d left at a ridiculously early age for his education while his brother had private tutors at home. “I likely am, mother. Difficult. Which is why I’ve chosen a bride that suits my surly nature.”

  The countess made a sound, halfway between choking, and spiting. “You’ve chosen? One of the ladies I suggested?”

  “No.” He didn’t turn around. Likely because he didn’t want to see the knitting needle she was about to lodge in his back. “But she does have an ample dowry, which should please you.”

  “Who is she?” Her voice was just above a whisper.

  Inside he winced. Not because his mother frightened him but because he knew what he had to do. “Lady Caroline Bixby”

  “That harlot?” She stood, her voice rising. “What are you thinking? Are you using your head at all or just making decisions with your—”

  “Mother,” he bit out between clenched teeth. “Mind your tongue.”

  “I am your mother. You mind your tongue,” she said, her body rigid.

  He drew in a deep breath. “Your future is dependent on my good will and financial standing. You will treat me and Caroline with respect.” The threat was there, but he didn’t outright say the words. She was right in one regard, she’d given birth to him and so he owed her this favor.

  She tossed down her cross stitch. “I will not speak a word to that woman.” Then she lifted her skirts to leave the room.

  “Caroline and her aunt are coming for dinner. Not onl
y will you speak but you will be gracious if you want to continue living on my country estate.” He’d had enough. It was time to bring his mother to heel.

  She spun on him, her face twisted and black with rage. “I won’t. I should have known you’d bring a trollop into this family. Your father had an affection for them too. That pig of a man. I would never have given birth to someone as vile as you—” Her words stopped short and her breath drew in a gasp.

  The blood drained from her face and without another word, she crumpled to the floor.

  Pierce stared at her for a moment. Never have given birth to someone as vile as you? Well, that made a fair bit more sense. Of course his brother had been the favorite. Who was his mother? Why had he been raised by the countess as a legitimate son?

  He wouldn’t get any of these answers with the countess in a heap on the floor. He crossed the room and scooped her up in his arms. She’d didn’t wake as he carried her up the stairs. It crossed his mind to submerge her in water. While the thought made him smile, he decided against it. He’d get his answers soon enough.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Caroline smoothed her skirts as the carriage bounced down the street. Nervous butterflies danced in her stomach

  “He wants to court you?” her aunt asked for at least the third time.

  “I’ve told you. Yes,” Caroline answered.

  She cocked her head to the side. “He’s an earl?”

  “Also, yes.” Caroline adjusted the lace at her neckline.

  “And you’re going to say no?” Her aunt leaned forward, her hands clasped at her knees.

  “Yes, auntie. I’m going to say no.” She stilled as the words left her lips.

  Aunt Millie touched her knee. “Why?”

  “Because.” Caroline swallowed. “He deserves someone more suitable.”

  Her aunt patted her knee. “Child, ever since you were ruined, I’ve worried about you. Not because of society, or even your future prospects, but because you seem to blame yourself.” Her aunt’s fingers slipped off her knee. “You are no different from any other fresh-faced debutante. They all make silly mistakes that they regret. Stop being so hard on yourself.”

  Caroline swallowed a lump. “Do you really think so? Most debutantes don’t end up ruined.”

  “They do, in their own way. They hate themselves or the reflection of themselves that society shows them. They hate men for rejecting them, or women, or both. They begin to see their flaws the way others see them.” She paused, dipping her head. “It’s time to step outside of yourself and see what happened for what it really is: an easy mistake of a young girl.”

  Her hand pressed to her chest. Caroline wanted to believe that. “But I ruined my life and your life and my parents. They’d no more died and I failed them. I was supposed to make a good match and continue the family. I’ve…”

  “Ah,” her aunt whispered, her gloved fingers lacing into Caroline’s. “You were going to be perfect for their memory?” Her aunt leaned over, touching her forehead to her niece’s. “Life isn’t perfect, dear. It’s always messy.”

  Was it? She supposed it was. “But what if I let Lord Marksman down the way I did them? What if I can’t be the wife he needs?”

  “You will do your best. That’s all we ever do.” Her aunt sat up. “We’re nearly there. Fluff your skirts.”

  That made Caroline smile. A bit. There was a reason she hadn’t said no yesterday, she didn’t want to tell Pierce that she couldn’t marry him. The fact was, she wanted to be his wife more than anything.

  And her aunt’s words were like Fin’s. They rang with a truth that filled her heart with hope. Maybe she could be enough.

  Climbing from the carriage, Pierce took her hand. As she looked into his eyes, so bright and filled with the same emotions she felt, she knew she wanted to try. “Hello,” she breathed.

  His fingers held hers tightly. “Hello.” Then he let her go to hand her aunt out.

  “My lord,” her aunt murmured. Then she stopped. “Well, you are a handsome one, aren’t you?”

  Pierce chuckled. “I don’t know about that but I can tell you that Lady Caroline is beautiful beyond compare.”

  “Charming too,” her aunt gushed. “Caroline, I must insist you accept his offer.”

  Pierce gave her a wink. “I’m glad to know we’re of the same mind.”

  A blush stained Caroline’s cheeks and warmth filled her insides. Could Pierce really be her future?

  * * *

  Pierce showed his guests into the drawing room. The afternoon had been quiet with the countess retired to her chambers. He hadn’t been able to speak with her at all. And while that left a great many facts blank, at least she was indisposed this evening. The night would be far better without her.

  He settled both ladies onto the settee as drinks were served. “Lady Harper, how long have you and Caroline lived together?”

  “Oh, I moved in with my sister after the death of my husband. How long ago was that, dear? Ten years?”

  Caroline nodded. “I don’t know what I would have done without you after my parents passed.”

  Pierce grimaced. He’d never asked about her mother and father and she’d never divulged any information. Why hadn’t he asked? He’d been so caught up in his own struggle and Caroline was giving to a fault. He hung his head in shame. “When did they die?”

  Caroline dropped her chin to her chest and her aunt answered, “Just seven months before Caroline’s first season. She’d only just come out of mourning.”

  He sucked in his breath. The poor thing. She must have still been grieving. “What happened to them?”

  Caroline looked up at him her eyes tense around the corners. “A carriage accident.”

  He wished he could cross the space between them and hold her close.

  “Did I miss anything?” another voice called from the door.

  His mother. Well, perhaps she wasn’t his mother after all. Which sincerely filled him with nothing but relief.

  Pierce stood and crossed the room giving the countess his arm. As he did, he leaned over and whispered. “You will behave or you will find yourself out of a home.”

  She curled her lip while eyeing him with a low brow before she turned back to Caroline and Lady Harper. “How delightful to meet you both.”

  He cleared his throat. “May I introduce the Countess of Marksman?”

  Caroline rose, pressing her hands to her middle as she gave the countess a tentative smile. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

  The countess smiled back, all teeth. “And you as well. Look at you, aren’t you just a vision.”

  A blush spread over Caroline’s cheeks. “Thank you.”

  Then his mother turned her attention to Lady Harvey. “It’s been a long time, Lady Harvey. I thought never to see you again.”

  “Fate is funny like that,” Lady Harvey answered, sitting straighter.

  Pierce started crossing the room. At the first opportunity he’d tell the countess to retire. She was no longer welcome at his table, but he would not sully this evening with his family troubles.

  Lady Marksman swept into the chair he had just vacated, and the rest followed suit. He did not. He stood just behind the countess and leaned over her chair. “I must agree. Lady Caroline is a beauty to be certain. But more than that, she is a kind and giving person.”

  “I’m sure she gives plenty to you, my lord,” the countess replied, a smirk playing on her lips.

  Pierce held back a growl. He knew what she meant and he didn’t like it. Not one bit. She was surely insinuating that he was already having relations with Lady Caroline. He glanced over at the woman he wanted to marry. She was still smiling and he said a silent prayer of thanks that she didn’t understand the dig. “Mother,” he started, keeping his voice neutral. He’d like to toss her out the front door, but he didn’t for Caroline’s sake. It was far better she not comprehend the countess’s meaning. “I know you weren’t feeling well earlier. Are you sure you’re
up for socializing this evening?”

  “I’m fine.” She waved her hand, a smirk on her face but her eyes cold. “See what a caring son I have? Isn’t he just the best man you’ve ever met?”

  “Oh yes.” Caroline leaned toward them both, her eyes shining as she looked at him. “He is.”

  The countess trilled a laugh. “I just count my blessings every evening that he came into my life,” she dropped her voice to a conspiratorial whisper, placing one hand next to her mouth as though she were telling a secret. “He wasn’t the brightest boy, nor was he kind, or thoughtful, or…” She paused.

  Pierce tapped her on the shoulder, hard. “You’re not feeling well, mother. Time for bed.”

  “I’m fine,” she said turning back to him, her lips drawing tight over her teeth. “I don’t need you to tell me—”

  “I insist.” He leaned down low. “Your health is more important.” Then he wrapped his fingers about her arm. What was Lady Harvey thinking? He couldn’t worry about it now, first he had to get the viper out of the room.

  For a moment, she resisted. Then, the countess stood. “You’re right, of course, my sweetest son. Always thinking of me first.” She pulled her arm from his grasp. “Have a tray sent to my room please. I think I’ll retire.”

  Pierce gave a curt nod, relief making his shoulders drop. Lady Marksman couldn’t do any more damage to him, but his lovely bride-to-be was another matter entirely.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Caroline watched Lady Marksman leave the room and she frowned. The tension between Pierce and his mother was palpable.

  Caroline knew that Pierce’s older brother had been the favorite. But the current of tension between mother and son electrified the room like lightning. But she didn’t understand why. Then her breath caught. Of course it was because of her.