His Perfect Bride(50)

The whirlwind of well wishes and scandalous comments made her head spin,  but luckily didn't last much past luncheon. Regardless, the guests  appeared to be enjoying themselves, which made it all worthwhile.



Wandering through the guests, Brianna was pleased to see Jillian heading  her way. With all the preparations and festivities, she didn't have  many opportunities to enjoy her friend's company.

"Congratulations, Brianna."

"Thank you."

"I know you originally were not looking to marry a marquis, but you truly appear happy today," Jillian observed.

"I am, although it will not be the quiet life I imagined."

"Why not? Surely if Lord Stonemede knows of your desire, he will not expect you to entertain frequently."

"It's not the entertaining I'm worried about, but the impromptu visits and innumerable duties required of a marchioness."         

     



 

"I had not thought about that," Jillian admitted.

"Enough about that. What about you? Have you selected a gentleman or two to consider for the esteemed position of your husband?"

"There are too many to choose from," Jillian mourned, shaking her head.

Both women laughed. Although nearing the end of the Season, a large  number of the gentleman were still available, giving Jillian better  chances of finding one to her liking.

"I wish you every bit of luck." Brianna felt the enormity of what the  wedding meant. "Everything is going to be so different now."

"I suppose that is the way of it. Is Lord Stonemede taking you to his ancestral home in the country?"

"Yes. He is anxious to return. We depart tomorrow morning."

"That is sooner than I realized."

"I know. It's strange, but for as long as I can remember, I have been  dreaming about enjoying the remainder of my life in the country. All  those years, and I never thought of what I would be leaving behind, or  how hard departing would be. I'll miss you."



"I'll miss you, too, but we will write. Don't be upset. This is your wedding day."

Brianna put her smile back into place.

Turning her eyes from her friend, lest they begin to tear up, Brianna  scanned the room for Richard. When she found him, she felt apprehension  build within her. From now on her life was an unknown, and she didn't  know if she would long for her old life. Her friends and family would be  missed greatly, but would she feel the same of London? The next time  she returned, she would no longer be enjoying the festivities as a  carefree debutante. Now she was a married woman. In addition, the  thought of being a mother terrified her.

"Brianna," her mother called from behind her. "It's almost time for you to leave, but I need to speak with you first."

"Certainly," Brianna answered, feeling a sense of foreboding settle over her. "Please excuse me, Jillian."

After a quick hug for her friend, she turned and followed her mother up  the stairs. She had an idea of what her mother wanted to talk about, and  she was not looking forward to it. Keeping her shoulders back, she  walked into the bedchamber behind her mother, determined to keep her  poise through the ordeal.

Richard raised his glass of brandy in salute to his friends, grateful  for the brief respite from the constant activity of the day. While his  wife disappeared to prepare for him to take her home, he and his friends  had escaped to Lord Ransley's study. Anticipation struck him, and he  finished the remainder of his brandy in one gulp. Tonight he would have  Brianna writhing under him, as she would be every night hereafter.



"Now Richard," Jonathan began, his tone serious. "Since your bride is  off learning what is to be expected of her on her wedding night, we  thought it only fair to extend you the same courtesy."

Greyson raised one eyebrow, but didn't comment.

Richard laughed. Neither he nor Brianna needed a lesson, but he would  love to have the chance to see her reaction to her mother's instruction.  He wondered if she would learn anything new, but he immediately  dismissed the thought. More than likely she was learning the basic  mechanics.

"This tradition makes me glad I had the foresight to begin my wife's education before now."

"I imagine you had other purposes at the time," Jonathan pointed out with a lecherous grin.

"I wonder why women feel the need to have such discussions," Greyson  chimed in. "Would it not be better for the bride to learn from her  husband?"

"Women are very odd creatures. When you finally think you have one  figured out, they turn around and surprise you." Jonathan's mouth  quirked up. "Although, I have found those surprises can be incredibly  pleasant at times."

"Perhaps, but I would much rather understand them and not be forced to  endure the surprises. Regardless of how pleasant they can be, I prefer  to know what I'm getting into," Greyson threw back.

"That is your loss." Jonathan's faraway eyes were fixed upon something only he could see.

Greyson shrugged and then turned his attention back to his cards.  Richard wondered what Greyson was thinking. Normally his friend's intent  focus as he shuffled his cards meant he was planning something.

A knock at the door pulled him from his thoughts and brought back his  restlessness. His duty to his guests almost complete, he and his bride  would be free to make their escape.



"My lord," Ransley's butler called as he entered the room. "Your  carriage is prepared, and Lady Stonemede is awaiting your presence in  the drawing room."         

     



 

"Thank you," Richard replied and dismissed the man. "Well, gentlemen,  that is my cue to leave you now. I have no doubt my perfect bride is as  anxious to retire as I."

As he hurried from the room, he could hear Jonathan's laughter following  him. Shrugging to himself, he didn't slow his pace. His friends could  think whatever they wished. Besides, Richard recalled many occasions  where Jonathan was the one fleeing from the room to meet with a lady.

Seeing Brianna alone and waiting for him in the drawing room, he almost  rubbed his hands together in anticipation. She had not removed her  wedding gown, and the thought of pulling the yards of fabric off her  body brought a strained smile to his lips.

She raised her head at his entry into the room. He smiled upon seeing  the deep crimson color of her face. It gave him no doubt as to the topic  of her discussion with the females of her family.

"Are you ready to leave, my lady?" He offered his arm to her.

"Yes, my lord." She readily accepted his escort.

"Good. Let's go home."

He ushered her through the guests, accepting final congratulations as  they were offered. They only paused when they reached his mother and  Lord and Lady Ransley. It was strange to think of his mother now as the  Dowager Marchioness, for she looked much too young for the part.

"Richard," his mother began. "I can't say enough how pleased I am that  you have chosen such a wonderful bride. She will represent Stonemede  well."

"Of that, I have no doubt," he answered, smiling down at his blushing bride.

"Thank you, my lady."

"You may call me Mother now, as we will be very close."



"I sincerely hope so." Brianna beamed at her.

"Oh, Brianna," Lady Ransley gushed, pushing herself in front of her  husband. "I'm so pleased by this union     , I can hardly speak. We will  visit often and-"

"My dear, I believe it's time for them to depart. Let us not keep them waiting any longer," Ransley interjected.

Lady Ransley nodded then clasped her daughter briefly. After the last of  the goodbyes were exchanged, Richard escorted Brianna outside to his  carriage. Once settled inside, he leaned back into the cushions and  sighed. The relief he felt was too great for words.

"Are you tired?" Brianna questioned him, raising her brow.

"I'm afraid I am. The day has drained me of energy. I believe it would  be better if we go straight to bed once we arrive at the townhouse."

"We can't," Brianna exclaimed, shock coloring her words. "It's still midday. What would the servants think?"

"First of all, you are much too preoccupied with the thoughts of others  today. Secondly, considering the events of the day, our exhaustion is  understandable. And lastly, they would be grateful for the reprieve as  we will have no use for anyone the remainder of the night."

Richard reached his hand toward her and brushed a lock of her hair off  her shoulder. Earlier today the strands were securely tucked into place,  and the sight of them, tumbling about her shoulders, now made him think  about how she would look in the morning. His trousers became  uncomfortably tight, and he could no longer deny himself. Keeping his  eyes fixed on her parted lips, he slowly leaned forward.

"Richard," she rasped, turning her face slightly as she cleared her  throat. "I know we shall live at Stonemede, but will we have  opportunities to visit London or my family?"