His Perfect Bride(52)

The daily duties of the marchioness were not as demanding as she had  expected, and Richard never required anything extraordinary of her.  Overall, she would be content, maybe even happy with her new life, if he  would grant her more freedom.

"Harris, where is Lord Stonemede?" Brianna demanded once inside the manor.

Her agitation seeped into her words, and Harris hesitated before  answering. "Perhaps my lady would care to wait in the drawing room while  I collect him for you. I can have Mrs. Evans bring you some tea and  refreshments."

"That isn't necessary. I wish to see him now."

"Yes, my lady. Please follow me. He is working in his study," Harris admitted grudgingly.

"Thank you, but I can show myself there." With a nod, she turned and  started in the direction of the study. Although she understood Harris's,  as well as the other staff members' loyalty to Richard, she felt as  though everyone conspired against her. She being the newest member of  the household, would have to work harder to prove herself worthy of  their allegiance, but it would not be easily accomplished with Richard  undermining her at every chance.

At the door of the study, Brianna didn't bother to knock. Still infused  with anger, she pushed open the door and stalked inside. Richard and his  steward stood over his desk pointing at some papers, but both men  looked up at her unannounced entrance.

"Lord Stonemede," she forced through clenched teeth. "I believe you and I need to talk."         

     



 

"Perhaps we can speak later?"

Her eyes widened in fury. She refused to be put off. Expending every  effort to not explode, she shook her head. If she opened her mouth, she  would not be able to contain the onslaught, and she didn't wish the  steward to be present for what she had to say to her husband.



"Very well." Richard sighed before turning to the man. "We can continue this later."

"Yes, my lord." The steward bowed and quickly fled the room. If she had not been so incensed, his speed would have been comical.

"This isn't fair! I will not stand for it any longer."

"Obviously something is troubling you, but you must be more specific if  you wish for me to aid you," Richard replied, calmly sitting behind his  desk. By his composed demeanor, she imagined he knew exactly what she  was talking about, but for some reason he was not admitting to it. Why  did he insist on being so difficult?

"I'm tired of being denied."

"I didn't realize I was denying you anything, for you always seem so  satisfied in the mornings." Richard's smug smile made her want to slap  him.

"As you know, the rejection I'm referring to has nothing to do with  anything occurring during the night," she snapped back, not appreciating  his attempt to distract her. "I'm beginning to believe you would prefer  to lock me up in a room. That way you could open it when you feel like  dealing with me."

"Don't be absurd. You misunderstand my intention. I only wish to protect you and our child."

"How could allowing me to have occasional use of the carriage or wagon harm me or our child?"

"When traipsing around the countryside, you have no idea what could happen to you both physically and socially."

"You don't trust me to have a care for my reputation? I would never  attempt anything that would besmirch my name, or yours for that matter."

"Regardless"-he dismissively waved his hand-"I will not refuse you any  safe and secured activities, which will have no impact on your  reputation."

"By ‘safe and secured' you mean you have to be by my side for these mentioned activities, am I correct?"



"Naturally. My being there is a large part of how I intend to keep you safe."

"I can agree that is necessary if I were to leave Stonemede, but I'm  perfectly fine on the estate. The garden and the local shops-"

"No. In London, Kirkwood reached out to you in your own home. Before  that, he attempted to take you in a crowded ballroom." Richard's voice  rose, and Brianna knew she was pushing him, but she could not help  herself.

"Lord Kirkwood is no longer a threat, and we are no longer in London. Please, I'm not asking for much."

"My answer has not changed. You will not go anywhere outside of this  manor without my accompaniment, and that is final," Richard bellowed.  His eyes, full of anger, and his tight lips told her he would not budge,  at least not for now. She simply needed an opportunity to show him she  would be safe.

"All right. Have the wagon readied. We will be leaving in an hour," she  informed him, then turned and left the room before he could argue. If he  were going to be stubborn about it, she would have to go about  convincing him a different way.

Watching from the window, she saw Harris giving Martin the order, and  she silently rejoiced, knowing Richard had finally listened to her.  Martin didn't waste much time and brought the wagon around quickly.  Luckily the mare set to drive the wagon was sweet with a soft mouth.  Brianna had no doubt she could handle her.

With the wagon fully hitched and Martin was the only one about, Brianna  quickly made her way outside. The groom eyed her warily as she  approached. Giving him a cheery smile, she stopped far enough away from  the wagon to not give away her intent.

"Did you receive Lord Stonemede's request?"

"Yes, I have already readied the wagon as he asked," he explained, tilting his head sideways.



"I was referring to the other message."

"What other message? I only received one."

"Oh, perhaps Harris is waiting for an opportunity to leave his station. I  do hope he has a chance before Lord Stonemede arrives."

"Hmm, maybe I should save him the trouble," Martin suggested.

"That might be best."

Martin nodded and then hastily scrambled around the manor to the  servants' entrance. When he was out of sight, she turned her attention  to the mare. Gently stroking her neck, Brianna grabbed the reins and  climbed onto the seat of the wagon. Knowing she only had a few short  minutes, she urged the mare forward.         

     



 

She held her breath until she was out of view of the manor. Considering  her ruse would soon be uncovered, she knew there was not much time. The  only thing that could work in her favor was Martin's reluctance to admit  his gullibility and therefore turn her in.

Pulling the mare to a halt at the seamstress's house, Brianna jumped  down from the wagon and followed the path to knock on the door. If she  finished her errand soon, she could leave and be on her way home before  Richard found her. Or at least if she remained ensconced with the  fabrics, he would allow her to complete her errand before dragging her  back.

"Lady Stonemede, it's so nice that you could come by. Please come in," Mrs. Stevenson exclaimed.

"Thank you." Brianna followed her inside and took the offered seat in the front room.

"Would you care for some tea?"

"Perhaps once I have made my fabric selections."

On one hand Brianna wanted to stay and delay the upcoming argument with  Richard, but she could not be certain of his reaction when he discovered  her here. She would be mortified if he demanded she leave before  completing her purpose.



"Very good, my lady. I'll collect them for you," Mrs. Stevenson agreed, then left the room.

When she returned, her hands were full with various squares of fabric.  Brianna's eyes widened in delight as Mrs. Stevenson settled them on the  table. There were more to choose from than she thought.

"Here are all the choices I located that would provide the most comfort but also be elegant as you requested."

"These are wonderful."

Lifting one square of material, Brianna determined it could potentially  accommodate a growing stomach, or at least to a certain point. Placing  it aside, she shifted through the other materials, admiring the various  shades. Her desire to paint returned as the colors began to demand she  take them and bring them to life on canvas. Being so absorbed with the  fabric, she jumped to see Richard glowering down at her.

"I was not aware you wished to join me, my lord." Brianna's eyes shot to  Mrs. Stevenson. The woman seemed thrilled to have Richard in her home,  and nothing in her stance indicated she could sense the tension  radiating between Richard and Brianna.

"I thought I was clear." His tone appeared unperturbed, but his eyes told a different story.

Brianna swallowed and, keeping her voice light, said, "Well, I'll be a few minutes more, if you are willing to wait."

"As you wish." He didn't relax his stance or make any move to sit down.

Forcing herself to ignore him, Brianna picked up a piece of cloth,  examined the texture and detail, then set it aside, unable to focus her  attention on anything other than her husband.

"That color would look lovely on you," Mrs. Stevenson commented on the next square Brianna picked up.