If he were to present himself to her at a public gathering, his identity would be revealed. Once her misconception about him was righted, her pursuit of him would certainly increase. After seeing how determined she was, he knew she would not easily be deterred. There had to be a way to see her and hide his identity, while still continuing with his bride search. It would not prove to be easy, but he never backed down from a challenge.
By the time the carriage arrived back at the club, he came no closer to finding a solution than when he left Lady Brianna. Now he realized he would have the added complication of explaining what had occurred with Lady Brianna to his friends. Jonathan would have endless amusement, and Richard would not tolerate anyone laughing at her.
Lady Brianna had unknowingly become more important to him than she should be. Telling himself it only consisted of a burning desire for her and nothing more, he pushed her from his mind. It had simply been too long since he'd taken a woman to his bed. At least that is what he wanted to believe.
"There you are," Jonathan exclaimed as Richard strolled in. "I thought we would have to cancel tonight, considering you discarded us to go enjoy yourself with your friend."
"Don't refer to her in that manner. She isn't a common tart. She is a lady of our class." Richard used every ounce of strength to keep his voice even.
"Then what was she doing here, alone at night?" Greyson asked, his voice incredulous.
"She wanted to discuss an inconsequential matter. She, being a trusting soul, didn't perceive the danger to herself due to the late hour." Richard hoped his friends would not press for more information.
"What matter could possibly be so important to take her from her home when she should be abed?" Jonathan asked.
"Nothing. You know how women can be," Richard responded inadequately.
"Interesting, you or your title must have made quite an impression on the lady for her to seek you out here," Greyson observed.
"Or perhaps it was she who made the impression on you," Jonathan added, with a mischievous glint in his eye. "Don't think her improper address escaped my notice."
"You both have the situation wrong. It has nothing to do with my title, and her informal address was not due to a lack of respect or a shared familiarity. It's due to a lack of knowledge. She is unaware I do indeed hold a title." The telling silence that followed had Richard regretting his words.
"Well, I can't say she would be my idea of a submissive, obedient wife, but I'm not going to judge your decision," Greyson supplied, breaking the silence.
"I commend you. Not flaunting your title was a stroke of brilliance. Now you should be able to determine who is interested in you and who wants your title. I only wonder how it's possible that no one recognizes you," Jonathan remarked.
"I agree. If such a ploy could be possible, it would be an exceptional plan, however this was simply a misunderstanding I have yet to correct," Richard explained as he approached the sidebar and poured himself a much-needed drink.
"She is quite a stunning confection. Why do you not tell her now? Then she will have no reason to escape you. Better yet, don't tell her, and perhaps she will be as enchanted by me and my eventual title of viscount." Jonathan rubbed his chin in consideration.
Richard clutched his glass dangerously tight and was about to tell Jonathan exactly how he felt about that, when he saw the satisfied smirk on his friend's face. Richard cursed himself for allowing Jonathan to goad him, although he could not understand why the idea of Lady Brianna and Jonathan bothered him. She didn't belong to him and never would. She was too wild and reckless to fit into his designs for the future.
The problem was Richard could easily picture her at Stonemede, running through the grounds with her wild spirit as her black hair trailed behind her. He could feel the breeze on his face as he chased her. Once he caught her, he could imagine how her sweet scent would mingle with the fresh grass, a smell designed to taunt him. There would be no one around to hear her soft cries as he took her with the sun shining down on them.
"We are not here to talk about her." Richard tried to shake off the too real dream that left his body aching.
"Yes, tell us what you found out about Tarrington and Kirkwood," Greyson proposed, his mind easily turning to business matters.
Jonathan acted as if he wished to comment further, but instead refilled his glass with brandy and sat back down. When Richard gained his full attention, he sighed in relief.
"Well, Erik Langley, Viscount Tarrington, is in a bad financial state due to his gambling habits. He is young and from what I understand, he has an easy time with the ladies. He also has a temper that isn't exactly conducive to the calm atmosphere we have established in the club."
"I vote to reject him," Jonathan said easily.
"Agreed," Greyson concurred. "Do you think he will attempt to retaliate due to our decision?"
"I don't believe so, but it will not hurt to have Nathaniel prepared. Now, Alan Parks, Earl of Kirkwood, is another matter. He is known for his maliciousness. He enjoys gambling as well, but only when the stakes are high. His favorite activity is ruining young lords who don't have better sense. He easily talks them into a game of losing their estates."
"I believe I have heard of him," Jonathan chimed in. "His holdings are quite vast, and another of his past times is ruining young ladies."
"Hmm, I would not mind pitting my talents up against his," Greyson said. A devilish gleam shone in his eyes as he shuffled his ever-present deck of cards.
Richard imagined it would be quite an entertaining match. As skilled as Greyson was, however, he did hate to lose, and Richard would worry at the outcome.
"Anyway, the rejection will not sit well with him, and I do suspect retaliation." Richard hoped the idea would distract Greyson from his current train of thought.
"Regardless, we must reject his membership, so can we adjourn this meeting?" Jonathan stood. "Due to Richard's little love scene, I'm already late for a very important meeting with my current mistress."
"Go. We are done here," Greyson acknowledged, not raising an eyebrow at Jonathan's ‘important' meeting.
"Please forgive me for detaining you," Richard added with a mock bow.
Jonathan inclined his head and left, no doubt anxious to begin his evening. Jonathan's plans actually worked out better for Richard, as he had hoped for an opportunity to speak with Greyson alone.
"Are you in a hurry to leave as well?"
"No, there are no claims on my time." Bitterness rang from Greyson's words.
"I wondered if I could recruit your help with something," Richard began, unsure of how to proceed with his newly developed plan.
"I would be happy to. Is there a problem?"
"Not a problem. I'm currently working on something, and I'm not quite ready to tip my hand."
Chapter 5
Brianna hesitated as long as she could in the ladies' withdrawing room. She could not understand why the Marquis of Stonemede had to show up again. Throughout the evening, her mother had unfortunately kept a close watch on her and was never far from her side. In spite of that, luck remained with her once again as her mother was unable to secure an introduction with the marquis. If her luck continued, she imagined she would be able to make it through one more ball without procuring the dreaded presentation.
Another negative aspect of the evening was Mr. Richard had yet to surface. Several times she caught sight of someone with similar features on the dance floor, but was never awarded enough of an opportunity to confirm or deny his presence. After the incredible experience they had shared in the carriage, she imagined he would have made his way over to her already if he was in attendance. His kiss had been more passionate and fiery than the last, and the difference fascinated her. Then when he'd touched her . . . Her body burned simply thinking about it.
When she had arrived home the previous night, James had yet to return, so she was able to tell Ashley how Mr. Richard offered her a ride home before James burst in, frantic with worry. Once he laid eyes on her, he calmed down. However, after Ashley heard his accounting of the events, she said she would no longer help in the future with anything she deemed reckless. Brianna sincerely hoped Mr. Richard would show up so she would have no reason to seek him out again.
Reluctantly exiting the withdrawing room, she immediately spotted her disapproving mother, who, sadly, made eye contact. Her mother's displeasure caused Brianna's mind to conjure up possibilities and raised questions. Had Mr. Richard arrived? Had he approached her mother? She certainly would not condone a relationship with him, being untitled. Would Mr. Richard be willing to see her secretly? Should she want him to? Luckily her disturbing questions were interrupted by the sight of a gentleman approaching her mother.