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His Perfect Bride(2)

By:Jenn Langston


"I certainly do not. I stay as far away as possible from the maidens. I  require more experience in my women, and no danger of being trapped into  marriage," Jonathan quickly replied.         

     



 

"I'm sorry, but I don't have any help to offer in that arena either. I  haven't paid much attention to any of them, and their mothers are not  encouraging them to acquire a relationship with me," Greyson replied,  his mouth twisted with bitterness.



"Well, it matters not. I imagine I shall be able to locate a suitable candidate in a relatively small amount of time."

"Are you so anxious to return to Stonemede? Is there a problem you are not telling us?"

"Only that my father didn't find it necessary to hire a suitable  steward. I have no confidence that everything is being handled properly  in my absence."

Richard found his father's choice of steward both a blessing and a  curse. The man was incompetent, but it was from his lack of knowledge  about Stonemede, as well as his lack of self-initiative, that made him  thus. The late Marquis had handled the estate by himself, and,  therefore, had little use for a steward.

Now that he carried the responsibilities, Richard knew he didn't have to  compete with the steward or cater to his ideas, since this one had  none. However, it was difficult to stay away without someone he trusted  to take care of matters. It had also left him with no guidance in his  father's absence.

"That is one good thing my father did for me. He hired and trained the  best steward around. I don't have to worry about Merrick for the most  part," Greyson said.

"Lucky for me, I don't believe my father will ever die, so I will not  have to face all the troubles that you two must. So, do you plan to meet  and marry this girl all in one day?"

"As delightful as that sounds, I plan to allow myself a little more time  than that. I hope to find her quickly, and then learn everything about  her before I divulge my plans."

"To what purpose?" Greyson asked, with more interest than Richard would expect, considering the subject of their discussion.

"As I have seen in the past, some men marry their ‘perfect bride' only  to take her home and discover all of her imperfections. It can drive a  man from his home to avoid his wife. I have no intention of becoming one  of those unfortunate men."



Richard had seen those miserable marriages many times, and he would not  allow his life to turn out in the same manner. He was not looking for a  foolish concept like love, but he was hoping for a marriage similar to  what his parents had shared.

The marriage between Hamilton and Adora could never have been described  as a "love" match. It began as an arrangement between the two families  to combine properties, but had turned into a perfect partnership.  Growing up, he'd noticed how his parents interacted, and it was obvious  they cared for and respected one another. Adora was not soft spoken or  obedient, but his father dealt well with her, and Richard could tell  they were happy. He always admired his mother's intelligence, but he  would be content to pass up that quality in preference to obedience.

"That sounds like a reasonable plan, and I'll gladly assist you in your efforts," Greyson said.

"I suppose I will offer you my assistance as well," Jonathan said  reluctantly. "It's conditional, as I must stay away from the matchmaking  mothers."

"I do appreciate your help. It will certainly expedite matters."

"So, when do we start this bride hunt?" Jonathan asked, the corners of his mouth twitching.

"In two days Lord Minor is hosting a ball, and I plan on being in attendance," Richard said with a sly smile.

Brianna Denton once again adjusted her place on the sofa, trying to find  a more comfortable position. She had been lying under a blanket in the  back of the drawing room for what seemed like hours. Where were they?  Her mother, Lady Rachel Denton, Countess Ransley, had scheduled a  meeting with another potential governess this morning, and Brianna was  tired of waiting. At eighteen, she was past the age that required a  governess, and her fourteen-year-old sister was nearing that age as  well, but their mother had insisted on hiring another.



After Hilda, the most recent governess, left, Grace and Brianna decided  to listen to the interviews to discover exactly what their mother told  these women. So here Brianna was, anxious and growing crazy with  boredom, hiding in the drawing room. She decided to wait five minutes  more, for regardless of what they were to discuss, she would once again  cause another governess to run screaming from the house.

Having a governess was not all bad, but Brianna was not one to accept  what she was told. She had a wild spirit. Nothing would please her more  than to be free to go where the wind took her. Although her wildness  tended to get her into trouble, and many times she was only barely able  to get herself out of a compromising predicament, it didn't stop her.         

     



 

Before the five minutes passed, she heard the sound of footsteps and  petticoats rustling. Quieting her breathing, she waited as her mother  entered the room.

"My lady, Miss Ashley Grant is here to see you," Newton, the butler, announced shortly after her mother arrived.

"Send her in."

"Good morning, my lady. My name is Ashley Grant. I have been sent by the agency to see you about a position as governess."

"You seem much too young for the position. How old are you?"

"I celebrated my twenty-fifth year last month," Miss Ashley responded, much calmer than Brianna would have managed.

"So young? Then you must have no experience. I can't have an  inexperienced girl guiding my children at such a crucial time. Does this  agency have no respect for me?"



"I only have a few years experience as a governess. However, the agency  believes I have a better chance with your daughters than the others."

"How could you possibly be better suited?" her mother demanded.

Brianna repressed a shudder. Having heard that tone before, she could imagine the look Miss Ashley was receiving.

"My predecessors have been much older than your daughters, but I'm  closer to their age and therefore more able to relate to them on a  different level. Since I have recently gone through that stage in life, I  can better help them through it," Ashley replied, her voice dripping  with confidence.

There was a brief pause and Brianna held her breath, waiting for her  mother's determination. On one hand, Brianna admired the girl for  appearing to stay calm in the midst of her mother, but on the other  hand, she could prove to be more difficult to dispose of than the  others. Brianna could not decide if she wished her mother to accept this  girl or not.

"The agency does have a valid argument, so I shall allow this interview."

Although slightly surprised by her mother's response, she felt happy for  Ashley making it thus far. As she listened with half an ear, they  discussed Ashley's qualifications and what would be expected of her as  governess. Brianna began to feel her eyelids droop and was disappointed  at the waste of time this was turning out to be.

"Now, before we go any further, I need to explain the problem with my  eldest daughter, Brianna." At the sound of her name, her eyes shot open  and she resisted the urge to sit up. "She is beautiful, and that alone  should ensure her a chance at securing a suitable match. However, she  does not act at all like a lady should."

"In what way does she act, my lady?"



"She is a stubborn and disobedient child. At times, I feel as though she  waits for me to tell her something only so she can defy me. We have  been attending balls and gatherings for over a month now, and she has  not received special attention from any gentleman to indicate interest.  I'm determined to see my daughter wed to a viscount or higher, and her  wild ways are frightening off any acceptable prospects."

"At such an age, I'm not sure I would be able to help much in that  regard. She has obviously made a decision regarding her actions, and I'm  not sure it can be changed."

"You were telling me how you could relate better considering your age,  and now you will have your opportunity to prove it. I believe you are  wrong about Brianna. My daughter can change, and I feel that you are the  one to help facilitate her transformation." After a pause, her mother  added, in a superior voice. "If you don't wish for the position, or the  reference you shall gain from it, then desist wasting my time. I need a  strong woman who can discourage my daughter's wildness and keep a close  eye on her."

"My lady, I can be strong when the occasion arises, and I do wish for  the position. If you allow me this chance, I'll assist you with your  daughter."

"Very well, you will start immediately. Brianna and I will be attending  Lord and Lady Minor's ball this evening, and I expect her to be ready to  receive some suitors."