Elizabeth appeared to be a sweet girl, and judging by her unorthodox behavior today, she would not find her own dealings too outlandish. The problem was, she had to decide if she really wanted Richard's sister living with her and enlightening her of all of his attributes. Her resolve already struggled enough to resist him with her current knowledge.
"I don't know."
"It will be fun, I promise. In addition, I know my mother would be more than happy to compensate your parents for any expenses they incur."
"My mother would be the proper person to ask, for I hold no power to make such a decision."
"Then I'll ask your mother once I have obtained your agreement. If your mother consents, we shall be spending a great deal of time together. I would hate to force myself upon you without first giving you the option to decline."
"If it's your wish to accompany us to London, then I have no objections," Brianna conceded, knowing she could not refuse the request. Elizabeth's bright eyes shone with hope, and she would not be the one to crush her dream.
"May I join you lovely ladies?" Richard asked, appearing in front of them.
Startled, Brianna glanced to the card table, surprised to see the game had already ended. Considering the talent, the speed should not have come as a shock to her.
"Certainly, Richard." Elizabeth stood quickly. "You can take my seat, for I must speak with Lady Ransley."
Brianna watched as Elizabeth skipped off in search of her mother, and Richard took the unoccupied seat Elizabeth had vacated. Their bodies were too close. Brianna could feel the heat radiating from him. She steeled herself, trying to block out the way her body yearned for his. Considering they were in the drawing room and most likely being watched, she counted herself lucky.
When the notes of a ballad from the pianoforte surrounded them, Brianna cursed under her breath. Sarah was certainly taking advantage of the opportunity to display her attributes to Richard. However, if she realized the romantic atmosphere she created for her competition, she would cease the show.
"What are your plans now that you know the truth?" Richard asked softly, exploiting the privacy the music awarded them.
"Plans, my lord?" Brianna feigned ignorance.
"I believe we have passed the necessity to address one another so formally."
"On the contrary, my lord, for I was unaware I was addressing the Marquis of Stonemede. Therefore, my lord, I must atone for my egregious social blunder."
"Which was my error for neglecting to obtain an introduction. What can I do to acquire your forgiveness? You only have to name it, and I shall do everything in my power to make it happen," Richard said, sincerity ringing with every word.
Gazing into his earnest blue eyes proved to be a mistake, for she was lost. Nothing else mattered at that moment, not his title or his omissions or her future. It was only Richard and her, and how much she wanted him. Her eyes fell down to his beautiful mouth, and her lips slightly parted in anticipation.
Richard cleared his throat and looked away, breaking the spell and bringing her back to reality. He held too much power, and she could not believe how one look could cause her whole life to become inconsequential. Face burning from her lack of restraint, she found herself not knowing what to ask of him.
"You can stay away from me," she whispered. "I believe it's the only way to right the wrong."
"I'm sorry, but that isn't something within my power. Besides, leaving would not do well for you or your reputation."
"What do you mean? I don't see how my association, or rather my lack of one, with you could be harmful."
"As of earlier this afternoon, you have lost your ability to make the same claim as all the other debutantes seeking a husband," he reminded, pitching his voice lower where she had to strain to hear him.
"I'm fully aware of that," she snapped back, not appreciating the reminder. "It's of no consequence."
"It is the way I see it."
"Not that it's any of your concern, but as my future husband will have no need for heirs, my lack of . . . well, it will not be relevant to him."
Brianna noticed anger flash in his eyes, but it only served to ignite hers. The feeling empowered her, and she reveled in it. His unwarranted anger and her justifiable rage mixed and sparkled, causing the room to become tinged with red. She longed to rant and yell at him to cool some of the flame, but she was denied the simple pleasure, which only intensified the blazing torrent of emotions within her.
"Richard!" Elizabeth exclaimed, unwittingly interrupting them. "Lady Ransley has agreed to take me to London with her. Is that not wonderful?"
Richard turned to his sister and blinked as if surprised by her presence.
"That is very generous of her," he snarled through tight lips, while obviously trying to moderate his voice. "I was not aware the topic was under discussion."
"I have only recently thought of it. I spoke with Mother as well, and we both believe it to be a wonderful idea."
"Are you able to join the Season with such short notice?" Richard queried.
"Of course. Everything was settled and prepared for me to have my first Season before Father passed away. I only lost the opportunity, but now I shall have it. Just think of all the time we will have to spend with one another while I'm so close," Elizabeth declared, causing Brianna's heart to race. In London, she had hoped to distance herself from Richard, but his sister's presence would not aid her in that respect.
"Elizabeth, I'm afraid you will not have very many opportunities to indulge in familial visits. Since our goal is to find husbands, we must save our time for visits with acceptable matches," Brianna interjected, shooting Richard a pointed look.
He opened his mouth, but Elizabeth was faster.
"We shall see," Elizabeth said cryptically, then turned to her brother. "Richard, I almost forgot. Mother said Miss Luthor was hoping to speak with you tonight. She wants to talk about some of the unusual flowers you showed her today."
He narrowed his eyes at his sister before standing.
"Then would you ladies kindly excuse me?" he asked, giving them a tight smile.
"Certainly, my lord," Brianna responded then she let out a relieved breath when he inclined his head and turned his back. She watched him approach Jillian and saw the light in her friend's eyes. The sight of the two of them smiling and talking gave Brianna an uncomfortable feeling again, and she could not understand why.
Elizabeth continued to chat along happily about their upcoming trip to London, but Brianna only listened with half an ear, her attention still focused on Richard. She needed to determine what she should do about him. If he felt as though he owed her marriage for taking her innocence, it was only a matter of time before she relieved him of his guilt. However, if his reasons were entirely different, he would prove difficult to get rid of.
Richard pulled back the curtains, enjoying the sight of the bright sunny day. He would miss this. Today they would be returning to London, and he was not anxious for it. With the dreary weather, constant parties, and the distance it would put between him and Brianna, London held no appeal for him. He debated staying at Stonemede another day or two but was reluctant to give Brianna more opportunities to escape him.
On his way downstairs, he felt the excitement of the house as the servants packed belongings and readied carriages for the departure this morning. The guests were all scheduled to leave at the same time, and he imagined the choice was not by accident. He shook his head at the absurdity of the women. They had not wished for any one of them to obtain more time with him than the others, as if a couple of hours would make a difference.
When he entered the breakfast room, he found himself awarded with a pleasant surprise. Brianna was seated in the chair next to his. From the smug smile on his sister's face, he knew who had maneuvered Brianna into that position.
"Good morning, ladies," he said as every eye turned to him, acknowledging his entrance. That is, every lady except one.
Pleasantries were exchanged as Richard filled his plate and then took his seat. Once the conversation returned to topics that didn't include him, he turned his attention to Brianna.
"I hope your accommodations last night were satisfactory." He hoped to engage her in conversation, but she merely nodded. "Did you sleep well?"
"Yes," she replied, followed by an irritated sigh. "I trust you had a pleasant night as well?"
"Not nearly as pleasant as it could have been." He pitched his voice low enough so only she could hear. Her eyes shot to his, ablaze with fury. Stunned by the force of her reaction, he silently watched as she worked to control her emotions.