"Obviously the two of us have a difference of opinion on suitability."
"Then perhaps it would be best for you to keep your opinions out of it, and simply adhere to the facts."
"Like the fact that you crave excitement?" he challenged as he stalked back to her. "Like the fact that you need purpose? Or perhaps it's the fact that you desire passion?"
His voice was gentle yet commanding, and Brianna felt the conflicting emotions swirling around inside her. A part of her wanted to believe him, to believe she was the type of lady who would be happy living the life he could offer, but she was not. He was wrong about her. Accepting him would mean a great deal of sacrifice, and it was too much to ask of her to let go of her dreams.
One of the horses whinnied and nudged Richard, dragging his attention away from her. She sighed and turned away, grateful for the interruption. When he looked at her, she found herself contemplating things she had no desire to.
"We should probably get back to the manor," she suggested, before he could distract her again. "First, I would like to know if you are willing to help, at least with suggestions other than yourself."
"It would mean spending more time with me. Do you think you can handle that?" he questioned, and she turned to see a wicked gleam in his eyes.
"Easily. As it turns out, I don't mind your company," she teased, feeling better now that his charming demeanor returned. It was his intense determination that made her uncomfortable.
He laughed as he assisted her onto her mount. She shivered when he allowed his fingers to linger about her waist. The fact she could not have him had yet to register with her body, and her desire for him overpowered her.
"If that is what you wish, then I'll try my best to help you in your search."
His face tinged with sadness, and it hurt her more than she thought possible. Then he smiled so quickly, Brianna wondered if she imagined the sorrow. Matters between them were so convoluted she feared she was losing this game they were playing.
Brianna paced her bedchamber, unable to calm the turmoil within her. Tonight would be their last night at Ransley, and she found herself dreading the return to London. The country offered a pleasant change to the constant activity, only increasing her reluctance to leave.
She had been trying to fall asleep for what seemed like hours, but had no success. Much to her mother's disapproval, she had excused herself early from the evening's entertainments, unable to endure the sight of Grace outrageously flirting with Richard any longer. To make matters worse, Richard continually watched her in such a way it made Brianna want to throw herself into his arms, regardless of the consequences.
Thinking of Richard sleeping down the hall caused many restless nights, but tonight felt much worse because she would not have the benefit of having him under the same roof any longer. Suddenly she froze as an odd thought struck her. There were no consequences, at least not anymore. Her innocence was already gone, so there was nothing to lose on that end. They had not been caught the first time, and she would ensure discovery would not be an issue this time either. She knew the house well enough to be able to get in and out of his assigned bedchamber while avoiding detection.
Feeling energized with the idea, she slipped out of the room, and darted down the hallway. Much to her surprise, his door remained unlocked, so she entered, trying to make as little noise as possible. The room was lit by a small bedside candle, limiting her view. When her eyes rested upon the empty bed, she wanted to scream in frustration.
Time was not something she had in excess. In addition, the idea of waiting here in his bedchamber made her physically ill. Surrendering was not her style, so she took a deep breath, deciding to stay, but for no more than five minutes. The bed looked inviting, and the sight made her realize how tired she was.
The silken coverlet had been turned down, making it too easy to slip between the cool sheets. Enjoying the feeling, she snuggled under the covers, making herself comfortable. Unable to resist, she closed her eyes with the intention of only resting them for a second.
Noises brought Brianna awake with a start. At first she was disoriented but quickly recalled her purpose here. Eyes darting to the door, she watched as it slowly crept open.
"Thank you again," Richard said, his voice slightly muffled on the other side of the door. "As I told you, an escort was unnecessary, though I appreciate your thoughtfulness."
"You are very welcome, my lord."
Brianna immediately recognized the voice. Josephine, the downstairs maid. She had no business escorting guests, and Brianna wondered what she had hoped to gain from assigning herself the extra duty.
"I bid you a goodnight." Richard's voice grew clearer as the door opened another inch.
"Are you certain there is nothing I could get for you?"
"No, I have everything I require."
"Then perhaps there is something I could do for you," Josephine uttered in a husky voice. "I would be more than happy to satisfy your every desire."
Anger flowed through Brianna and she launched out of the bed. Although she desperately wanted to strangle the girl, reason stopped her. If she were seen in Richard's bedchamber, especially in her nightclothes, gossip would spread like an uncontrolled fire.
Gripping the bedpost, she held herself back and allowed the loose bed curtain to shield her from the door. Taking a calming breath, she waited anxiously to learn of Richard's response and her fate. If Josephine entered the room, there was nothing she would be able to do to protect herself against the scandal.
"I appreciate the offer, but I'm exceptionally tired this evening. Considering I have a long trip ahead of me tomorrow, I would prefer to rest tonight."
"I understand, my lord, but-"
"I'm pleased to hear that," Richard replied quickly. "Have a good night."
The closing door didn't bring the relief Brianna had anticipated. Instead it only increased her anxiety. Heart beating wildly, she cursed the impulsiveness that brought her here tonight. She'd chosen the wrong night to come since he was tired. Touching her forehead to the bedpost, she waited, knowing it was only a matter of time before he discovered her and then she would have to explain herself.
The sounds in the room were a clear indication Richard had removed some of his clothing. The banging of his boots falling to the floor further encouraged her imagination to take flight. Thinking of him in his undressed state compounded her desire, making the idea of leaving more of a disappointment. She heard his heavy sigh, then the room went silent.
Deciding to reveal herself in her own time, she peeked around the curtains to survey the room. Richard was leaning back in a large chair with his eyes closed. He was dressed in his dinner attire, but had removed his coat and cravat. The once finely pressed shirt fell unbuttoned and no longer tucked into his trousers, allowing her to examine his stunningly muscled chest.
Another small sigh pulled her eyes off of his chest to rest on his face. His closed eyes did nothing to hide the sadness in his face. Being so close to him and witnessing his pain left Brianna helpless. She had to comfort him.
As if drawn by an unknown force, she silently moved forward, stopping less than a foot away from his chair. The momentum blew the hem of her nightdress forward, and the light fabric brushed against his leg. His beautiful eyes snapped open.
Frozen to the spot, she watched him closely.
"Richard," she breathed, unsure of what else to say.
He studied her as the shock slowly drained from his face.
"This habit of yours of randomly appearing in my bedchamber is rather pleasant. Is there something I can help you with, or is this purely a social call?"
"No, it's not, nor do I need anything," she answered, regretting her impulsiveness once again. "I'm here trying to be hospitable. I simply wished to inquire about your stay and ensure the accommodations are satisfactory."
"Now? At such an hour and in my bedchamber?" His voice was incredulous, but his eyes calmly flowed up and down her body. "Your timing was not well thought out, but I find your manner of dress very hospitable."
"I suppose you are right, about the late hour I mean," she stammered, refusing to be taken in by his charm. "I do apologize for bothering you. Good night, my lord."
As she turned to leave, the disappointment of the failed night left her with a bitter taste in her mouth. Although her feet felt as though they were made from stone, she shuffled them along. Pausing at the door, she turned, unable to refuse herself one last look at Richard. He was in the same position as before, but he eyed her in amusement.
"Why did you really come?"