"Now, what can I help you with?" Richard asked before Kirkwood could drain his glass and request a refill.
"You are a very difficult man, Stonemede." Kirkwood watched him through the corner of his eye. "It took me a long time to ferret you out, but in the end, I always win."
"Forgive me, but I have no idea what you are speaking of."
"The club, Ravenhurst, you founded it."
Richard stared at him blankly, grateful Jonathan and Greyson were not mentioned. He didn't know what Kirkwood hoped to gain from expressing his knowledge of the connection, but Richard refused to give it to him.
"I don't see how my business investments are any of your concern."
"Is that what you are going to claim? An investment?" Richard's lack of response prompted him to continue. "Regardless of your assertions, you hold some power over the management of the club."
"Not as much as you would think."
"I'm sure it's sufficient for my purpose. You see, I have been denied membership, and I demand the decision be overturned."
"What makes you think I would use my limited power for that? As I understand it, rejections are not bestowed without provocation. I'm sure there was a good reason behind the decision."
"You are wrong. There is no basis for this decision. You will find I don't like being refused, and I will not be denied." Kirkwood slammed his beefy fist against the desk. The force shook the desk more than Richard would believe possible considering the source. He took it as a warning; Kirkwood was much stronger than he appeared and no doubt more dangerous as well.
"Like it or not, I'm afraid the decision stands."
"You are not going to get away with this, Stonemede. I will not tolerate this treatment."
Kirkwood stood with some difficulty, his face a bright shade of red. He shook a large finger at Richard, then stalked from the room.
Richard let out a sigh. He knew Kirkwood would be a problem, so he was not surprised by the threats, nor did he take them lightly. At least he had a fair warning, and he knew to keep an eye out.
"My lord, I have shown Lord Kirkwood out, and now Lord Jonathan is here to see you."
"Send him in."
"I appreciate the formality," Jonathan said to Hopkins, patting him on the shoulder, "but I can take it from here."
"Very good." Hopkins, unperturbed, bowed to Richard then left.
Jonathan shook his head while he sat down in the chair Kirkwood had recently vacated.
"You are late," Richard remarked.
"Yes, well, Jessica was reluctant to see me go, and I didn't want her to think you were more important than her."
"Jessica? Another one?"
"My new one-and-only . . . for now," Jonathan said, smirking. "Enough about me. Was that Kirkwood I saw storming out of here a moment ago?"
"Yes. I had a pleasant chat with him."
"I imagined as much, for he seemed to be in a jovial mood when he was screaming at his driver." Sarcasm dripped from Jonathan's words.
"Apparently the idea of being denied membership didn't sit well with him."
"Imagine that."
"He wanted me to use my power to rescind his denial for membership, which I refused. I don't imagine we have seen the end of it."
"Since he approached you, does it mean our connection to the club is common knowledge now?"
"Not exactly. He only seemed to be aware of my association."
"I wonder how he discovered anything at all." Jonathan rubbed his chin. "I suppose the how is too late now. We can have Nathaniel keep a close eye on the club, then we will be prepared for whatever he is planning."
"I agree with that. After today, I have no doubt Kirkwood is set on causing trouble."
Nathaniel would offer sufficient protection for the club, but Richard would have to alert his staff as well. Since Kirkwood approached him at his house, it proved he saw this on a personal level. Richard was willing to bet the attack would be directed solely at him.
"So, Kirkwood aside, what did you wish to see me about?"
"I made a deal some time ago, and I have neglected my part. I'm now ready to fix the oversight."
"Sounds intriguing." Jonathan sat forward with a gleam in his eye.
"Seeing as you currently don't hold a title, I have a job for you."
The room was spinning and the pain unbearable. Jumping out of bed, Brianna ran to the chamber pot, almost knocking over the dressing screen in her haste. After the spasms subsided, she dragged herself back to the bedside table to wash her mouth out and splash cool water on her face.
Lying on the bed, she waited a moment longer to ensure she would not have another spell. Over the past several days, she noticed the nausea didn't last much past the morning, so no one learned of her affliction. Hearing the knock at the door had her on her feet and smiling, not wishing the visitor to see anything amiss. She nearly collapsed in relief to see her maid, Martha.
"Are you still feeling unwell, Miss?" Martha asked.
"I'm much better today." Brianna hoped Martha would not dwell on the subject. "I would like to wear the blue gown today. Lord Stonemede has requested a ride through Hyde Park this morning, and I wish to look my best."
When the request came the previous day, it was met with exaltations from her mother, but Brianna found herself less than thrilled. Since he'd gone through extra trouble to ensure she could not decline, the one thing she looked forward to was expressing her displeasure to him.
"Are you sure that is a good idea? I still think you should tell someone about your illness."
"It's not necessary. With the exception of a few uncomfortable mornings, I feel perfectly fit. Regardless, I can't imagine this will last long."
Martha pressed her lips firmly together, and didn't utter another word the entire time she helped Brianna prepare for the day. Secretly Brianna agreed with Martha's assessment, for something was not right. However, the Season was coming to an end, and she refused to lose any time confined to a sickbed.
Once downstairs, Brianna opted to skip breakfast and instead took her needlework to the drawing room to wait for Richard's arrival. Normally she used her excess time to paint, but the sickness made it difficult for her to lose herself within her work.
The drawing room was not vacant as she hoped, but Brianna was pleased to see Ashley was the only occupant. Each morning after breakfast, Ashley and Grace continued with their needlework lessons, but normally the instruction took place in the classroom. The change in tradition was unusual, but Brianna imagined it was due to Elizabeth's presence.
Since their return from Ransley, Brianna had been excused from joining in on the Ashley's lessons. After what her mother deemed as progress with the marquis, her mother's attitude changed, and she treated Brianna differently.
"Good morning, Ashley. Do you mind if I join you?"
"Not at all." Ashley raised her head from her sewing with a smile, but it quickly faded and her eyes widened. "Are you all right?"
"I'm fine." Brianna quietly took a seat, hoping it would help ease her rolling stomach. "I was restless last night and didn't get as much sleep as I would have preferred."
"Perhaps you should have stayed abed this morning. If your mother sees you in this state, I can't imagine she will be happy, particularly with the marquis arriving today."
"It will pass," Brianna assured, then bit her tongue at Ashley's questioning glace. "I mean as the day progresses, I'm sure the exhaustion will subside."
"I hope so." Ashley shook her head and then focused her attention back on her sewing. As they sat in silence, Brianna pretended to sew while using the time to concentrate on settling her stomach.
She had no idea how she would survive the carriage ride today, but she would. Canceling was not an option.
"How are things progressing with Mr. Gregory?" Ashley asked. "Or have you decided to give Lord Stonemede a chance?"
"Unfortunately, neither gentleman has my preference. From what I heard, Lord and Lady Wickham will be outraged, but Sarah and Mr. Gregory will most likely wed, with or without her parent's consent."
"Then you have done them both a great service, for finding love isn't easy. Keeping that in mind, tell me again why Lord Stonemede is no longer under your consideration. I do recall you spending many agonizing days worrying over him. You seemed to be quite taken with him when you knew him as Mr. Richard."
"I was only trying to determine if he would be a suitable husband for me. Now I know he is not, so I'm searching for another gentleman. The problem is Mother has not moved on from the possibility of me marrying a marquis."
"It appears she isn't the only one experiencing difficulties moving on. Lord Stonemede has been very attentive this past week. I imagine while he was playing the part of Mr. Richard you made an impression on him."