Brianna paused, attempting to put a shocked look on her face. "His attention has not been for me, but for his sister's benefit."
"What about today? If his focus remained on his sister's benefit, surely there was no need to invite you for a ride through Hyde Park."
"That is true, but I imagine it was done to appease Mother. The other day, she practically told him to invite me on an outing."
Brianna could not let Ashley know how right she was about Richard, nor could she allow her friend to learn of Richard's intention toward her. He had been very persistent these past days; tormenting her with pictures of the perfect future they could have together. Unfortunately, the only part that appealed to her was the idea of having him as her husband. The rest of it compromised too much of who she was.
"We shall see," Ashley replied.
Brianna opened her mouth to respond, but closed it quickly as Grace and Elizabeth entered the room.
As they engaged in conversation, Brianna found herself unable to devote her full attention. Her thoughts were too confused at the moment to care about the little pieces of gossip being shared. The Season ended in a month, and she was no closer to finding a husband than she had been at the beginning.
Soon her mother joined them, dressed in her finest morning attire and smiling beautifully. Brianna felt a stab of guilt, since she knew the relationship between her and Richard would not achieve the level her mother expected. When her mother turned her stunning smile to Brianna, she returned it, hoping to mask the discomforting feelings inside of her, both the emotional and the physical. Her mother would have her confined to a sick bed if she knew of the illness.
"Are you looking forward to your ride this morning?" her mother asked brightly.
"I always enjoy Hyde Park in the morning."
"I imagine your enjoyment will have more to do with the company you will be keeping, considering it's exceptional." Her mother's voice took on a faraway quality as if she saw the future.
"Yes," Brianna answered. Although she hated to admit it, she was excited about seeing Richard, but she certainly didn't want her mother to know.
"Did you sleep well?" Her mother pursed her lips as she studied Brianna. "Your face lacks color."
"I'm afraid I didn't obtain as much sleep as I normally do. However, I'm not feeling negative effects from it."
"I'm glad to hear that. Pinch your cheeks. It will add a little color. We would not want Lord Stonemede to see you looking less than perfect."
"Lady Ransley," the butler announced from the doorway. "Lord Stonemede has arrived."
"Even his timing is perfect. Please send him in."
As the butler stepped aside, allowing Richard in, Brianna's heart leapt, her nausea forgotten. He looked handsome as usual, dressed fashionably in his riding costume. When their eyes met, he gave her a brilliant smile. Even with the room full of witnesses, Brianna could not stop her eyes from trailing down the length of him. Her body began to stir as she thought about that last night at Ransley when she had slept in his arms.
Her gaze didn't leave him as he was welcomed and took his seat. She remained lost in her own world of memories as the conversation began again. Richard raised an eyebrow at her and gave a small smile of satisfaction. Knowing her reaction only provided more ammunition for his marriage quest, she cast her eyes downward, trying to regain herself. For some unfathomable reason, her emotions were out of control lately.
If anyone noticed her inattention, they didn't remark upon it, for which she was grateful. The chatter continued on without her until Richard turned to her.
"Lady Brianna, if you are ready, I would be happy to escort you to Hyde Park," he said.
At her nod, he stood and offered his arm.
"Thank you, my lord," she replied as she rose and shook out her skirts. Smiling, she accepted his offered arm. As soon as contact was made, she became overcome with a feeling of rightness that was hard to ignore.
"Enjoy your ride," her mother called out from behind them as they walked to the door.
"We will, and we will return before long," Richard assured her.
"Don't worry, Mother," Brianna added quickly before her mother insisted he not rush. Thankfully another step took them out the door, and she was saved from the possibility of embarrassment from her overenthusiastic mother. Richard took her hand and helped her into the carriage, and soon they were on their way.
The day was beautiful, and Brianna basked in the feeling of her creative side flourishing as she took in all the colors and scenes presented to her. The sensation of her fingers itching to capture the beauty comforted and inspired her creative side further.
"I'm glad you accepted my invitation." Richard interrupted her thoughts, reminding her of her ire.
Anger burst through her contentment and burned her face as her eyes darted to him. "You know it was not I who consented. How dare you send the request to my mother, knowing she would accept on my behalf?"
"I thought it was a wise decision, seeing how you have refused every offer I have made to you, including marriage."
"Wise to force me into doing something I don't wish? I believe foolish is the word you are looking for."
"That is a matter of opinion." Richard offered her a cocky grin.
Although she hated to admit it, she had to give him credit, for it did achieve the anticipated results. His plan also made her mother happy, so Brianna decided she could not stay angry too long.
"Since it's done, there is no reason to argue any longer," she conceded grudgingly.
"Are you not curious what prompted my offer?"
"Oh, I didn't know there was a reason. I would love to know," she said, embarrassed for assuming the request stemmed from his desire to see her.
"Since our agreement at Ransley, you have provided me with many options of brides, but I have neglected my part."
"You have found someone for me?" Eyes wide, she stared at him, surprised he was actually taking the arrangement seriously. She had not expected his help.
He pressed his lips into a tight line, and he narrowed his eyes. She then realized he didn't care for her choice of words, but it was too late to take them back.
"I have found a gentleman for you to speak with," he corrected.
"All right. If you have selected him from the many others, I would be happy to speak with him. May I know his name?"
"He is Jonathan Alastair, one of Viscount Linwood's sons."
"I look forward to meeting him." Brianna smiled brightly at Richard. This morning she worried over finding another gentleman to consider, and the fact Richard helped her felt significant.
The horse whinnied, pulling her attention from Richard for a moment. Turning back to him, she prepared to inquire after the horse when she noticed his white knuckles clutching the reins. The overwhelming happiness she felt now was no longer due to the upcoming meeting with Mr. Jonathan. Considering his reaction, she could not believe Richard was helping her, since he obviously had no desire to. It touched her that he would endure the discomfort for her.
Not trusting herself to speak, she sat quietly for the remainder of the ride to the park. As they passed through the entrance gates, Brianna's attention fell to the fashionable people present. Everyone appeared happy, and their colorful garments had her assessing the attributes she would like to see on canvas.
Richard brought the carriage to a stop close to the area they had walked months before. So much had changed since then, and she could not decide who she pitied more; the carefree, naïve girl she had been or the confused, emotional wreck she was now.
"Jonathan will be meeting us around here. Would you care to stroll with me while we wait for him?" Richard inquired as he helped her down from the carriage.
"I would be delighted."
She took his arm and allowed him to lead her to the same bench she had found him sitting upon before. This time, however, there was a different gentleman upon it, and he looked up at them expectantly as they approached. She was pleased to see he was handsome and at a prime age. His blond hair and teasing green eyes made her want to smile at him.
"There you are, Richard. I thought I was going to grow old waiting for you," the gentleman exclaimed once they were a few feet from him.
Her eyes shot to Richard to gauge his reaction, but he only laughed. A beautiful sound, and she felt the reverberation throughout her body. Richard was obviously closely acquainted with this gentleman, and it made her feel honored he chose one of his friends for her.
"That is quite a difference, is it not?" Richard asked. "Now, allow me to present Lady Brianna Denton, daughter to the Earl of Ransley. Lady Brianna, this is Jonathan Alastair."
"I'm pleased to meet you." She offered her hand.