"Regardless, we have much to do before turning our accusations into confirmations." Richard thought of all the work he had before him. He had originally hoped to see Brianna today, but now it seemed like an impossibility. Life in London was becoming less desirable than he thought feasible.
Chapter 12
Richard gratefully entered Lord and Lady Ransley's townhouse. Despite his expectation of being unable to see Brianna today, he was here, seconds away from seeing her. Lord Ransley's invitation surprised him when it was delivered earlier this afternoon. After the taxing day Richard had endured, he could not resist accepting the chance to spend time with Brianna.
Elizabeth also sent word Brianna had been acting unusual these past few days. Although he had not noticed her odd behavior yesterday morning, it confirmed Jonathan's observations from later that day. Tonight he determined to somehow speak with Brianna alone, even if he had to resort to begging.
As he entered the drawing room, four happy faces greeted him. Brianna, however, was not even looking in his direction. Her reaction was not the welcome he hoped for, but one he expected.
"Good evening," Richard responded to their greetings.
"It's so good of you to join us this evening, Stonemede." Ransley stood and clapped him on the shoulder.
"I appreciate the invitation," Richard returned, then nodded toward the women. "I count myself lucky, for it's not every day I'm given an opportunity to spend time with such beauties."
"It's us who have all the luck, my lord." Lady Ransley's slight blush colored her cheeks. "Please come and have a seat."
Richard chose to sit next to Elizabeth although Lady Grace's eyes pleaded with him. If truth be told, he preferred to sit beside Brianna, but judging from her lack of reaction to him, he assumed she would not appreciate the attention.
In addition, his position next to his sister gave him a perfect vantage point from which to observe Brianna. She wore a light pink evening gown cut so low his mouth dried. He lost coherent thought as his eyes affixed on her supple breasts. Dragging his eyes from the display, he concentrated on making sure his gaze didn't stray again.
The conversation consisted of mundane topics before dinner was announced. Feeling relieved to be out of temptation, he happily offered his arm to escort Brianna to dinner. Although her slight touch shot fire through his arm, she didn't appear to be similarly affected.
Once they were seated and the first course placed in front of them, he turned his attention to Brianna.
"How have you been feeling, Lady Brianna?" He intently watched her reaction.
Her wide eyes shot to his, but she quickly relaxed her expression. "I have been perfectly fine, my lord. And you?"
"Quite well."
Due to her reaction, he wanted to question her further, but he knew this was not the time, and as their interactions were under scrutiny, it was not the place either. They passed the remainder of the meal engaged in conversation mostly centered on the comings and goings of the ladies over the past week. Brianna didn't add much to the conversation, nor did she consume much. As dinner progressed, his anxiety increased, and he found himself counting every bite she took and noting each of her expressions.
"Ladies, please join me in the drawing room while the gentlemen enjoy their port," Lady Ransley instructed as she stood.
He watched as Brianna rose and followed her mother. He didn't think she would acknowledge his presence, but right before she exited the room, she shot him a look so full of sadness it hurt him to see it. She smiled a weak smile before disappearing. Sighing, he turned his gaze to Ransley, who appeared amused by something.
"What do you think of my daughter, Stonemede?"
"I find both of your daughters to be sweet, well-spoken ladies." Richard accepted the offered glass of port.
"Very diplomatic," Ransley complimented, raising his glass to Richard. "I was referring to the fact that you seem to be quite taken with Brianna this evening."
"I'm simply concerned over her well being. I noticed she didn't appear to have much of an appetite tonight. Has she been unwell?"
"She is the picture of health. I daresay she was simply nervous to be sharing dinner with someone of your caliber."
"I don't recall her behaving in that manner at Ransley."
"Women are strange creatures." Ransley shrugged.
"Yes, they are," Richard readily agreed.
He didn't believe he would ever understand the inner workings of Brianna's mind. She confused him in the most frustrating way, which was another thing he would have to work on once they were wed. If she were unclear, he would simply demand she explain herself until her response completely satisfied him.
"Since you didn't broach the subject in front of the ladies, I imagine you were hoping to keep your domestic troubles to yourself."
"I didn't see any reason to discuss it. Women have a way of overreacting and analyzing trivial matters until they have complied conspiracies out of nothing."
"Then you are convinced the fire was an accident?" Ransley questioned, obviously well informed of Richard's misfortune.
"I don't see how it could be anything other than that." Richard didn't want to involve anyone else in his problems. Whoever caused the fire, whether accident or not, was still out there, and he refused to offer any information to anyone unless their reason for needing it was more substantial than curiosity.
"You should have your man take better care when hiring staff. In my household, we don't stand for inadequate help."
Richard was in no mood for a lesson on staffing by a man who obviously had no idea what he was talking about. He bit his tongue, for after working hard at Ransley to establish a good relationship with his soon-to-be father-in-law, he refused to ruin that now. Nodding in agreement, Richard listened as Ransley continued on with his advice.
Knowing it would not be proper to excuse himself from his host in favor of seeking out his daughter, Richard leaned back in his chair and listened. He answered at the appropriate times, but didn't elaborate, hoping to expedite the process. His thoughts were on Brianna, and his restlessness threatened to show. When Ransley finally decided the time had come to join the ladies, Richard did not rush and followed behind his host, not wanting to appear too eager.
In the drawing room, he noticed Brianna seated by herself while Elizabeth and Lady Ransley flipped through music sheets. Grace was now absent, and he suspected she had been dismissed due to her age. Unable to wait any longer, he turned in Brianna's direction. She raised her head and watched him approach, her expression not changing from mild boredom.
"May I join you?" He sat without giving her a chance to refuse him.
"I don't imagine I have a choice."
"Have I done something to upset you? When we spoke last, it was on more amicable terms," he reminded her, keeping his smile in place and his voice light. It would not serve him to have anyone question the nature of their conversation. Considering Ransley's observation of their interaction during dinner, Richard imagined they were under closer scrutiny in this more informal setting.
"No, my lord," she replied, shaking her head as if to reinforce her words. "I'm simply . . . preoccupied today. I'm sorry if my attitude came across differently."
"I see. Then perhaps we could go for a stroll to make up for your inattention?"
"I don't see why I can't simply agree to give you my full attention here."
"The other occupants ensure that the atmosphere isn't conducive to a private conversation. I don't believe you would care for me to say what I wish to in front of everyone."
"You are probably right," Brianna admitted. "Where were you planning to take me for our stroll? I can't imagine my mother allowing us to go off without a chaperone."
"That is true, but I'm sure we can work something out. How about the terrace? Considering the hour, I believe it's a perfect location. We will have privacy, and as we will be noticeable from the ballroom, your family can be assured of your safety."
"All right, I imagine the terrace would be acceptable. Please excuse me."
They stood together, and he watched her cross the room. As she quietly spoke to Lady Ransley, Richard noticed the woman's mouth turn up in a smile. He had no doubt his request would be granted. When Brianna approached him and nodded, he offered his arm. She took it and, without a word, he escorted her from the room.
Walking through the empty halls, Richard wondered how to broach the subject of her illness. If she were reluctant to speak to him, it would not be met well, regardless of his approach. He decided it may be best to simply ask.
When they reached the terrace, several servants were leaving after having lit the torches, providing a supplement to the moonlight. Lady Ransley obviously requested they make haste preparing for his and Brianna's arrival. Looking over at Brianna, he wondered what she said to her mother to garner such a response.