"I don't understand." Brianna shook her head as his fingers fell from her face.
His calm tone was not consistent with his words, and his light touch had her body contemplating leaning over and testing the magnitude of his temper.
"Come along," he commanded, standing and helping her to her feet. "I believe I have detained you long enough. It's time to return you to your mother."
Brianna felt as though her heart was being squeezed in her chest, and breathing became a chore. She had not known what to expect from him, but she never imagined he would rescind his proposal in light of the circumstances.
If they were to continue with the betrothal, there was much they needed to discuss and decide upon tonight. His lack of acknowledgment could only mean one thing. Although she didn't want to anger him further, she needed to hear those words. If he chose not to marry her, she and her child would be shunned from society. Brianna shuddered at the thought of that bleak future.
Drawing herself up, she reached out and lightly tugged on his arm. "Wait. We have more to discuss."
"It's nothing that can't wait until a later date."
"I disagree. I think it would be better for us both to speak now."
"Perhaps I'm not clear enough. At this moment, I have nothing more to say."
Her mouth dropped open. His eyes were hard, his words final. Closing her mouth, she strode past him, not caring if he followed. If he no longer desired anything from her, she still knew she would survive somehow.
Once back in the ballroom, she pushed through the crowd, hoping to never lay eyes on Richard again.
Richard stumbled down the steps of a club he never frequented. Although the caliber was lower than he was accustomed to, the club remained open all night and served his purposes well. Outside the dark street stretched before him, but considering he had no idea what time it was or where he was going, the long walk didn't bother him.
Earlier that night, after his illuminating talk with Brianna, he'd quickly lost his desire to stay at the ball. Not wishing to inconvenience his friend, he left a note for Greyson instructing him to take the carriage home whenever he was ready. Then Richard set out on foot. He had been in the miserable establishment behind him ever since. Only now, he longed for a change of scenery.
His desire for company evaporated a while ago, but he didn't want to deal with a meddlesome butler either. No doubt if he returned home now, Hopkins would look at him with those knowing eyes and ask his outwardly innocent questions until Richard gave him the whole story. No, he could not return home.
The perfect solution struck him, and he increased his pace, anxious to achieve his destination. At this hour, Ravenhurst would be closed for the night, or if his assessment of the time was incorrect, at least it would be seeing fewer members. Greyson also would have sentries posted about, but none of them would be bothersome.
At his pace, it didn't take long before he was walking up the steps of Ravenhurst. His first assertion was correct, for the place was locked up for the night. Thankful for the foresight of bringing his key with him, he retrieved it from his pocket and entered the building.
After nodding an acknowledgement to the posted guard, Richard navigated his way down the dark hallway of offices. The only light was a faint glow coming from under one of the doors. Considering this area was off limits to the employees, Richard suspected either Greyson neglected to extinguish a candle, or another break-in was in progress right under their noses.
Kicking the door open, he was startled to see Greyson jumping up from the sofa and posed for a fight. Not seeing any signs of exhaustion or confusion on his friend's face, Richard suspected Greyson had only recently arrived. The knowledge gave him a better idea of the hour.
"Richard!" Greyson exclaimed. "What in God's name are you doing here?"
"I could ask you the same question. I thought it was understood you no longer need to spend all your time here."
"I prefer it this way."
"Always so stubborn," Richard mumbled under his breath.
"Exactly how much have you had to drink tonight?" Greyson wrinkled his nose in distaste before heading back to the sofa.
Richard ignored the comment, and instead turned to the cabinet to fetch out a bottle of brandy. If he would have to tell Greyson his news, he needed the extra help.
"That does not matter. This is a celebration." Richard overfilled two glasses, then shoved one at Greyson, not taking care to avoid spilling. Once Greyson accepted it, Richard downed his drink and sat in a chair facing his friend.
"What is the occasion?" Greyson inquired as he set his untouched glass on a side table and wiped his wet hand on his trousers.
"We are toasting my marriage. Drink up."
"Marriage? To Lady Brianna, I assume."
"Of course." Richard smiled sardonically. "Earlier this evening she agreed to become my marchioness. Are you not pleased for me?"
"I would like to say I am, but I suspect there is a vital piece of information I'm missing."
"She is with child," Richard explained emotionlessly, and ignored Greyson's slow headshake. "As it so happens, it's the only reason she accepted me."
"I see, and the father is . . ."
Richard's anger propelled him from the chair so quickly it thudded against the ground. "What exactly are you insinuating?"
"Calm down, Richard," Greyson directed in a bored tone. Then he leaned back and gave Richard a pointed look. "I'm merely asking a question. How can you expect me to know it was you who fathered the child?"
"She is mine. No one else shall touch her."
"To that, I have no doubt. So, is Lady Brianna as happy and joyous as you are this evening?"
"I would imagine so. Being forced to marry a man you have no desire to certainly is something to be joyous about."
Richard righted the chair and settled back. Honestly, he didn't want to think about how Brianna felt at this moment. It was her feelings, or lack thereof, which increased his anger.
"I could be wrong, but as an outsider observing the way you and Lady Brianna interact, I believe she harbors tender feelings for you. Especially considering the two of you, well, conceived a child together."
"You can only say that because you didn't see the misery in her gaze when she told me." Richard closed his eyes and sighed. "Tomorrow I'll do the unthinkable. I'll seal my fate and commit to marry a lady who detests me."
Chapter 14
Two days following the Laramie ball, Richard found his outlook much improved. Pasting on a smile, he followed Ransley's butler to the study to speak with Brianna's father. Although he had not taken the time to talk with Brianna since that night, he knew they would still have to follow the proper procedures to avoid news of her condition being discovered. He had no idea how she managed to conceal it thus far but was pleased nonetheless.
"Stonemede, please come in and have a seat," Ransley offered. "I must say I was rather surprised to receive your missive this morning." Then he slid a bottle of brandy out of his desk drawer. "Would you care for some?"
"No, thank you. I'm pleased you were able to spare some time to speak with me."
"Anytime, for you were a great help to me at Ransley, and I'll always offer my assistance to you in return."
"I appreciate that," Richard replied, surprised yet happy the earl felt indebted to him. That tidbit of information made the outcome of this conversation more predictable.
"What did you wish to see me about?"
"I have come to ask for Lady Brianna's hand in marriage."
The silence following was deafening. Ransley's wide eyes stared at him as if the earl was not sure what to make of him. Considering the amount of time Richard spent with him, or more specifically with Brianna, he imagined a betrothal was expected or at least desired. Ransley slowly leaned back and narrowed his eyes.
"Is my daughter aware of your intentions?" Ransley inquired.
"Yes." Richard kept calm, although he could not see the relevance of the question. Many men were promised a lady's hand without her knowledge or assent.
"And do you imagine she would be inclined to accept you?"
"I'm unsure as to the purpose of this line of questioning. What exactly would you like to know?"
"Nothing specific. I only want to see if you were aware of her standing in regard to you."
"I see," Richard drew out, although he still didn't understand the rationale behind it.
"If you know what you are up against, then I'll grant you my permission. However, you must obtain Brianna's acceptance first. I'm not convinced of her response, and I would hate to go against her wishes should she have strong feelings against you."