His Perfect Bride(48)

     



 



Hearing the sound of giggling, she turned to see Elizabeth's pleasure as  Viscount Winsler whispered to her. She looked glorious, touched by a  joy that was now foreign to Brianna. Trying to conjure a smile took too  much effort, so Brianna turned her attention back to the activity on the  street. She heard her mother make a disappointing sound, but she didn't  care, for her thoughts had already moved on.

The last time she saw Richard was the horrid day when he stalked into  Lord Kirkwood's drawing room in a blaze of fury. At that moment, she  realized she loved him. However, her pleasure at the discovery of her  love for him all but disappeared when he demanded she change who she was  for him. His superior attitude served to remind her why he was marrying  her-for the baby.

"Brianna," her mother called out, shaking her head. "Are you not  listening? I asked you to accompany me to check on the wedding  preparations. Lord Winsler, Lady Elizabeth, please excuse us."

Without a word, Brianna followed her mother out of the room. Since she  proved to be an obedient daughter, she knew she would not be scolded for  her lack of attention. Her mother had been terrified Richard would  rescind his proposal due to the situation with Lord Kirkwood. When he  did not, her mother acted as if Brianna could do no wrong.

"I wanted to gracefully give them a moment alone," her mother whispered,  standing less than two feet from the open drawing room door. "I believe  he is going to propose. Is it not wonderful?"

"I'm very happy for them," Brianna stated, failing to put some life into her voice.

"Are you feeling all right?"

"I'm fine."

"Perhaps you need some fresh air. Your wedding is tomorrow, and I would  prefer you act more like yourself for it. You and Ashley should take  Grace for a walk through Hyde Park."



"Yes, Mother," Brianna obediently agreed before making her way upstairs.

Both Ashley and Grace were delighted at the prospect of getting out of  the house. Within minutes they were walking in the sunshine with the  happy couples. As they continued on, Brianna allowed the fresh air to  permeate her body. She tried to look upon the world with her artist's  eye as she had done many times before. Although her corner seemed bleak  at times, the world was a beautiful place. Everywhere she looked, she  witnessed it in nature or in the early stages of love.

Once in the park, she studied the couples and was surprised to see Sarah  and Mr. Gregory. They were smiling up at each other, their feelings  proudly displayed for all to see. Brianna smiled, pleased she was able  to aid them in finding one another.

Jillian was also there, flirting with two different gentlemen. Both men  appeared to be in awe of her, and she seemed to genuinely appreciate the  attention. Everywhere Brianna looked, she noticed people enjoying  themselves, and their joy helped to decrease her misery.

"Lady Brianna, is that you?" a familiar voice asked. Turning, she saw  Lord Jonathan almost upon her. She still could not believe Richard had  used the technicality of his lack of title to introduce them.

"Lord Jonathan, it's nice to see you again." She smiled weakly.

"Would you care for a stroll?" He held his arm out for her as if certain she would accept.

"I would be delighted," she answered, then turned to Ashley. "I'll catch up with you two shortly."

Taking Lord Jonathan's arm, she allowed him to lead her away from Ashley  and Grace. Despite her assurance, she saw the two of them slowly  trailing behind. Ashley obviously didn't trust Lord Jonathan.



"I thought women were supposed to be full of excitement and joy the day  before their wedding." Lord Jonathan's eyebrows raised, the light of  challenge twinkling in his eyes.

"I'm very excited, my lord." Brianna infused her words with as much  feeling as she could muster. His responding laugher filled his face with  pure merriment.

"I can see that. I only hope you will be able to bring a similar amount of exuberance to the ceremony tomorrow."

His sarcasm made her drop her head in defeat. Although she hated to  admit it, he was right. It would not do well for her reputation or  Richard's if she appeared tomorrow in this state of mind. The trouble  being she had no idea how to lift her spirits or at least give off a  positive impression.

"I will," she promised more to herself than to him.

"Richard would never forgive himself if he knew."

"Knew what?"

"That he extinguished your fire," he stated, stopping and turning toward her. "Why did you let him do this to you?"

"What makes you believe Lord Stonemede contributed to my current temperament?"         

     



 

"Considering the blessed event will occur tomorrow, I don't imagine any  other person would be capable of dampening your spirits today."

Brianna turned away, and they resumed walking, this time in silence. His  words brought out an odd feeling inside of her. It was as if her  repressed emotions began to rise to the surface again. She wondered if  her mind automatically responded to the spark of life radiating out of  him.

"I don't know what I'm supposed to do," she admitted.

He smiled down at her, eyes alit with optimism. "You are a beautiful  woman who exudes life and knows what she wants. Based on what I have  heard of you, you don't back down from anything, and don't allow other's  dictates to deter you. Richard and his rules are no different than the  rest. You must fight back."



Brianna desperately wanted to believe those things of herself. At one  time she would have agreed with him, but as he pointed out, some of her  fire left. Even if she could fight back, she could not win. Richard  didn't love her and therefore would not feel compelled to give in to her  demands. Today was her last day of freedom, for tomorrow would bring a  whole new set of rules and responsibilities.

"Rebelling against him would not be well received. I have come to understand he is looking for a silent and obedient wife."

"If you believe that, then I must ask. Have you exhibited those qualities to him during your courtship?"

"Not in abundance," Brianna reluctantly confessed.

"Then remember, he chose you. When he made the decision, he already knew  what he was getting with you. I would recommend you act no different  than you always have."

"Thank you, my lord. I shall try to remember that in the future," she  said, offering him the most genuine smile she managed in almost a  fortnight. His words gave her hope, and she felt more like herself once  again.

After bidding Lord Jonathan a good day, the three girls started back to  Denton House. The entire way all Grace could speak about were the  handsome gentlemen she had seen. Ashley was biting her lower lip and  watching Grace closely. Although understanding Ashley's concern, Brianna  ignored them and kept her opinions to herself. She had too much on her  mind to worry about Grace's future now, and she sincerely hoped to gain  some quiet time to think once they were home.

Upon their arrival at the house, they were met at the door by a very  enthusiastic mother, boasting a smug smile. Brianna's heart sank. Quiet  time was the last thing she would receive.

Her mother explained that Lord Winsler had proposed to Elizabeth and she  had accepted. Since Elizabeth was under their supervision in London,  her mother was taking credit for the proposal. In order to celebrate the  engagement, Lord Winsler had been invited to dine with them this  evening.



Hours later, after a very boring dinner, Brianna shifted in her chair.  How could she be expected to remain with the party? She simply couldn't  stand staying here any longer. She had attempted to excuse herself, but  her mother denied her request. Although she wanted to be there for her  friend, she already exceeded the amount of time she could handle. She  would feign illness and retire to her chamber. Just as she was about to  rise, Elizabeth sat down beside her.

"Is Lord Winsler not the most wonderful gentleman?" Elizabeth asked.

"He does appear to be a pleasant man. I must offer my congratulations again. I'm truly happy for you."

"Thank you. When I originally asked to join you in London, I never imagined I would become betrothed, especially so quickly."

"You should not sound so surprised. Not only are you a beauty, but securing a husband was the reason you chose to accompany us."

"Yes, of course," Elizabeth stammered, shifting uncomfortably and avoiding eye contact.

"Elizabeth." Brianna narrowed her eyes. "Is there something you are not telling me?"

"What do you mean?"

"You are hiding something from me."

"Well, I suppose since everything turned out according to plan, there is no harm in telling you now."

"In telling me what exactly?" Brianna could see Elizabeth's reluctance,  but she would not back down until she discovered the information her  friend was hiding.

"My desire to come to London with you didn't only come from a need for  entertainment or finding a husband. I came to assist Richard with his  pursuit of you."