Taming A Duke's Reckless Heart: Victorian Historical Romance Page 15

  “I am going to stay and see what I can learn,” Ethan whispered behind him to Piper. Both Sybil and Piper shook their heads in agreement.

  Barrett handed her aunt into the carriage. Then he turned to her. He put his hands on her waist and whispered in her ear, “I know you are worried but try not to be. I don’t have to go to England now.”

  “She’s here to marry you,” Piper choked out.

  “I know,” he said. “I have known Penelope her entire life and she is still frightened by me. Could you imagine that marriage? She jumps every time I speak. I told you, I will find her a new match. We will marry, Piper.” He gave her a warm smile.

  “How is your mother going to take the news?” Pipe worried her lip with her teeth.

  “Let me worry about that.” He kissed her forehead. “I’ll visit tomorrow.”

  “All right,” Piper agreed but she could hear the worry in her own voice. She squeezed his hand as she got into the carriage. As she glanced behind her, she could see Barrett’s mother standing on the top stair of the front porch. The Duchess was still as a statue.

  Piper’s insides fluttered again. Her feeling earlier that something was about to go terribly wrong came back with a vengeance.

  TAMING A DUKE’S RECKLESS HEART

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  Once they arrived home, Piper didn’t bother to go upstairs. She wouldn’t sleep. Instead, she stepped out onto the courtyard.

  The moon shone bright in the sky and stars twinkled. She sat herself down on a chaise and attempted to relax her churning stomach. Barrett didn’t seem too worried. That was something.

  But his mother had brought a woman from England. How could Barrett get around that without risking his relationship with his family?

  Piper wasn’t sure how long she sat outside, but the soft click to the French door broke her out of her reverie.

  Ethan crossed the courtyard and stood next to her. “How are you holding up?”

  She looked away. “Where is Sybil?”

  “Inside. She thought we might need a few minutes. Scoot over.” She pushed to one side of the chaise and he laid down next to her. “Have you ever thought we did this completely wrong?”

  “How do you mean?” She turned her face towards him.

  “I guess you haven’t,” he laughed a little. “I would be lying if I didn’t say I wasn’t worried about marrying into British aristocracy. I know Barrett, but the few times I‘ve been to England, it was terribly uncomfortable.”

  “It does help to be born into it.” She patted his arm.

  “I should have fallen for you and you for me. And Sybil for Barrett and Barrett for Sybil. They could have gone off to England and been titled and privileged. You and I could have stayed in America. Simple. Ever wonder why it has to be so difficult?”

  Piper bit her lip. “Ethan…” she started but didn’t know how to finish.

  “I’m not declaring my feelings for you. I am wild about Sybil. I’ve never had a sister but I imagine my feelings for you are like those of an older brother. I am simply wondering why we choose the most difficult path.” His hand came up to rub his forehead.

  She smiled at him relieved. He was right. She felt about him much the same way she felt about Sybil. “It will become more comfortable. You will learn the rules and having money always helps. Your problem is an easy one to solve. Mine is different. Even if Barrett does marry me…”

  “He will marry you, Piper. If Barrett is one thing, it is stubborn when he makes up his mind.” Ethan chuckled.

  “He has changed his mind several times since I have known him. He said he wouldn’t marry me…” Piper’s voice rose with concern.

  “You seem to be the one exception. So let us assume the two of you marry. What is the problem you are worried about?”

  “I…I contribute so little to the marriage.” Piper bit her lip. Worry rose up in her chest.

  Ethan stared at her open-mouthed. “Piper, what you contribute to Barrett’s life is immeasurable.”

  Piper wasn’t sure he was right there but she didn’t want to talk about it anymore. “What happened after we left?”

  Ethan hesitated. “It’s complicated.”

  “You were right when you said it would have been so much easier if I could have fallen in love with you or with someone else. I look at a man in front of me and think, why can’t I just love him? Wouldn’t my life be easier if I could just feel that way about him? But we never seem to want it if it’s easy.”

  Ethan held her hand. It was a brotherly gesture. “They brought Penelope over to marry Barrett. While she is also titled, their funds seem to be low.”

  “There is a lot of that going around.” Piper grimaced. If the Percy’s were desperate, they would be harder to overcome.

  “I am sure Lord Percy sees Barrett as the perfect answer. It elevates her title and replenishes the coiffeurs. Their land adjoins, so Her Grace thinks it will be a perfect way to increase their holdings.” Ethan gave her hand a little squeeze.

  “It sounds ideal,” Piper’s voice cracked a little. In every way Penelope was a better choice for Barrett.

  “Except for the part where Barrett doesn’t like her and she seems frightened out of her wits by him.”

  “Thanks for coming, Ethan. You should go check on Sybil. She’ll be missing you.” Piper let go of his hand and laid her hands across her stomach.

  Ethan patted her shoulder and then got up off the settee. He gave her one last look and then went into the house.

  Piper didn’t move a muscle. She was afraid if she did, she would shatter into a thousand pieces.

  ***

  Piper woke early the next morning though she had barely slept. She lay several of her favorite dresses from Barrett out on the bed. Then she put the jewels out on the dressing table. Behind them she put her inheritance she now knew was from him.

  Somehow, looking at these things was a tangible reminder he cared for her. She needed to look at them to be reminded. If she didn’t, she was afraid she would lose all hope.

  While Barrett was full of assurances, Piper was full of doubt. In her heart, she knew it would be better for Barrett to marry Penelope.

  What did she herself bring for him? She contributed a sick mother, no money, no land, no title. In other words, she contributed nothing. Despite Ethan’s attempt to convince her otherwise, she knew Barrett would be better to marry a woman from the aristocracy.

  She had told Barrett to go away so many times. She had thought it was for her own good that she said this but it had been for his too. She didn’t add anything of value to his life.

  She sucked in her breath. Was she afraid of losing Barrett or feeling guilty because she should let him go? When she was with him she couldn’t think straight to know.

  A knock sounded at her bedroom door. “Come in,” she called, perplexed.

  The door swung open and the butler stepped in. “Mr. Maddox is here to see you.”

  “Tell him I will be right down,” her voice shook. Since when did Barrett send the butler upstairs? He always just charged into her room. It made the butterflies in her stomach beat wildly.

  The door snapped closed again and she turned back to look at the items spread around her room. Even if he ended it, she would have these reminders of what they shared.

  The door clicked open again and she wondered why the butler had returned. “I will be right down.” She waved her hand.

  “No need,” Barrett’s voice rumbled behind her.

  She turned and crossed the room in two steps and wrapped her arms around his neck. It made her feel better that he had done what he always did. He completely ignored social convention and was standing in her bedroom. Somehow this meant nothing had changed.

  “You came,” she breathed as he returned the embrace and his lips came down on hers.

  “I told you I would,” he answered between kisses.

  “I know. I just worried,” she choked a little on the words.

  “Well, do
n’t worry. I am a man who keeps his word,” His voice was low in her ear.

  Piper pulled her head back. Two thing bothered her about this statement. “Does your mother usually keep her word?”

  His brows drew together. “Who I marry is not her promise to make.”

  “Are you only marrying me because you gave your word? If you have changed your mind, I won’t hold you to it.” She eased back, turning her head away but he drew her closer.

  “You know it is not the only reason, Piper. Last night we talked about you staying in my house, in my bed. You think I am that fickle?” He growled it out and Piper started in surprise. While he growled often, he had never been upset with her.

  “Don’t you growl at me! Can you blame me for thinking you would be better off with a woman of your station? I want what is best for you too and…” she stomped her foot while she spoke but stopped when he gave her a devilish grin.

  His lips captured hers again in a long slow kiss. “No one is better for me than you.”

  “Oh.” She pushed out of his grasp before his lips came down on hers again. His kisses always made her lose her senses and she was trying to keep them now. This wasn’t just about her and what she wanted. Piper loved Barrett and she had to think about what was best for him too.

  “I am on my way to see Ethan. I have a solution in mind that will hopefully pacify all parties, except for my mother. But I will need Ethan’s help. I came here first because I didn’t want you to worry.”

  “I’m fine, really,” she lied.

  “Sweetheart, you have everything I have ever given you out in your room.” He cocked his eyebrows as he gave her another squeeze.

  Piper blushed to her roots. “I…I just needed a reminder…”

  His lips came down on hers. “It’s all right. I understand. I won’t be around much the next few days but Mr. Eggerton may stop by so you can sign some papers.”

  “What papers?” She looked up into his face searching for answers.

  “Nothing important.” He kissed her one last time and then headed for the door. He stopped suddenly and turned back around. “I almost forgot.” He pulled a box from his pocket and handed it to her. “You can add this to the collection of things displayed in your room.”

  She took the box from his hand and opened it with trembling fingers. In it was a large diamond encircled with a smaller set of stones. “Barrett it is stunning, I couldn’t possibly.”

  He took it from the box and slipped it on her finger. “This is for you to keep. Along with the sets of diamonds from Stanford’s party. The rest we will have to send back I am afraid, but there will be others.” He kissed her one last time. “One way or the other Piper, we are getting married.”

  Piper watched him walk away. She looked down at her hand. The ring sparkled on her finger. She shook her head. Barrett always said she had spirit and spunk. But she was powerless now. She couldn’t let Barrett go, even if that was best for him. Nor could she make him stay if he changed his mind.

  ***

  Later that evening, Piper looked in the mirror. Her mother sat in a chair in her room. She had finally gotten out of bed.

  “I don’t want to go to this party.” Piper assessed her reflection. Diamonds sparkled in her hair, around her neck, and on her hand. Her cream gown clung to her, coming off of her shoulders and showing some cleavage.

  “You’ve never looked more beautiful,” her mother breathed behind her.

  “Well, I am happy to make you happy. But it is going to be so terribly painful. Barrett will have two fiancées there.” She winced as she spoke. Terribly painful didn’t even begin to express how awful it was going to be. She didn’t know if Barrett’s mother even knew they were engaged. She clasped her hands. To make matters worse, Ethan was escorting her, her aunt, and her cousin while Barret would be arriving with his mother, brother, Lord Percy, and his daughter. As if she needed a reminder that Penelope should be wearing the ring instead of her.

  “Don’t look so sad. You have to go. If you don’t, you admit she has the rightful spot. You hand him over to her,” her mother’s voice was full of conviction.

  “Mother, do you ever think she has a right to him that I do not?” Piper’s voice quivered.

  “You have a right because you are in love. Don’t talk like that Piper. It will only make your position weaker,” her mother’s voice shook and Piper turned to look at her.

  “What is wrong?” Piper crossed the room to her mother.

  “I’m sorry, dear. I’m just frightened. I want to know you’re taken care of. Look at you. Mr. Maddox would make sure every need you have is met. Beyond that, he would feed your heart too. I want to know you have that, Piper.”

  “I know, Mother. I don’t just want what is best for me. I want what is best for him, too.” Piper’s brow creased again.

  “Piper, Barrett already has titles and wealth. He doesn’t need more of it. He needs someone to love him. Do you think Lady Percy will give him the love and care he needs? Will she make him laugh and will she laugh off his ill humors?” Her mother reached for her hand and gave it a squeeze.

  Piper’s mouth hung open. She started to speak and then stopped. Finally, she said, “I hadn’t thought of that.” She saw her value to Barrett for the first time. She knew he desired her, but companionship was not something she had thought of. She thought back to the times he had told her she made him laugh. To the time he had talked about how he frightened some women.

  “Go, dear. And don’t let them beat you down. Hold your head high and prove you belong.” Her mother gave her hand a final squeeze.

  Piper straightened her shoulders and gave her mother a parting grin before she walked out of her room and down the stairs.

  TAMING A DUKE’S RECKLESS HEART

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  An hour later, Piper walked into the party. All eyes turned to her.

  Ethan was just behind her and whispered in her ear, “If you’re trying to secure your spot with Barrett, you’re doing a fantastic job. But then again, if you’re trying to secure a new beau, you could arrange that too.”

  Her lips turned up softly at his compliment, glad to have a friend like him. She needed to be bolstered at the moment. She turned back to see several men staring at them. As she scanned the room, one set of eyes were Barrett’s.

  He looked furious. She gave him a glowing smile; his fury was actually comforting. When he stopped being jealous, that was when Piper had to worry.

  Ethan chuckled behind her. “You’re welcome.”

  “You are deliberately baiting him,” she whispered.

  “Sometimes he needs to be prodded in the right direction.” Ethan stepped back and Piper turned her head to find Barrett directly in front of her. She blinked a few times. How had he crossed the crowded room so quickly?

  “Hello, Your Grace,” she chirped with false cheer. She wasn’t sure how to address him. Everyone’s eyes were on them. Barrett had arrived with another woman. Her mother had told her to stake her claim on him, but she didn’t want to make a public spectacle.

  “Piper, we’re getting married. You call me Barrett,” his gruff voice washed over her.

  Her smile turned from fake to genuine. “I just didn’t know what was proper under the circumstances.”

  His eyes scanned her face and his hand reached up to her jawline. His thumb brushed her cheekbone. “The circumstances are the same.”

  “That is a discussion for later, but a second intended can hardly be classified as the same.” She arched her eyebrows.

  “You look ravishing.” His eyes now sparkled with merriment at her comment. “How do you make me laugh in the worst of situations?”

  “Tis a gift,” she sniffed. “Does your family know we are engaged? Does Lady Percy?”

  “Yes and yes. I wouldn’t expect a warm reception. I am sorry for that but they should be civil. If they aren’t, you tell me.”

  Ethan stepped up next to her with Sybil tucked into his side. “We are
off to dance.” Ethan saluted them.

  “If Ethan is so in love with Sybil, why is he always around you?” Barrett half mumbled.

  “He’s trying to provoke you into marrying me, I think.” Piper placed her hand into the crook of his arm. “Let us go see your family and get this over with.”

  As they pushed their way through the crowd, Piper attempted to calm her racing heart. It was beating wildly in her chest. She squeezed Barrett’s arm tighter. Several of the guests and Barrett’s family were watching their progression. Her Grace’s eyes bore into Piper. Piper held her head higher.

  Piper’s gaze swept the group. The Earl and the Duchess looked at her with open hostility. Barrett’s brother appeared curious while Lady Percy gave her a warm smile. Piper blinked. It would seem Lady Percy was glad to not to be marrying Barrett.

  Perhaps there really was merit to what her mother had said about her value to Barrett. He and Lady Percy did not seem like a good match.

  “What a beautiful ring, Miss Baker,” the Duchess’ voice did not sound happy for her. It was full of irritation.

  Piper ignored it. “Thank you.”

  “Preposterous,” the Earl grumbled.

  Piper didn’t respond but she could feel Barrett tense.

  “I am desperate for a trip to the powder room. Would you join me, Miss Baker?” Lady Percy stepped forward and laced her hand around Piper’s arm.

  “Of course,” Piper responded.

  She let go of Barrett’s arm and shot him a final glance as Lady Percy led her through the crowd.

  The women walked arm and arm and Piper tried to act naturally. It felt odd to be walking with the woman who, just this morning, she thought Barrett should marry instead of her. Then again, Lady Percy had been the only friendly face of Barrett’s visitors.

  “How are you enjoying New York?” Piper attempted polite conversation.

  “Oh, fine. And yourself?” Lady Percy responded.

  “Lovely,” Piper returned. The conversation died off again. Piper could not fathom why Lady Percy had asked for her company.

  “Lady Percy,” Piper started.