Page 12 of A Simple Marriage (Millionaires of Mayfair #2)

Ritson met Pippa and Grace at the door. “Good evening, my ladies. I trust you had a pleasant evening.” With a snap of his fingers, two footmen appeared and took their pelisses, gloves, and hats.

“It was magical,” Grace cooed. “I adored the Stanhope family.” She turned to Pippa and lifted her eyebrows as if wanting her to say something.

“Enchanting,” Pippa murmured, but her heart wasn’t in it. Frankly, she just wanted to work and leave all her loneliness behind her.

“Would either of you ladies like a tea tray or a glass of brandy before bed?” the butler asked with a warm smile.

Pippa shook her head. “Thank you, Ritson, but no. I need to work this evening.” She smiled at Grace. “But you go ahead.”

Grace frowned at her. “It’s after midnight, Pippa. Aren’t you tired?”

“No. Dress designs are swimming in my thoughts. I need to work a little to get this excess energy out of my system before I retire. I’ll be in my study.” She waved good night to everyone and then went into her sanctuary, her own study.

Pelham had the duchess’s study redecorated for her several years ago. It had floor-to-ceiling windows that overlooked the courtyard. It was light and airy and the perfect place to sew when the mood struck her. Her desk sat in front of the windows and allowed her the best lighting when she was designing dress patterns.

As the sweet scent of beeswax candles surrounded her, Pippa examined the marchioness’s dress and Lady Edith’s dress which were spread out across a large table. Slowly, she trailed her hand across the beautiful brocades. Lady Ravenscroft’s crimson fabric captured every speck of light. It would highlight her beautiful gray hair and green eyes. Lady Edith’s dress featured a glorious sunset rose silk that would bring out the color in her cheeks when she laughed. That night, Pippa had never seen the woman so animated. She certainly kept both Stanhope and Hugh on their toes, peppering them with questions about politics, society, and their opinions on the current scandals in town.

Stanhope smiled at her throughout the evening as Ravenscroft ignored her. They were like day and night not only in appearance but in their temperament toward her.

A knock sounded on her door, and Grace’s head peeked in. “May I come in?”

“Of course.” Pippa waved her in. “I changed my mind about a brandy. Would you care to join me?”

“That would be delightful.” Grace came to the small sitting area by the fireplace and curled her legs under her.

Pippa poured two snifters. She handed one to Grace, then sat in the opposite chair.

“Did you enjoy yourself this evening?” Grace took a sip of the fiery liquid and then closed her eyes as she swallowed. “Heaven,” she murmured as she opened her eyes.

Pippa nodded, then took a sip as well. She smiled as the liquid slid down her throat. Its warmth reminded her of one of Hugh’s kisses. She shook her head slightly. She had to remember that not everything revolved around the marquess.

Grace elegantly placed her glass on the table, then turned her razor-sharp gaze to Pippa’s. Nothing escaped Grace. When Honor was plunged into London society with Trafford, Grace had helped steer her through the traps that could ruin a woman’s reputation if she wasn’t careful. And she did it with aplomb even though Pelham had seemingly fought Grace at every move. It was during that time that Pippa had discovered that Grace and Pelham had a history, a romantic one that neither felt needed to be discussed. It was intriguing and frustrating at the same time. Whenever those two were in a room together, Pelham couldn’t keep his gaze from following Grace wherever she was.

And in return, Grace couldn’t help but tease and needle Pelham, hoping to get a reaction from him. More times than not, she was successful. But no matter what Pelham’s history with Grace truly was about, he trusted her to watch out for Pippa. He was the one who asked Grace if she would stay with her even though she was known as the Governess. She helped people weave and navigate their way through the pitfalls and dangers of a London Season. She was highly sought after and successful.

Thankfully, Pippa wasn’t in danger of being the ton’s latest prey. At least, she didn’t believe that she was.

“Darling, I’m going to be honest. Something is not right with you. Yesterday, you were lively and vivacious. Today, particularly tonight, you seem like an empty shell.” Grace tilted her head and caught Pippa’s downcast gaze. “Tell me. Is it Stanhope? Did he say or do something to upset you?”

Pippa shook her head no. “He was wonderful to me tonight.”

“And that’s a problem?” Grace took another sip of brandy, waiting for Pippa to continue. When she didn’t, Grace did the honors. “What if he proposes?”

“What?” Pippa cried. “Did he say something to you?”

“No.” Grace chewed on her lip. “I’m just going to say it. I’ve helped a lot of couples, and I know when a man is preparing to propose. Stanhope has that look about him.”

“You think so?” Pippa lifted her glass and took a sip. It gave her a little time to get her thoughts in order. Even if she had until next week, she didn’t think she could put the scramble in order.

“Pippa? Aren’t you excited?” Grace leaned closer and placed her hand on Pippa’s arm. “Do you not want a proposal?”

“I think I do.” Pippa placed her hand over Grace’s and squeezed. “It’s just a little confusing right now.”

Grace leaned back with a knowing look on her face. “Does this confusion have anything to do with a certain marquess?” She held up her hand when Pippa opened her mouth to protest. “When he thought no one was looking, he kept stealing glances your way. His nostrils would flare when Stanhope talked to you. He’s obviously jealous.”

“That may be, but he and I are not suited to one another. He doesn’t want marriage, and I do.” She smiled and wanted to reach around and pat herself on her back. She sounded remarkably calm.

Grace studied her for a moment as if trying to divine all her secrets. Pippa straightened slightly under her friend’s regard. How could she share her secrets when she wasn’t even certain what they were?

Grace nodded once. “You know I consider you a dear friend.”

Pippa nodded.

“I am always here for you if something is troubling you.” Grace smiled. “Sometimes just saying the words aloud can put a whole new perspective to a conundrum.”

“I don’t know what those words would be. I’m just tired.” Pippa yawned, hoping Grace would take the hint. In many ways, Grace was like a relentless badger when she was trying to ferret out the truth. Therefore, Pippa had to be careful of what she said. She didn’t want anything to get back to her brother that she couldn’t explain. It was certainly true she couldn’t explain the convoluted, confusing, yet enticing thoughts about a certain marquess.

Grace came to Pippa’s side and took her hand and squeezed. “Don’t stay up too late.”

“Good night, Grace.” As soon as the door closed, Pippa released a breath, hoping to release the tension that filled every inch of her.

She walked to her sewing table and sat down. She picked up a threaded needle and started to sew. She’d always found it comforting or at least distracting. But not so tonight.

If she had her druthers, she wished her thoughts would go to bed without her.

It would give her some much-needed peace.

For the first time since last night, Hugh felt like the vise around his chest had loosened. Ever since the dinner party at Stanhope’s, Hugh had felt off-kilter, like a top that kept spinning but never really slowing down. He refused to think of how Stanhope had looked at Pippa. The viscount had a wonderfully friendly countenance, except when he looked at Pippa. He looked like a wolf ready to take down his prey.

The most frightening thing of all? It was exactly the way that Hugh felt about her. All of this agreement between the two of them was becoming more complicated. This constant feeling of unease was not what he’d bargained for.

Thankfully, his friend Marcus Kirkland, the Earl of Trafford, was sitting before him. Besides Pelham, Trafford was his best friend. The earl had arrived in town yesterday. Just having him in Hugh’s study put him at ease. It was as if they were once again at university just enjoying each other’s company.

“Honor will be back tomorrow. She had a few things that needed her attention before we host the house party for the children.” He took a sip of tea and studied Hugh over his cup. “You’re invited.”

“I’d be delighted to get out of the city,” Hugh said distractedly. Perhaps with Pippa's sister arriving in London, she could help Pippa in her husband-hunting. Hugh could brush his hands of Pippa and go back to his regular routine of examining estate books, reviewing investments, and visiting Pelham. But even those activities didn’t sound very appealing at the moment.

Nothing did except Pippa.

“Did you hear what I said? The house party is for the children.” Trafford chuckled.

The deep sound immediately pulled Hugh away from his thoughts. “You mean the children that are the beneficiaries of your charity?”

“Yes. The ones who are orphaned and need role models. You’d be a perfect fellow for the boys to emulate.” Trafford set his cup down on the table.

They were sitting at a round table off to the side of Hugh’s desk. When he had company, it was where he preferred to sit.

“What is wrong with you this morning? You’re distracted.” Trafford cocked his head. “I’ve never seen you like this.”

“I’ve been attending too many ton events.” Hugh picked up his cup of tea and swallowed.

Trafford smiled knowingly. “Pelham said you were squiring Lady Pippa around. I’m sorry you’re not enjoying yourself. I find her to be good company.”

Good company? How about delightful company? But Hugh didn’t say anything. He simply grunted in answer.

“My lord?” Burnett peeked his head around the door. “Lord Stanhope to see you.”

Trafford’s gaze shot to his. “Stanhope? I didn’t know you were friends.”

“Acquaintances,” Hugh murmured, then turned to his butler. “Send him in.”

Perhaps the viscount wanted to challenge him to a round of fisticuffs at Gentleman Jim’s. Hugh would savor getting into the ring and knocking the young pup on his arse. It would be even better if Pippa could see him do it.

“Good morning, Ravenscroft,” the viscount chirped as he entered the room. Dressed in a bright blue morning coat and buckskin breeches, he looked like a spring bird ready to charm the world.

Hugh tamped down the urge to sneer. Instead, he called out, “Stanhope, come join us.”

By then, both he and Trafford had stood in welcome.

Stanhope crossed the room wearing a smile that was reminiscent of Christmas morning.

The man was entirely too happy for Hugh’s tastes.

“Trafford, good morning.” The viscount shook his hand, then turned to Hugh. “Lord Ravenscroft, it’s always an honor.”

Hugh waved at a chair. “Tea?”

The viscount smiled and shook his head. “Thank you, but no. If I have another cup, I’m afraid I’ll be floating down the Thames.”

If only the man were floating down the Thames, Hugh would see him off with a fond “bon voyage.” It would certainly make his day brighter. Instantly, he poured the viscount a cup. “In case you become thirsty later on.”

After they were all sitting, Stanhope smiled. “I’m glad you’re both here. I need your advice.”

Trafford straightened in his chair. Hugh didn’t move.

“Do either of you believe in love at first sight?” The viscount wore an earnest look on his face, then smiled self-consciously.

“I do,” Trafford spoke after a minute. “I fell in love with my wife the first time that I saw her.”

“Oh, that’s a welcomed relief,” Stanhope exclaimed. “I believe in it, too.” He turned to Hugh with a curious look on his face. “How about you, Ravenscroft?”

Hugh shook his head.

The viscount’s brow furrowed in disapproval.

Trafford bit his bottom lip and studied his teacup, but the grin on his face was plain as day. He cleared his throat in an attempt to clear his smile. “You’ll have to forgive Ravenscroft. He’s a bit of a curmudgeon.”

Stanhope nodded.

Hugh gritted his teeth. “Trafford, please. I take offense with you teaching young Stanhope here such a lesson. He’s impressionable.”

“I’m not that young, sir. I’m not as old as you, but I’ll see my twenty-sixth year next month.”

Hugh narrowed his eyes. “I hope you’re not insulting me.”

The viscount shook his head so swiftly, it was a wonder he didn’t make himself dizzy. “Not at all. I meant no harm. But I know you well enough to realize that you’re a bit…” He looked to his new best friend, Trafford, for help.

“Set in his ways?” Trafford offered.

“Yes, that’s it.” The viscount sat on the edge of his seat. “No offense, Ravenscroft.”

“Why are you here?” Hugh said curtly. If he was going to be insulted by a pup in his own study, Hugh was determined to make the experience as uncomfortable for the viscount as it was for him.

Stanhope visibly swallowed. He stole a peek at Trafford.

The shoulders of Hugh’s former best friend bounced as the traitor tried to hide his mirth.

“I’m wondering if the Duke of Pelham will believe my suit for Lady Pippa is real since I’ve only been courting her for a short while.”

“Courting?” Trafford’s eyes widened to saucers. “Lady Pippa?”

Hugh gripped the handle of the fragile teacup as if it were the only thing holding him back from lunging across the table and grabbing the viscount by the throat and growling his warning, “Mine. She’s mine. Do you hear me? Mine.”

Thankfully, he didn’t say it aloud. He ran his hand down his face. What was happening to him? He was becoming a barbarian.

Completely oblivious to Hugh’s turmoil, the viscount nodded woefully. “I’ve fallen in love with her. She’s kind, witty, and someone I want to spend my life with. She’s stolen my heart and my family’s too.”

Hugh couldn’t breathe as if he’d fallen off his galloping horse and had all the air knocked out of him. After a moment, the feeling started to wane. He gulped all the air he could. At the sound, Trafford offered a look of concern. Hugh waved him off.

“That’s why I’m here. Do you think that the Duke of Pelham would honestly consider my suit?” Stanhope glanced at Trafford before studying Hugh.

“Why would you ask me?” Hugh arched an eyebrow.

Trafford shook his head. “He’s asking both of us.” Trafford leaned forward and rested his elbows on his knees. For a moment, he was silent as he considered what to say. He clasped his hands between his legs and nodded as if coming to a decision. “I think the duke would definitely consider your suit. You’re a member of the millionaire’s club. You don’t have a reputation as a rakehell or someone with loose morals. Your family is well-respected with no skeletons in the closet.”

“No skeletons.” Stanhope’s brow furrowed into neat lines.

Hugh wanted to roll his eyes. The viscount even made such an expression look elegant.

“My family is my pride and joy. They all give me great comfort.” His cheeks heated slightly. “They adore Lady Pippa as much as I do. They would welcome her with open arms.”

Hugh eased back in his chair and let out a silent breath. Pippa would love to be a part of Stanhope’s sweet, kind, demure, and pleasant family. It was something that Pelham had said that she’d craved. He wanted her to have a family who would love and cherish her.

Stanhope’s family wasn’t at all like his boisterous and outspoken group of kin, particularly his great-aunt. Granted, his family adored Pippa as well. But would she feel comfortable with having to maneuver around Aunt Edith when the grand dame exploded into a high dudgeon? Would Pippa be terrified if his mother had one of her spells?

For Christ’s sake, even his great-aunt favored Stanhope, which was really saying something when she was the one who had originally tried to wrangle both himself and Pippa into a betrothal.

“Ravenscroft?”

The sharpness in Trafford’s tone broke Hugh’s train of thought.

“Hmm?” he asked.

“What’s your opinion of Pelham’s thoughts about my suit?” Stanhope asked.

What could he say? It was everything Pippa wanted. A husband with a loving family who would all welcome her with open arms.

But even he wasn’t that magnanimous. He scowled at the viscount, hoping to intimidate the man. He’d not let Pippa go so easily. “What are your thoughts about women in trade?”

The viscount’s eyebrows shot upward. “I haven’t considered it.”

“Perhaps you should.”

The viscount nodded. “Does Lady Pippa want to go into trade? Highly unusual for a duke’s sister, but we’re all in trade somehow. Daily, I manage my investments and estate business. I try to stay abreast of the current financial news in London. That’s work. I’m happy to do it because I cater to a highly opinioned group, my family and tenants.” He laughed at his own joke.

The pup was endearing as well as infuriating.

Trafford grinned as he slapped Stanhope on the back. “Quite right, my good man.”

“Wouldn’t you agree?” The viscount smiled at Hugh. “I would encourage her in whatever endeavors she desired.”

Hugh fisted his hands discreetly at the viscount’s perfect answer.

Trafford and Stanhope continued to converse, but all Hugh heard was the whirring of his thoughts as his heart catapulted in his chest.

He had to face the stark facts. The viscount truly was the perfect gentleman and would make a wonderful husband.

Hugh also had to face another reality.

He was going to lose Pippa to Stanhope.