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

As Hugh’s carriage rumbled through the London streets, his mind was on the youngest Ardeerton sister. To say Pippa was intriguing wasn’t an exaggeration.

Highly unconventional, Lady Pippa Ardeerton had entered society before her eldest sister Lady Honoria. But it had been acceptable to Honoria. She hated London. Then, in Amesbury, Pelham’s ancestral seat, Pippa’s sister and the Earl of Trafford had found themselves in a bit of a scandal. That incident had forced Pelham to bring both sisters to London in hopes of getting out in front of the rumors that the eldest had ruined both herself and Trafford. It had worked.

When both sisters were in London together, it was a rare sight. Two beautiful women with substantial fortunes, who happened to be the siblings of one of the most powerful dukes in the kingdom, were unmarried. Every eligible man in town had thrown his hat into the proverbial marital ring.

However, Hugh knew enough to stay out of the fray. Trafford, who happened to be best friends with Hugh and Pelham, had fallen in love with Honoria and had taken her to his hunting lodge. To say that the duke was angry at the earl was like calling the sun a simple yellow dot in the sky. Hugh had never seen Pelham so furious. Funny, but Pippa had that same look about her today when he’d spoiled her plans. Truly he hadn’t meant to cause her harm. But the idea that she’d just pick names from her brother’s millionaire club list was ludicrous. As Pelham’s best friend, Hugh had a duty to protect the duke’s family.

To Hugh, family was everything. Pelham felt the same way about his sisters.

As the carriage arrived at his London manse, Hugh straightened his shoulders at the thought of marriage. Even though he denied it, the idea that Pippa didn’t include him on the list stung much like running into a briar patch. If she was only considering members of her brother’s club, why wasn’t he on the list? He was a member and one of her brother’s best friends. But perhaps she was trying to spare both him and Pelham from an uncomfortable arrangement. Marrying your best friend’s little sister wasn’t compatible with an easy friendship.

However, most people considered him a desirable match. Though Hugh didn’t claim to be boastful, there was no denying he was wealthy and titled. Marriage-minded mothers and their daughters seemed to think him handsome. Women pursued him whenever he hosted a society event, and they even occasionally called on his mother in hopes of catching a glimpse of Hugh.

But he wasn’t interested in them.

The ton expected him to marry soon. He had a responsibility to the title to provide an heir. His father had done it before him. And his father’s father before that. Even his own family prodded him to marry. His mother discreetly introduced him to eligible ladies of the ton. Hugh was respectful but not engaged. He didn’t want love or the institution of marriage.

He ran a hand down his face as Lady Pippa Ardeerton came barging into his thoughts again. No telling what the lady would do next. She might send out another batch of notes. If Hugh was truly a friend to Pelham, he should tell him what had occurred. Yet, the idea of betraying Pippa didn’t sit well with him.

When Hugh walked into Raven’s Splendor, Burnett was waiting for him. His butler was wringing his hands. Always distinguished without a white hair out of place, Burnett was normally unflappable. Currently, his brow was glistening with sweat. That usually meant Hugh’s Aunt Edith was in a high dudgeon. Something must not be to her liking in the household. That simple fact predicted that the entire staff was in an uproar. Hugh had never understood how his great-aunt, who weighed no more than seven stones soaking wet, could carry that much weight around his home.

“Good morning, my lord,” Burnett said with a bow. “How was your appointment?”

“Interesting,” Hugh said as he handed his hat and gloves to Everett, the footman standing at attention. “I take it that my great-aunt is upset about something. What is it this time?”

“I can’t rightly say, my lord. But upset is putting it mildly. She received a letter from Lady Payne this morning.” Burnett lowered his voice. “She is waiting for you in your study. Lady Ravenscroft is with her.”

Hugh’s eyebrows shot upward. “Things must be serious if my mother is in attendance.”

“My thoughts exactly, sir,” Burnett murmured.

“Thank you,” Hugh said as he took one of the two split staircases toward the second floor of his Neo-classical manse. His study, private salon, bed chambers, and the marchioness’s chambers were on this side of the house. His mother, who no longer slept in the marchioness chambers, had a bedroom on the other side of the house. So did his brother and great-aunt. Hugh normally visited them in the family salon on their side of the manse. So, this was highly unusual.

Hugh chuckled to himself. Who needed to marry when he had two of the most obstinate, confident, not to mention head-strong women living with him? Truthfully, Hugh loved his mother and great-aunt and all their quirks. It would be a dull existence without them in his life.

As soon as he stepped into his study, two gray heads whirled in his direction.

“Come in, my boy.” Aunt Edith waved a bejeweled hand in invitation. “The tea is still comfortably hot.”

“Thank you, ma’am, for the invitation.” It didn’t make any difference to her that it was Hugh’s study. She still acted as if she were the queen of all her surveyed.

Hugh didn’t mind her attitude. Not when his aunt had dropped everything, uprooted her life, and rushed to his mother’s side when she needed help. Shortly after Hugh’s father had died from a heart ailment, his mother’s grief had become overwhelming. She wouldn’t eat or sleep. Hugh had been so worried about her that he’d invited his mother’s aunt to come live with them. As soon as Aunt Edith had arrived, she’d delivered a miracle. Aunt Edith had single-handedly cajoled and threatened his mother until she started to take better care of herself. Hugh was convinced that if his great-aunt hadn’t arrived, he’d have lost both of his parents that year.

So, he loved the grand dame for all her posturing and bravado, even if she was an acquired taste.

His mother and aunt were sitting opposite of each other on matching blue striped brocade sofas. His mother stood and presented a cheek. “Ravenscroft, thank heavens you’re here.”

Dutifully, Hugh pressed a kiss to her cool skin.

Aunt Edith waved him over and presented her cheek. He complied and pressed a kiss to her as well.

“There’s trouble I take it?” he asked as he sat down next to his mother.

“The worst kind.” Aunt Edith’s eyes narrowed as she picked up a letter from the elegant drum table beside her. She shook it in the air with the same urgency as a cavalry commander signaling the troops. “This is an emergency.” She handed it to him. “Please read it, my boy.”

Though she phrased it as a request, he knew it was a demand. She never used such a commanding tone unless she was upset. He quickly scanned the letter. Lord Will Cavensham and Lady Eanruig, a countess in her own right, lived with Lady Payne.

“That’s good news that Lord Cavensham and his wife, Lady Eanruig, are expecting again. Congratulations to Lady Payne and her family.” He smiled and lifted his eyebrows. “Another child is always a cause for celebration.” He slid the letter toward his aunt. “I don’t see the emergency.”

“Do you understand the horrific travesty in this?” Aunt Edith picked up the letter and waved it in the air. When the sun caught the movement of the jewels on her fingers, an explosion of sparkles erupted in the room. “It’s humiliating. That’s what it is.”

Hugh’s gaze bounced between his mother and aunt. “Enlighten me. How is the happy news of Lady Payne’s great nephew expecting a child humiliating?”

“It’s Stella’s great nephew’s third child in three years.” Aunt Edith harrumphed. “Lord Will Cavensham married that delightful girl Thea, and they’re multiplying like rabbits.”

Her eyes locked with his. How many times had he found comfort in her gaze as he grew up? Too many to count. Aunt Edith’s eyes were still as blue as when Hugh was a child, but her face betrayed her age.

“While I have nothing to show except for a thirty-year-old perennial bachelor who prefers to bury his nose in account books for days on end.”

“I ride every day. Also, I took a walk this morning in Hyde Park.” Hugh lifted an eyebrow in challenge. His irascible great-aunt returned the gesture. They were like two titans facing each other in a battle where only one would be victorious.

And Hugh planned to be the victor. “I’ll not marry just because you and your friend are in competition for whose great-nephew can procreate the fastest.”

“Aunt Edie,” his mother crooned the family nickname. “These things come in cycles. When Hugh settles down, I’m positive that you’ll have plenty of babies to boast about to your friend Stella.” She shook her head slowly. “But you can’t force my son to marry. Not when he hasn’t found the right one to love.”

Hugh didn’t move. He loved his mother. She was a saint to have raised him and his younger brother Bryce. However, Hugh didn’t share the same opinions about love with her. She’d be aghast that he believed the emotion was for fools. A person couldn’t trust that it wouldn’t turn into something hurtful. Frankly, he had enough experience in life to know it wasn’t cut out for him. Perhaps Lady Pippa had the right of it on how to go about finding a spouse. Simply pick someone out of the crowd.

His great-aunt huffed, then stood abruptly. She snatched the silver lion head of her walking cane, then started to pace in front of the bay windows. With her emerald morning gown and matching pelisse swishing behind her, she looked like a very unhappy fae queen who was ready to dismiss her subjects forever.

Things were spiraling out of control. Bloody hell, he adored the old lady, but what she wanted wasn’t something he would snap his fingers and fix. He’d never thought it urgent to marry. He was still young. Working was his only interest at the moment. Besides, he had a little brother as heir, and for now, that was enough for him.

“Aunt Edith,” he soothed. “We’ve been through this before. I’m not ready for marriage.”

His aunt came to an abrupt halt in front of him. “And why not?”

Hugh studied the elegant elderly lady standing in front of him. With a sigh, he stood and took her arm with his as he walked her to the sofa again. “I’m not the marrying type. My life is perfect the way it is. Perhaps you should be having this conversation with Bryce.”

Just then, his younger brother by five years, came into the study. “Did someone say my name?”

If anyone would marry before Hugh, it would be his brother. Handsome and rich, Lord Bryce Calthorpe had his pick of marriage-minded ladies. But like Hugh, Bryce wanted to make money. His goal was to be admitted to Pelham’s millionaire club within the next three years. And if Bryce’s investments continued in their current trajectory, he would be invited to join within two years by Hugh’s calculations.

“Aunt Edith was just discussing you,” Hugh offered innocently.

“No, I was discussing you.” Aunt Edith planted her walking stick in the thick Aubusson carpet beneath her. “And your lack of marriage prospects. It’s your duty to the marquessate to marry.” Aunt Edith batted Hugh’s arm away and then sat beside Hugh’s mother. “Margaret, what do you think about children in the house?” Aunt Edith batted her eyes in Hugh’s mother’s direction, compelling his mother to agree with her.

“Well, I don’t know since there aren’t any.” The dowager Marchioness of Ravenscroft smiled.

“Aha!” Aunt Edith cheered. “We’re in agreement.”

“Mother,” Hugh objected.

His mother held up her hand, then turned to her aunt. “You’re like a mother to me.” She leaned over and patted her aunt’s hand. “There’s nothing more in this world I want than to see you happy, particularly after everything you’ve done for me. But you can’t force someone to do your bidding over matters like these. I know that better than all people.”

Hugh’s heart stumbled in his chest. He and his brother exchanged glances. Their mother had not had the easiest life, especially after their father had passed away. Quite frankly, her grief had practically paralyzed the entire family.

As head of the family, Hugh sat opposite the two most important women in his life, praying he’d find the right things to say to appease them both.

“I’ll never say never, but it’s not something I’m interested in. At least, not now.”

“God forbid, but what if something should happen to you? You’re not getting any younger, my boy.” His aunt stared at him then slowly blinked.

“Then Bryce will take over the title,” he said gently.

Aunt Edith directed her attention to Bryce. “All right, then. When are you going to settle down?”

Bryce put both hands in front of him and started to back away. “I’m just a second son. No need for me to consider the holy state of matrimony yet.”

“Do not leave this room. Stay right where you are, young man,” Aunt Edith ordered. Her gaze swept around the room, first landing on Hugh’s mother, then Bryce, and finally on Hugh. “You leave me no choice, Ravenscroft. I’ll give you the same ultimatum that Stella gave her great nephew.” The old lady sniffed. “Hopefully, it’ll work for me.” She straightened her five-foot frame and tipped her gaze to his. “If you don’t marry within the next year, I’ll disinherit you. I’ll give my family’s estate to Bryce.”

She delivered a defiant tilt of her chin. Her chin was so high she appeared to be staring at the ceiling.

“And did the ultimatum work for Lady Payne?” Hugh asked wryly.

“Perfectly. I even helped Stella think up the plan.”

Just then, Aunt Edith’s favorite footman, Everett, knocked on the door. “Lady Edith, your solicitor is here. Mr. Burnett accompanied Mr. McIntyre to the formal rose salon.” Cautiously, he walked to Aunt Edith’s side and extended his arm. “If it’ll please you, ma’am, may I escort you there?”

She nodded and stood. “At least someone around here is interested in my welfare.” She turned one final time to Hugh. “I’m having McIntyre write a new conveyance of the estate. I’ll ask him to leave the name blank. I’ll write in who I’m giving it to.”

With a nod of her head, she exited the room, holding on to Everett.

Collectively, they all let out a relieved breath after she was gone.

“I’m sorry, darlings. She really wants to have a baby in the house.” His mother smiled. “I think she misses Stella more than she lets on. They’ve best friends since they were little girls, and they can’t see each other as much as they used to. Aunt Edith and Lady Payne don’t travel together anymore since Stella’s great, great nieces and nephews have been born. I’m a poor substitute since I don’t like to travel.”

“Nonsense,” Hugh retorted. “You’re the best friend she’s ever had. Aunt Edith can’t have everything she wants on demand.”

Bryce nodded in agreement. “Let’s get her a puppy.”

Their mother laughed. “Dearest, I’m afraid she’ll see right through that plan. You’ll be the one taking care of it.”

In her early fifties, Hugh’s mother was an attractive woman. She was still young. He wanted nothing more than to see her happy. Perhaps he should be taking her to more ton events so she could be meeting eligible men who were looking for companionship or perhaps a wife. At least she’d understand she had choices. There were honorable men who would be interested in her.

Bryce slid into a club chair and ran a hand down his face. “I hate it when Aunt Edith gets upset like this.” He turned to Hugh. “But if she gives me the lodge, I’ll give it to you.”

His brother was beyond loyal and always had been especially since Hugh had been his caretaker for all those years when they were younger, and his mother was bedridden. “There’s no need. Whatever Aunt Edith does, I’ll live with it. But she knows how to turn the proverbial knife after she’s inserted it.”

He stood and poured himself a cup of tea. It was now lukewarm, but it was a welcome distraction. His aunt knew what the lodge had meant to Hugh. It was a place that held his fondest childhood memories. When his mother had carried Bryce, it had been a difficult pregnancy, and Hugh had been sent to live with Edith. It had been a magical summer. Whatever he’d wanted to do, Aunt Edith had allowed it. He’d leave early in the morning with his food packed and explore the estate. Sometimes, he would ride and fish all day. At night, he’d lay under the summer sky and watch for falling stars. After that summer, everything had changed. Bryce had been born. Some days, it felt like only yesterday. His parents had been overjoyed with two sons.

He let out a painful sigh.

“Ravenscroft,” his mother said gently. “There will be a day you’ll need to marry.”

“But it’s not here yet.” He turned to face her. “I know my responsibilities.”

Bryce came to stand by him and patted him on the shoulder. “Sorry, old man, I wish I could help you with these problems.”

They weren’t just his problems. They were his family’s problems. Suddenly, a brilliant idea began to take shape. He could tackle three tasks at once and solve all his worries.

He’d start making appearances at social events. He’d never attended anything unless Pelham or Trafford were there. But he could squire around his mother and aunt as they attended social commitments without too much bother. It would give his mother something to look forward to.

Hopefully, that would keep his aunt satisfied that he was making a good-faith effort to find a wife. He’d ask his mother to attend with him. She’d been lonely ever since his father had died. That would allow him to introduce her to men who might provide the perfect companionship. Plus, the cherry on top was that he could help Lady Pippa in her quest to find a husband, all the while safeguarding her from going about it in a way that might ruin her reputation. It would be keeping her secret and protecting her at the same time. Pelham couldn’t object to that.

Besides, he’d grown a tad bored with the monotony of his everyday life. Aunt Edith was right. He did spend an inordinate amount of time with the estate books. A new diversion would be welcome. Particularly if it gave him the opportunity to spend time with the delightful Lady Pippa.

The plan wasn’t just brilliant. It was superb.

“Perhaps Aunt Edith is correct,” he mused and snuck a peek at his mother. “I should be enjoying the social season.”

His brother’s mouth fell open. “What? You attend social events?”

“I host a ball every year, don’t I?” Hugh said a little defensively. He hated that tradition. Every Marquess of Ravenscroft had hosted a London ball since the title was created. His mother planned it and played his hostess. If it was up to Hugh, he’d never host another one. Last year, she’d informed him that she didn’t want to do it again.

Which was like manna from heaven. Whenever he had hosted a ball at Raven’s Splendor, his life was upended for weeks.

“What wonderful news.” His mother stood and joyfully clapped her hands. “Aunt Edie will be so pleased. I’ll go tell her.”

After their mother left, Bryce turned his way and narrowed his eyes. “What are you doing? You’ve never enjoyed the social season before. You’ve always sworn off marriage.”

“Who said anything about marriage?” Hugh winked. “I’m just performing several good deeds and doing my duty to the family.”

And protecting one charming duke’s sister in the process.