Page 20 of A Simple Marriage (Millionaires of Mayfair #2)

Pippa waited for Pelham in his study all afternoon. She’d been there ever since she’d refused Stanhope’s marriage proposal. As she sat on the window seat, she stared at the raindrops that meandered down the window. It reminded her of all the tears she had shed today.

“Pippa?” Pelham strolled into the study and came to stand beside her. He took her hands in his. “You’re chilled. Ritson told me you’ve been in here all day.”

When he held out his arms, she didn’t hesitate. She needed the warmth and the strength of a hug that only her brother could provide her. “I told him no.”

“I assume you’re referring to Stanhope.” He pressed a kiss to the top of her head as he sat beside her on the window seat. He shivered slightly. “Shall we sit near the fireplace?”

He tugged her to the sitting area and sat after she did. “You didn’t think you could be happy with him?”

“No.” She took his hand in hers. With every ounce of courage, she turned to her brother, the man who’d been more of a parent to her than her real ones. “I love you dearly.”

He nodded. “I feel the same for you.”

There was no sense in holding back. “I’ve decided that I will ask Lady Somerton’s bank for a loan. I’ll pay Mignon more than her asking price to make the offer more appealing since she’ll have to wait for the funds. I know how you feel about me being in trade. If you prefer, I’ll live in the apartment above the dress shop.”

He stood instantly and faced her. “No. Your home is here for as long as you like.”

She nodded in relief. Losing his respect would have been a wound she didn’t think she could survive without scars.

Gently, he grabbed her upper arms. “You are always welcome to live here or at Pelham Hall. You’re my family.” He shook his head. “Don’t ever think that when we disagree, what I feel for you would be jeopardized. You’re my sister. My family.” His voice grew tender. “Understand?”

She nodded.

He released a heavy sigh. “Darling, I have something upsetting to share with you.”

Instantly, she sat on the edge of the window seat. “Tell me.”

“Mademoiselle Mignon’s shop has been sold. There’s a sign on the door. I went there today to buy it for you.”

One hot tear splashed against her hand.

Then another.

She never cried, but today was extraordinary. She’d lost everything, the shop but most importantly, Hugh. She had no future. She dropped her head into her hands as tears fell. “No,” she cried softly. “I can’t believe it.”

“I’m so sorry. It’s my fault. I should have never tried to convince you to marry before I gave you the shop. But Ravenscroft said something that stuck with me. Life is fleeting, and I want you happy. My love for you is unconditional. I don’t want you to think that you must prove yourself to me. Otherwise, I’m no better than our parents. Nor do you have to prove yourself to anyone else. You deserve that shop because of who you are—a brilliant and responsible artist who makes any person she dresses beautiful beyond measure. I believe in you. I don’t need to see any business plans. If you want to be in trade, that’s your decision. Not mine and not your husband’s.”

“Oh, Dane. Thank you.” Another tear fell, and he hugged her again, which made her cry harder. Only her brother could make her feel this way. For once in her life, she could leave her parents and the scars they left in the past. Finally, those ghosts were gone. She deserved and had earned the right to live the life she wanted.

But everything she wanted was not to be. First, it was marriage, then the shop, but the thing that hurt the most was Hugh.

“Don’t cry, sweetheart,” her brother crooned softly. “I have my solicitor combing through the recent sales of businesses. When I discover who bought it, I’ll buy it from them.” He placed his hands on her shoulders and lowered his gaze to hers. “I’ll forever regret not buying it for you sooner.”

“Dane, don’t blame yourself. Mignon told me that she would give me the courtesy to match her previous offer. Perhaps she received another that was more money.” She stared at the blue Aubusson carpet beneath her feet. The pattern was intricate and melded colors of the rainbow together in a symmetry that she normally found fascinating. But today, it reminded her of mud which exactly matched her thoughts. She scoffed as she wiped the tears from her face. “As for marriage? It’s not in my future either.”

By then, Pelham had stopped his pacing. “Why would you say that?”

She lifted her gaze to his. “Because there are very few people I could imagine spending the rest of my life with if they weren’t my family.”

Pelham shook his head. “Help me understand. Wouldn’t the person you marry be your family? Look at Honor and Trafford. We didn’t lose her. We gained a brother. It will be the same when you choose a husband.”

“I don’t want to discuss it.” Quickly, she stood. “If you’ll excuse me?”

“No, I won’t,” her brother retorted. “Family is important. That’s why I’m concerned about who your choice is for a husband.”

“Well, if it’s so important, then why aren’t you married?” It was obvious to both of them that she was trying to start an argument, but she didn’t care. “Why didn’t you marry Grace?”

“We’re not discussing my marriage prospects,” he pointed out. “Dreary as they are.”

“Perhaps we shouldn’t be discussing mine either. If yours are dreary, then mine are abysmal.” The more she thought about Hugh not caring whether she married Stanhope, the angrier she became. “There is only one person I can imagine marrying, and he doesn’t want me,” she shouted.

Pippa brought her hand to her mouth. How could she have let that slip from her most hidden thoughts into the open? If Dane discovered her true but unrequited feelings for Hugh, her brother would give him the cut direct and never talk to him again. That’s how loyal Dane was to her and Honor. For the love of heaven, she would never forgive herself if something happened to their friendship.

Her brother’s devilishly sharp mind sliced through her unspoken words. “Ravenscroft? What did he do?”

“Nothing,” she said softly. “And that’s the problem.”

“Darling…” He said softly in an effort to soothe her. “I’ll buy you a building, and you can build your business there. You’ll be even bigger than Mademoiselle Mignon’s. I promise.”

That dress shop had consumed her life for the last month. It was inconceivable, but she couldn’t think about it or her future without feeling as if she’d been stabbed in the chest. The only thing she could concentrate on was Hugh.

He didn’t even fight for her.

She stood and came to his side. “I’m tired.” She gave him a sad smile. “I meant to tell you this earlier, but I forgot. Welcome home, Dane. I missed you.” She kissed him on the cheek, then turned toward the door. “We can discuss this more tomorrow.”

Once inside her bedroom, she softly closed the door then flopped onto her bed and stared at the floral canape above her head. Alice had been in to turn down her bed. There was a nice fire and several candles lit to provide light. It didn’t help.

She was still wrapped up in a darkness that she didn’t think she’d ever find her way out of. This was the problem with falling in love. She had no doubt that Hugh felt something for her, but it wasn’t enough for him to fight for her.

A tear skated sideways down her cheek. She didn’t even bother with it. Perhaps she wasn’t enough for anyone. Her parents had certainly thought that.

She blew out a breath. She was an Ardeerton. Besides Dane had told her she was worthy of what she wanted in life. She was good enough. Dramatics would not serve her tonight. Her brother and sister loved her. Even if Hugh didn’t, she would survive and craft a life for herself filled with people she loved and who loved her. Perhaps after her broken heart healed, she could find the strength to visit Margaret and Lady Edith. She’d just have to make certain that Hugh wasn’t there when she called upon them.

Another tear fell, and she wiped it away. She was beyond fortunate. Even if Hugh didn’t love her enough to fight for her, she still had experienced the most memorable few weeks of her life. She wouldn’t trade the experiences she had with him for anything.

She had no doubts that she’d made the right decision about marrying Lord Stanhope. He was not her destiny. She just had to find out what it was by herself.

A soft knock sounded on the door before it opened.

Alice stepped inside her room quickly and then closed the door. “My lady, I have a note for you.”

Pippa quickly dried her eyes before turning to her maid and taking the folded piece of parchment.

Alice’s face fell. “My lady, what has happened.”

Pippa did her best to smile. “Nothing that I can’t manage myself.”

And indeed, she would manage her life to her own satisfaction.

When she opened the letter, Hugh’s bold masculine handwriting greeted her.

My darling P,

I must see you. This cannot wait until a respectable visiting hour on the morrow.

My carriage and two groomsmen are waiting down at the mews at the end of the alleyway. The carriage is unmarked. Please find a way to escape your brother’s protection and come to me.

Your most ardent admirer,

H

“What does it say?” Alice asked.

“It’s Ravenscroft. He wants me to meet him outside the mews. He sent a coach for me.” She reread the note again. There were a few ink blots as if he’d written in haste.

“The marquess’s messenger boy brought it.” Alice bounded on her toes. “Lord Ravenscroft,” she sighed dreamily. “This is so romantic.”

“This is not my idea of romance,” Pippa said wearily.

Alice dismissed her grumbling with a smile. “You’ll see, my lady. Besides, my elbow has been bothering me since Lord Stanhope called on you today. Change is in the air.”

“I thought it was an omen of bad luck,” Pippa replied sarcastically.

Alice ignored her remarks as her gaze evaluated Pippa. “It’s fortunate that you’re dressed so lovely. Let me get your pelisse, and we can be on our way.”

“Who said I’m going?” Pippa asked defiantly. That man might think he could simply snap his fingers and she would come to him.

Obviously, he didn’t know her very well if he thought that.

“My lady,” Alice chided softly.

“He’s not interested in me.”

Alice took her hand and squeezed. “A handsome man, who watches every move you make when you’re in his presence, wants to meet with you tonight.” She arched an eyebrow. “Privately.” She paused dramatically, then continued, “That same handsome man has visited you numerous times and at least, twice during those visits, helped you with your plans to purchase that dress shop. That same man went to Amesbury to plead your case with your brother even at the risk he’d jeopardize their longtime friendship. That same man always finds a way to be close to you whenever you’re under the same roof together.” She smiled gently. “That same man is begging you to meet him tonight. If that’s not romantic, then I don’t know what is. Now, are you really going to refuse him?”

Pippa had known the answer the moment she’d read the note. “Would you fetch my pelisse? I’ll also need a way to sneak out of Ardeerton House without anyone noticing.”

Somehow, Alice worked miracles and in mere moments, she’d escorted Pippa down the servant’s staircase and through the back entrance without a single person seeing them, including Ritson, who was almost as omnipotent as Dane. It never seemed to fail that he found her when she didn’t want to be found. But fate was smiling on her tonight. She walked down the alleyway toward the mews and then stopped.

Hugh was pacing in front of the carriage as if the demons from hell were on his heels.

“My lady, he looks mightily upset,” Alice confided softly.

“Or perhaps he’s nervous.” Pippa turned to her maid. “I’m nervous. How do I look?”

“Like a delectable treat he won’t be able to resist,” she chortled softly.

Pippa stole another peek at Hugh. That’s when he saw her and stopped his pacing. A ghost of a smile tugged at one side of his mouth. She’d seen him wear that expression a thousand times before, but it still stole her breath. He was happy to see her. Without hesitating, she closed the distance between them.

Hugh didn’t say a word when he took her hands and squeezed. “I’d like to take you somewhere.”

“Where?” She squeezed his hands.

“I can’t tell you. It’s a surprise.”

“My lady,” Alice whispered. “Remember my elbow.”

Pippa didn’t take her gaze away from Hugh. “Alice’s elbow predicts a change in weather.”

Hugh smiled at the servant. “I imagine that’s very handy when you’re helping Lady Pippa dress.”

Alice nodded. “But it also predicts when there’s a change coming in someone’s life.”

Pippa bit her lip, but it didn’t hold her soft laugh. Her maid was a superstitious woman, but she adored her.

Hugh reached into his pocket and pulled out a freshly starched cravat. “I need to blindfold you.”

“Why?” she asked.

“Because I want it to be a surprise where we’re going.” A grin tugged at his lips, but this was not one of his ordinary smiles. It promised kisses and tender touches in private.

Pippa frowned slightly, then laughed. She was allowing her imagination to run away with her. “Blindfolding me won’t do a bit of good. Alice will tell me where we’re going.”

“She won’t be joining us,” he murmured.

Pippa turned to Alice. She fully expected her maid to object to such a statement. But Alice merely grinned her way. “My elbow is telling me to return to the house. You’re in safe hands with his lordship. Take all the time you need. I’ll see you when you return, my lady.” She turned on the ball of foot and strolled back to the house.

“Her elbow? Since when does her elbow have anything to do with this?” She turned to Hugh. “Why is she leaving?”

“I wrote her a letter as well.”

She’d never been blindfolded and taken into a carriage. It was a bit dramatic, mysterious, and not to mention clandestine. As she thought about being alone with Hugh in a closed carriage, goosebumps flew across her arms.

“What did it say?” Her voice was breathless.

“That I want you alone,” Hugh said seductively. “One last time.”

The moonlight kissed Pippa’s cheeks. The soft glow made her skin luminescent.

Hugh’s hands itched to take her in his arms and kiss her until morning. He stood there, simply watching her as she watched him. They were having a conversation without either of them speaking a single word.

I trust you.

I’d protect you with my life before I’d let anyone, or anything hurt you. You’re mine.

Their intimacy was shattered when one of the horses stomped impatiently.

“Turn around,” he said gruffly. As Hugh placed the cravat over her eyes and tied the ends around her, he leaned near and inhaled. Her sweet scent rose to greet him and for the first time in hours, he felt himself relax. Only after the silk was tightly tied did Hugh press his lips against the tender skin of her neck.

The thought that this might be the last time to touch her, hold her, or cherish her, made his chest tighten up once more. Only her husband would be allowed to touch her that way.

He sighed deeply.

“Hugh? What is it?”

It’s Stanhope. I don’t want that man to touch you. Nor do I want any man near you except me.

Thankfully, he didn’t say it. “We should leave before the coal man makes his nightly delivery.”

He held her hand as she entered the carriage. He tilted his head to the sky. He’d never considered himself a religious man, but he needed help.

He tilted his head to the sky and closed his eyes. Please don’t let me be too late.

After a final look at the moon, Hugh entered the carriage and settled next to Pippa. Without a word, he took her hand in his. With his free hand, he knocked on the carriage top, signaling for the coachman to proceed to their destination.

“Are you going to give me any hints?” she said softly.

“None.” He squeezed her hand. “Are you frightened?”

She shook her head.

He leaned near. “Good. You have nothing to fear from me.”

The coach veered to the right as it took a sharp turn. The movement sent Pippa sliding across the bench and into his arms. Without the slightest hesitation, he put his arm around her to secure her to his side. She fit perfectly as she always did.

God as his witness, it would take little for him to make her his right here in the carriage.

Yet, she was likely promised to another.

He didn’t know that for certain, and he should ask her if Stanhope had come to see her.

Selfishly, he would wait. As long as he didn’t know the answer of whether she was betrothed, what they did in this carriage didn’t matter.

And he could pretend that she was still his. But that was selfish and would harm her and her chance of happiness with Stanhope. For the life of him, Hugh would never hurt her.

Bloody hell, he should have thought this through before putting her in his carriage. He should have asked her outright if she had agreed to marry Stanhope. If she had, he’d take her home immediately. He wouldn’t be able to bear being in her presence otherwise.

“Pippa?” The hollowness of his voice betrayed his agony. He tipped his head back and stared at the ceiling. He didn’t think he could look her in the eyes when she answered. “Did you tell Stanhope yes?”