Page 23 of A Simple Marriage (Millionaires of Mayfair #2)

Pippa held her head high as Pelham helped her into the carriage.

When the carriage door slammed shut, he took the seat opposite her and knocked on the ceiling, signaling they were ready to return home. Without a word, he opened a hidden compartment and took out a garment. “Put this on. It’s part of my domino for masquerades. It’ll hide your state of undress.”

There was no scorn or derisiveness in his tone. Perhaps they could discuss this like adults. “Thank you.” She took the cloak from him. “That’s very thoughtful of you.”

He nodded but continued to stare out the window, refusing to look at her.

“Dane, I know that you’re upset.”

Without changing his view, he held out his hand and took hers. He squeezed as if she were the only thing keeping him afloat in a choppy sea. Her tears swelled, and one rogue drop ran down her cheek. He turned to her then tenderly brushed it away just like he’d done when she was a little girl and had scrapped her knee or cut herself trying to pare an apple. He’d always been there for her, and it was devastating to think he was angry or worse, disappointed in her.

“I’m sorry that I caused you pain or anger.” She glanced at their clasped hands and thought of all the times he’d been her champion when their parents had been on their worst behavior, sending her back and forth as a weapon between them.

Like a flash of lightning, he was beside her. He opened his arms, and she fell into his embrace. He rocked her gently as the tears fell in rivers down her cheek.

“Don’t cry, darling. I can take anything except your tears.” He leaned back and pulled a handkerchief out of his waistcoat. He dried the tears that ran down her face. “Are you sure you’re all right? He didn’t hurt you, did he?”

“No. He was wonderful.” She smiled slightly. “I don’t want you to be angry at Hugh.”

He stiffened slightly at the name.

“I was the one who…caused this.” She hung her head.

“Darling, don’t.” He tilted her chin until she could look into his eyes. Anger still burned bright, but there was a softness there as well. “He should have honored you and come to see me first.” By then, the carriage had pulled into the circular drive of Ardeerton House. “Everything will be better in the morning. We both simply need a good night’s sleep.” He pulled her close and kissed the top of her head. The carriage door opened, and Pelham exited. “Bloody hell.”

His murmur was loud enough that Pippa could hear it. “What’s wrong?”

He gave her his hand and helped her out of the carriage. Two other vehicles were in the circular driveaway. Every conceivable chandelier was lit in the house. It was brighter than the midday sun.

“We have company.” Pelham wrapped her arm around his and slowly walked her to the door.

“It’s Honoria and Trafford.” Her voice shook, but she squeezed his arm with her hand. “I’m glad they’re here.”

Pelham ran a hand down his face. “Grace is here as well. It’s going to be a long night.”

Ritson opened the door as soon as they reached it. “Lady Pippa, it’s good to have you home.” He turned to Pelham with a relieved smile. “Your Grace.”

Her brother nodded. “Where are they?”

“In your study, sir,” Ritson answered.

Without hesitating, Pelham escorted her to their guests. The door was open and as soon as they entered, the conversation stopped. Honoria’s eyes widened, and she ran forward and enveloped Pippa in her arms. “I’m so glad you’re home. We were so worried about you.”

“There was no need. Alice knew where I was.” Pippa took a step back and held her sister’s hand. “I now know what you felt when Dane found you with Trafford,” she whispered.

Honoria squeezed her hand. “All will be well.”

Pelham had walked to Grace’s side. They were chatting with their heads close together.

Trafford came to stand beside his wife and Pippa. “He seems to be taking it well, don’t you think?”

Honoria lifted one brow. “You know our brother. He’s like one of those underground geysers that explode without any notice.”

Trafford laughed as he wrapped his arm around his wife’s waist. “You’re right.” He turned to Pippa. “We’re here for support. Anything you need from us, just name it.”

“I’ll name it. It’s very simple,” Pelham growled. Somehow, he’d snuck up on all of them. “How to stop this from turning into a scandal.”

“It’s not a scandal, Dane, if you were the one to find them.” Grace came to stand beside Pippa. She wrapped her arm around Pippa’s shoulder and directed her to one of the many sitting areas in Pelham’s study. “Would you like a brandy?”

“There she goes acting as if she was the duke of the house,” Pelham murmured. “It’s my bloody brandy.”

“Ignore him,” Grace chuckled. “We all do.”

Pippa smiled weakly. “Yes, I’d like one.”

Pelham did the honor of pouring everyone a fingerful and distributed the glasses.

Grace finished hers in one swallow. “I needed that,” she exclaimed softly, then gave Pippa an understanding smile. “I’m sure you do, too.”

By then, Honoria, Trafford, and Pelham had sat down.

Sprawled like a lion regarding the pride he commanded, Pelham relaxed in a club chair. “Pippa, they all know that I went hunting the streets of London for you. I decided to see if you’d gone to Mademoiselle Mignon’s shop to investigate.” He chuckled slightly. “Remember when you left the house in the middle of the night to discover if that vixen had returned with her pups after they’d grown up? You always were curious.” He let out a breath, the weariness was visible on his face.

“How did you know I’d left the house?” She shouldn’t be so surprised. Her brother truly had an uncanny intuition when it came to her or Honoria.

“Seriously?” He shook his head, clearly admonishing her. “Being incognito and escaping Ardeerton House like a spy for the crown doesn’t really work with me. I went to your room to chat about Ravenscroft. When I didn’t find you, I called for Alice. She told me that you left with him in a carriage.” He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his legs, and regarded her. “I went to his house first. His butler said he’d left for the evening. I went to Honor and Trafford’s. He wasn’t there.” He pointed to their sibling and her husband. “That’s why they’re here.”

“We sent word to Grace. We were worried,” Honoria confessed. She looked to Trafford, who pulled her close and pressed a kiss to the crown of her head. He turned to Pelham.

Still holding his wife, Trafford turned to her brother. “Ravenscroft should be here. Shall we send for him?”

“No,” Pippa exclaimed. The tension in the room could already be sliced with a dull knife. It would be a disaster to have Hugh here. He couldn’t come until Pippa had ensured her family that everything was fine.

“Pippa,” Grace said softly. “Why don’t you want him here?”

“She’s concerned that I’ll kill him.” Pelham leaned back in his chair. “She should be. I challenged him to a duel at the dress shop.”

Trafford bent his head, but by the shaking of his shoulders, everyone knew he was laughing.

Pelham arched an aggravating eyebrow. “I told Ravenscroft that he could ask you to be his second. I knew you would take his side anyway.”

“Pelham, I’m laughing because you need to see the humor in this. Doesn’t it remind you of Honor and me?” Trafford smirked slightly. “Give it up, old man.”

Her brother simply nodded. “He’s coming tomorrow at first light.” He turned to Grace. “How quickly should they marry?”

“Soon.” She smiled slightly. “Everyone has seen them together at ton events. It won’t be a surprise.”

“We should wait.” The words were out of Pippa’s mouth before she could stop them.

Slowly, her brother swiveled his hardened gaze to hers. “For what reason? Do you have doubts about Ravenscroft or marriage? If you think he won’t marry you, he will. I promise.”

“That’s not it.” Even though Hugh hadn’t asked her, she knew that he would. “Well…” For a moment, she struggled with what to say. “You see, I want to do it my way.”

Pelham narrowed his gaze. “What is this about? You were compromised. He has to marry you.”

“But you don’t know Hugh like I know him.” No one moved or said a word. They all simply stared at her.

“I would agree.” Pelham’s voice had dropped an octave. He only ever talked like that when he was beyond agitated. “However, you don’t need to point out the obvious. We’re all aware that you know him. Just like ‘Adam knew Eve and she…conceived.’”

“For the love of heaven, Dane,” Grace scolded. “There’s no need for histrionics.”

Honor shook her head. As she stood beside Pippa, she laced their fingers together in a show of solidarity. Grace joined them and took Pippa’s other hand.

Pelham huffed his frustration and looked to the ceiling. “Do you deny that there’s a chance of a babe?” He shook his head, then turned to Pippa. The redness in his eyes betrayed the heavy emotion that he felt in that moment. “I never wanted any of my sisters ruined or compromised or left vulnerable.” He fisted his hands and slowly released them. It was as if he were trying to rein in his emotions. “I simply wanted you both happy. And protected. My best friends in the world betrayed me and you.” He pointed to Honor, then Pippa.

“No, Dane. Hugh liberated my heart from its self-created cage.” Pippa came forward and took her brother’s hand. “Sometimes love refuses to listen or even acknowledge what a person thinks she wants. It does what it’s designed to do. Devastate. Dominate. Then beautifully captivate.” She’d never loved her brother more than she did right now. He would always protect her. “It’s too powerful to fight. At least, for me.”

“And for me,” Honor added softly.

“As well as me,” Trafford said, then kissed his wife tenderly.

Pippa smiled as she squeezed her brother’s hand. “And I wouldn’t change a thing that’s happened between Hugh and me. So don’t blame your best friends. I’m your sister. If you think Hugh betrayed you, then I did as well.”

“And I did as well,” Honor came forward and took his other hand. “But know that you have nothing to regret. You’re the best brother in the world. You’ve taught us how to be brave. With that courage, we learned what love was and weren’t fearful of it.”

“We love you,” Pippa stood and kissed his cheek.

Honoria kissed the other one.

He bit his lip and exhaled painfully. “I’m an Ardeerton. Nothing will defeat me,” he murmured his favorite creed for their ears only. When they grinned at his antics, he grabbed both of them into a hug. “And you both are the best sisters in the world.”

“Hear, hear,” Grace called out with tears in her eyes.

Trafford came to his side and patted him on the back. “The best brother-in-law a man can ask for.”

“Thank you, my friend.” Pelham let go of her and Honoria, then turned to Grace. “Governess? I will leave the plans in your capable hands.”

“They can announce the betrothal tomorrow, and we’ll start calling the banns.” She pulled a small journal and pencil out of an attached pocket on her gown. “Unless you want a special license. Or a bishop’s license. A private wedding with honored guests at St. Paul’s would be lovely this time of year,” she offered.

Pelham turned to her. “Thoughts?”

“We’re not to that point yet.” Heat licked Pippa’s cheeks.

“I beg your pardon?” Pelham’s face grew incredulous “What do you mean?”

“I am an Ardeerton. Nothing will defeat me,” she murmured as she peeked at her brother. “It worked for you. I’m hoping it will work for me.”

Dane chuckled, which was her intention.

She took a big breath, hoping to bolster her fortitude to see this through. She had an idea how her brother would react to the news. However, like one of her dress designs, she had a plan as to how to proceed. “Hugh hasn’t asked me to marry him.”

“That won’t be a problem,” Pelham drawled. “If he doesn’t ask for your hand, I’ll simply kill him.”

That’s when utter chaos erupted. Everyone talked at once.

“You can’t do that,” Grace cried. “That’s even a bigger scandal.”

“Dane, for heaven’s sake. This is Hugh and Pippa you’re discussing so recklessly.” Honor shook her head. “This is exactly what you did to Marcus.”

“Everyone, please,” Trafford called out. “He’s an honorable man. When Ravenscroft arrives tomorrow, I assure you he will have a proposal for Pippa, and an apology for Pelham.”

“I’ll handle it,” her brother grumbled.

“I have another idea,” Pippa said. “Just leave it to me.”

Hugh stepped out of his carriage and studied the impressive architecture of Ardeerton House. Today, there was almost a foreboding heaviness that surrounded the great house.

His life-long friend had every right to be angry with him. He’d taken his sister to bed without thought to the consequences. Though, it was the truth that Pippa had been the one to take him to bed, Hugh should have done better by both of them. Well, today would be his first attempt to reconcile the breach that defined their friendship.

As he reached the top of the steps, Ritson swung open the door. “It’s early sir, but His Grace is waiting for you.”

“Thank you.” He gave his hat and cane to a footman who stood beside the butler. “I don’t know how long this will take, but I don’t imagine I’ll be long. I know the way. I’ll see myself to his study.”

“Beg your pardon, sir. But His Grace asked that I accompany you in the house.” Ritson turned sharply on his heel and proceeded down the passageway that lead to Pelham’s study.

Hugh let out a breath. He’d been here so many times that Pelham’s staff didn’t even bat an eye when he appeared and escorted himself to see Pelham. Things must be worse than what he thought if Pelham was forbidding him from walking freely in his home.

He cleared his throat. “Is Lady Pippa available afterward?”

Ritson stopped slowly, then turned to Hugh with a look that could only be construed as a censure. “I’m afraid not, my lord.”

Without explaining more, he turned and marched down the hall with Hugh trailing behind like a lost lamb. He exhaled loudly. Why did it feel as if he were being lead to the gallows?

When they reached the familiar door of Pelham’s study, Ritson knocked once.

“Enter,” Pelham called out.

Ritson opened the door then stood aside to let Hugh inside. He stopped at the scene before him. Trafford sat in front of Pelham’s massive desk and Pelham sat behind it in all his glory. With his blond hair around his shoulders and completely dressed in black, he could have been mistaken for the angel of death or the devil himself.

“Your Grace,” Ritson called out in the most obnoxious booming voice. “The Marquess of Ravenscroft has arrived.”

Trafford stood in welcome, but Pelham still sat and stared at him. Finally, he stood and nodded at his butler. “That’ll be all.”

Each step that Hugh took to meet his friend felt like a mile. He swallowed his discomfort. These were his lifelong friends. Trafford had been in the same place as Hugh stood now.

And Pelham had forgiven him. Surely, he could expect the same forgiveness.

Trafford reached out and placed an arm around his shoulder as he shook his hand. “You’ll be fine. Let him say his piece. Do what he wants, and we can all put this incident behind us.”

Hugh nodded, then turned to the man who had murder in his eyes. “Pelham,” he said in greeting.

Pelham walked around the desk. “It says something that you’re here.”

“Let me start by saying?—”

Pelham didn’t let him finish as his fist collided with Hugh’s stomach with a sickening thud. Instantly, Hugh’s breath was knocked out of him. He bent over in half and steeled himself to will away the pain.

“That’s for defiling my sister.” Pelham didn’t even blink.

“You have every right to dole out such punishment,” Hugh wheezed as he fought for a breath. He couldn’t focus as everything was blurred. For a moment, he thought he’d cast up his accounts. Somehow, he found the fortitude to slowly stand. “But I want you to know?—”

He didn’t see the second fist coming. Instantly, Hugh dropped to his knees as the pain became overwhelming, and he couldn’t support his weight.

“That’s for buying Mademoiselle Mignon’s dress shop out from under me.” He narrowed his eyes as he studied Hugh. “Old man, it doesn’t look like you can take much more. So, I’ll add that the second punch was also for betraying our friendship.”

“That’s magnanimous of you not to punch him again,” Trafford offered.

By then, Hugh was on all fours, gasping for breath as his abdominal muscles had turned to mush. Stars swirled around his peripheral vision, enhancing his dizziness. But he refused to collapse. Pelham could have his due, but Hugh would not leave until he’d had his say. Then, he had to find Pippa.

“That’s enough, don’t you think?” Hugh rasped. His ears rang, and he didn’t know if he said the words aloud or not. “You’ve said your piece loud and clear.”

“Ravenscroft does have a point,” Trafford commented as he stood over Hugh and studied him. “You never hit me over Honoria.”

“That’s because she wouldn’t let me.” Pelham shook his hand up and down. “Bloody hell. I forgot how much that stings. Besides, you would have fought back.”

Trafford nodded. “But I must say your right hook is impressive.”

“Gentleman Jim helped me perfect it. Comes in handy when the clientele at the Jolly Rooster become too inebriated and start to fight.” Pelham extended his hand to Hugh to help him up from the ground.

Hesitantly, Hugh took it and managed to make it to his feet.

Pelham went around his desk and sat down. He held up a teapot from a tea service that was before him. “Would you like a cup, or would you prefer a brandy?”

“Tea for me,” Trafford called out jovially. “Honor and I are meeting the architect this morning to go over the final drawings for the foundling home.”

Pelham nodded as he poured the tea and slid the cup and saucer to Trafford. “For you?” he asked Hugh as if nothing violent had transpired in the last five minutes.

“Brandy,” he wheezed.

“Excellent choice. I’ll join you,” Pelham said as he poured two glasses. “Raise your glasses, gentlemen.”

As Trafford lifted his cup, Hugh could barely move his arms. His gut still hurt like the devil.

“To our friendship and to the future.” Pelham emptied his glass and set it on the table.

“To friendship and the ties that bind us,” Trafford said, then took a sip of his tea.

“To surviving the next hour,” Hugh muttered. He shook his head to clear some of the fog that still lingered, then emptied the glass.

“Now, I called you here, but Pippa, being Pippa, insisted that I not do anything to undermine her plans.” Pelham leaned back in his chair and regarded Hugh. “What are your intentions?”

“My intentions are to apologize to you?—”

“You’re forgiven,” Pelham interrupted him. “And Pippa?”

“I need to speak with her first before I can discuss it with you.” Hugh didn’t turn from the duke’s challenging gaze.

“Oh, really,” Pelham drawled. “Don’t you think as her brother I should be made aware of what you two plan to discuss?”

“You weren’t aware of their plans last night when they were at the dress shop,” Trafford added unhelpfully. “It’s probably best that you allow Ravenscroft to have his way in this. I felt the same about Honoria.”

“That’s one way of thinking about this conundrum,” Pelham added, still staring at Hugh.

It was like a macabre play, and they all played a part. The only problem is that Hugh didn’t know what play they were performing.

“Am I missing something? Is that it for the punishment?” He let out a breath.

Pelham ran a hand through his hair, his frustration evident. “I just wished you’d come to me directly before giving her the dress shop without a word to me.”

“I didn’t know you were going to buy it.” Hugh sat on the edge of his seat. “I didn’t want her to have to do anything that she didn’t want to do.”

“Marrying Stanhope?” Pelham asked.

Hugh nodded. “I didn’t want her to marry without knowing how I felt.”

Pelham lifted an eyebrow.

“I love her. I want her for my wife?—”

Pelham lifted his hand to stop Hugh from finishing his thought. He picked up a folded piece of parchment, then handed it to Hugh. “I’ve been instructed to give this to you.”

Trafford was smiling like a fool. There was even a hint of a smile on Pelham’s lips.

“What is this?” Hugh asked as he examined the letter. It was in Pippa’s distinctive handwriting. He turned it over. The wax seal was her personal signet.

“Read it here or in your carriage if you’d care for privacy.” Pelham nodded toward the letter. “But when you have the chance”—he leaned toward Hugh and lowered his voice—“make certain you answer the question correctly.”

Hugh nodded, unsure of what was happening. “What question?”

Pelham shook his head. “We’ll chat later.”

Hugh didn’t wait. He carefully slid a finger under the seal and lifted it from the parchment. Gently, he unfolded the letter.

Dear Lord Ravenscroft,

Please do me the honor of meeting me at Hyde Park at the nine o’clock hour for the express purpose of discussing matrimony. Specifically, matrimony with me. You can find me near the scenic view of the Serpentine, dressed in the same peacock-colored morning gown that I wore when you met me there to inform me that you’d received my correspondence and had read it.

I still can’t fathom that you did that.

Regardless, I am prepared to offer you a handsome settlement for your hand.

Yours,

Lady Pippa Ardeerton.

P.S. Come alone. Whatever your plans, do not bring Trafford or my brother. We don’t want to make this a spectacle.

Hugh read the letter again and then read it once more. The little minx had finally written him a letter the same as she’d written to her original five marital candidates. He tilted his head to the ceiling and smiled. But his joy was too great not to laugh. But as soon as he did, he had to wrap his arms around his midsection. His muscles still protested the punishment Pelham had meted out.

“What does it say?” Pelham asked with a smile.

Gingerly, he stood to his full height. With another deep breath, his muscles started to relax. “It seems I have an assignation with your youngest sister. She wants to ask me a question, a very important one, and I don’t want to be late.”

“Shall we go with you?” Trafford asked.

Hugh shook his head. “Thank you. But this is something I want to do alone.” He leaned across Pelham’s desk and extended his hand. “Friends?”

The duke nodded as he shook his hand. “Friends.”

Hugh was grinning like a fool, and he didn’t care. He had a suspicion that this was going to be one of the best days of his life. “Remember those letters she sent to the men she wanted to ask to marry so she could buy the dress shop?”

Pelham nodded as a smile tugged at his lips. “Indeed.”

“I finally received one,” Hugh said proudly. “She’s waiting for me at Hyde Park.”