Page 3 of A Simple Marriage (Millionaires of Mayfair #2)

“My lady, look.” Alice stood next to Pippa at the top of the steps. “Lord Ravenscroft arrived.” She sighed in pleasure. “That man could wear a horse blanket and still look divine. I think you should add him to your list of eligible gentlemen.”

“You would like that, wouldn’t you?” Pippa laughed softly. “You could ogle him daily to your heart’s content.”

“You would enjoy it as well,” Alice challenged with a wink.

That was exactly why she was concerned about being in Ravenscroft’s company. The man would prove detrimental to her plans to find a husband. She turned to her maid. “How do I look?”

“Like you’re ready to conquer the world.” Alice eyed her critically. “I always thought blue was your color, but that pink is divine.”

Pippa’s gaze skated down the front of her gown. A blush-colored taffeta with a matching netting of crystals covered the bodice and skirt. With cap sleeves edged with a white ribbon, the gown was simple but elegant. It was one of her favorites, and no one had seen her wear it before.

“I’ll be anxious to hear what the marquess has to say.” Alice beamed at her. “Mark my words, he’ll not tell your secrets. He’s a man of honor.”

“I know his virtues,” Pippa scolded playfully, then grinned. “You remind me of them every day.”

“I know a good man when I see one.” Alice shrugged her shoulders. “I’ve been with you for over ten years.” A sheen of tears appeared out of nowhere. “I just want you happy, Lady Pippa.”

Immediately, Pippa’s heart melted at the affection in her maid’s voice. “Thank you, Alice.” She took her maid’s hand and squeezed. “I don’t think my brother would approve. Look what he did with Lord Trafford.”

Alice planted her hands on her hips. “My lady,” she scolded softly. “Could you blame His Grace for challenging the man to a duel? He found Lady Honoria and Lord Trafford together. Naked.”

“I see your point.” Pippa nodded knowingly. “My brother is scarred for life.” She fiddled with her gloves, not wanting to go down and face the marquess. But she was an Ardeerton, and nothing would defeat her. “I know what will make me happy, and it’s not a husband. It’s a dress shop.” She winked. “But I must have the former to receive the latter. So, that’s the price I’ll pay.”

She stole another glance at the marquess. He stood at the bottom of the stairs talking with Trafford and Pippa’s sister, Honoria. Dressed in a blue tailcoat and matching breeches, he cut a fine figure. He was muscular but not in an obtrusive way. She could easily see herself running her hands over his body, discovering his shape. How different he was from her. She was all curves, while he was straight lines, sharp angles, and hardness. How would their bodies fit together? Her blood heated at the thought, but it didn’t keep her from envisioning it. She clenched her legs together, hoping to tame her unruly body. It was nonsensical how she was reacting to him.

As if he knew her attention was devoted to him, Ravenscroft slowly turned his emerald gaze her way. He didn’t smile; he simply stared at her with a smoldering gaze that made her heated body burn hotter. She returned the favor. Under no circumstances would she allow him or his formalwear to disquiet her. This was her home. As soon as she could speak with him privately, she’d inform him that his waistcoat was the wrong color to go with such a beautiful ensemble.

After a final tug of her gloves, Pippa descended the steps. As soon as her foot touched the marbled tiles of the entry, she was swept into a hug from Honoria, whom the family called Honor. That is, all the family called her except her husband, who preferred Noria.

Pippa sighed slightly. It was so romantic. Her sister, who had sworn she’d never married, had been caught in a scandal but thankfully had discovered the love of her life. The scandal had been buried under the rug once Marcus had convinced her to marry him. Now, Honor was the happiest person on earth along with her husband.

Her breath hitched when a twinge of something pinched her. It couldn’t be jealously. It had to be unease. Though it was lovely what had happened to Honor, it wasn’t Pippa’s future.

“Oh, Pippa, you look so beautiful,” Honor exclaimed, then stepped away slightly to examine her dress. “For a moment, I thought you’d worn my Venus costume.” Her sister blushed prettily, and her husband laughed.

“Darling, this must be a new creation. I have the original Venus costume at home.” He winked at Pippa. “Your sister gave it to me as a wedding present.” He leaned close to his wife. “Perhaps you could try it on for me latter,” he whispered, but it was still loud enough that everyone heard it.

“Not that risqué gown that you wore when you snuck into my masquerade party?” Pelham growled as he came around the corner.

Pippa blinked. Lady Grace Webster was with him. Pippa’s gaze flew to Honor’s. Honor lifted her eyebrows. It was a secret sign between the two sisters that something must be awry in their brother’s world. Those two had a romantic past of some kind, but neither would discuss it in much detail. Lady Grace was truly a beautiful, caring woman and a wonderful friend to the Ardeerton family. When Honor and Trafford were caught together in flagrante delicto, it was Grace who came up with the master plan that restored their reputations.

“You’re criticizing your sister’s masquerade costume?” Grace smiled benignly at Pelham. “That’s like the kettle calling the pot black, isn’t it Your Grace?”

Pelham smirked. “In what manner?”

“From what I understand, you were running around half-naked as a Roman soldier. If the rumors around the ballrooms are true.” she said sweetly.

“I think Lady Grace is a master at getting the better of your brother.” The deep voice of Ravenscroft vibrated softly near Pippa.

Pippa should have realized he was nearby. The masculine smell of sandalwood and his own unique scent should have been her first clue. Careful not to reveal her interest, she inhaled the fragrance. Instantly, thoughts of wool and leather and pristine bed linens crowded into her thoughts. A vision of him naked in bed, propped up on a bent elbow while wearing a smoldering expression, came from nowhere. Immediately, she opened her fan.

“You look beautiful in that gown,” he said.

When her gaze flew to him, he was smiling at Pelham. She slid her gaze to her brother, who was watching them with a frown on his face. She smiled sweetly. It must have been enough assurance for her brother as he allowed his attention to be directed toward Grace and Honor.

“My word,” the marquess said softly so no one could hear. “Your brother is protective of you.”

“Too protective,” she answered. “Thank you for the lovely compliment. I’ve never worn this dress. I made it last year.”

“You sewed this gown?” he asked with a hint of incredulity coloring his voice.

She nodded, then smiled at the shocked expression on his face. “Not only did I sew it, but I designed it.”

“I’m intrigued, Lady Pippa. I’m starting to understand your obsession with this dress shop.” He wore the same wicked smile that he had yesterday when he gave her all her letters. But this time, there was something else in his eyes. It reminded her of a banked fire ready to blaze in heat.

She studied his eyes to see if he might be making fun of her. Most people didn’t think it appropriate for a duke’s daughter or a duke’s sister to spend so much time on such work.

She moved her fan a bit quicker, hoping to cool the heat that bludgeoned her cheeks. “Try as I might, I fail to see the distinction between sewing a dress or embroidering a sampler. Both involve needles, thread, and fabric. Don’t you agree?”

He threw back his head and laughed. “Indeed, my lady.” He turned to face her, blocking the rest of the party from her view. “But there is one distinction that must be mentioned.”

“What’s that?”

“I’ve never seen such beauty in a sampler before.”

The silkiness of his voice slid over her and her body. She leaned near him much like a flower seeking the sun. Oh, for the love of heaven. What was happening to her? She never reacted this way to men. The only reason she’s doing so tonight must be because of what he was wearing.

“My lord, I take that as a compliment.”

“It was meant as one.” He held out his arm. “It appears everyone has left us.”

As she looked around him, everyone had gone. “I didn’t even hear them leave.”

“Of course, you didn’t,” her brother said from behind them. “You both were in another world.”

“Pelham, how in the devil do you sneak up on people like that?” Ravenscroft shook his head in disbelief.

“Pure talent,” her brother answered. “Come, you two.” Without waiting for them, Pelham strolled toward the dining room.

“We’ve been summoned,” the marquess said with a genuine smile.

Pippa took his arm. Instantly, her fingers danced across his tailcoat. “The craftsmanship of your coat is divine.”

He waggled his eyebrows. “Sit next to me at dinner, and you can examine it in better light.”

“You know exactly how to entice a lady.”

He shook his head with a smile. “I know how to entice a specific lady.”

Pippa angled her gaze to his. “Do you always flirt like this?”

“No.” For a moment, all expression faded from his face. “I don’t believe I ever have.”

“May I be blunt?”

He nodded.

“I believe a waistcoat with green embroidery would be exquisite with what you are wearing tonight.”

“You don’t like the cream?”

She shook her head. “It doesn’t enhance the color of your eyes.”

“I’ll tell my valet. He’ll appreciate the advice just as I do. If you want my green eyes enhanced, then I take that as a command.” He chuckled as his eyes widened.

By then, they were in the dining room. Pelham indicated that Pippa was to sit beside him. Honor sat on the other side of their brother. Trafford and Grace had already taken their chairs. That left Ravenscroft to sit next to Pippa.

As expected of a gentleman, he helped her with her seat before he took his. The first course was served, and the conversation flowed as easily as the wine. Even Pelham was on his best behavior which was a miracle since Grace sat at the table. Yet immediately, Pippa’s attention was directed to the man beside her. Every time Ravenscroft said something, his deep voice vibrated inside of her. She stared at her plate for a moment to gather her wits. She’d completely forgotten to ask him what his decision was about revealing her plan to find a husband.

To relieve her unease and the tickle in her belly, she adjusted her seat. Her leg brushed up against his, and she hissed as if she’d been burned.

“Is something wrong?” His voice had grown quiet. Since everyone around them was talking, only she could hear him.

She wanted to shout that everything was wrong. Her reaction to him, his clothing, and whether he’d informed her brother of her actions yesterday were just the start. Finally, she trusted herself to speak. “Yes, something is wrong. What are you going to say to Pelham?”

“About?” His posture relaxed as he turned slightly in her direction.

Oh, the blasted man was tormenting her. “Come now, sir. About yesterday?”

“Ah, I see.” He nodded as if finally understanding her turmoil. “I have a proposition for you that should alleviate your concerns.”

Just then, Pelham cleared his throat. “Ravenscroft, I must return to the Jolly Rooster. Care to accompany me?”

Ravenscroft held her gaze for a moment. There was reassurance in his green eyes. Could she trust him?

The beat of her heart accelerated as he slowly turned his attention to her brother. As he started to speak, that very same organ in her chest slammed to a halt, seemingly suspended in mid-air. If he said anything about her plan, she’d not only have to answer to Pelham but to Honoria and Trafford as well. They were as protective of her as her brother.

“I think not, Pelham.” The marquess relaxed in his chair and turned slightly her way. “You see, I’ve decided to stay in London for the remainder of the Season.” At the incredulous expressions on Pelham’s and Trafford’s faces, he held up his hand. “I’d like to escort my mother about town. It would do her well to strengthen some of her acquaintances. Make new friends.” The ease in his smile charmed them all. “You understand.”

Trafford nodded in agreement, then turned to Honoria. “We’ll join you for part of the Season, but we’re headed back to Woodbury Park on the morrow.”

Honor looked at him adoringly. “I can’t wait.”

“Ahh, the luster of newlywed bliss,” Grace sighed. “You both seem marvelously happy.”

“We are,” Honor answered, never taking her eyes from Trafford.

Pelham rolled his eyes.

Grace shot him a look designed to skewer him in two. “Good things happen to good people.”

“Define good,” Pelham retorted with an arch of one perfect brow. His gaze locked with hers in a battle of the wills.

Ignoring the piercing looks Grace and Pelham shared, Ravenscroft announced, “My mother enquired if Lady Pippa might be staying for the Season.” He turned to her, then winked. No one could see it except her.

What in the devil was he doing? They’d never discussed this.

“That’s a wonderful idea, Ravenscroft,” Grace said with a nod. “I’m planning on attending most of the events myself. I have quite a few clients who need help navigating this Season. There’s a surfeit of eligible men this year.”

“Meaning?” Pelham addressed Grace.

“My female clients are quite wealthy this year. We need to see who’s serious about marriage and who is merely looking for an heiress.”

“Aren’t heiresses serious business?” Feigning innocence, Pelham swirled his wine in the leaded cut glass.

“I know you’re not really acquainted with this concept.” Grace smiled serenely. “But my clients are interested in making love matches.”

“I want to stay for the Season.” Pippa blinked, unsure whether she had said the words aloud. Slowly, her brother’s gaze came to land on her. “I want to see what the fashions are this year.” Coming from anyone else, the comment might sound a bit capricious, but everyone at the table knew that fashion was her passion.

Ravenscroft smiled at her as if she were a star pupil who’d flawlessly recited Shakespeare’s Sonnet Number Eighteen.

“My mother would be delighted to host Lady Pippa,” Ravenscroft offered gallantly. “She holds Lady Pippa in the highest esteem and admires her greatly.”

“Just as I’m certain you do,” Pelham growled sarcastically, then looked down his patrician nose at Ravenscroft. “Absolutely not. After what Trafford did to Honor, I’ll not allow any further shenanigans along those lines.”

Immediately, Honor, Trafford, and Grace objected to the duke’s description of what had occurred between Honor and her husband. Thankfully, the argument grew in volume, giving Pippa the opportunity for a private word with the marquess.

“Sir, what are you about? We never discussed you inviting me to live at your house?”

Discreetly, he moved his right hand close to her left one, which rested on the table. She sucked in a breath when his little finger slid over hers. His heat and the roughness of his skin sent a scattering of goosebumps over her arms. It was the slightest of touches, but still, it felt intimate in a way that she’d never experienced before.

“I need you to stay in London,” he answered.

Finally, dinner was finished giving Hugh a chance to talk with Pippa privately. Pelham had decided that they all should take their after-dinner drinks outside since the weather was perfect. But more importantly, he’d agreed that Pippa could stay in London if Grace stayed with her at Ardeerton House until Pelham returned. Grace had readily accepted.

As Hugh was wont to do, he couldn’t help but needle the duke just a tad bit more. He offered to visit the ladies while Pelham was away. When Hugh had given the reason that it was only to ensure that they had everything they needed, Pelham’s grumble had finally abated, and he’d acquiesced.

After drinks, they all agreed to stroll through the formal gardens at Ardeerton House. As Pelham and Grace led the way, Hugh and Pippa hung behind the group.

“Why do you need me in London?” she asked quietly.

“I have a proposition that I think you’ll like,” he answered. Once they were a sufficient distance behind the other two couples, Hugh took Pippa’s hand in his and led her into a small maze.

She tilted her head up to his as if offering a kiss. If it was any other woman, he’d do just that, but she was Lady Pippa Ardeerton and, therefore, completely off-limits to him.

“Now that we’re alone, tell me what you’re up to.” The moonlight played with her hair, making the golden strands shine as if dipped in liquid starlight. The glow of the lit lanterns danced across the paved pathway. Good lord, he didn’t have a romantic bone in his body, but he sounded like a lovelorn loon.

“My lady?—”

“Call me Pippa.” She smiled freely. At the perfect curl of her lips, he wanted to capture such a sight on a canvas to keep it forever.

“Pippa.” He cleared his throat. “Only if you’ll call me Hugh.”

“Hugh,” she repeated. “What a lovely name.”

“Yes, well. Uhm…” He forced himself to look away lest he become lost in the brilliant blue of her eyes. “Family name.” He dragged his gaze back to hers. “Ah…where were we?”

What an idiotic thing to say. She must think him foxed or worse.

“London?”

“Yes…well…my circumstances changed after we parted yesterday.” He held out his arm. “Shall we continue to walk?” Perhaps if he wasn’t looking at her, he wouldn’t become lost in ridiculous romantic musings.

Without a word, she wrapped her arm around his.

Slowly, they started through the maze. For all his life, he took moments such as escorting a lovely lady on a walk for granted. But tonight, with Pippa, everything felt different. Every sense was heightened. Her fragrance wafted in the air. He wanted to bottle its essence so he could remember this night forever. If this was enchantment, he never wanted to be free.

“Amazingly, it’s easier to chat if I move.” He slid his gaze her way. Her profile was a thing of beauty. It highlighted her full lips and slight nose.

She squeezed his arm as if she’d known his thoughts were not his own. “Tell me how your circumstances changed.”

“My great-aunt is on the rampage for me to marry. She won’t accept the fact that I’m not interested in changing my marital state. But I care for her deeply and would never want to purposely make her unhappy.”

“Oh dear, why does she want to see you wed?” Concern clouded her eyes. “Is she ill?”

His heartbeat skipped a beat at the tenderness in her voice.

“No. She wants babies in the house.” When Pippa stopped on the manicured path, Hugh was forced to do the same. “Her best friend lives in Northumberland and is constantly writing about her great-grandnephew and his wife along with their ever-expanding family.” Hugh shrugged slightly.

“That must be hard if she wants to see you wed.” She leaned a little closer creating a comfortable intimacy between them. “What does this have to do with me being in London? Do you want to marry me?”

His heart pounded at a fast beat, signaling he should run.

“No. But it’s a lovely thought.” He couldn’t stop himself and leaned in her direction until their shoulders were barely touching. Sparks of electricity seemed to ignite inside of him. “I’m not the marrying type. At least, not yet. I think my aunt might be appeased if I went out a bit more in society. I know my mother would benefit from it and I believe my aunt would enjoy it as well. They could rekindle old acquaintances and hopefully make new ones. It would give them other distractions besides matchmaking.” He tugged her a little closer and lowered his voice. “You could accompany us, and I’d introduce you to your potential husband candidates.” He waved his other hand, encouraging her to continue their walk. “I’ll tell you everything I know about them, and you can decide who might be your best choice for a husband.”

Her eyes widened, and a huge smile broke across her face, stealing his breath. It reminded him of a spectacular sunrise he’d seen one time at Willowbrook Abbey, his estate in Amesbury. He’d never forgotten it, nor would he forget her smile.

“That’s brilliant, Hugh.” She placed her other hand on his arm and squeezed. “I could see all the latest London fashions at each event.” She dipped her head slightly. “The thought of spending time with your mother and great-aunt would be something I’d very much enjoy.”

“You would?” This time, he was the one who brought them to a stop. He didn’t mean to sound leery, but why would a beautiful woman such as Pippa want to spend much with older women?

She turned away for a moment as if she didn’t want him to see her expression. But then, Pippa did what he’d come to expect from her when she faced a question she didn’t want to answer. She squared her shoulders and turned to face him. “We all need friends, don’t we? Since Honoria has left Pelham Hall, I’ve been lonely.” Then the clever minx turned the tables on him so he couldn’t pursue the line of questioning. “If you don’t mind my asking, why don’t you want to wed?”

Those electrical sparks he’d felt earlier quickly fizzled. Whenever the word wed or marriage was spoken, he wanted to duck and protect himself. But at thirty years of age, he was too old to be ducking from life.

He paused a moment. He wanted to be truthful with her but not air all the family’s skeletons. “It’s not something that I think I’ll be good at. And I try never to take on a challenge unless I know I’ll win. Matrimony is best left to others such as my younger brother.”

For a second, he wanted to tell her the real reason and see her reaction. Would she understand that he never wanted to go through what his mother had suffered when his father died? Her grief and agony weren’t something he ever wanted to see or witness again.

God forbid if he ever felt the same.

He’d called physicians, surgeons, and midwives to see if they could help his mother. One physician suggested his mother might not survive a grief spell if they continued to worsen. He was practically out of his mind with the idea that he might lose another parent so soon. That’s when he sent for Aunt Edith.

He’d vowed never to subject himself to such heartache if he could help it.

Pelham’s beloved retriever Emmy loped toward them with her tongue hanging out. Where Emmy went, the duke was sure to follow.

Sure enough, Pelham rounded the corner and drew to a slow stop. Wagging her tail judiciously, Emmy sat and looked between Pelham and Pippa. When Pippa pulled away from Hugh, he felt as if he’d been punched in the gut. The pain was acute. But what almost brought him to his knees was the shock that he didn’t want to leave Pippa this evening. He enjoyed their talks and her company. She was utterly delightful.

Nor did he want to have to wrangle his friend’s anger and the resulting endless questions that were about to arise from catching the two of them together.

“Honor and Trafford are ready to leave. Grace is with them. They’d like to say good night before they depart.” Pelham smiled gently at his sister.

“Good night, my lord.” Pippa dipped a small curtsey.

“Good night, my lady,” Hugh said in return and bowed slightly.

As she passed by, her brother watched her retreat. When she was out of hearing distance, Pelham deliberately turned his legendary ice-blue stare Hugh’s way.

“What the devil were you doing alone with my sister in the maze?” he drawled.

“I wasn’t alone,” Hugh said good-naturedly. “You were here somewhere in the garden.” Before Pelham bit his head off, he continued, “Remember, we’re friends who look out after one another.”

Pelham lifted one arrogant ducal brow. “I trusted Trafford, and he seduced my sister.”

“He married her,” Hugh argued. “Even you must admit they’re gloriously happy together.”

“I don’t want to see Pippa forced into a marriage like our sister was,” Pelham growled.

“You can trust me. I’m not looking for marriage.”

Pelham stared at him for an eternity before he finally nodded.

The oddest feeling came over Hugh just then. It almost felt as if he were lying to Pelham.

And himself.