Page 5 of A Simple Marriage (Millionaires of Mayfair #2)

Pippa critically eyed her ballgown in the full-length tri-fold mirror before her. She’d designed it in a dove gray silk trimmed in gold threading. It had cost a fortune, but she was pleased with the result. With a matching silk shawl trim in a matching gold cording, the gown was elegant in its simplicity.

Immediately, her mind went to whether a certain marquess would even notice it.

Miraculously, Hugh and his great-aunt had escorted Pippa twice in the past week to Raven’s Splendor. Each time, as soon as they walked into the grand mansion, he’d bowed slightly, then retreated to his study. She’d never seen him after that. She would normally spend the days there chatting with the marchioness and Lady Edith while working on their dresses. The three of them would share a meal together and then walk the gardens. Hugh never joined them. When it was time to go, Grace would stop by and escort Pippa and Alice back to Ardeerton House.

Pippa loved visiting with Hugh’s family. It made her loneliness practically disappear. Her evenings were devoted to sewing. By next week, the gowns would be finished. She couldn’t wait for the marchioness and Lady Edith to see the finished works. They were some of her best creations, in her humble opinion. Plus, Lady Ravenscroft and Lady Edith had promised to wear them to an event this Season.

But tonight, they all would be attending the Earl of Langford’s ball. The earl and his countess were hosting the event. Everyone who was anyone in London would be in attendance. She could interact with some of her husband candidates. But most importantly, it would give Pippa the opportunity to see what the fashionable set in London were wearing. While Pelham ensured that every issue of the latest Belle Assemble and Lady’s Monthly Museum were delivered to Amesbury as soon as a new issue was released, it wasn’t the same as seeing the gowns in person. Plus, she wanted to study men’s fashion as well. She had several ideas for riding habits based upon a gentleman’s split-tail coat.

She loved attending balls. The food, the music, the scenery, not to mention the beautifully attired couples who swirled around the dance floor, made her breathless just watching them. However, secretly, she wanted to have the opportunity to chat with Hugh. Funny, the more you knew a person, the more you missed them when you didn’t see them. That was certainly true of her regard for Hugh.

She missed him terribly. Hopefully, she hadn’t offended him in some way. Tonight, she’d find out why he was keeping her distance from her.

A knock sounded. Alice quit straightening Pippa’s dressing table and answered the door.

After greeting Alice, Grace glided into the room wearing a stunning cream and sky-blue brocade gown that Pippa had designed. Abruptly, Grace came to a stop. “My word, Pippa, you’re beautiful,” she announced as her gaze swept from Pippa’s head to her feet.

“Aye, my lady,” Alice agreed with her. “That gold”—Alice pointed to the trim around the cap sleeves, sweetheart neckline, and hem—“just matches Lady Pippa’s hair.” Her chest swelled with pride. “She’ll be the belle of the ball, I wager.” Alice’s eyes widened at what she’d said. “No offense, Lady Grace. That’s not to mean you won’t be the belle of the ball too.”

“Do not give it a second thought, Alice.” Grace laughed and patted the maid’s arm. “I’m not looking to be anyone’s belle tonight.”

Pippa drew near and picked up her hem not caring a whit that she was giving an excellent display of her clocked stockings. “Come and feel this.”

When Grace drew nearer, Pippa put the hem in her hand. “It’s heavy from the gold thread. One good thing about it is that my dress will keep me grounded. I don’t think any man will sweep me off my feet.”

“At least, not tonight,” Grace said with a laugh. “That is heavy. But you carry yourself as if it doesn’t bother you.”

“It doesn’t.” Pippa glanced again in the mirror to look at her backside. Pleats lined the back reminding her of rippling water.

“I will say that you will cause every woman there a bit of a heartache.” When Pippa turned her quizzical gaze to Grace, she continued. “They’ll all want to be you tonight.”

“Tis true, my lady.” Alice beamed.

“You both must stop,” Pippa commanded as she felt her cheeks heat.

Her creations were her art. They weren’t designed to draw attention to herself, but truthfully, she didn’t mind it. Particularly if a certain marquess noticed her tonight.

She pulled on her evening gloves. “Shall we go downstairs and wait for our escorts?”

“Oh, I meant to say that I saw Ravenscroft’s carriage turning into the drive from my bedroom window. I believe they’re here already.” Grace took Pippa’s arm and together they made their way down the hallway to the top of the stairs. The white marble tile and the candles from the chandelier cast the vestibule in a brilliant white light. Pippa’s gaze automatically sought the marquess who was dressed in black eveningwear except for his gray silk waistcoat. It was almost as if he’d dressed to match her gown.

His gaze lifted to hers. For a moment, she felt a strange magnetic pull between them. She couldn’t have turned away even if she wanted to. It was as if they both suffered from that same affliction. She held her breath at the smoldering intensity in his eyes.

Good heavens, he made her feel as if she were the only person in the room. A flush crept up her cheeks.

Finally, he smiled, and she could breathe again. Ravenscroft strolled across the entry and came to stand at the bottom of the staircase waiting for her.

Without tearing her eyes from his, Pippa slowly descended the stairs.

When she reached the bottom step, the marquess extended his hand, and she slowly placed her hand in his.

“My lady,” he murmured as he squeezed her hand. “It doesn’t do you justice, but I must say it. You are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen in my entire life.”

She waited for him to wink or tease her after such a statement, but the sincerity in his voice told her he wasn’t in a joking mood. “I don’t know what to say to such a compliment but thank you.”

Still holding her hand, he leaned forward. “It’s not a compliment. It’s the truth.”

Someone around them cleared her throat but neither of them moved.

“Ravenscroft, is your hand glued to Pippa’s?” Lady Edith’s voice cut through the air.

Immediately, they both stepped away from each other as if they’d been caught doing something wicked.

“Apparently not,” the marquess drawled and turned to his great-aunt. “Is there a problem?”

“Not at all, my boy. Not at all.” She repeated rather cheerfully with a huge grin.

Pippa came forward and welcomed the marchioness who stood next to Grace and then greeted Lady Edith. “Ma’am, welcome to Ardeerton House.”

Lady Edith nodded regally. “Lady Pippa, you are stunning in that gown.” She leaned nearer, then lowered her voice. “Now, I see why he wouldn’t let you go.” She winked.

“Shall we depart?” Hugh grinned affectionately at his aunt. “Try to behave tonight, Aunt Edith. I don’t fancy being asked by the earl to escort you off the premises.”

The elderly woman giggled like a schoolgirl. “If you want to make a good impression, then you need to follow my lead.” She turned quickly, the movement upsetting the ostrich feather in her coral turban. “Come, everyone. I have a date at the card tables tonight.”

“Do you wager on games of chance, ma’am?” Grace asked.

“It’s never chance, Grace. I know how to count cards.” Without a look back, Lady Edith strolled out of the house and down the steps.

The marchioness grinned Pippa’s way. She and Grace followed Lady Edith, leaving Pippa alone with Hugh.

He shook his head as he watched the ladies climb into his massive coach. “I hope you’re not offended by her behavior.” He turned his gaze her way.

“Never. I find her a breath of fresh air.” Pippa arranged her shawl over her arms so it wouldn’t drag the ground.

“Interesting. Some people find her a bit…much.” He grinned.

“You’re lucky to have her.” Pippa watched as Lady Edith made her way into the carriage. “She loves you.”

His cheeks heated slightly. “Despite everything, I adore her too.” He held up his arm and nodded at Ritson, her butler. “What are the odds that those three crowded onto the rear-facing bench, leaving us the front-facing one?”

“A sure bet?” she asked.

“Besides fashion, I see you’re good with evaluating risks, too.” With an easy athletic grace, he led her down the steps. “Another attractive trait.”

“My brother doesn’t think so.” By then, they were at the carriage.

When a footman offered his hand in assistance, Hugh waved him away, then took Pippa’s hand in his. “Tell me more about Pelham’s views.”

Pippa shook her head. “Let us save it for later, shall we? I believe there’s a trio waiting for us to entertain them.” She entered the carriage and Hugh followed. He sat immediately next to her. Indeed, just as he described, the other three sat in bench seat with looks that could only be described as wildly curious.

With his tall stature, he had to maneuver his long legs around the other ladies’ gowns. Without a word, Pippa arranged herself so that he had a bit more room. A grateful smile was her reward. He knocked on the roof, and finally, the carriage lurched forward. The movement was a bit abrupt, causing his leg to slide alongside hers.

Pippa exclaimed softly at the unexpected contact. He didn’t hurt her, but the heat of his body was completely unexpected.

“Pardon me,” he whispered.

“There’s no need to apologize,” she answered in kind.

Aunt Edith observed them like a hawk with its prey within striking distance. A satisfied smile graced her lips. For the rest of the trip, the conversation continued amongst the other three ladies. Pippa remained silent as all her thoughts congregated on the man sitting next to her. Intimacies that she’d just shared with Hugh would be commonplace once she took a husband. Though she shouldn’t allow herself to think in that direction, her mind wondered what it would be like if Hugh was her husband. He would attend these events with her and then escort her home. Would he be the one to undress her or would it be Alice?

She opened her fan and gently moved it back and forth. An image of him entering her room in a banyan she’d made for him flitted into her mind. She fanned herself a little harder. He’d unbutton it then slip under the covers naked. His leg would press against hers as it was now, marking her, possessing her. She pressed her legs together as a sweet torturous ache pulsed in her lower body. Every particle of her body seemed to be buzzing in awareness of the man sitting next to her.

After an eternity, the carriage came to a halt at the earl and countess’s home. The streets were lined with carriages. Laughter and murmurers of conversations drifted past them. Every one of her senses was amplified. It was too much and at the same time, not enough. She’d never experienced such excitement before when she attended an event.

Grace, Lady Ravenscroft, and Lady Edith descended from the carriage with the help of the footmen who stood waiting to help the guests from their carriage.

Hugh shifted in his seat. “Are you all right?”

His words were quiet, like a lover’s voice. Wasn’t that a howler? She’d never had a lover, let alone a kiss. Perhaps she’d been mistaken. It was perfectly conceivable that he spoke to his dogs that way.

“I’m fine.” Determined not to sit there any longer, she snapped her fan shut. “By the way, do you own any dogs?”

“What?” His eyebrows arched in the direction of his hairline, drawing attention to his dark straight locks. In the subtle light that glowed inside the coach, his hair fell softly across his brow. The locks glistened, making her fingers itch to touch him as she brushed the hair back in place. She had little doubt that his hair would be softer than the finest silk she owned.

“Dogs,” she repeated.

He chuckled softly. “Interesting change of subject, but yes, I do. Your brother gave me two of Emmy’s puppies. They’re at my estate in Amesbury.”

“My lord?” A footman peeked into the carriage.

The interruption kept her from asking him more. Hugh had an estate that was within thirty minutes of Pelham Hall. She’d be able to visit Honor and Pelham whenever she felt like it.

She had to stop such thoughts. She couldn’t marry Ravenscroft. That was why she didn’t put him on her list. He was dangerous to her sanity and her desire for a “friendship” marriage. She wasn’t looking for the love of her life. She didn’t believe in such things. She viewed this marriage as a business matter—a simple transaction with the added benefit that she would have someone to sleep with at nights.

He quickly exited the carriage and then offered his hand. Only this time, he gently squeezed it as she descended the carriage steps. They followed the other three ladies into the beautiful Pallidum home that was bustling with activity. The Earl of Langford and his countess stood at the top of the steps into the ballroom greeting their guests. As Lady Edith and Lady Ravenscroft were chatting with the earl, Hugh put his hand on the small of Pippa’s back, the touch possessive and gentle at the same time. Instantly, she tingled from his touch.

It was a ridiculous thought. No doubt Hugh thought to act in her brother’s stead. However, Hugh’s touch was nothing like her brother’s.

“Good evening, Lord Ravenscroft.” The countess graced them with a genuine smile. “I’m so delighted that you and your family could attend along with Lady Grace. It’s been too long.”

“It’s an honor to be invited, Lady Langford.” He bowed elegantly. “May I present Lady Pippa Ardeerton, the Duke of Pelham’s sister?”

The countess’s eyes grew bigger, and a little laugh, much like the ring of the tiniest Christmas bell, sounded. “I should have known. You and your brother favor each other. Welcome to our home, Lady Pippa.”

Pippa delivered her best curtsey. “Thank you, Lady Langford, for inviting me.”

With silver hair and a lithe body, the middle-aged woman leaned close. “I know your brother quite well.”

“Do tell,” Pippa encouraged her with a laugh.

“Sometimes Pelham comes to visit Langford, and he’ll oblige me with a lesson in vingt-et-un.” She leaned close. “I can now play with my friends and win every hand. They’re about ready to toss me from the group.”

Instantly, Pippa liked the woman. She was not a typical snooty member of the ton. Anyone who enjoyed her brother was an instant friend in Pippa’s opinion.

Lady Langford took a step back. “That gown is exquisite. May I ask where you had it made?”

Before Pippa could answer, Hugh did the honors. “She designed and sewed it herself.”

“Really? I would love for you to come to tea sometime and discuss your talent with me,” Lady Langford said.

“I would like that, ma’am.” Before Pippa could say another word, another couple was there, ready to be presented to the countess. Since Grace and Hugh’s mother and great-aunt were still in conversation with the earl, Hugh offered his arm.

“Come with me. I know a place where you can see everyone and every dress without having to stop and be polite by engaging in conversation.”

Hugh led her to a set of stairs that was hidden by a set of curtains. He checked to see if anyone was looking, then opened it, and she stepped through. Amazing that Pippa didn’t even balk at such an invite. Once he was beside her, he took her hand and started their ascent.

“It’s all very secretive, isn’t it?” She whispered in a husky voice. “I love secrets.”

That low alto sent vibrations through him. It was exactly the type of voice he’d imagined she’d have when he made love to her.

For all that was holy, he couldn’t be thinking about her like that. When he slid a side-eyed glance her way, her expression was enchanting. The look of sheer anticipation was becoming on her.

By then, they had reached a hidden alcove that overlooked the dancefloor below. They could see everyone, but no one could see them as curtains framed the balustrade. It allowed them a full view below but kept them hidden from sight.

“The only thing that would make this more perfect is a glass of champagne,” she tilted her head to him. “Thank you, Hugh.”

“My pleasure.” And it was. For some unfathomable reason, he wanted as much time with her as he could steal tonight. Her eyes flashed with excitement as her gaze swept across the already crowded dancefloor. “What do you see?”

Pippa turned to him, then pointed toward the far end of the ballroom. “Do you see that lady in the yellow gown?”

He directed his gaze toward the woman. “Yes. That’s Lady Hale. She’s married to Lord Hale, a very wealthy viscount.”

“She’s wearing the wrong undergarments with that dress. She how stiffly she moves? I wager that her stays are too long for such a full dress. The design of that gown provides for the skirt to move in tandem with her steps. It should be swinging with the movement of her hips. She’s walking awkwardly, and the gown is just hanging on her.” Pippa’s gaze kept sweeping through the crowd. “See the lady in the sapphire blue dress directly below us?”

He nodded.

“She’s wearing two petticoats under her dress and it’s ruining the line of the design.”

He was utterly intrigued. “Now that you mention it, I can see what you mean. How do you do that?”

She shrugged slightly, then turned his way with a winning smile. She leaned forwarded and lowered her voice to that husky alto that made him want to sweep her into his arms. “I see people’s bodies under their gowns.”

“What?” he asked incredulously.

“I do.” She laughed. “Just by looking at a person’s body shape, I know exactly how and where to cut the fabric, so the garment is exquisite. I’ve been this way ever since I learned how to sew.”

“Do you see men’s bodies as well?” Hugh feigned his most innocent expression.

“Of course,” she said confidently.

He stepped away and then held out his arms as if inviting her to critique his clothes. “Tell me what you see?”

“Turn around.” She twirled her finger, instructing him in the proper direction.

Hugh did as commanded, slowly turning in a circle. When he faced her again, a mischievous smile tugged at one corner of her lips.

He matched it with one of his own. “I’m the perfect embodiment of a male.” He lowered his voice to match hers. “Since you can see my body, I’m sure you’ll agree.”

She playfully batted him with her fan, but he grabbed her hand and held it. “I’m waiting.”

Her cheeks turned a delightful pink, but she didn’t turn away from him. “I can see that you possess a broad chest so you must exercise regularly. You have a flat stomach which indicates that you’re not one to overindulge in food or drink. And I can see that your breeches are a bit too tight in the thighs.” Her blush deepened at the mention of his legs.

Instantly, his body went on alert. Was she flirting with him? Determined to find out, he leaned forward.

Her eyes deepened to a molten blue, reminiscent of hot flames, as her voice softened. “Was that by design, or does your tailor need a lesson in how to take measurements?”

He stepped closer until he was within six inches of her, overwise known as the forbidden space. “Thank heavens Alice isn’t nearby. She’d be clearing her throat repeatedly.”

“Quit trying to change the subject at hand, sir.” Pippa closed her fan.

Slow but deliberate, he brought the underside of her wrist to his mouth and pressed his lips lightly to the satin gloves. The material was so thin he could feel her pulse pounding. “I think he needs a lesson in measuring. Better yet, perhaps you should measure me. Both of us would find it pleasurable, I wager.” Laughter sparkled in her eyes. “Did you know that Beau Brummel recommended that men should dress right but some dress left?”

“What do you mean?”

“He suggested that tailors cut the cloth for breeches larger on the right side as a way to accommodate a man’s appendage,” he drawled as he lowered his voice.

She studied him for a moment. “Appendages as in...” A moment later her eyes widened as she raised her hand to keep him from elaborating. She bit her lip, but it didn’t hide her laughter if the shaking of her shoulders was any indication.

The invitation in her gaze couldn’t be overlooked. He’d always found her company delightful, but what he didn’t realize or purposely ignored was how much he fancied making her laugh. To earn one of Pippa’s smiles was more valuable than all of the jewels in the Tower of London. He’d never felt so carefree and enchanted by a woman.

“Well, you’ve certainly filled my head with visions of your evening attire,” she said a little too breathlessly. “What if I told you I wanted to design something for you?”

He lowered her hand, unable to disavow that he was caught up in this moment with her. His gaze captured hers. Her blue eyes brightened with laughter and something else…perhaps, desire. He was certainly feeling that.

He was tired of denying what he wanted—what he craved.

Hugh lowered his voice until it sounded like a purr. “What if I told you that I wanted to kiss you now?”

She bit her bottom lip, the movement innocent and seductive at the same time. Instantly, his cock jerked to attention.

She licked the same lower lip with her delicate tongue as her eyes rose to meet his. “What if I told you that I’d never been kissed?”

His mind screamed not to do it as an image of Pelham interrupted his thoughts. “Your brother,” he bit out.

“I don’t want to kiss him.” The desire and challenge in her gaze didn’t falter. As her voice grew raspy, his entire body vibrated as if he were a tuning fork, and she was his perfect pitch.

It was hopeless to fight the desire that seemed to swirl between them. He’d tried to avoid her in hopes that his need to kiss her would lessen, but it had done the opposite. He wanted her now more than he ever had. With a groan that signaled his surrender, Hugh edged closer and cupped Pippa’s cheeks with his hands. Slowly, he lowered his mouth to hers.

Their tender first touch revealed the softness of her lips. Gently, he swept his lips over hers, once, twice, then again. His blood started to thrum in his veins as he inhaled her sweet fragrance, lilacs and the feminine scent that was unique to Pippa. Melded together, the fragrance and her sweet taste held him captive.

He wanted to stay in this exact spot with her all night and sup from her tender lips. The orchestra and the guests’ chatter grew faint as he made to deepen the kiss.

“Hugh,” she said on a sigh.

His tongue slid into her mouth and met hers. She grew still for a moment, but Hugh gently coaxed her into kissing him back. She relaxed as their tongues tangled together, then she leaned into him. Her fingers brushed through his hair as he wrapped his arms around her. Their heartbeats pounded in sync. This was what mouths were made for—the give and take of pleasure between two people. God, if he never left this spot, it would be too soon.

Finally, reason marched into his thoughts, and he slowly pulled away. She faltered slightly as if drunk with desire. Hugh knew the exact feeling as he gently clasped her arms.

Pippa’s eyes fluttered open. “Is it always like that?”

“Always like what?” He said distractedly as he cupped her chin and brushed her wet lips with his thumb. Her softness sent another jolt of electric desire through him.

“Where you lose all sense of time and place?” she whispered. The awe in her voice made him want to sweep her into his arms again and kiss her until neither of them knew their names.

For a moment, he considered telling her yes to hide the effect on him that she had, but that would have been a lie.

Never had he lost himself in such a kiss before.

Never had the craving to hold a person in his arms been so desperate.

He brushed the back of his finger across her soft cheek. “What I’m feeling is the first time for me as well.” He reluctantly took a step away from her, breaking the invisible thread that held them together. “Your brother is going to kill me.”

He wanted to withdraw the words as soon as they had slipped free.

Pippa wore a tender smile as she shook her head gently. “My body, my choice. I had decided as soon as I entered the carriage in Amesbury for London that I make my own choices now.” She glanced toward the ballroom. She turned toward him with an enigmatic smile.

“I’m glad that is out of our systems.” It was a lie. His body was still humming from that kiss, and he wanted more. He had a hunch that he’d always be greedy for more of Pippa’s delightful kisses. If her heavy-lidded eyes were any indication, she might also. Yet, such thoughts were a recipe for disaster.

“Is it out of our systems, though?” she asked.

“Christ, I hope so.” His throat tightened when he saw how swollen her lips were. He’d done that. He’d given her the first romantic kiss she’d ever received. To not have to deal with his feelings, he was on the verge of sending her into another man’s arms.

He was being asinine.

“Thank you for that resounding endorsement of my kisses.” She rolled her eyes. “I enjoyed the practice. In no time, I’m sure I’ll be an expert. Don’t worry. I remember that you’re helping me, and in return, I’m helping you.”

“I’m not helping you learn how to kiss other men.”

“It’s not as if you’ll even know unless you’re my chaperone.”

“Right,” he agreed and turned toward the ballroom himself. “There’s Lord Kingston. He’s on your list, correct?” Why did it feel as if he’d punched himself in the gut by pointing out the man? Because he wanted her attention on him, and not the other men in Pelham’s millionaires’ club. “To help you, we need to be downstairs.”

“Indeed.” She cocked her head in defiance. “We need to be downstairs, so you can introduce your mother to potential friends. And your great-aunt needs to see you socializing.”

The hint of anger in her voice made him take a step back. Perhaps it was for the best. He nodded once, then waved a hand toward the exit.

With a crisp turn on the ball of her foot, Pippa turned toward the exit. Her skirt slapped against his breeches as if it too were displeased with him.

Before they reached the stairs, he gently grasped her arm. “Pippa, wait.”

When she turned, a mask of indifference shrouded her face.

“I apologize for my behavior.” He should let go of her arm, but he couldn’t. It was as if they were tied together.

She was furious by the glint in her eyes. “For the kiss or for experiencing regret.”

He took a step back and released her.

“Never mind. It makes no difference to me.” Pippa whipped around then proceeded to the staircase without him.