Page 7 of A Simple Marriage (Millionaires of Mayfair #2)

Hugh looked out the window as the carriage came to a slow stop. The coach bounced slightly as a groomsman jumped down to open the door.

His own home was close by, a mere thirty minutes away by carriage. If Hugh was on horseback, he could make it within twenty minutes by crossing over the neighbors’ fields. It was magnificent here in Amesbury. The rolling hills and fertile green valleys were a feast for the eyes.

The carriage door swung open, and Hugh stepped out into the courtyard of the Jolly Rooster, the Duke of Pelham’s personal gambling hell and coaching inn. When Pelham had decided not to spend much time in London because of his sisters, he bought the old Jolly Rooster inn and transformed it into his own playground of sorts. Men from all over the British Isles came to gamble with Pelham. All hoped they’d be the one to best the duke’s game. Many have tried, but none have succeeded. Hugh was too fond of money to even sit at a card table with his friend.

Pelham was one of the most intelligent persons Hugh had ever met. And his play at the card table proved it. He always knew when to throw in the cards and when to place a higher bet. Some accused him of creating his own luck. When they did, they found their open invitation to the Jolly Rooster revoked. Pelham wasn’t lucky. He was a master at the games that were played in his gambling hell.

From the outside, the Jolly Rooster resembled a large, well-kept coaching inn and pub. But when you walked inside, every inch of the place was fit for a king. The fabrics were of the highest quality, and the dishes you ate off were the best made china in all of England. Each room had been decorated by designers from London. To say it was opulent was like saying that the Prince Regent’s home was merely a quaint cottage.

Both were major understatements.

With the number of carriages and horses at the inn, it appeared one of Pelham’s extravagant games of chances was in full swing. Young lords from London were inside, willing to give their money to the duke.

When Hugh stepped through the door, the majordomo greeted him.

“Good evening, Lord Ravenscroft,” William Anson said with a bow. “Will you be staying in your regular bedchamber this evening, or will you be going home?”

“I’ll stay here tonight, Anson.” Hugh doffed his hat and coat and gave it to one of the footmen waiting to assist him. “Is the duke nearby?”

“He’s in his study, my lord.” The man smiled kindly and pointed up the steps to a passageway. “Shall I escort you?”

“No need. I know my way.” Hugh nodded his thanks, then headed straight toward the study. With each step he took, cries rang out. Some were boisterous and happy, particularly if the cards favored them this evening. Of course, there were also the accompanying groans when Lady Luck left the table and went elsewhere.

Such a scene was so mundane anymore.

Perhaps Hugh was tired of that life of leisure. Even the ladies of the demimonde didn’t interest him anymore. The men who frequented the Jolly Rooster weren’t even his close friends. No wonder Pippa picked her potential grooms from members of Pelham’s millionaires' club who, for the most part, weren’t into gambling. Those men were more interested in making money.

At the top of the stairs, Hugh peered over the balcony. Every table was full of gamblers. He shook his head with a smile. That should mean that his friend would be in a good mood when he opened the discussion of Pippa.

Hugh had decided last night that he’d make this trip and see if he could talk Pelham into allowing Pippa to buy that shop without the need for marriage. By what he’d seen of her plans, she was ready to take over the shop immediately.

He struck his knuckles against a closed door.

“Come in.” Pelham’s deep baritone sounded.

Hugh opened the door and stopped. One of the bar maids Pelham employed sat facing him wringing her hands.

Pelham looked at Hugh but didn’t acknowledge him. Immediately, he turned his attention back to the girl. “Think about what I said, Sarah. You’ll not have to go through this by yourself.”

The girl nodded. “Thank you, Your Grace.” Slowly, she rose from the chair. She glanced at Hugh, then bent her head to stare at the floor. Tears stained her cheeks.

As soon as the door closed, Hugh took the seat she’d just vacated.

Pelham was already up and pouring them both whiskeys.

“What’s wrong with her?” Hugh took the glass offered. “She seems mightily upset.”

“She’s carrying,” Pelham answered as he lifted his glass to Hugh. “You’re a sight for sore eyes.”

Hugh held up his glass in return. They both took a drink.

Pelham collapsed into his chair. “One of the coachmen fancied her and pursued her. She thought it was love.” The duke shook his head.

It was a rare occasion when he saw his friend so contemplative when he was at the Jolly Rooster. Normally, the duke welcomed everyone with good cheer. It was a testament to how he took care of his employees.

“Where is the man now?” Hugh asked.

“Gone,” Pelham sighed. “He told the innkeeper that his mother was sick.” The duke finished his drink. “I told her that I would ensure she and the babe have a place here. She can wash the Jolly Rooster linens. That will provide her with a livable wage.”

“Where does she live now?”

Pelham leaned back in his chair and regarded Hugh. “With her parents. They’ll make her leave when it’s obvious there is a babe. I own most of the small homes in town. One of them is vacant. She can live there.”

“That’s one of the many things I admire about you,” Hugh swallowed the rest of his drink. When Pelham offered more, he shook his head. “Your care for the people who work for you.”

“Thank you. They’re like a second family to me. They always look out for my welfare. I try to return the favor.” Pelham propped his feet on top of his desk. “Why am I so fortunate to have the honor of your company?”

Hugh smiled at his friend. The man had given him the perfect opening without even knowing it.

Hugh leaned forward and rested his elbows on his thighs as he stared straight at Pelham. “Another thing I find admirable about you is the way you take care of your family whether your real family or the servants who work for you.”

The duke’s eyes narrowed. “Is something amiss in London? Is Pippa all right? Tell me now.”

Hugh shook his head. “Steady, old man. Your youngest sister is in the best of hands.”

“If you’re referring to you and Grace, then I doubt it.” Pelham slowly lowered his feet and leaned across the table, giving Hugh his undivided attention. “What happened to Pippa in London? Answer me,” he growled. “And don’t try to irritate me like you normally do.”

Hugh raised both hands in surrender. That was the thing about Pelham. With a word or a look, Hugh knew exactly how to make the duke angry. But today, aggravating the duke before him was the last thing Hugh had planned.

“She’s fine and spending time with my mother and great-aunt.” Under no circumstances would Hugh divulge that he’d kissed Pippa.

Perhaps it had been a one-time fluke. Both he and Pippa were aware that they’d crossed a line with each other. Both valued their friendship too much to allow it to happen again. And Hugh valued his lifelong friendship with Pelham. He couldn’t jeopardize that. Yet, if his friend ever found out, there would be pistols at dawn.

That was the thing about Pelham. He was the greatest friend that a man could ever wish for except if one was interested in one of his sisters. When Trafford had taken Pelham’s eldest sister to bed not knowing her true identity, Pelham had found them. He’d instantly demanded satisfaction from Trafford, who happened to be his other best friend. Somehow, Lady Honoria Ardeerton, Pelham’s oldest sister, had calmed her brother down before the situation had escalated out of control.

That adventure had taught Hugh several things. He never wanted to cross Pelham that way, and anything involving his sister had to be handled with kid gloves.

Hugh finished his drink and then set the glass on the edge of the desk. “I was fortunate enough that Pippa showed me her plans for taking over Mademoiselle Mignon’s dress shop.” He lifted his gaze to his friend and held it. “Her work is thorough and impressive.”

“Why am I not surprised that the little minx would do something so creative?” Pelham chuckled, and the look of affection on his face was charming. But then, he narrowed his eyes. “That would mean that you were over at Ardeerton House visiting my sister.” One side of the duke’s mouth tipped in a smirk.

But Hugh knew the danger in that expression. He’d seen it hundreds of times directed at others. When one of those smiles appeared, a sharp rebuke or dismissal would shortly be coming.

“Did she ask you to come here and plead her case?” Pelham ever so elegantly laid his hand on the desk, then fisted it as if prepared to pummel him for any misstep with his sister.

“Not at all. She asked me to review it before she presented it to you.” Hugh refused to be intimidated. “Friends helped friends, and I consider Pippa my friend.

“How charming that the two of you are in an alliance against me,” Pelham drawled never taking his eyes off Hugh. With a deceptive air of unconcern, he poured another drink then sat his glass on the desk.

“She has a good plan. I made some suggestions on how to strengthen her numbers. She wants to show it to you.” He smiled slightly. “I’m here today to ask you to keep an open mind.”

“I have my reasons for not wanting her to purchase that business.” He waved a dismissive hand in the air. “Not that you’re entitled to know what they are. But I’m a fair-minded fellow, and I’ll share with you what my thoughts are.” He rested his elbows on the desk and leaned forward. “Pippa seems carefree and lighthearted, but I’m afraid that it’s all a ruse.”

Hugh’s brow furrowed. She wasn’t carefree when he’d last seen her. She was nervous. A better description was terrified of facing him and her brother. But he’d not divulge that to Pelham. It wouldn’t help her. “That was my first impression when we met, but after becoming better acquainted with her, I believe I know her better. There are so many facets to her that I’ve been privileged to see.”

Pelham rested his chin on his clasped hands and sighed with a warning smile flavored with a sarcastic gleam in his eyes. “Do tell me more, and don’t leave a thing out.”

Hugh chuckled to himself. There was no mistaking the challenge in those words. Well, if he wasn’t facing the barrel of a pistol by nightfall, it would be a miracle. He cleared his throat. “I’ve had the opportunity to spend more time with your sister.” When Pelham raised a haughty eyebrow, Hugh continued with his more earnest expression, “She has become a favorite of my mother and great-aunt.”

Pelham relaxed a bit, and a smile of fondness creased his lips. “I could believe that she’d charm your mother and aunt. She’s always liked female companionship. Your mother and great-aunt are wonderful role models for her.”

Hugh fidgeted in his chair. He didn’t want Pippa forced into marriage, but he couldn’t share that with Pelham. It was ironic in a way. She was the one forcing herself into marriage. He took a deep breath, reminding himself to watch what he said. Hugh had promised Pippa that he wouldn’t disclose her plan of trying to negotiate her own marriage.

“She believes that if you don’t accept her plans for the shop, then the only solution for attaining ownership is through marriage.”

“And that’s a problem, why?” Pelham’s face was devoid of emotion.

He was in the muck and mire with his friend. How to explain Pippa’s thoughts without telling her secrets? “Do you really want your sister considering marriage to a man just because she wants the funds to own a dress shop?”

“No,” Pelham said slowly, then leaned back in his chair. “But I do want her to marry. She, out of three of us, needs the security of a family and a spouse the most. She craves it whether she realizes it or not.” Hugh was about to object, but Pelham raised his hand. “I lived with her for over twenty-four years. You haven’t.”

Hugh nodded his acceptance of the statement. “But you don’t want her to marry just anyone.”

“Of course not,” Pelham scoffed. “Not that it’s any of your business.”

“Pelham,” Hugh retorted. Typical of the duke to try to put him on the offensive, but the man should realize that it just made Hugh all the more eager to aggravate. But today was not the day. This was for Pippa.

Pelham nodded once. “Hear me out. Pippa suffered lonely years as a child when Honor and I were away at school. That’s when she became fascinated with clothing. While it’s a hobby she can pursue, I don’t think it’s in her best interest to pursue a business.” He clasped his hands together on the desk and stared at them. “She deserves to have a husband and a family who will love her. She can marry a good man who would cherish and protect her and give her a loving and happy life. But I’m aware that same man might also not tolerate her being in trade whether she was a duke’s sister or not.”

“Well then, is this paragon of a male really the one for her?” Hugh asked seriously.

Pelham sighed. “Listen, I want her happy. The best course is for her to marry. Once her husband sees that the shop is her passion, then he can acquiesce. I believe it’ll make for a happier marriage.”

“What if he’s so small-minded that he refuses her?” Hugh could feel his blood pounding through his veins in outrage. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for her. She wants this. If she was my sister, I couldn’t refuse her.”

“Well, she’s not your sister.” He slammed his fist on the table. The anger in Pelham’s voice was unmistakable. He took a deep breath and slowly released it. “Ravenscroft, you and I have been close for years. Tell me honestly. Do you have feelings for my sister? Are you interested in marrying her?”

“What?” he gasped.

“Perhaps the real reason you’re here is that you want her.” He quirked an eyebrow, but his voice had warmed with hopefulness. “I wouldn’t mind as long as everything was in the open.” He arched a warning eyebrow and lowered his voice. “Not like Trafford and Honor.” He smiled like a sly fox. “Are you asking for her hand in marriage?”

“Don’t be ridiculous,” he scoffed. “You are well aware of my attitude toward the holy state of matrimony. I consider Pippa a good friend.” He quirked his own eyebrow in answer. “Perhaps I’m trying to save her from marriage as well.” He squared his shoulders. “Friends protect friends.”

Pelham stared at him. “Which friend are you protecting? Me or Pippa. From my side of the desk, it appears that you’re only concern is Pippa.”

“I’m friends with both of you.” He shook his head. “Try to understand my reason for being here. She’s quite determined to purchase that shop. You don’t want her to make a decision that she’d regret the rest of her life.”

“Hmm,” the duke said noncommittedly.

“What if she turns to E. Cavensham Commerce for a loan?”

“You mean the bank owned by Lady Somerton?” Taken aback, Pelham sat up in his seat. “Her bank only does business with women.”

Hugh nodded, quite pleased with himself. It was a good argument if Hugh said so himself. “From my understanding, these are the type of loans that Lady Somerton favors. She likes to help women attain their dreams, particularly if it makes them financially independent and secure.”

Pelham looked off in the distance in deep thought. “Pippa’s trust dissolves when she reaches the age of thirty. She would only have to have the loan for six years before she could pay it off with those monies.” He leaned back and tapped a finger on the arm of his chair. “I know Lady Somerton. She’s a force to be reckoned with. I’ll write her a letter and ask that she not do business with my sister.”

“Pelham!” Hugh rested his head in the palm of one hand. “What are you doing? You would interfere with your sister’s business?”

Pelham lifted a brow. “Like you’re not doing that already? But to answer your question. I’d do it in a heartbeat if I believed it was in her best interest.”

His friend had a point.

“I appreciate your concern on my sister’s behalf. But let me make it clear to you.” His friend grinned, but it held no real humor. “I love her. She’s my sister, and I’m trying to protect her. But make no mistake if you interfere, you’ll rue the day, sir.”

“Is that a threat?” Hugh challenged.

“A prophesy.” Pelham regarded him with a cocked head. “Are you falling in love with her?”

“Of course not,” Hugh answered a little too quickly.

But then why did it feel as if he’d failed her by not getting her brother to agree to give her the funds?

He was overthinking this entire interlude. He was just a friend helping a friend.

Of course, that was all it was, and all he would ever let it be.