fact she would take such a risk to see him told quite a tale. On the other, pure and simple anger burned through him. She had put her trust in someone who had not earned it, and, therefore, could potentially harm her. A moment ago, his lack of control proved his unsuitability for a position to protect her. However, relief infused him that she had picked him instead of the alternative.
“I suppose that will have to do. You are very fortunate I’m not the type of man who would take advantage of your naivety. I’ll expect you not to attempt anything so foolish in the future.”
“I see.” She turned her face from him. “Perhaps you are right. Coming to you was a mistake.”
Too late, he saw the hurt in her eyes, and he silently cursed himself, feeling like a cad. It had not been his intention to hurt her, but she seemed oblivious to the precarious position she put herself in. Normally he would consider himself charming, but he found his charm was not as forthcoming with this infuriating lady. The urge to shake her grew overwhelming.
“Lady Brianna,” he said, turning her face back to his. “I’m simply concerned for your well-being. I would hate to see any harm come to you.”
“I understand,” she said, appearing so embarrassed and sad that Richard longed to comfort her.
“Thank you for going through the trouble to locate me. I don’t believe anyone has desired my company more or acted with more bravery than you.” Richard could not tell her how much he had craved her company as well.
“You are welcome. I do apologize for disturbing your evening, and I assure you, it will not happen again in the future.” The sadness was still evident in her eyes. He knew of only one way to remove it, but at what cost? How much time could he afford to spend with her before he became too fascinated to leave?
“Luckily, that will not be tested. I imagine if I make more of an effort to attend the same controlled events as you, there will be no reason for you to have to seek me out.” He gave in to temptation.
“It’s not necessary for you to change your plans on my account,” she said, but he noted how her face lit up at the possibility.
“I would be delighted to make the arrangements. You should go inside now before you are missed.”
She thanked him, then allowed him to assist her down. He waited, watching until she disappeared into the house, grateful she didn’t look back to see the Stonemede crest, now visible in the light. His simple bride search was proving to be more complicated than he had expected. Shaking his head at his weakness, he thought of the complications this new development would create.
If he were to present himself to her at a public gathering, his identity would be revealed. Once her misconception about him was righted, her pursuit of him would certainly increase. After seeing how determined she was, he knew she would not easily be deterred. There had to be a way to see her and hide his identity, while still continuing with his bride search. It would not prove to be easy, but he never backed down from a challenge.
By the time the carriage arrived back at the club, he came no closer to finding a solution than when he left Lady Brianna. Now he realized he would have the added complication of explaining what had occurred with Lady Brianna to his friends. Jonathan would have endless amusement, and Richard would not tolerate anyone laughing at her.
Lady Brianna had unknowingly become more important to him than she should be. Telling himself it only consisted of a burning desire for her and nothing more, he pushed her from his mind. It had simply been too long since he’d taken a woman to his bed. At least that is what he wanted to believe.
“There you are,” Jonathan exclaimed as Richard strolled in. “I thought we would have to cancel tonight, considering you discarded us to go enjoy yourself with your friend .”
“Don’t refer to her in that manner. She isn’t a common tart. She is
“I suppose that will have to do. You are very fortunate I’m not the type of man who would take advantage of your naivety. I’ll expect you not to attempt anything so foolish in the future.”
“I see.” She turned her face from him. “Perhaps you are right. Coming to you was a mistake.”
Too late, he saw the hurt in her eyes, and he silently cursed himself, feeling like a cad. It had not been his intention to hurt her, but she seemed oblivious to the precarious position she put herself in. Normally he would consider himself charming, but he found his charm was not as forthcoming with this infuriating lady. The urge to shake her grew overwhelming.
“Lady Brianna,” he said, turning her face back to his. “I’m simply concerned for your well-being. I would hate to see any harm come to you.”
“I understand,” she said, appearing so embarrassed and sad that Richard longed to comfort her.
“Thank you for going through the trouble to locate me. I don’t believe anyone has desired my company more or acted with more bravery than you.” Richard could not tell her how much he had craved her company as well.
“You are welcome. I do apologize for disturbing your evening, and I assure you, it will not happen again in the future.” The sadness was still evident in her eyes. He knew of only one way to remove it, but at what cost? How much time could he afford to spend with her before he became too fascinated to leave?
“Luckily, that will not be tested. I imagine if I make more of an effort to attend the same controlled events as you, there will be no reason for you to have to seek me out.” He gave in to temptation.
“It’s not necessary for you to change your plans on my account,” she said, but he noted how her face lit up at the possibility.
“I would be delighted to make the arrangements. You should go inside now before you are missed.”
She thanked him, then allowed him to assist her down. He waited, watching until she disappeared into the house, grateful she didn’t look back to see the Stonemede crest, now visible in the light. His simple bride search was proving to be more complicated than he had expected. Shaking his head at his weakness, he thought of the complications this new development would create.
If he were to present himself to her at a public gathering, his identity would be revealed. Once her misconception about him was righted, her pursuit of him would certainly increase. After seeing how determined she was, he knew she would not easily be deterred. There had to be a way to see her and hide his identity, while still continuing with his bride search. It would not prove to be easy, but he never backed down from a challenge.
By the time the carriage arrived back at the club, he came no closer to finding a solution than when he left Lady Brianna. Now he realized he would have the added complication of explaining what had occurred with Lady Brianna to his friends. Jonathan would have endless amusement, and Richard would not tolerate anyone laughing at her.
Lady Brianna had unknowingly become more important to him than she should be. Telling himself it only consisted of a burning desire for her and nothing more, he pushed her from his mind. It had simply been too long since he’d taken a woman to his bed. At least that is what he wanted to believe.
“There you are,” Jonathan exclaimed as Richard strolled in. “I thought we would have to cancel tonight, considering you discarded us to go enjoy yourself with your friend .”
“Don’t refer to her in that manner. She isn’t a common tart. She is
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