Dizzy and breathless, Nicole didnt believe it when she saw him .
As she gazed at his broad back, his thick, black hair, his powerful form standing taller than any other in the room, the churning in her stomach intensified. Hadnt she been assured repeatedly that he was never seen at these functions? Unable to move, she stared spellbound as he turned.
She couldnt stop the knitting of her brows. It wasnt Derek.
Yet she couldnt look away. He was so similar, he had to be a brother. Though Derek had never mentioned he had one. In fact, hed never talked about his family at all.
The man raised his eyebrows, no doubt curious about her staring. He gave her a good-natured smile that faded to a look of concern when she stood unmoving. He walked over to the earl of Allenton, her grandmothers friend whod squired them to half a dozen functions. The man gave a nod indicating her, and he and Allenton approached her.
She hissed in a breath. Had Derek told him about her? Did this man know who she was? Know shed made love to his brother? The panic clamoring through her body made her light-headed.
Lady Christina, Allenton began, it appears you have made yet another conquest. May I present Grant Sutherland, Viscount Anderleigh.
He offered another friendly smile as he bowed. She struggled to make a charming reply, to smile even, but she was frozen. This mans hard-planed face brought her ruthlessly suppressed feelings for Derek to the fore, ripping open all the barriers shed constructed to hold her pain in check.
She was saved from an unexpected quarter. Grant, who is your new acquaintance? a woman asked, as she planted herself between the men.
Incredibly, Grant Sutherland, who seemed every inch the gentleman, ignored her.
Darling brother, the woman began in a syrupy voice, you must introduce me to the talk of the ton.
Nicole experienced a tug of sympathy for this man Grant.
Lydia, dont you have some packing to do? he asked in an obviously restrained tone. I heard you were taking a long trip. When she didnt move, he asked, Wheres the count? I thought he was looking for you just minutes ago. We wouldnt want him to leave you.
Hes not going anywhere without me, she said in a boastful manner, strangely undeterred by the cold anger in his eyes. Wont you introduce me?
His face held a look of distaste as he related in what was more an admission than a presentation, This is my sister-in-law, Lydia Sutherland.
Grant! Tsk, tsk. So impolite. She faced Nicole. I am Lady Stanhope. The woman made a halfhearted motion of greeting. The countess of Stanhope.
Nicole could have sworn Grant mumbled to her, Not for long, sister. Had his lips even moved?
Wait How could she be the countess? Thoughts crept inNicole desperately batted them away. S-sister-in-law? she finally managed.
Yes, the countess answered slowly. As she openly scrutinized Nicole, she seemed to home in on her discomfiture as though it were a beacon.
Nicole strove for a disaffected mien. So, which brother are you married to? she asked, even as her mind was answering her own question. She glanced over the shining black hair and cameo perfection of her face in delayed recognition. This woman was beautiful, but not if you really looked in her eyes .
Lady Stanhope smiled unpleasantly. There are only two brothers.
The lights flickered, then faded altogether. Why couldnt she get enough air? The invisible noose was back, only this time it was too bitingly tight .
Sitting in bed considering her situation, Nicole laughed, but it was a sad, humorless sound. No wonder the hateful bastard hadnt wanted to marry her. Shed thought she would cry all night, but she had no tears left for him. This morning shed awoken with a hollow pang in her chest and the stark conclusion that she was an adulteress. That knowledge made her want to despise herself. Instead, she directed the feeling at him. Anger had a way of making her strong.
Nicole promised herself she would go on. She would not let this get in the way of her plans. And, most important, no one would ever imagine the pain she kept inside.
Nicole, what on earth made you faint like that? the marchioness asked over breakfast. I didnt see it, but I heard you dropped like a rock.
She hoped it wasnt quite so bad. In Nicoles mind, shed more or less sunk down, cushioned by the flounces of her gown. It wasnt that terrible. Embarrassing all the same, of course.
Are you ill? she queried with a look of anxiety on her face.
I am perfectly healthy. Im just not used to the weight of the gowns and the closeness in the rooms yet, Nicole answered somewhat honestly.
The marchioness eyed her and was opening her mouth to say more, but Nicole cut her off. How fast could we bring one of my suitors up to scratch?
Her grandmother looked startled. Well, I couldnt say
Just an estimate. A week? Two?
That depends on the suitor, she answered carefully. It depends on which one you choose.
Nicoles fingers were clenched in her dress. I choose the one who can be brought up to scratch the quickest.
The dowager set her plate aside. Then I suppose a week to finalize the contracts, if I put some pressure on.
Nicole caught her gaze. Then, Grandmother, Im asking you for pressure.
He should be elated, Derek told himself. Hed wanted to be free of Lydia for five years now. Five long years. Now he could marry Nicole as soon as he found her. But on the heels of that thought, the Irishers words filtered into his mind for the thousandth time. Was he worthy of her?
His life was in shambles. Even with the annulment finalized, the fact remained that hed been married before. He drank too much, and his estates would have rotted if his brother hadnt assumed his responsibilities.
But if hed learned anything from his time with Nicole, it was that you had to fight for what you wanted. And hed fight for her now. Hed make himself worthy.
As he sat in his study going over the runners reports, his mother strolled in and casually wandered over to inspect his bookshelves.
Over her shoulder, she said, I havent pressed, but dont you think its time to tell me what all these men are doing as they come and go from here? Wont you enlighten me as to what you do all day?
What did it matter if she knew? She would find out soon enough when he brought Nicole here to marry him.
They are Bow Street runners. I have hired them to search for the woman I want to marry.
Her arm shot out to the nearest chair arm for support.
Youve already met her? Her eyes wide, she asked, Well, who is her family? What is their title?
He smiled. Youve never heard of her family. In fact, Id like to forget she even has one. There is no title.