Destiny of the Heart (Viking Destiny) (29 page)

Derrick had no such reputation around town.
What really bothered her was that she was putting him
in danger for her own selfish reasons, and she didn't know
how to tell him. It was he who shouldn't trust her. But, her
emotions got the better of her and it was simply easier to take
them out on Derrick. She sighed heavily and walked to the
chair by the window. The sea was calm that day, and Kristen
desperately needed calm.
Chapter 30

Derrick stomped down the stairs, anger accentuating
every step. He was pretty sure the whole island could hear
him coming down the stairs, but he didn't care. Things with
Kristen were a vortex of emotions that he was struggling to
figure out. It was all so new to him and he was never sure
which way to go with her. But, he supposed that was one of
the things he liked about Kristen, the fact that she always kept
him on his toes. When he reached the bottom of the stairs, he
headed straight for his brother's study. He didn't bother to
knock, just walked right on in. A privilege afforded only to
Derrick.

"She bloody well agreed to marry me. Do you have a
priest on hand?" He asked tersely and grabbed the brandy
before falling into a chair near the fireplace.

"You know, for something you wanted so desperately
an hour ago, you seem a bit displeased with the results."
"Aye."
"Explain."
"Where the devil did it come from? She said no just
before I made love to her and then right after she agreed. Was
she caught up in the moment or was she serious. I don't know.
But, it felt more like she had simply resigned herself to it.
When I asked her about it, her response was "why not?" As if
this is an everyday occurrence in her life, saying yes to
marriage proposals."
"Why look a gift horse in the mouth? Women and their
idiosyncrasies will always be a mystery."
Derrick snorted and poured himself a glass, then
quickly downed it. His block scowl wasn't much improved with
the alcohol.
"She spouted some nonsense about me and the maids
here warming my bed, but I know there is something she isn't
telling me."
"Did you tell her you have never tumbled the maids
here, despite their best efforts?"
"No."
"It might help."
"It's not important. She said that only because I pressed
her, and she only suspected that when we arrived, not having
prior knowledge of you or the island."
"You could try asking her what it is, you know?"
"I could." Derrick took a drink. "But, I don't think she
would tell me. Kristen isn't exactly an open book."
"Well, I'm afraid I'll be of no help then. I'm not exactly
the emotional type, but there is a parson somewhere on this
island. I'll send someone to town to fetch him. I don't suppose
Kristen has a trousseau?”
“It's likely that she does, but it didn't make this trip.
Come to think of it, neither of us are entirely certain how she
came to be on my ship. If I had to guess, I'd say Oliver had
something to do with that.”
“Oliver?”
“Another long story.”
“It seems I am missing quite a bit of fun back home,
indeed I am.” Tristan laughed.
“Perhaps you should return home and find out.” Derrick
added hopefully.
“No.” Tristan's eyes twinkled despite his adamant
refusal.
Derrick sighed. “Very well. Do you think Chelsea has
anything that Kristen could wear?”
“Perhaps. I'll see what I can do.”
“Excellent. Now, be a good chap and distract me.”
Derrick and Tristan drank themselves into a stupor until
the dinner bell rang. As they got up to meet the ladies, they
were tripping and laughing over themselves. Neither were in a
condition to be around women, but they couldn't bring
themselves to bow out from dinner. They walked as best they
could to the stairs to greet their ladies, but had to lean on each
other for support.
Chelsea reached the bottom first and gave Tristan a
disgusted look. He laughed and offered her his arm, but she
brushed past him with a smug look on her face. Tristan looked
at his brother, and Derrick did his best not to laugh, but it was
too much. Derrick doubled over and held himself up with his
hands on his knees. Tristan scowled and pushed him causing
Derrick to topple over. Both brothers started laughing and
pointing at each other. Kristen and Chelsea were simply
annoyed.
“Really, Derrick. It's not that funny.” Kristen said dryly.
Tristan sobered a little at the scathing look Chelsea
was giving him and turned to follow her into the dining room.
Kristen rounded on Derrick and tsked loudly as she helped
him up from the floor.
“Thank you, m'dear.” Derrick added as he held onto
her.
“You're welcome.” She tried to walk away, but he held
her close.
Derrick looked her over. She had changed for dinner
and looked positively fetching in the rose colored gown she
had no doubt borrowed from Chelsea. The color was rather
flattering with her honey blonde hair and blue eyes. Derrick
looked down at himself and was slightly embarrassed that he
hadn't changed. Getting foxed with his brother had left little
time to think of anything else. But, the sudden realization that
he now had the right to buy her as many dresses as she
wished made him smile and forget his own embarrassment.
Kristen returned his smile, though she had no idea what
he found so amusing. She didn't think it was her because he
had been looking her over appreciatively. She wanted to look
beautiful for him at dinner, and she was quite pleased to see
that she achieved the desired result. The fact that he hadn't
changed for dinner was a comfort to her. She was already
nervous and if he had dressed up for dinner, she would have
been an absolute mess.
Kristen never imagined her wedding would be a grand
spectacle, but she expected something more than getting
married on a small island with naught but her future husband
with her. She had long ago come to terms with the fact that
her mother would never see her get married, but had at least
taken solace in the fact that Mel would be there. Now, she
wouldn't even have that. She didn't blame Derrick, though.
“You look beautiful, darlin'.” He slurred over his words.
Kristen snorted. “You're drunk. I suspect the floor looks
beautiful to you right now.”
Derrick wrinkled his nose. “That's a disgusting word.
Gentlemen do not get drunk.” He swayed into her and
breathed on her face as he spoke.
Kristen leaned back and grimaced. “Your breath says
otherwise.”
Derrick frowned and blew into his hand, sniffing it. The
sight was rather funny to Kristen, and she covered her mouth
trying to hide her grin. Derrick saw it, though. He smiled and
winked at her.
“Shall we go in to dinner, m'dear?” He offered her his
arm.
“Yes.”
Kristen took his offered arm and they walked into the
dining room. Derrick walked her to her seat and held the chair
for her. That small consideration warmed her heart because it
was usually the servants who held the chairs for the ladies.
And, if Chelsea's look of longing were any indication, Tristan
had not done the same for her.
“Well, now that we're all gathered, would either of you
ladies like to tell me what you did today?” Tristan asked
conversationally.
To give him credit, he realized that Derrick had just
made things harder for him where Chelsea was concerned.
He offered to fill her plate for her, but Chelsea wasn't
impressed.
“Nothing that would interest a cold-blooded pirate such
as yourself.” Chelsea spat.
“Oh, I think you might be surprised what interests a
coldblooded pirate such as myself, m'dear.” He grabbed her
hand and began sucking gently on her fingers, his tone
sensual and his look smoldering.
Chelsea blushed. Kristen smiled. Derrick chuckled.
“I say, ol' man, perhaps Kristen and I should leave you
two alone, eh?” Derrick winked at his brother.
But, Chelsea was in a state of panic. It was bad enough
that Tristan was violating her right there in front of everyone,
but for Derrick to suggest leaving them alone was too much.
She yanked her hand from his grasp and began speaking to
Kristen in her own language.
“No, please. Do not leave me alone with this monster!”
“Enough, Chelsea. When you are around me, you will
speak English, unless of course it is in passion, then your
language is permissible. Now, be a good girl and tell me what
you said.” He smiled at her.
“No, I don't believe I will.” She lifted her chin a notch in
defiance.
Kristen burst out laughing. Her eyes lit up and she
seemed genuinely happy in that moment. It was a sight
Derrick would never forget, and one he intended to see more
often.
But, Tristan didn't see what was so bloody funny.
Perhaps it was the fog of drink, but he had the distinct
impression that these two were conspiring against him, and
they had just managed to one up him. It didn't sit well with him.
He rounded on her and narrowed his eyes.
“Since you seem to find it so amusing, why don't you
tell me what she said.” He demanded.
“No, I don't believe I will.”
This time Chelsea joined Kristen in their laughter.
Tristan looked at Derrick for help, but Derrick just shrugged.
He didn't think they would ever fully understand these two
women, but he was also of a mind that they had somehow just
been one upped. At Tristan's sour look, Derrick burst out
laughing, which only caused Kristen and Chelsea to laugh
harder. Soon even Tristan was laughing and the mood in the
room turned a bit more cheerful.
The servants brought the meal, and the four of them
took turns telling stories of their childhood. It was pleasant,
and Kristen found she was actually enjoying herself. Her
troubles forgotten for the moment, she decided to tell the story
of how she had met Mel. She laughed with everyone else, for
it was a funny story, but she fell short when she again
remembered that Mel would not be there to see her get
married. She rose from the table, tears in her eyes.
“Excuse me. I...I must take my leave.” She darted from
around the table and ran out the door before the tears started
streaming from her eyes.
Derrick rose to go after her, confused and worried, but
Chelsea drew him up short.
“No. Leave her be. You and Tristan are much alike, no?
You care only for yourselves and no others?” She asked
coldly. Her heart ached to see her friend so tormented.
“What the devil are you blathering about woman?”
Tristan asked, annoyed.
Derrick simply looked at her, his face devoid of any
emotion.
“Can you not tell how unhappy she is? It is not that she
must marry you, for I think that is something she wanted to do
anyway. But, to force her to marry you here, where she has no
family or friends present to witness her day. That is something
a woman wants no matter the circumstances. Second to that
is that she loves you. She does not say it, but I know. If you do
not return her love, then tell her so that she may move on with
her life and marry another.”
Derrick ground his teeth and tried to control his rising
temper before responding. He knew Chelsea meant well, but if
one more person told him to let Kristen marry another man, he
might just rip their arms off and beat them to death.
“She will marry no one but me, and that is final. You
speak of things you do not know. Kristen is a very
straightforward woman, and if it were love she sought she
would have told me that.”
“Something you are conveniently forgetting is that while
she is a straightforward woman, she is still a woman. It does
not take words for another woman to understand love.” At that
point she switched to her language. “As she knew that I was
also in love.” Chelsea looked at Tristan sadly.
Tristan had remained quiet during the conversation
simply because he agreed with Chelsea. But, when she
switched to her own language again, he became angry and
opened his mouth to argue. Chelsea knew it was coming and
rolled her eyes. She sighed and got up from the table.
“Tristan, you cannot control everything about me, much
as you would like to. I will speak my language when it suits me
for it is my own.” She turned on her heel and left the two
brothers there in the dining room, more confused than they
had been earlier, and certainly more frustrated.
Derrick looked at Tristan. Unanimously, “Bloody hell."
Chapter 31

The next morning Tristan stood by the French windows
in his study. He was contemplating whether or not Derrick
would appreciate the wedding gift Tristan planned to give him.
There was no help for it now as Kristen was due any moment.
Derrick had decided he would seek out the parson himself
since he felt honor-bound to apprise the man of the situation
and ensure that he would still agree to perform the ceremony.
Tristan accepted the opportunity to get to know his sister-inlaw better. As he stood there, staring out to sea, there was a
knock on the study door.

Kristen to see you."
"Thank you Eddings, that will be all."
Eddings bowed again and opened the door wider to

admit Kristen. Once she walked inside the study, he quietly
closed the door. Kristen looked at the closed door and then
turned her suspicious gaze back to Tristan. She had no idea
why he requested an audience with her, but whatever it was,
she was sure it wasn't good.

Tristan chuckled. "I did, but I assure you, I mean you no
harm."
Kristen nodded, but he noted that she did not relax.
"There are a couple of things I wish to discuss with you.
I suspect you will have lots of questions, but keep in mind that
time is of the essence as Derrick won't be gone long."
Kristen merely raised an eyebrow. She was intrigued,
but she would not badger him with questions. Again, Tristan
chuckled.
"Derrick said nothing seemed to ruffle your feathers, at
least not by way of outward appearance. Perhaps you won't
have as many questions as I thought. You are, indeed, quite
calm for a woman. But, forgive me, I digress. First of all,
Derrick tells me that you do not have your trousseau with you
this trip. Allow me to rectify that for you, if I may."
Tristan crossed over to a closet and pulled out an
elegant white dress. It was sleeveless, and the bodice portion
was covered in a delicate floral stitching studded with
diamonds. The material was silk and flowed to the ground,
and there was a long train attached. There was also a veil
studded with diamonds in the same design as the dress. It
looked as though the veil would fall just below the chin.
Kristen gasped, tears flooding her eyes. It was a
beautiful gown, and a lovely gesture. Her eyes flew to
Tristan's.
“It was my mother's dress. She always said that it was
made from love and it would be worn in love. When I left
England, I took the dress as a reminder of my family. Though
it doesn't seem that way, they are very important to me. I think
she would be honored if you wore her dress.”
“Thank you, it is lovely. But, I don't believe I can wear
the dress the way she intended. It would not be worn in love
and I ”
“Am I quite mistaken then that you do not love my
brother?” His amber eyes searched hers, daring her to defy
him.
“Tristan, things between your brother and I are
complicated. It is not that simple to say that I love him.
Certainly I've developed a fondness for him, but that hardly
warrants such a gift as your mother's wedding dress.” She
lowered her eyes.
“Nevertheless. She would have wanted you to wear the
dress. Please, take it.”
`He walked to her and handed her the dress. Then he walked
back to his desk and sat down behind it, putting distance
between himself and Kristen.
“Now, the second matter. You may wish to sit for this
part of our discussion.”
In Kristen's experience, whenever she had been told to
sit for something, it was a good idea to heed the advice and
she did not deviate from that now. She took the chair opposite
Tristan and gently folded the dress across her lap. She looked
at Tristan when she was ready.
"I thought it prudent for you to know that none of the
maids here, past or present, have warmed Derrick's bed."
Kristen blinked several times, not entirely sure what to
say to that. She had begun to suspect that Derrick wasn't
actually the rake he lead people to believe he was though she
was certain he dallied when there was a need to do so. But,
since her decision not to marry him wasn't actually based on
that, she had nothing prepared for this discussion.
"Well, that relieves my mind a great deal. Thank you."
Tristan looked at her much like a shrewd businessman
observes his cargo at the docks before accepting it. Kristen
was rather uncomfortable with the way he was staring at her,
but decided she would give him the opportunity to get to the
point of this discussion.
"I think Derrick was right. You are hiding something,
and the maids had nothing to do with your previous refusal to
marry him."
Kristen lifted her chin a notch. "Well, you are certainly
welcome to believe whatever you like."
Tristan chuckled. "As you wish. But, I can pretty much
guarantee that whatever it is you are hiding from Derrick, he
can handle it. You would be better off telling him the truth."
Kristen smiled tightly. "Tristan, I appreciate the dress. It
was a lovely gesture. But, you will forgive me if I don't take
romantic advice from a pirate who has forced himself on an
innocent young woman."
Tristan scowled. "Did she tell you that I forced myself
on her? Of all the ridiculous notions! I did not force myself on
her."
Kristen shrugged. "Close enough."
"Good lord, is this what Derrick has to put up with?"
Tristan laughed. "I assure you that Chelsea is in the very best
hands, and no harm shall befall her."
"I think it best we move on to other topics if you have
them to discuss. Otherwise, I have a wedding to prepare for."
Kristen's tone was only moderately icy as she didn't want to
fight with her future husband's twin brother.
Tristan nodded, realizing it was perhaps a mistake to
offer advice to Kristen when she was so clearly entrenched on
Chelsea's behalf.
"Very well, the last item of business I wanted to address
with you is in regard to Derrick's smuggling business. You are
familiar with that, are you not?"
"Yes."
"Excellent. There isn't much that my brother Scott and I
can agree on, but we do agree that the smuggling should stop
before he gets himself killed. I understand that you have a
wedding contract you wish for Derrick to sign?"
"Yes." Kristen had a sinking feeling about what Tristan
was going to ask her to do.
"Very good. I'd, well, we really, would like to ask you a
favor."
"We who?"
"Me and Scott, of course."
"Hang on, I'm sorry. But, do you mean to tell me that
you and Scott correspond even after he ousted you?"
"Of course. We have a common interest in protecting
Derrick."
Kristen leaned back in her chair. She narrowed her
eyes and studied Tristan carefully, taking in what she knew
was coming and processing all of the pieces. Tristan smiled,
but since she didn't say anything else, he continued.
"We'd like you to make it part of the marriage contract
that he end this stint of smuggling before it gets him killed."
"You do realize the hypocrisy of a pirate asking me to
stop his brother from smuggling, don't you?" Kristen asked.
"Yes, of course. But we're not discussing my life, we're
discussing Derrick's. I should think you would want to help
keep him alive as long as possible."
Tristan had no idea just how right on the mark he was
with that comment, but Kristen couldn't worry about that now.
She had spent half the night tossing and turning, worrying that
the minute she said "I do," someone would step out of the
shadows and take him from her. She already decided that she
needed to tell him the truth before they got married.
"The thing is, I've already promised Derrick I'd not
interfere with his activities."
Tristan looked at her in surprise. "I beg your pardon?"
"I can't add that to the contract, Tristan."
"But, he could die."
"I understand that, but it is his life to live. Do you think
he enjoys the thought of you out to sea as a pirate? You are
far more likely to wind up dead, no offense."
"None taken."
Tristan frowned. He had been counting on her to agree,
thinking her feminine sensibilities would be enough to sway
her to his side. But, he hadn't counted on her being so calm
about things. And, he seriously had to wonder about her
feelings for him if she was so willing to let him continue his
activities. But, Chelsea insisted Kristen loved Derrick, so
Tristan went with that. In his experience, women knew love
better than men.
"So, you are telling the Duke of Hollingsworth no?"
"I'm telling you no. His grace is not here, but if he were,
the answer would still be no."
Tristan chuckled. "I admire your courage. Scott isn't
used to hearing no."
"I'm sure he will adapt."
"I do very much like you, m'dear. Well, I shall pass that
along to Scott in our next correspondence, then. We had to
try."
"Had to try what?" Derrick asked from the doorway.
Kristen turned to look at Derrick, and in that moment
something washed over her. Something she didn't understand,
but knew to be true. She was marrying the man she was
supposed to, and no matter what happened, she wouldn't
regret her decision.
Derrick looked between her and Tristan, wondering
what they had talked about while he was gone.
"I was just asking Kristen to put a clause in your
marriage contract that stated you would continue with this
smuggling nonsense." Tristan said, smiling.
Derrick stepped into the study and shut the door, then
rounded on Tristan.
"You what?"
"Seems Scott agrees, don't you know. Though, I'm not
entirely sure how I feel about that, to be honest. Me and Scott
agreeing on something? Just doesn't seem right, does it?"
Derrick couldn't believe his ears. His brother did not just
admit to corresponding with Scott, and concocting a plan to
control his life by including his wife. He glared at his brother,
lips thinning into a straight line, and crossed his arms over his
chest. Kristen noted that in that position, Derrick was
particularly imposing.
“Well seems I've put my foot in it then, eh? Think I'll
leave you two to talk things over.” Tristan got up and walked
toward the door of the study.
Kristen wasn't sure that was a good idea as Derrick
was staring daggers at his brother. But, when Tristan reached
the door and stopped in front of Derrick, he did nothing but let
his brother pass, albeit with promised retribution glittering in
his eyes.
After Tristan left, Kristen looked pointedly at Derrick. “I
didn't agree."
"Well that's good. I have enough people watching my
every move, I don't need my wife to do it, too."
Kristen frowned. "They're just worried about you."
"They're controlling and egotistical."
"And that doesn't sound familiar to you at all?" Kristen
asked, lifting a brow.
Derrick ignored her implication. "I believe that you
mentioned something about a contract. Tristan's steward can
draw up whatever you need.” He said dryly.
"Thank you."
Derrick nodded. He looked at her a moment, unsure of
what to say.
"Kristen, if my activities bother you, I will stop. Just say
the word."
Kristen was surprised. She certainly hadn't been
expecting that, and it was a friendly gesture. But, it wasn't his
smuggling that concerned her.
"You may do as you please with that, Derrick. As I've
said before, I have no wish to curtail your activities. So long as
you are discreet, you may do as you like."
Derrick stiffened. "Are you implying that I may see other
women?" Kristen missed the harshness of his words.
"If that is your wish. But, as I said, only if you are
discreet." It broke her heart to say those words, it truly did.
And, if she were honest with herself, she was hoping Derrick
would refute them and promise loyalty to none but her.
Kristen waited for him to speak with bated breath.
Derrick stood there staring at her, incredulous that she
honestly believed he wanted anyone other than her. But, he
didn't know how else to tell her that. He had told her
repeatedly already.
He sighed loudly. "I don't know how to make this any
clearer to you - "
Kristen shook her head. "It's fine, you don't need to
explain."
"There's nothing to explain! I don't want anyone else
but you. How many times do I have to say that?" He raked his
fingers through his hair in frustration and stalked across the
room to put some distance between them.
Kristen tilted her head to look at him, wondering if
perhaps she were pushing him too far. A man could only deal
with insecurities to a point, she supposed. But, still. It's not like
she didn't have firsthand knowledge of how men like Derrick
could ruin a woman's life. She didn't want to wake up one
morning hating Derrick. It would break her heart.
"I just meant -"
"Enough. If you continue this bit of nonsense, I'm likely
to bend you over my knee and spank you." Derrick added
hotly.
Kristen's jaw dropped. That he dared to speak to her
like that was...was...well, it was just like a rake! She snapped
her mouth closed and glared at him.
“Fine. We'll leave that discussion for another time. I'd
like to get this contract out of the way if you don't mind.” She
said icily. “And, for the record, I don't think you would like to try
bending me over your knee.”
Derrick's lips twitched. He was still mad, but she
managed to make him want to laugh anyway. He wouldn't give
her the satisfaction, though. “I'll sign whatever you want, but I
don't care to know the details. However, I think whatever
money your mother left you is yours, and I don't want any of
it.”
Kristen frowned. “Derrick, that is not remotely realistic,
not to mention it isn't a very good practice. I could put
something completely ridiculous in there that doesn't benefit
you in the least, oh like say, no more smuggling.” She pointed
out reasonably.
Derrick had no intention of quibbling with her over the
marriage contract. He wanted her happy and that meant he
would sign whatever she wanted him to sign. Hell, she could
include an infidelity clause and he would be perfectly happy to
sign it. He wanted to see her like she was last night at dinner.
“If it pleases you to do so, then do it.”
“It pleases me to discuss this with you. There are some
things about me that you need to know. We're completely
binding our lives together and I think we should at least look at
this together. I'd also like to be familiar with your holdings, as
well. I realize this is a marriage of convenience, but I “ She
stopped short and had to look twice to be sure, but Derrick set
his jaw and his amber eyes began glowing a rather dangerous
shade.
From experience, Kristen knew that she had just made
him extremely angry, but she didn't understand why. It couldn't
possibly have been the comment about the marriage, could it?
Unless, of course, he had changed his mind. In her present
mood, she was feeling bold enough to ask.
“Derrick, if you have changed your mind “
“Finish that sentence and I may just wring your neck!
You'd like me to change my mind, wouldn't you? Well, I'm
afraid I'll just have to disappoint you, m'dear. I believe I've
made myself clear on this matter more than once. We're
getting married, end of discussion. Now, do what you will with
the bloody contract and I'll sign the damn thing. I'll leave you
to your designs and see you at the church when you are
finished.” With that, he turned on his heel and slammed out of
the study before Kristen had time to register what just
happened.