Wicked And Wild: Spencers in Love Book Two (5 page)

 
Chapter 11

            Breakfast was chaotic the following morning. Anna
and Alice had begun work on a dress as soon as Lucien had proposed and we're
working like demons to have it finished. They kept Mirabelle in her dressing
room until they couldn't work over the sound of her stomach. She was the last
down to breakfast. She rushed into the dining room to find everyone in
discussion. Lucien stood and smiled, causing Mirabelle's stomach to flip. She
took a deep breath and shook her wits into place. Breakfast. She nodded and
went to the sideboard to make a plate.

The Mothers accepted that there
would be no grand wedding but were determined to make the best of it. An
intimate family ceremony would be held at Clerendon House in two days time.
They had their heads together over lists and menus. Alastair and Elise were discussing
changes he had planned for a section of the garden. At Gilles’ request, he was
creating a layout that was a smaller version of what she had at Longwood. Short
paths would be lined with various herbs and flowers, allowing her to find her
way by smell and touch. Lucien and Gilles were continuing a debate that started
in Parliament the evening prior. 

As Mirabelle took her usual seat
between Alastair and Lucien she was disappointed that she could still sense her
brother’s hostility towards Lucien. She had attempted discussing their
engagement with him but he would have none of it. He would change the topic or
leave. Gilles assured her he would come around. He needed time to see that Lucien
wouldn't hurt her and that she was happy. Deciding to be grateful that he loved
her enough to feel so protective, Mirabelle set her hand on Alastair's arm and
squeezed. He turned to her and his eyes searched hers.
I love you.
She knew
he'd see. He nodded slightly and touched the back of her hand briefly.

She turned her attention to Lucien.
He was laughing and his shoulder brushed hers as he shook. Apparently, the
debate with Gilles ended with a grape being lobbed across the table and landing
in Gilles’ coffee. Maman looked up and narrowed her eyes at both men. Both
cleared their throats and busied themselves with eating. Mirabelle raised her
coffee cup and did her best to keep her lips straight. She took a sip and
turned to Lucien.

“I have an errand and I was hoping
you would accompany me.” She smiled sweetly and waited expectantly. Apparently,
he wasn't fooled. Or he'd been warned. His eyes widened and he looked to Gilles
for support. He shook his head and became engrossed in his plate.

“Of course. Anything.” Lucien
attempted gallantry.

“Excellent! I’d like to call on
Lady Gasden. She's still not feeling well and I thought having some company
might bring her around.” Mirabelle had to bite the inside of her cheek to keep
from laughing at Lucien. His face twisted in horror and he groaned. He looked
as if he was six and presented with a bowl of peas.

“Really, Mirabelle? Couldn't we do
anything else? Perhaps we could find some barn cats to bathe or I could run
naked through some rose bushes.” He slouched in his seat for a moment before
Madeline’s head jerked in his direction. He sat up straight and turned to
Mirabelle. “What if I bought you something very large and very expensive?” He
begged. Mirabelle laughed and shook her head.

“That won't work, I'm afraid. You
forget that I've enough money to buy myself whatever I want.” She teased.

“Ah! But you don't have palace
money. I could buy you a palace.” Lucien boasted.

“How lovely for you.” She said
sarcastically as she reached for the jam. “I'm not really in the mood for a
palace, today. I want to visit Lady Gasden.” Lucien grumbled and pouted over
his plate. Mirabelle tried to eat while imagining Lucien naked in the garden.

An hour later, Lucien was still
complaining as he helped Mirabelle to the seat of his phaeton. Once he was
seated, he set the team in motion.

“I thought that once I was an adult
I was done being dragged into old dragon’s dens. She's only gotten worse since we
were children.” He sighed as an overturned cart stalled traffic.

“She's only worse to you because
you give her so much to comment upon.” Mirabelle relaxed and smiled as she
watched Lucien fidget with the reins. He was leaning forwards, his elbows
resting on his knees. His tailor certainly knew how to fit a coat; the muscles
of his back were visible as the fabric stretched. It took a great deal of self
control on her part not to run her hand down his back. Would he believe she was
an ardent fan of Bath Superfine? Looking at his thighs didn't help. Wrapped in
buff colored inexpressibles, his muscles flexed as he tapped his booted feet
impatiently.

“I don't understand why you choose
to call on her and seek her out at parties while I spend a great deal of time
avoiding her.” A moment later, “Really?” Lucien gestured towards the line of
carriages and hackneys in front of them in exasperation.

“I like her. I think we’re quite
alike.” Lucien laughed and shook his head. “In fact, I plan to be just like her
when I'm her age.” Mirabelle stood and craned her neck. “I think they've got it
just about cleared.” Lucien tugged her arm, pulling her back to the seat
unceremoniously.

“You should have made me aware of
your plans before I proposed.” He leaned and nudged her affectionately with his
elbow.

“She's alone, Lucien. Her son is
horrid and never visits. That's all the family she has. Why do you think our
mothers spent so much time with her? I'm sure that there will come a day when
everyone washes their hands of me. I hope that at least one person will make
time to visit.” Mirabelle was watching the scene ahead but could feel he was
staring at her. She turned and raised a brow.

“You're probably right, you're
almost more trouble than you're worth as it is. Age will only make you worse.” She
could tell he was teasing but she swatted his arm anyways. “I suppose it makes
sense that you start paying your penance in advance.” Just then, traffic
started moving and he sat up. “As I'll have made a vow to keep you in sickness,
I'll have to endure your exile with you.”

“I was lead to believe that you
would be more romantic than this.” Mirabelle mumbled. Lucien laughed.

“I can't think of anything more
romantic, my love.” He'd recently adopted the endearment and it made her
tingle. “It's too easy to imagine a life with someone when they're young and
beautiful. It's another thing to imagine them old and surly and still look
forward to the prospect.”

“Oh!” Put like that, it nearly made
her toes curl. “That's the sweetest thing anyone has ever said to me!”
Mirabelle would have thrown her arms around his neck and kissed him until she
was senseless if she could. Instead, she had to fan her eyes and blink rapidly
until she was no longer on the verge of becoming a watering pot.

Once they were moving again, it was
a short drive to Lady Gasden’s. Mirabelle noted that Lucien grumbled less as he
lifted her down. When the butler led them to Lady Gasden’s personal sitting
room, the old woman’s eyes lit up with joy. Mirabelle caught Lucien's eye and
looked at him pointedly.
See. This is why.
She thought.

“What a lovely surprise!” She
gushed as she gestured for them to sit close to her. Mirabelle kissed her
tissue soft cheek and sat on the lounge closest to Lady Gasden's chair. She
looked up as she patted the spot next to her. Lucien sat obediently. “So kind
of you to accompany your lovely fiancée, Your Grace!”

“It's my pleasure.” He lied as he
reclined and crossed his legs.

“I'm sure she gave you no choice!”
Lady Gasden cackled as the tea tray was placed before them. Without asking, Mirabelle
started pouring. “I'm glad you came to your senses while I was still around to
see it. You had me quite worried for years, Lucien.” He groaned as he took a
biscuit. “I was sure some other rake would turn her head and steal her out from
under you or you'd compromise some chit and find yourself stuck.” Mirabelle smiled
as she handed her cup to her.

“I'm surprised you didn't take it
upon yourself to set me straight.” Lucien grinned as he took his cup from
Mirabelle. “Thank you.” He murmured as he took a sip. Mirabelle knew that she
should try and change the topic but she was enjoying herself.

“I had considered it but I hoped
that you'd eventually see what was as plain as the nose upon your face.” Both
looked at her in surprise. She chuckled and shook her head. “You were just as
obvious as she was!” Lady Gasden said as she pointed at Mirabelle. “In fact, I
think you fell in love first, Lucien.” He raised a brow and looked at her
dubiously. “I remember when you were children. You must have been eight or
nine, Alastair pushed her and you were furious!” Her eyes misted over and she
looked at them warmly.

“Alastair pushed me?” Mirabelle was
shocked. He had always been so protective and even as a child he wasn't prone
to emotional outbursts.

“Oh, yes!” Lady Gasden laughed.
“You beat him in a foot race and he said something inappropriate in French.
Except he mispronounced something or used the wrong tense or gender and you
corrected him.” Lucien snorted.

“That sounds about right. She’s remarkably
proficient at cursing.” Mirabelle elbowed him. Lady Gasden snickered.

“Alastair didn't take it well. He
pushed her and she landed on her little bottom and was set to bring the wrath
of hell upon him but you stepped between them and called him out!” Mirabelle
gasped and covered her mouth. Lucien's eyes widened and he smirked. He
remembered. “You told him that a gentleman would not stand by and see a lady
treated so scandalously. Mirabelle jumped up and stomped her little feet and wailed
that she was most certainly not a lady. You told her to hush and that you were
defending her honor!” Lady Gasden laughed for several moments until she was
wheezing. When Lucien looked at Mirabelle, his eyes were warm and a smile
tugged at his lips. There was nothing she wanted more than to lean close and
press her lips to his and thank him for defending her. She felt herself sway
and was saved when Lady Gasden sighed and continued. Mirabelle gave her attention
once more. “Being the little gentleman that he was, Lucien allowed Alastair to
pick the weapon. Alastair being Alastair picked chess.” Lucien groaned.

“Couldn't we just leave it there? I
like that I'm the hero of this story.” Mirabelle rolled her eyes.

“What happened next?” She asked.
Lady Gasden looked at a Mirabelle fondly.

“Lucien didn't stand a chance!
Alastair picked his weapon well. As soon as the game was over, you sat in front
of the board and told Lucien you'd avenge his honor and
you
beat
Alastair! You were nearly five and you were already too smart for your own
good.” Lady Gasden patted her knee. Mirabelle sat there with her mouth hanging
open for several moments before she gasped.

“I remember! It was the first time
I defeated him, he wouldn't play with me for weeks!”

“I'm so glad you two are finally
getting on with it. We don't have to worry about your children being idiots.”
Lady Gasden declared. “I wish I could say the same for more young people.”
Mirabelle nodded emphatically. “How are your brother and his clever little wife
getting along? I'm certain we won't have to worry about their offspring
either.”

The rest of the visit passed
pleasantly. Mirabelle and Lucien stayed until Lady Gasden became docile and
yawned. Lucien helped her into her bed and Mirabelle pulled the blankets up to
her chin.

“See. That wasn't so bad!”
Mirabelle announced just before Lucien handed her back up to the seat of his
phaeton. He lifted her hand to his lips and kissed it.

“No. It wasn't. Thank you for
making me come.” He lifted her and started around to the other side.

“So you’ll come with me the next
time?” Mirabelle hoped.

“Not a chance.” Lucien replied as
he sat next to her and flicked the reins.

Chapter 12

It was his last night as a
bachelor. Lucien had spent the evening settling his debts at various clubs and
gaming halls. Along they way, he'd shared drinks with friends but hadn't lingered
at any establishment for long. He was symbolically saying goodbye to his old
life. While he could still see himself at White’s and Brooks’s with Gilles and
Alastair, he expected he would have no need to frequent Boodle’s and Watier’s.

Having had more to drink than was his habit, Lucien
decided it was time to make his way home. A table erupted in raucous laughter,
drawing his attention from across the room. He rolled his eyes when he saw that
Randall Morley, Viscount Travers was holding court. The man was a swine. Lucien
was almost through the door when he heard his name mentioned, he stilled and
listened.

“Can't say I blame him but he’ll have his hands full with
that one. The Spencer chit is a fine piece, tried to have a go at her myself
but she wasn't game for it.” Lucien's lip curled and he clenched his fist as
the table exploded in laughter and rude comments. “Don't know how he managed to
get that minx to save herself for him while he fucked his way through the ton
but I’d…” Lucien had heard enough. His roar cut through the room as he rushed
towards the table.

“
Travers
!” Lucien kicked his chair, sending the man sprawling
sideways. He dove and grabbed him by his lapels and threw him against the wall.
Stunned and wide eyed, the man didn't have time to move before Lucien's hand
locked around his throat. The sound of chairs sliding and falling over echoed
through the room. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Edgar Thorpe, Travers’ crony,
advancing. Lucien grabbed a candlestick off a side table with his free hand and
swung it at Thorpe. It connected with his jaw and sent him flying. The room
became completely still. He looked at Travers, his face was purple and his eyes
were bulging. Lucien released him and slammed his fist into his nose. Travers
gasped as his eyes rolled back into his head and he slid to the ground. Lucien
turned and looked around the room.

“The
next man I hear of maligning my intended will meet me over pistols.” He yelled.
“I would have said no to all of your wives and sisters if I had known Mirabelle
Spencer would have me.” A hand closed on his shoulder and Lucien turned and
swung. Alastair caught his fist in his hand just inches from his face. Lucien
relaxed.

“It's time to leave, Lucien.” He said softly. Lucien
nodded. Alastair’s eyes traveled around the room. “I'm sure there is no doubt
as to who his second would be if anyone is foolish enough to ignore His Grace’s
warning.” His voice was clear and hard and met with silence.

Alastair inspected Lucien's hand once they were inside
his carriage.

“That was a neat punch; your hand should be fine aside
from being a little sore. The whole scene was impressive.” He sat back and
crossed his legs. “I was worried years of debauchery and old age would have
made you slow.” Lucien closed his eyes and smiled. He was nearly foxed and it
felt good to hear Alastair tease him. He'd barely spoken to him since he
proposed to Mirabelle.

“Why were you following me?” Alastair had never been one
for gaming. Even if he had been, he never lost at cards which made him
unpopular at the tables. “I think you'd have been disappointed if you expected
a wild night, I was just about to head home.”

“I know. You’re drunk. You’ve always known to go home
before your judgment was too impaired. I wasn't following you because I was
worried you might stop at a brothel. This business with Whitrose concerns me.”
Lucien cracked open and eye and focused on Alastair.

“I would think the idea of someone attacking me would
appeal. Though I’m sure I could handle myself if anything should happen.”
Lucien stretched and rested his feet in the corner of the bench. Alastair
sighed.

“I
don't want you injured, Lucien. Unless you hurt Mirabelle, then I would be the
one to do it.” There was no humor in his voice. “I know that you would never
choose to hurt her. I am worried that you won't be satisfied with one woman for
very long. What if you grow bored?”

“This isn't just any woman,
Alastair. It's Mirabelle. I love her, truly.” Lucien felt a familiar warmth and
calmness settle over him as he thought of her. “This isn’t about my body, it's
about my soul. This is my life.”

“I hope love is enough. If it is, I'll be happy for the two
of you. You're all she's ever wanted. I was worried she'd be destroyed when you
married someone else. I wasn't prepared for the possibility that you would choose
her. For some reason, my mind didn't factor that into the equation.” Lucien
felt pain in his chest as he realized how much he could have hurt her. He also
felt a little insulted on Mirabelle's behalf.

“I think my mind was more
comfortable with keeping her as you and Gilles do, like a sister, to be teased
and protected. I’ve been the biggest ass for so long, Alastair. When I look at
her now, I can't understand how I could have wanted any of those other women. For
some inexplicable reason, I feel at peace when I'm with her.” Alastair snorted
and shook his head. Lucien agreed and laughed softly. “Somehow, I do. I feel
such joy and so complete when I think the life we’ll have. I couldn't imagine
anyone else I'd be happy raising a family with at Winthorpe. When I tried in
the past, it always felt wrong. Now, I know it's because I wasn't picturing the
right woman.”

“I agree that no one would suit you
or your dukedom better but how can you transition from viewing her as a sister
to a wife so easily?” Lucien knew that the conversation was becoming more
academic for Alastair. That was a good sign; it meant he was forgiving him.

“Because she isn't my sister and
there are certain undeniable things in this world, Alastair.”

“Such as?” Alastair leaned forward.

“She's mine. I don't know if it was
because of how close we were or the family, but it's like I’ve been working
against nature all this time. I'm still having a hard time making sense of it
myself. I want her more than I've ever wanted a woman.” Lucien paused; he knew
he was entering dangerous territory. Alastair remained still. “But I've
scarcely allowed my mind to touch upon it, it still feels forbidden. Not
because it's wrong. It's just so new and overwhelming and I can't understand
how I could be so blessed that she would be meant for me.”

“This is the part that I don't
understand. Gilles said something similar about Elise. He knew she was his
almost as soon as he saw her. Of all the women I've had, I could describe their
every feature but none were more remarkable than any of the others.” Lucien was
utterly nonplussed. His mouth hung open for several moments. He and Gilles had
often speculated but Alastair's sexual exploits were a complete mystery to
them. The temptation to probe was strong but he knew that he would get nowhere.
Alastair was too compartmentalized and was trying to make sense of something
currently beyond his emotional grasp.

“I suppose I felt the same way
until I kissed Mirabelle.” Alastair sat back and crossed his arms. Lucien knew
he wasn’t enjoying the idea but he wanted to understand. “I never gave a damn
about kissing before. It was always a step along a path that got me where I wanted
to go.” Alastair nodded in agreement, which was telling. “When I kissed
Mirabelle, it wasn't a choice. I had to. And it wasn't just the mechanics of
lips and tongues; it was something that went through my whole body. I felt like…
like I could live there. Does that make sense?” Alastair shook his head.

“No. But I think it's an impairment
on my part. I find myself as confused now as I was when Gilles described his
feelings for Elise. I find the idea of love to be uncomfortable and inconvenient.”
Lucien laughed heartily.

“It is indeed uncomfortable at
times and especially inconvenient when you're being forced to do things you
don’t want to.”

“Like visit Lady Gasden? I can't
imagine anything in this world that would compel me to visit her.” Alastair's
brows were pulled together; he looked as if he was thoroughly confounded.

“Exactly. Don't tell your sister,
but I would sit through that crone’s abuse every day if she truly wanted me
too. I don't think I could deny her anything.” Lucien whispered.

“Good God.” Alastair muttered. “The
two of you are mad. Gilles talked of making tea and braiding hair and you're associating
with old tartars. The more I observe of romantic love, the less it makes sense.
It would seem wiser to avoid it altogether.”

“There was a time when I was deluded
enough to think the same. Now, I wouldn't feel complete without her. When I
picture Mirabelle and our children, it takes my breath away and there's nothing
I'd rather do with my life. There's nothing I want more.” Alastair's head
tilted and his eyes narrowed.

“Do you think I'm delusional?” He
meant it as a serious question. Lucien considered for a moment. The answer
wasn't a simple one. He sighed and rubbed his chin.

“If you were any other man, maybe.
But you're not like us, Alastair.” He looked concerned, hurt. “You're not inadequate
or flawed. If anything, you're more than the rest of us. You've never needed us
the way we need each other, the way we need you.” Alastair shook his head.

“That's not true. The family is the
only thing I truly care about. If I didn't have you all, I would have no reason
to stay here. I'd probably wander the world, rudderless, searching for answers.
The family keeps me anchored, it keeps me human.” It was a dazzling admission. Lucien
smiled and nodded.

“But you could be a man without a
home, thriving solely on riddles and discovery. Very few men can exist happily
like that. You need less to sustain you than most.” Alastair nodded as he
considered it. “I don't know if you're capable of being susceptible to a woman's
wiles. And you know that they are at the best of times incomprehensible. I
don't know if there is a woman alive that would fascinate you enough to
compensate for that.”

“I think you're right.” Alastair
said as the carriage came to a halt in front of Burton Place. As the door
opened and Alastair leaned towards it to step out, Lucien grabbed his arm. Alastair
looked at him and Lucien smiled broadly.

“I'm hoping that I'm wrong though.”
Alastair’s cut his eyes at him and scowled.

“You really are an ass, Lucien.” He
jerked his arm free and hopped out.

Lucien laughed all the way to
Clerendon House. He knew that things between him and Alastair were well on
their way to being repaired and he was relieved. He didn't want to marry
Mirabelle with that hanging over him.