Wicked And Wild: Spencers in Love Book Two Read online

  As if his teacup could help him, Lucien stared into it for several moments. He looked up at her, she stared at him expectantly.

  "I just wasn't ready. I don't think I would have been a good husband or picked the right woman if I hadn't waited." That was the truth.

  "Are you ready now?" Mirabelle whispered. Finally, she trembled.

  "I think so." Lucien nodded. He should have felt nervous or hesitant but he didn't. He felt relieved. Gilles' words on his wedding day came back to him. Marrying the right woman would feel like a blessing and a relief. Lucien looked at Mirabelle and he felt joy bubbling within him. "Yes. I'm ready."

  Mirabelle shut her eyes and exhaled.

  "Good. Because I'm quite done with being taken for granted." She looked at him sternly.

  Lucien moved to the lounge and sat next to her.

  "I will never make that mistake again." He cradled Mirabelle's face in his hands. She closed her eyes and sighed as his lips touched hers, welcoming him. He traced them with his tongue before he slid into her mouth and kissed her gently, deeply. Again, Lucien felt overcome with lust and surprise. How? How could a simple kiss affect him so profoundly? How could he want someone so urgently while feeling so at peace, so complete when they touched? Lucien pulled back and Mirabelle's lips clung.

  "Where are your brothers?" He whispered against her lips. For a moment Mirabelle was still.

  "Why in God's name would you ask me that now?" She replied as she pressed her lips to his. Her hand caressed Lucien's cheek and he groaned. This time he took her shoulders and set her away from him.

  "I need to talk to them first. I have to do this right, Mirabelle." He took her hand and raised it to his lips. "If I don't, it could pull our family apart."

  She nodded and sighed.

  "Gilles needed new boots. Elise ruined his favorite pair this morning. Then they were going to their club."

  "Will you be here later? I'd like to ask you a question and make an announcement before dinner, unless you have other plans." Lucien held his breath as he waited for her response.

  Mirabelle lit up and nodded vigorously.

  "Of course I'll be here!”

  "Excellent! I'll see you for dinner, then." Lucien took her lips in one last, brief kiss. "Everything will be perfect from now on, I promise." With that, he jumped to his feet and rushed from the room. Once outside on the sidewalk, Lucien looked back at the parlor window and saw Mirabelle watching him. He waved to her as a footman opened the door to his carriage. As she waved back, Lucien again cursed himself for being a fool. How had it taken him so long to realize he was in love with her and that she was the most desirable woman he'd ever known?

  Chapter 4

  As soon as Lucien's carriage disappeared from sight, Mirabelle ran from the parlor into the hall.

  "Maman!" Mirabelle screamed as she ran up the stairs.

  A door opened and maman appeared at the top of the stairs.

  "Mon petite! Why must you yell like a savage?" She scolded.

  "Lucien just left. He kissed me and said he wants to ask me a question before dinner and make an announcement!"

  Maman's eyes widened and she slowly lowered herself and sat on the top step.

  "He's going to propose? You're certain?" She whispered. Mirabelle nodded.

  "He said he needs to talk to Gilles and Alastair first. I swear, if they ruin this for me, I'll kill them." Maman nodded vigorously in agreement.

  "Elise!" Maman yelled, like a savage.

  A moment later, Elise drifted into the hall. Lucy, a gangly mastiff puppy flopped clumsily behind her.

  "What is going on out here?" She asked as she giggled.

  "Lucien is going to ask Mirabelle to marry him tonight!" Maman gushed as she stood up.

  Elise smiled beatifically.

  "I knew he would."

  Maman grabbed Mirabelle by the hand and tugged her towards her room, pulling Elise along as well. Lucy woofed and tumbled after them.

  "We must find the perfect dress." Maman declared. "And we must get Madeline here at once."

  Chapter 5

  Lucien stared out the window impatiently as his carriage negotiated the busy London streets. He, Gilles and Alastair belonged to White's and Brooks's but he was certain that they'd be at White's at this time of the day as it tended to be less crowded. He thought of Mirabelle waiting and felt almost frantic. Lucien cursed and beat on the roof of the carriage. As soon as it halted, he jumped out.

  "Wait for me at White's" he yelled as he pushed through to the sidewalk and ran as well as he could through the crowds.

  The realization that Mirabelle could have accepted any of the twelve men that had asked for her hand filled Lucien with panic. She could have belonged to another man and he would have had to live his life without her. He would have woken up and realized he was in love with her and it would have been too late. Lucien needed to hear Mirabelle agree to be his as soon as possible. Once she said yes, he would make it all up to her. All the waiting and frustration would be forgotten.

  Lucien reached White's and nodded to the doorman as he rushed in. He strode quickly through the halls and into their usual room. In the back corner, in the shadows, Gilles and Alastair lounged at their usual table nursing large brandies. Gilles nodded in greeting and signaled for a drink for Lucien as he sat. Alastair raised his glass in greeting.

  "You look serious." Gilles said as he stretched and crossed his arms behind his head.

  "I am." Lucien nodded as he looked at the two people he trusted most in the world. He hoped they'd forgive him. "We need to talk." Alastair leaned forward and Gilles sat up. Lucien took a deep breath. "I want to marry Mirabelle." He said cautiously.

  For many moments Gilles and Alastair were completely still. Neither blinked nor appeared to breathe. Lucien felt his shirt cling to his stomach and back as he started to perspire. Then, both answered at the same time.

  "No." from Alastair, and "Why?" from Gilles. Alastair shook his head and started to stand. Gilles grabbed his arm. "Wait."

  Alastair hesitated before he sat down.

  "Why, Lucien?" Gilles repeated.

  Lucien looked Gilles in the eye.

  "Because I love her and I won't be complete without her."

  "You love all women, Lucien." Alastair said flatly as he examined his brandy.

  "No. I've never loved any of them. She's the only one I've ever loved." Lucien admitted.

  Alastair looked at him; his face was completely free of emotion.

  "She's loved you for approximately eighteen years and you've shown no interest. In fact, you've shown interest in every woman but Mirabelle. Now, you say you've "loved" her?"

  Lucien raked a hand through his hair and nodded. He deserved this. To have it from Alastair, who generally avoided discussing emotions and interfering in relationships, was a sign of how bothered he was.

  "I think I've always loved her but I was too immature and irresponsible to be worthy of her." Lucien stared at Alastair, willing him to see how sincere he was.

  "And you believe you're worthy now? After everything you've done? Do you forget how much we know?" Alastair gulped his brandy and raised his empty glass to the waiter.

  "That's all behind me. None of it matters anymore. All I want is Mirabelle. I just want to make her happy. I promise, I will never hurt her." Lucien vowed.

  "Why now?" Gilles asked. Lucien grimaced.

  "You're partially to blame for that, actually." Lucien grinned. Gilles looked at him expectantly. "I arrived at Spencer Place shortly after the two of you left. Mirabelle's appearance was quite disorderly, if you'll recall."

  "Her hair?" Gilles asked, confused.

  "You know how I have a weakness for hair..." Lucien shifted in his seat as he recalled how Mirabelle looked.

  "I might kill him." Alastair stated.

  "What are you saying, Lucien?" Gilles leaned forward, his eyes accused him.

  "I didn't seduce her, if that's what you're imagining." Lucien looked at bot
h of them pointedly. "This is Mirabelle; I would never be so careless." Gilles relaxed. Lucien continued. "But I saw her. I saw her in a way that I've never allowed myself to before. I've always known she was beautiful but suddenly, I realized she's the most beautiful woman I've ever known and I need her. It's like I woke up."

  "How did she take it?" Gilles asked calmly.

  "The way you'd expect. She let me see how big of an ass I've been and said that she was tired of being taken for granted." Lucien grumbled. Gilles laughed.

  "You realize that she will horsewhip us to death if we don't give our blessing, Alastair." Gilles said as he gripped his brother's arm. Alastair looked at him.

  "But is this what's best for her?" His voice was low and hard.

  Gilles stared at Lucien. Lucien held his breath.

  "I think so." Gilles said. Alastair stood and finished his brandy in one long swallow.

  "If you hurt her, I'll kill you." His face was expressionless but his eyes were dark, empty as he stared at Lucien. Then, he turned and walked away. Gilles looked at Lucien.

  "You know he never bluffs." Gilles said casually as he reclined in his seat and sipped his brandy.

  "I know. I have no intention of calling his bluff. But if I ever do hurt her, I'll gladly let him." Lucien promised. Gilles nodded and raised his glass.

  "Great!" He smiled broadly and took another sip. "So, what's your plan?"

  "I'd like to propose and make an announcement tonight before dinner, with the family." Lucien stood. "I need to pick out a suitable ring and change. I'll see you at Spencer Place?" He asked as he pushed in his chair.

  "Of course. Wouldn't miss this for the world!" Gilles said sincerely. "Don't worry about Alastair; he just needs a time to process this. I've had more time to prepare."

  Lucien tilted his head.

  "How did you know? He asked

  "Elise said to expect it and to keep in mind that my past wouldn't have made me an ideal candidate for marriage either." Gilles explained as he rose, gesturing towards the door.

  "Marrying her is the best thing you've ever done." Lucien proclaimed as they exited the club.

  "I agree." Gilles smiled as Alastair joined him in front of the Cambroke carriage.

  "I'll see you both for dinner." Lucien waved as he entered his carriage.

  Chapter 6

  The hours between Lucien leaving and returning before dinner felt like the longest of Mirabelle's life. Wearing her most daring dress, a bronze form fitting satin with a low neckline, she paced in the parlor they'd occupied earlier. The Parlor. She was sure she'd refer to it as for the rest of her life. Goosebumps spilled down her arms as she recalled Lucien's lips on hers. Mirabelle had allowed a few of her suitors to kiss her but nothing could have prepared her for the way Lucien kissed her. He was so sure of himself and sensual. There was no tentative, waiting for permission or awkwardness. Mirabelle could feel that Lucien knew she was his when he kissed her. And he knew exactly what effect it had on her. She shivered. "The ton's most talented and wicked rake." was going to be hers at last. She'd be the envy of women everywhere. Mirabelle was going to have to make sure Lucien understood his career as a rake was over.

  As if on cue, Bennings showed Lucien into The Parlor. He was dressed in formal black and looked dashing, as always. Mirabelle wondered if her heart would always skip a beat when he walked into the room. She was grateful that the family had agreed that they should meet alone first. The Mothers, Elise, Gilles and Alastair were waiting for them in the music room. Lucien noticed that they were alone and smiled seductively as he prowled towards her. Mirabelle pressed her hands to her stomach to calm the fluttering.

  Lucien stopped before Mirabelle and lifted his hands to her face. He angled his head and his lips swooped upon hers. She opened for him and his tongue danced against hers. The room dissolved around them and the only thing Mirabelle was aware of was his mouth upon hers. Once she was dazed and breathless, Lucien lifted his head and waited for her to open her eyes. She blinked as his face to come into focus.

  "Will you marry me, Mirabelle?" Lucien whispered as he stroked her cheek. She felt desired and cherished. It was the most perfect moment of her life.

  "Yes." She whispered as she leaned forward and pressed her lips to his. Lucien gathered her in his arms and spun her around. Mirabelle pulled back. "If..." Lucien stopped and set her down.

  "If?" He cocked his head and raised a brow.

  "If you agree that there will be no others. I won't share you, Lucien." Mirabelle demanded as she stared into his eyes.

  "I am yours, madam. Exclusively, body and soul." He promised as he pulled her to him. He took her lips again and demonstrated how much of Mirabelle's body and soul was his in return. Lucien managed to distract her so completely that she didn't realize he'd placed a ring on her finger until he pulled his lips from hers and raised her knuckles to his lips. "I hope it pleases you." He said softly.

  Mirabelle's eyes nearly fell out of her head as she looked at her hand. A large emerald was set in gold and surrounded by diamonds.

  "It's incredible, Lucien!" She threw her arms around his neck.

  "I wanted something that matched your eyes." He whispered.

  Just then, a throat cleared. They turned and the family, with Gilles at the front, was standing in the doorway.

  Lucien smiled as he lifted Mirabelle's hand to his lips.

  "Mirabelle has agreed to be my wife." The Mothers and Elise rushed in and hugged them both. Maman gushed over the ring and Madeline congratulated Lucien on choosing a ring almost as beautiful as his intended. Gilles came forward and shook Lucien's hand and then kissed Mirabelle on the forehead.

  "Are you happy, brat?" He whispered. She looked up at him, her eyes watering and nodded.

  Alastair remained by the door and inclined his head when Mirabelle looked to him.

  Lucien cleared his throat.

  "I should like to delay any formal announcement for a few months." Everyone looked confused. Mirabelle narrowed her eyes. She had a feeling this would not be good news. "As we're all aware, my beloved has been incredibly patient with me. Therefore, I intend to court her properly and publicly."

  "What?" Mirabelle didn't bother to hide her displeasure.

  "I want you and the ton to see that my affections are truly sincere and that I do not take you for granted. I also don't want it assumed that there was an indiscretion if we simply get engaged and marry hastily." Lucien explained.

  "Magnifique!" Madeline proclaimed. Maman nodded.

  "Oui! It is both romantic and sensible!"

  "You deserve to be courted, Mirabelle." Lucien said softly as he stared into her eyes.

  "Wonderful." She said flatly. Lucien squeezed her waist and ducked his head.

  "It will be perfect, I promise!"

  Just then, Bennings entered with champagne and the room became festive. Mirabelle stifled her disappointment and decided she would endure it since everyone else was so excited.

  Chapter 7

  Why, why, why? Thought Mirabelle as Lucien helped her up to the seat of his phaeton the next afternoon. She sighed as she looked at the sleek, glossy pair and the reins. She longed to be in the country, on the back of a horse not headed to Hyde Park for a sedate drive.

  “Could I drive?” Mirabelle used her sweetest, most innocent smile on Lucien. He narrowed his eyes for a moment before handing her the reins.

  “For a bit. Behave.” He stretched his arm along the bench and she tried not to shiver as he idly stroked her spine. She found it hard to focus on the traffic and the horses while Lucien’s hand discreetly caressed her. The urge to stare at him was almost too much. He reclined with his boot resting on his knee, watching her. Mirabelle knew that the next day, young bucks would be imitating him down to the lazy smile. She wished them luck. Many wouldn't be able to pull off the cut of his navy coat and striped waistcoat or look as flattering wearing inexpressibles and Hessians. Mirabelle no longer wished to be in the country riding horses; she long
ed to be anywhere, alone with Lucien.

  As if he'd heard her thoughts, he leaned forward and put his hand on hers.

  “Hand them over, we’re almost to Rotten Row.” She passed them to him and sat back. “I'm supposed to be courting you, remember?” Mirabelle rolled her eyes.

  “It's a shame I couldn't have courted you. Life would be so much more efficient if women didn't have to wait on men.” She cut her eyes as she scanned the street. As she had expected, everyone appeared to be watching them or whispering about them. The entire ton would know before they returned to Spencer Place.

  “No doubt, you're right. I think that's why men need wives. We have no idea what we’re doing once we’re adults.” Lucien nodded vaguely as he passed landaus and pedestrians. Like her, he had no wish to stop and be interrogated. Mirabelle laughed and he winked at her.

  “I think we’ll be in for it if you don't get us out of here.” She said as she pretended to miss Lady Gasden waiving wildly at them. Lucien nodded and steered them away from the park.

  “I had hoped to take you for a walk. Perhaps we’ll go back and get your maid and go for an ice?” He offered. Mirabelle grimaced.

  “I think we should give it a day or two. We won't be able to take two steps before we’re mobbed.” She looked at Lucien and saw that he was beginning to comprehend how much of a spectacle they would be. “Why couldn't you have courted me in the country?” She mumbled. He laughed and nudged her with his elbow.

  “I don't think it would truly count as a courtship if the only ones to witness it were the horses. I suppose I could catch fish for you, instead of bringing you flowers.” He teased. Mirabelle wrinkled her nose and shook her head.

  “I suppose there could be worse things than this.” She grumbled as she crossed her arms.

  Two evenings later, they were still drawing attention. Lucien had suggested a stroll by the Serpentine and a queue had practically formed. By the time they quit Hyde Park, Mirabelle's face hurt and her patience was worn thin. She's was well aware of how fortunate she was but if she hadn't been, it had been all but hammered into her. Her favorite comment of the day had been from Miss Binsdale.