A Simple Marriage: Millionaires of Mayfair Book 2 by Janna MacGregor

Author:Janna MacGregor [MacGregor, Janna]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-06-25T00:00:00+00:00

After dismissing his driver and coach for the night, Hugh stood in front of Ardeerton House. Every window was dark except for the front entry and a room on the side of the house that overlooked a small garden. He knew by sight that it was Pippa’s study. Pelham had shown it to him several times. The duke had been delighted with the way Pippa had decorated the room. There was a connecting door that led to Pelham’s study. The duke had made the quip that his duchess would love it.

Hugh could remember that exchange like it was yesterday. When he’d lifted a brow in disapproval, Pelham had shrugged his shoulders with the reminder that they’d all have to marry one day.

He shook his head, then walked toward the left perimeter of the house. There was a small garden terrace attached to Pippa’s study. He made quick work of the three steps that led to the entrance, then stood in front of the French doors.

Pippa reclined on the sofa staring at the fire. She looked as dejected as he felt. Perhaps she was worried that Stanhope wasn’t going to ask for her hand. If he was the friend that he pretended to be, he should tell her about Stanhope’s visit and put her out of her misery.

He didn’t want to knock for fear that he’d rouse Ritson and a footman or two. They were as protective of Pippa as Hugh was.

With as much stealth as he could muster, he turned the handle of one of the doors and then stepped inside.

She was so lost in her thoughts that she didn’t even hear him. Or, if she did, she didn’t deign him worth her notice. He couldn’t blame her. Not after the way he’d acted at Stanhope’s the other night.

“Pippa,” he said softly.

Slowly, she turned her head.

“May I come in?” he took a step inside the room but stopped, waiting for her to answer. If she didn’t want him here, then he’d leave immediately. “Or should I leave?”

“You should leave. I told myself I needed distance from you to clear my thoughts. But now?” Her painful sigh swept across the room and squeezed the organ in the middle of his chest. “But now, I would welcome your company,” she said quietly. “I’m quite bored of talking to myself. I know all the answers.”

For that infinitesimal moment of time, he’d convinced himself that she was happy to see him. But then, she turned her attention back to the fire, completely destroying that fantasy.

As he walked to her side, she called out, “There’s whisky in the decanter to your left. Will you pour me a fingerful? Help yourself.”

Pelham had always allowed his sisters to drink whatever the gentlemen drank at the duke’s table. It was unusual but so was Pippa. Perhaps a better word was unique. That was one of Pippa’s most charming traits. You never knew what to expect from her.

He silently poured two glasses, then came to her side. Without a word, he sat on the sofa closest to her and handed her the glass.

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