The Marriage Wager (The Marraige Maker Book 2) Page 6

  Stirling rose. "Someone send for the constable.”

  The man speaking with Frasier looked over his shoulder and called, "Jackson, fetch the constable. Quickly!”

  The young man broke from the group standing on the edge of the lawn and hurried toward a neighboring house. Stirling crossed to Chastity and grasped her arm. Her head jerked up, her concentration on Jessica’s kidnapper broken.

  "Come along," he murmured.

  For an instant, she didn't move, then she allowed Stirling to escort her to the carriage. He helped her inside and closed the door. He ordered the driver to take them home, then faced the house again.

  ***

  Chastity cried all the way home and during the telling of the story to their father. “See,” she said when she’d dried the last of her tears, “this is what comes of putting ourselves on the marriage mart.”

  The duke gripped the arms of his wingback chair, eyes locked on Chastity's face. "Nae," he said in a quiet voice. "This is what comes of not having the protection of a man. Sir Stirling and Mr. Gordon proved that having good men protecting my daughters is the right course of action."

  Chastity started to reply, but Olivia said, "Without them, Jessica might've been ruined…or worse." She looked at Jessica and patted her hand. "She is home safe with us because of Sir Stirling and Mr. Gordon. I, for one, am immensely glad they were there." Olivia returned her attention to Chastity. "We cannot live our lives here at Gledstone Hall and never leave. Therefore, we need protection. Now that Sir Stirling and Mr. Gordon are in our lives, no one will dare harm Jessica."

  Chastity nodded. "I am deeply grateful to them.”

  “I assume you are amenable to marrying Mr. Gordon?” the duke asked Olivia.

  Marriage to a would-be smuggler. What would her father think of that—even as a jest?

  “If he agrees,” she murmured.

  And he did.

  ***

  Two days later, Olivia stood before the same parson who had officiated the ceremony for Lucy and her husband, and repeated the same vows. She wondered if Lucy had experienced butterflies skittering across the insides of her stomach when her groom spoke the solemn vows. Lucy sat in the front pew along with Chastity, Jessica, and their father. As with Lucy’s marriage, the sisters had spent the final few minutes before the ceremony in the small parlor of the parish church. Lucy had hugged her, whispered in her ear, “May you be as happy as I am,” then she kissed her and left to take her place in the sanctuary.

  Even Chastity hadn't warned her a final time about the evils of marriage. After Frasier and Stirling rescued Jessica, no one could find fault with either of them—or, at least, Chastity kept any reservations to herself, this time.

  Olivia trembled when Frasier slipped the ring on the finger of her left hand. When she slid the ring on his finger, he gave her hand a squeeze and smiled gently at her. The parson pronounced them husband and wife, then led them to the registrar where they signed their names before the witnesses. The ride home, then the breakfast, flowed past Olivia in a blur. Frasier's home was on Skye, but he'd agreed to stay in Inverness for a week after their marriage, and had rented a town house on the edge of town, a mere twenty-minute ride from Gledstone Hall.

  He agreed that after the wedding breakfast they would rest a bit, then ride into town to walk the promenade. Olivia was glad for the time with her family, for it delayed the consummation of their marriage. She knew the basics, but little more.

  At last, they withdrew to the parlor. The men gathered near the hearth to watch a chess match between the duke and Quinn. To their father’s delight, Quinn had proven himself to be a skilled player. There was nothing the duke loved more than a good chess match. Chastity immediately excused herself, begging rest before they left.

  "She isn't happy at the prospect of marriage to Sir Stirling," Lucy said. “Her fate is becoming too real to her.”

  Olivia released a breath and set her teacup on the table in front of the divan. "I wish I understood why she is so against marriage."

  “She’s against marriage because it’s the same as going from one prison to another,” Jessica said.

  Lucy shook her head. “Then Gledstone Hall is the most pleasant prison I have ever heard of.”

  “You don’t see it as such because you always wanted to marry,” Jessica said. “It has never occurred to you that some women aren’t made for marriage.”

  "In fact, I have thought of that very thing, Jessica. But I can't see that that's the case with Chastity."

  "Well, it is of no consequence. For I am next on Sir Stirling's list, and he will not be able to marry me off."

  Olivia exchanged a knowing look with Lucy, and Jessica rolled her eyes.

  "Just because the two of you are suddenly old married women, doesn't mean you know what's best for me and Chastity. She was right, you two were easy to marry, for you wanted husbands. We do not."

  A tremor rippled through Olivia. She wasn't yet an old married woman, and wouldn't truly be married until after tonight. She glanced at Frasier. He stood, his profile facing her,his attention on the game. Memory arose of sitting on his lap, his arms tight around her as he kissed her. His embrace had incited feelings and sensations she'd never experienced before. The heat between her legs— She broke off the thought, her face warming. Frasier's gaze shifted onto her as if he’d read her thoughts. The heat in her cheeks intensified. Amusement—knowing amusement—twinkled in his eyes. He winked. Olivia blinked, then dropped her gaze.

  "It's amazing, isn't it?" Lucy asked.

  Olivia looked at her.

  Lucy smiled. "How just a look from him can make your knees weak."

  "Is it the same for you?" Olivia asked.

  Lucy laughed. "’Course it is.” She leaned close and said in a mock whisper. “Just as it will be for Jessica."

  "Don't wish your shackles off on me," Jessica retorted. "What if the man Sir Stirling chooses for me isn't to my liking?"

  Lucy lifted a brow. "What if he is?"

  Chapter Eight

  F rasier half wished for rain. He knew Olivia was nervous about their wedding night, but he ached to prove that there was nothing to fear. He had to admit, however, that strolling the promenade, her fingers grasping his arm, surrounded by her family and accompanied by his friend Stirling, was…pleasing.

  He never figured himself for a family man, but Olivia had bewitched him. He liked the duke, he liked his daughters. Even Chastity, despite her aversion to marriage. He could not blame her. Only three days ago, he had felt the same. Stirling was right, he could give up privateering very easily and live a normal life. Olivia made the prospect a happy one. He almost felt guilty about accepting the Lady Belle—almost. Stirling was right on that account, as well. The Lady Belle would give him a good start in the shipping industry. He could provide a fine life for Olivia. But he would worry about business a week from now. The flex of Olivia's fingers on his arm sent a message directly to his cock. He hadn’t forgotten how good she felt in his arms the day they’d gone riding. In fact, it had been all he’d been able to think about.

  Jessica chattered on about the river they followed, the shops to the left, the ship approaching in the distance, and more. Stirling would have his hands full seeing that one married. Frasier wondered if he would be able to do it. Stirling hadn’t said why he was so determined to marry Chastity. Frasier hadn’t known him to care anything for titles. One thing was certain, it would be fun to watch him attempt to find a husband for Jessica, and to tame Chastity. He hoped it would happen in the week they were here. In truth, he would consider staying longer just to see the situation play out.

  "There is a bakery up ahead," Lucy said.

  "Would you like something?" Quinn Ramsey asked her.

  She smiled at her husband, and he smiled back with such pleasure that Frasier had to hide a laugh. The lad was completely besotted with his wife. Frasier glanced at Olivia. She stared at the water. Was he as taken with Olivia as Quinn was with Lucy?

&n
bsp; "Would you like something from the bakery?" Frasier asked her.

  She looked up at him and smiled shyly. "I have a weakness for baked goods."

  His heart soared, and he realized he was just as big a fool as the young baron.

  They reached the bakery, and Frasierbought baked goods for everyone. Even the duke helped himself to two scones. By the time they left the shop, Frasier felt stuffed himself. He would have to take a rest before evening. Though once he was alone with Olivia, lethargy was sure to disappear.

  "Perhaps we should turn back," Chastity said.

  "Aye." The duke glanced at the sky. "There some dark clouds rolling in from the east. It would be best if we were home before the storm sets in."

  They turned and began strolling back the way they had come. The duke walked ahead with Chastity, Lucy and Quinn behind them. Frasier couldn’t help noticing that the older man seemed lost in thought. Was he thinking that he had lost a second daughter today?

  Stirling picked up speed and reached Chastity’s side. She glanced at him and Frasier bit back a laugh when he glimpsed the thin-lipped look she gave Stirling. Yes, Stirling certainly had his hands full.

  "Gordon!” a man called behind them. “Frasier Gordon, is that you?"

  Frasier tensed. He recognized that voice. It couldn't be.

  Stirling glanced over his shoulder and his eyes moved past Frasier. He frowned and Frasier knew he was right. Daniel McKenzie. Bloody hell, what was he doing in Inverness?

  Daniel drew up alongside him.

  "Well, I thought that was you." Daniel’s eyes shifted to Stirling. "By God, Stirling James.”

  Stirling glanced at him. “Daniel.”

  “Fancy seeing you here, as well,” Daniel said. “Are you two putting together another card game? Which one of you walked away with the five thousand pound pot? I had a sizeable amount of money invested in that game. I would like a chance to win some of it back.”

  “You should accept your losses graciously,” Frasier said.

  “Oh, I can tell by your attitude that you are the one who won that pot. You must have had the last six in the deck as your facedown card. I would bet another five thousand pounds that Stirling had no more than twenty. Very unsporting of you to kick us out of the room when the game got interesting. Come now, tell me, what did you wager? You had no money left. Everyone is still talking about it.”

  “I won, of course,” Frasier said. “That’s all that matters. I have more important things on my mind.”

  “More important things than cards?” he snorted. “Not you, Frasier.”

  Frasier covered Olivia’s hand on his arm and pressed. “I married today.”

  She blushed and his cock pulsed.

  “The Saint, married?” Daniel blurted. “Well, by God, congratulations.” His eyes shifted to Olivia. “And congratulations to you, ma’am.”

  Olivia angled her head in acknowledgement.

  “I won’t keep you, then,” Daniel said, and Frasier released a quiet breath of relief. “Where are you staying?” Daniel grinned. “I’ll put together a game and you and Stirling can play—if your wife can spare you for an evening, of course.”

  Chastity looked back at him, her brow furrowed in a question that Frasier didn’t like. The duke’s daughters were too intelligent for a man’s good.

  She turned then veered to Daniel’s side. “Where did this game take place, sir, here in Inverness?”

  “Nae, ma’am. We were at the Lossiemouth harbor, east of here.”

  Her gaze sharpened and Frasier silently cursed when she said, “And when was this game played?”

  Daniel frowned and cast a glance at Frasier.

  “A couple weeks ago, I believe,” Frasier said.

  Daniel laughed. “Marriage has dimmed your memory. It was less than a week ago. Five days, to be exact. I’m not likely to forget the day I lost a thousand pounds. Well then.” He clapped Frasier on the back. “It was good seeing you. You as well, Stirling. And congratulations again on your marriage, Frasier.” He looked at Chastity. “Ma’am.” Then he broke away and headed toward the shops.

  "Am I the only one who understands the gravity of the situation?" Chastity directed her gaze to Olivia.

  Olivia frowned. "What situation?"

  "My God." Chastity's gaze swung onto the duke. "Papa, tell me you understand what just happened."

  He glanced back at her. "What are you talking about, Chastity?"

  She looked at Frasier, frustration etched on her face. "Mr. Gordon played a game of cards with Sir Stirling five days ago. Don't you find that rather strange?"

  The duke sighed. "Men play cards all the time."

  Chastity's stare bored into Frasier. "Who did win that large five thousand pound wager?" she asked.

  "As I said earlier, I did," Frasier replied.

  "What was it your friend said? ‘You must have had the last six as your facedown card.’ Is that how you won the game? You had the winning card?"

  "That is how one wins a card game," Frasier said.

  "Then why did you make everyone leave the room? Papa, is that common practice when men play cards, to have everyone leave the room when the winner plays his winning hand?"

  The duke looked back at her. This time, Frasier read a question in his eyes. "Not every man wants to flaunt his win—or his friend’s losses—before other men." His gaze shifted to Frasier. "I suppose it's a good thing Frasier won the money. It will go a long way toward securing his and Olivia's future."

  "True," Frasier said. "Of course, I didn't know at the time that I would be getting married." Not a complete lie.

  "Still, how very fortuitous that you won the money," Chastity insisted.

  "Chastity, what are you implying?" Olivia demanded.

  "She's trying to say that Frasier won Olivia in a card game," Jessica said.

  "Actually, what I'm saying is that Mr. Gordon lost the card game, and had to marry Olivia as a result."

  "I would never marry anyone just because I lost a card game." This was not a lie. Frasier thanked God that no one knew of Stirling’s wedding gift of Lady Belle. That would signal the death knell of a marriage that had yet to be consummated.

  "Chastity, I understand you're not in favor of marrying. But I'm shocked that you would go to such lengths to accuse my husband of winning my hand in marriage in a card game."

  "My God, look at his face, Olivia. It's written all over his expression," Chastity snapped.

  "Chastity, really…" Olivia looked up at Frasier.

  He smiled down at her.

  Her brow furrowed, then understanding dawned in her eyes. "It can't be true.”

  He had never been a good liar. Frasier covered her hand where it still gripped his arm. "It's not what you think."

  Hurt flashed in her eyes and she snatched her hand away. "What I think is that you married me because you lost a card game."

  He shook his head. "Nae, I married you because I wanted to marry you. No card game, no pistols at dawn, nothing could induce me to marry should I not wish to do so."

  “Papa, have you nothing to say about this?” Chastity turned to the duke.

  "Aye. Keep silent till we reach the carriage."

  Everyone obeyed, and Frasier’s heart thundered by the time they reached their carriages. He’d carefully avoided exchanging glances with Stirling, but he longed to gain an idea of what the other man thought. How would he handle this? Would he deal with the duke, or leave Frasier to his own devices? What Frasier wished for more than anything was to be alone with Olivia. But, of course, that was not to be. In fact, the duke directed Jessica to ride with Lucy and Quinn as they had on the ride over, then the duke stepped into Stirling's carriage. Stirling helped Chastity into the carriage then Frasier helped Olivia. She didn't pull away, but he detected a stiffness in her arm as he steadied her. He vaulted up into the seat beside her and Stirling stepped inside and slid in beside Chastity, forcing her to edge closer to her father.

  The coach started forward a
nd Chastity said, “I can't imagine that a marriage based on a wager has any validity."

  "It has as much as any other marriage officiated by a vicar," her father said. "You will remain silent, Chastity."

  She drew an indignant breath. "I beg your pardon? Olivia is my sister and—"

  "Be silent, Chastity, or by all that is holy I will call the vicar this very afternoon and have him marry you to Sir Stirling—our agreement be damned. You will then be his problem, he will do with you as he pleases."

  Olivia and Chastity gasped in unison. And Chastity cast Stirling a glance. He smiled gently, but her mouth thinned.

  "Papa you cannot mean that?" Olivia said.

  “I do.” The duke’s gaze settled on Frasier. "I imagine it is true that you lost at cards and the wager was Olivia's hand in marriage. Many men have married for far less than five thousand pounds." He leaned forward and looked past Chastity at Stirling. "I assume that was a dowry?”

  “It was an incentive, Your Grace. Frasier didn’t lie when he said that no winning card game could induce him to marry against his will—nor would I have forced the matter. I only asked that he meet Lady Olivia and decide for himself if he wanted to marry her. Frasier also stipulated that if she wasn’t amenable to him, that his debt would be paid.”

  “Debt?” Chastity cried, but she quieted when her father shot her a narrow-eyed look that gave even Frasier pause.

  The duke humphed. “I never thought to ask you what method you used to find husbands for my daughters. I will admit, it never occurred to me that you would gamble for her." To Frasier's shock, he detected a hint of amusement in the duke’s voice. However, when his gaze returned to Frasier, all amusement had died. “People marry for many reasons. A good family and dowry are strong motivators. However, that doesn’t mean I will allow you to treat my daughter with any less respect than she is due.”

  “I will always treat her with respect,” Frasier said.

  “Are you happy with the marriage?”

  Frasier looked at Olivia, who sat stiffly beside him staring at her father. “I am.”