Free His Perfect Bride by Jenn Langston Page B

on titles?” Mr. Richard inquired with something like amusement in his voice.
    “I don’t. I have no desire to marry a gentleman with a title,” she said for the second time of the evening, to another stunned gentleman. Mr. Richard stared at her with a look of both shock and amusement.
    “So, you would discount perfectly acceptable gentlemen due to their title?”
    “I would not say ‘discount’. It’s more a question of suitability. Who is the one determining who qualifies and who does not?”
    “I suppose you are right. It’s an individual qualification.” He nodded in agreement. “Do you think I’m suitable?”
    “From what I know of you, you meet my qualifications so far.” She winced. Her words came across as callous even to her.
    “However, if I held a title, you would have no interest in me? Your other conditions pale in comparison?” He slowly stalked toward her with intent in his eyes.
    Brianna was not sure if she should be frightened or anxious, but she felt a combination of both. “Does this not matter?” he demanded.
    He took her face between his hands and placed sweet kisses across her cheeks and down her neck. Lost in sensation, she clung to him as if he provided the air she needed to breathe. When his wandering lips finally found hers, she met him anxiously, kissing him with everything within her. Each of his kisses were different, but they always ensnared her with an ache for some unknown delight.
    Mr. Richard abruptly released her, taking a couple of steps back. His mesmerizing eyes continued to watch her as she took a moment to reclaim her breath as well as her wits. He didn’t speak, but his pensive gaze stayed firmly fixed upon her. She could not speak, and his focus on her did nothing to help slow her rapid breathing.
    “You were saying?” he prompted, as if the soul-shattering kiss never occurred. “About titles, I believe,” he added at her blank stare.
    “Yes,” she replied, trying to recall what she said. Shaking her head, she cleared her thoughts. “I was saying that since my mother would not approve, we would have to be more selective about when to see one another.”
    Mr. Richard looked at her quite strangely, and she saw an occasional flash of anger darkening his face. She could not determine exactly what had upset him. However, the solution was simple: If he were not interested in an unconventional courtship, she would move on, and do her best to forget him.
    “Let me make sure I understand this fully. You are only interested in me due to my lack of title, and you wish me to secretly court you. After that, what? You expect to marry at Gretna Green?”
    “Well, your lack of title isn’t the only reason I’m drawn to you. As far as the rest, I honestly have not thought it out that far. I know this is a very unusual situation, and I understand if you no longer wish to have an association with me,” she offered, trying to give him a graceful way to escape.
    However, he didn’t seem to be grateful for her offer. His eyes narrowed and his beautiful lips drew into a tight line.
    “What exactly is it about a title that you disapprove of? Is there a particular designation, or are all of them distasteful to you?”
    “It isn’t the name I dislike, merely the life I would have once I marry a titled gentleman. I have seen it with my mother, and I don’t wish to end up living like that.”
    “Could you be more specific?” he pressed, the anger slowly draining out of his face.
    “It’s not one thing. It’s a combination of many. However, I suppose my main complaint is the lack of freedom.”
    “What demands do you have on your time that can’t be met under the normal circumstances of the day?”
    Pausing, Brianna contemplated the idea of telling him, then said, “I love to paint. When I have a brush in my hand, inspiration flows freely, and I can’t be rushed. I must give my artwork absolute attention, as I hope to be able to show them one