His Perfect Bride by Jenn Langston

and I could be in such agreement regarding whom you shall marry.”
    Brianna shifted uncomfortably in her chair. Lately she had been playing the part of obedient daughter in order to ease her mother’s watchful eye. The charade made it easier for her to slip away to see Richard or steal a dance with Mr. Gregory. After seeing her mother’s happiness at her apparent transformation, Brianna felt guilty. Pushing the feeling aside, she smiled at her mother, knowing that in regard to her future, she would have to do whatever necessary to obtain her dream.
    During the short trip to Lord and Lady Wickham’s, Brianna didn’t dwell on the upcoming weekend. Instead, all her thoughts focused on the possibility of seeing Richard tonight. Something about him called out to her as nothing else had. Mr. Gregory could not compare to Richard. She knew if Richard asked for her hand, she would not hesitate to award it to him.
    Entering the opulent house, Brianna took note of the guests and was not surprised by the large number. Unfortunately, the majority of the rooms were open to accommodate everyone, making it harder to locate a specific person. Scanning each room, Brianna sagged in disappointment as she did not find Richard.
    Much to her surprise, she saw Mr. Gregory standing off to one side, looking out of place. His lack of a title coupled with his insufficient wealth surely didn’t warrant an invitation from such an illustrious host. Still hoping Richard would arrive later, she quickly exited the room, not wishing for Mr. Gregory to monopolize all her time.
    Dinner was soon called, and Lord Barrens escorted her to her seat. Much to her dismay, Brianna discovered she’d been placed between Lord Barrens and Mr. Gregory. As everyone sat and the first course was delivered, she took the time to survey the guests. All the chairs were occupied, and Richard was not present. Feeling disappointment settle over her, she turned her attention to her plate. She wondered how someone like Mr. Gregory had received an invitation yet Richard had not.
    “Good evening, Lady Brianna. It’s a pleasure to see you, as always.” Mr. Gregory’s smile was friendly.
    “Yes. Have you previously attended functions hosted by Lady Wickham? They are quite grand,” she said, hoping to understand his invitation.
    “No, I have not been given the opportunity before. Even my presence here tonight was not expected.”
    “Not expected? By whom? Surely Lord Wickham knew you were coming.”
    “They were informed previously. I knew you would be attending, so I requested Lord Barrens bring me along as his guest.” He winked at her.
    Shocked he would go to such lengths, she stared at him with a blank expression. Not sure how to respond, she paused.
    “I’m flattered.”
    “I hoped you would be,” he said proudly. “I’m the one to be envied this evening, as I’m the fortunate one to have been placed next to you.”
    She smiled at the flattery, then looked away. After a glance at Sarah Kamins’s smug smile, Brianna imagined it was no accident she’d been placed next to the gentleman with the lowest social standing. Obviously Sarah was unaware of Brianna’s preference for untitled gentleman and had classified her as competition.
    Regardless of Sarah’s reasoning, Brianna decided to use this as an opportunity to find out more about her dinner partner. In the event Richard was unattainable, she needed to determine Mr. Gregory’s suitability to become her second choice. Their few stolen moments together at balls had not given her much information about him, so this opportunity suited her.
    “Mr. Gregory, I would love to hear more about you. We have not had a chance to talk much.”
    “What would you care to know?”
    “What are your plans for the future?” She decided to address the most important issue first.
    “The typical things. At the moment, a wife and family are foremost in my thoughts.” He grinned at her as if he expected her to melt at his