To Catch the Candid Earl: Regency Historical Romance

by Eleanor Keating

  Edmund was a very intelligent man.

  Getting closer to him was quite dangerous; especially with the kind of secret she carried. He wouldn't quit chipping away at the walls surrounding her deceptions until he revealed the real her, the mistake at the dinner only a catalyst for this.

  Caroline's arrival right then filled Lucy with a great deal of relief.

  "Pardon me, Miss Lucy, Mr. Swinton, but her ladyship had just awakened and needs you urgently," her personal maid and friend said; a speculative look in her eyes as she stared at her.

  Edmund rose immediately as Lucy did. "I'm sorry, Edmund."

  He gave her an understanding smile and picked up his briefcase from the small cushion table nearby.

  "It's alright, my dear lady. Duty comes first. I'll see you very soon?"

  "Yes, very soon, Edmund," Lucy answered too quickly, and almost jumped when he took her hand and placed a kiss on her gloveless palm, sending shockwaves of desire through her body, before he walked out of the room.

  Lucy was rooted to the spot, her mind taken up completely with the tingles in her body from the kiss, till the sound of Caroline clearing her throat brought her safely back to the present.

  Filled with embarrassment, Lucy walked ahead of the maid out of the room, and was thankful when Caroline refrained from saying anything.

  After attending to Lady Agnes, who wanted to know if a letter had been sent from her friend, Lady Fairfax, Lucy returned to her room with a sparkly-eyed Caroline right on her tail.

  "You wouldn't believe it, Miss Lucy."

  Lucy sat on her bed, trying and failing to process her thoughts about Edmund. She turned to the maid with a small sigh. "What happened, Caroline?"

  "I heard from the Calloway's parlor maid that Viscount Hilgrove has eloped to Gretna Green with Lady Mary!"

  Lucy stilled, unable to believe her ears. "Hope this isn't some flash. You know how the Calloway's servants lie about everything from their master's wealth, to the amount of silver in that house."

  "No, Miss Lucy. She overheard Lady Calloway and Lady Fitzgerald talking about it in the parlor. The information itself was gotten from the servants over at the Ashgrove's residence."

  Lucy's head began to reel. Lady Calloway might be a lying social climber who never failed to hype and adulate her husband's wealth, which was known to be dwindling from the numerous gambling debts he had to settle. Lady Fitzgerald, on the other hand, was an absolute saint, and if she'd been talking about the elopement, it only meant it was true.

  And here I was thinking things couldn't get any worse than Edmund's doubts and speculations.

  The elopement of Viscount Hilgrove and Lady Mary meant the plan to put an end to the sham before it happened was impossible now.

  Lucy felt a streak of pity for the impressionable woman who'd just landed herself in a great deal of mess.

  While Caroline chattered on about the viscount and Lady Mary, Lucy's thoughts were on the implications of it all for Edmund, and how he intended to handle the matter now.

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Two days later, Edmund found himself heading into the Langford's residence, but not for the pleasures of seeing his beloved Lucy.

  He'd been summoned at the crack of dawn by Fergus, one of Lord Langford's footmen, and from the sight of the ginger-haired man, he knew instantly what the visit meant. It had been almost five whole days since the earl's return to London, and he was yet to draft a new letter as he'd been instructed to do.

  The thought of sitting down to do so was depressing and he'd been quietly wishing the task would either disappear, or the viscount would suddenly find marital bliss with Lady Mary, and abandon the entire idea. After all, it wasn't a strange concept or occurrence.

  Most marriages of the ton weren't exactly love matches, and there had been cases where the man and the woman totally disliked and abhorred each other, but after some time married, fell in love, and appeared quite inseparable in public. There was something about spending time, and sharing spaces, with someone that healed rifts and solved issues more often than not.

  Following the butler, Edmund was ushered into Lord Langford's office, trying and failing to come up with something. An excuse perhaps, for why he hadn't drafted the letter and had it ready to be sent.

  "Have a seat, Mr. Swinton. His lordship will join you soon."

  Fifteen minutes later, Edmund was still waiting for the earl. He crossed and uncrossed his legs, studied the worn tops of his boots and surveyed the entirety of the house, which screamed of wealth.

  The furniture was part of the new set Lord Langford had purchased recently, and the burnished oak tables gleamed even in the cool daylight filtering into the room from the window.

  The blue and green velvet coverings went matched the tapestries hanging on the wall, and the inclusion of the custom paintings by famous artists created an impressive room.

  Edmund soon lost interest in the office decor and had begun to grow worried when it dawned on him.

  This was Lord Langford's play, and wasn't supposed to come as a surprise. This wasn't exactly the first time the man had left him alone for a while, indulging his sadistic, power-hungry nature by allowing Edmund to stew and brood.

  Edmund resolved to let go of his worries, and relaxed into the soft backrest of the chair. He soon found his thoughts dominated by none other than Lucy.

  He missed her fiercely.

  It was something he couldn't deny or water down. Although he still felt there was something that didn't quite ring true about her family. Edmund couldn't quite place his finger on it. He prided himself on his ability to read people, and he'd read the nuances, flickers, and changing expressions on her face, which she'd tried valiantly to hide and keep in check.

  She'd tried, he'd give it to her, but his shrewd, analytical reasoning, coupled with the way he felt for her, had been all he'd needed to know she was lying. The relief on her face when her maid, Caroline, had appeared was the final confirmation.

  It was strange and bewildering, but it didn't seem to matter to him as much as it might have done. Lucy had a good soul and was the most passionate woman he'd ever met, especially about the things that mattered to her.

  He believed she would let him in on whatever secret she was hiding very soon. All he needed was to show her how much he cared, and let her know he was never going to judge her.

  Edmund's thoughts were broken as Lord Langford walked into the office, dressed in fawn colored trousers, tucked into high boots, and a white shirt without a waistcoat or a cravat. He wore a heavy, dark scowl that gave Edmund pause.

  "Greetings, Lord Langford."

  "I would thank you to hold off on the greetings, Swinton. I'd like to know why our plan isn't underway, and why I'm yet to get the drafted letter," Lord Langford demanded in a quietly harsh tone as he came around to sit at his desk.

  Edmund met his eyes, trying hard not to flinch at the menace in them.

  "I'm sorry, My Lord. I've had to let the men go, and I'm working on drafting it myself. I just hoped Viscount Hilgrove would reconsider his decision, perhaps finding marriage to the veritable Lady Mary quite favorable."

  The earl's eyes darkened further at the sharp bite in his tone, which Edmund hadn't been able to help.

  "It's not your place to hope for reconsideration. You should have had this letter drafted while I was away. Your hesitancy to move the adultery plan into motion cannot help but be glaringly obvious, Swinton."

  Edmund sighed. "It's not an easy thing to do, Lord Langford. This is going to ruin a young woman's life; my hesitancy is quite valid, isn't it?"

  "I don't give a bloody damn!" The earl's fist came down hard on the desk, his eyes dangerously furious.

  Edmund maintained his poise. It was the only thing to do in the situation.

  "I need you to deal with your squeamishness as best as you can. You have only two weeks to put the plan into motion." The earl's voice suddenly lowered threateningly. "You know what is at stake, don't you? A
re you willing to gamble on that, Edmund?"

  Edmund looked away from the collection of ink bottles at a corner of the table, and met the earl's gaze. He took in air and expelled heavily.

  "Alright, I will begin work on it, Lord Langford," he replied, itching to let loose a stream of expletives.

  "Furthermore, I've heard you've been spending time with my aunt's maid. That isn't a wise thing to do, and would definitely reflect poorly on me, don't you think?"

  Edmund felt a buzz of anger and didn't hold back glaring at the earl stonily. "Lucy isn't a maid but a companion to Lady Agnes. She is the daughter of a baronet, with or without a dowry nonetheless. She and I are simply companions who enjoy literature."

  "Well, that's insignificant. She works for me, and I daresay, she's been the reason why you've had your head in a sack, boy."

  Edmund bristled at the earl's tone and said through gritted teeth, "I will have the letter drafted and speak to Viscount Hilgrove. Lucy has nothing to do with this."

  The earl seemed to weigh some things in his head before clapping his hands together and rising from his chair, dropping the matter of Lucy.

  "Well, that's the spirit. Do not forget to keep me informed. See me off to the carriage, will you?"

  Edmund followed the man, his head running with unpleasant thoughts of just how to serve the man his comeuppance.

  "Two weeks, Edmund. There is too much at stake right here, especially my money. You of all people should know how I don't mess around with my money," the earl reminded him as the valet opened the door to the grand barouche and ushered him in.

  Edmund stood at the sidewalk, staring after the carriage disappearing down the street.

  His thoughts were incredibly disturbed and it took a moment before he realized Lucy was standing behind him. The sight of her did very little to dispel the heavy worries in his heart.

  "Hello, Edmund. I just saw the earl's carriage leave. Has there been a change of plan? Is everything alright? You look quite concerned."

  Lucy's face was etched with worry lines, and Edmund was slightly relieved that she seemed better compared to the last time they'd spoken.

  "It's nothing serious, my dear. How have you been and how's the good lady faring?"

  "You are deviating from the topic, Edmund. You only do that when there is something important you're keeping away." Lucy gave him a pointed look, her beautiful, soft lips pursed disapprovingly.

  Those lips. He wanted nothing but to have them trapped between his and taste her intoxicating deliciousness once more. He wanted nothing but to lose himself in her and let go of all the troubles weighing heavily on his mind.

  Suddenly Edmund couldn't hold it all in anymore. Lucy had been there with him since the beginning of the entire madness. Only she could help him gain perspective on the decision he needed to make.

  "Come, Lucy, let's go sit somewhere. I have something very important to tell you about myself."

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Lucy led Edmund to the garden at the back of the stately Queen Anne home where they could have some privacy, but still maintain a degree of properness as regards to her reputation.

  A host of the servants already had enough to say about her. There was no need to give them more reasons to gossip.

  Her heart thudded heavily at the prospect of what Edmund's confessions was going to be this time. His confessions always contained great detail, and led her to believe he was unlocking the doors surrounding and shielding his heart, one after the other.

  She'd happened upon him speaking with the earl, right before the carriage had rolled away, and had approached him to find out the latest development on the plan since the viscount and Lady Mary had eloped and gotten married in Gretna Green. Her motive had been purely driven by concern and a need to help him anyway she could. Also, she was always drawn to Edmund whenever or wherever she saw him. Now as usual, his magnetic gaze and presence were doing something to her insides. Some things she found difficult to rein in and control, ever since they'd shared a kiss.

  As they settled on a stone bench, shaded slightly by a tree behind, Edmund gave her a tender smile and took her hands in his.

  "Lucy, darling. As much as I don't want to upset or bother you with these things, I find that I gain better perspective and relax more easily when I share certain things with you. It makes me very happy that we have this connection between us."

  Lucy felt her heart constrict at his sweet, emotion-laced words, and a stab of guilt throbbed incessantly inside her. She almost looked away from the clear devotion in his eyes.

  He likes me greatly, despite everything. He really does care for me. Why do things have to be so complicated?

  "I've hesitated for so long about drafting the letter, hoping either the viscount or the earl would finally come to their senses and do what is right, but it seems that will never happen."

  "It's all a dreadful affair, Edmund. It's been barely a week since they eloped together," Lucy offered, lacking anything better to say because of the conflict that raged inside her due to her interests in the affair.

  Edmund sighed, rubbing the back of her palm with his thumb, the sensation sending tiny sparks through her body.

  Only Edmund could make her feel this way, even in the midst of problems and strife.

  "That isn't all. The earl has given me a two week ultimatum to draft the letter and send it, or face the consequences."

  Lucy's attention was piqued. "What else do you have to lose apart from your job?" Realizing how that had sounded, she reiterated quickly with an embarrassed blush," I don't mean it that way; I know how important your job is to you. What I mean is, you sound like there is something else involved."

  Edmund's smile was sad and haunted, as though a dark cloud had made its way to him and hung directly over his head.

  "That is the complication I've mentioned before, Lucy. This won't be easy to say, but I'll just go ahead and say it."

  Lucy's heartbeat quickened as Edmund let go of her hands gently and pushed a hand roughly through his hair, a faraway look in his eyes.

  "Unfortunately, I happen to be the illegitimate son of Lord Anthony Langford, and not just his solicitor as everyone thinks."

  Lucy's jaw dropped in shock as she stared at the bitter smile on Edmund's face, unable to believe her ears.

  It is possible that I haven't heard well enough? Edmund couldn't have just mentioned he is the bastard son of the terrible Lord Langford?

  "Edmund, you can't be serious …" Her words trailed off as she glimpsed the pain and simmering anger in his eyes as he turned to her.

  "Believe it, my dear. Lord Langford, not Albert Swinton, is my real father despite my constant wishing it was otherwise. The man who raised me is the most wonderful person I've ever had the fortune to meet." He gave a humorless laugh.

  "Twenty-seven years ago, my mother came to London to seek employment as a housekeeper in this very house. The earl's father was still alive at that time, but he battled with a protracted illness and had handed all of his holdings to the earl.

  One night he returned drunk as a sod, and demanded my mother's assistance in settling some household matters. Then he had his way with her forcefully before passing out cold."

  Lucy couldn't hold back a gasp. "My goodness! That is an awful thing to do! I'm sorry, Edmund," she said, and reached for his hand, relieved when he didn't pull away. The Earl of Langford was a despicable man, and she had grossly underestimated how deep his ills ran.

  From her time at the house, Lucy had learnt from Caroline how much liberty depraved masters took with their housemaids, and how the women had to move around to avoid being seduced and ruined, which could leave them jobless, or worse still, pregnant.

  She'd never seen Lord Langford being overly chummy with the servants, but that didn't mean he hadn't been so in the past.

  The earl was said to have married few years ago, but lost his wife at childbirth. Knowing the kind of man he was, Lucy was surprised he'd acknowledged Edmund, a
lbeit secretly.

  Curious, she asked, "When did you find out he was your father? If you don't mind me asking, that is."

  Edmund gave the first real smile she'd seen since the beginning of their conversation. "Your interest makes it less appalling, I guess."

  Lucy felt a blush creep slowly into her face at the open intense interest on his face. She'd never had any man look at her the way Edmund always did, and it was both amazing and sad. Instead of allowing herself wallow in despair at the kind of person she was slowly becoming, she forced herself to listen to him.

  "I have known ever since I was a boy, and will always be grateful to my stepfather for never treating me with any form of resentment. Mother in particular hadn't been keen on telling me, except she felt it was right for a boy to know his pa, despite the circumstances."

  "Knowing Lord Langford, I'm curious to know his reactions. But I guess being childless from his previous marriage had a lot to do with it." Lucy gave her honest opinion, smiling when Edmund laughed for the first time; the earlier unhappiness on his face nowhere to be found.

  "He was disbelieving at first, but slowly came around to it after reading the letter from Mother. But that sure hasn't stopped him from holding it over me as a way to keep me in line. Hence the complication in this entire matter." The bitterness was back in Edmund's tone, just as a butterfly flitted from a nearby rosebush over their heads.

  "A few months ago, Lord Langford named me heir presumptive to the earldom and all of his holdings, which was a huge surprise seeing that he'd bade me to keep my real identity a secret."

  The shock Lucy felt was greater than that she'd felt when Edmund had confessed he was the bastard son of Lord Langford.

  Edmund is heir to the earldom and title?

  "But now he has threatened to take legal steps and change his will if I refuse to aid the viscount in his dastardly plans," Edmund continued bitterly, his face wracked with part worry and part contempt.