He noticed that Lady Esther quickly turned towards him at the sound of his name, and he couldn’t help but smile widely at her. Though he had seen her at dinner, they were sitting on opposite ends of the table, so he never had a chance to talk to her. He was ecstatic when she returned his smile.
“I know my brother and sister-in-law have fallen into the habits of an old married couple, and thus turned in early, but I intend to stay up for a bit,” Harry said to the group before sitting down on the sofa opposite the ladies. “I would love for you all to join me in conversation.”
Allan sat next to Harry, directly across from Lady Ruth, and he couldn’t help but notice that based on their expressions, neither lady seemed interested in staying up into the wee hours of the night.
“I won’t be staying up much later,” said Lady Ruth, “And I’m sure Esther won’t either, but we will surely get together tomorrow.”
Harry looked disappointed. “That’s no fun!”
Allan couldn’t believe that his normally brooding cousin was talking about fun.
“Perhaps you would join me tomorrow, then,” Harry said to the sisters. “I would like to take both of you for a walk around the grounds. Allan said he would go, too.”
Allan nodded. “I did say that, didn’t I?”
“Yes, Cousin,” Harry said with a laugh. “You did.”
“That sounds wonderful,” said Ruth. “I have been wanting to see the grounds…and the stables, for that matter.”
“It would be my pleasure to show you it all,” said Harry. “We were not able to make it over there when you were here for the wedding.”
“That sounds wonderful, My Lord,” Ruth replied.
“Oh please,” Harry said. “I insist that you refer to me as Harry. We are family now.”
“Thank you, Harry.” Ruth replied with a smile.
Allan, who kept trying to look at Lady Esther without being obvious, couldn’t help but smile. Obviously, Harry had been drinking his Scotch and wine a bit quickly tonight.
“We must take our leave,” Lady Esther said, as she stood, holding onto her sister’s arm as she did. “We have had a long journey today, and I admit, I am getting tired.”
Harry stood quickly, and Allan, who stood, too, noticed that his cousin swayed a bit. “Then I wish you good night,” Harry said.
They all said their good nights to each other, and when Harry said good night to Lady Esther, Allan noticed that she wasn’t as happy to respond as she was to everyone else.
Allan immediately looked at Harry, and as suspected, he could see the brooding scowl return to his cousin’s face. There you are, Harry.
Chapter 13
“Breakfast was delicious, wasn’t it?” Esther and Ruth were sitting at a small table outdoors, situated behind the main house. It was on a slab of marble that had been hand carved with intricate floral designs, and it was lovely to feel the warm summer breeze flowing over her skin.
The table and the slab reminded Esther of where she and her sisters often had tea, at home.
“It was lovely,” Esther replied. “It was nice to have something besides the toast and jam we normally have.”
Ruth laughed. It was always a joke between them about toast and jam at home. Though it was a fine breakfast, it was also her father’s favorite, so they had it every single day.
The two sisters were sipping tea waiting for Mary to join them. She was taking care of some of her daily duties as the lady of the house, but she said she would come out to visit with them when she was done.
“This home certainly is lovely,” said Ruth, looking around. “The grounds are exquisite. I’m really looking forward to walking around today and seeing all of the estate. Aren’t you?”
Esther was silent for a moment. Though she was interested to see all of her sister’s home, she had to admit to herself that she also was feeling a sense of dread, as she knew she would have to spend time with Harry.
“Yes,” she finally replied.
“I understand,” said Ruth. Esther could tell that her sister knew that she wasn’t exactly pleased about Lord Harry being in her presence for the afternoon. “At least Lord Wiltshire will be there.”
Esther smiled slightly. She had very mixed feelings about Lord Wiltshire. She had to admit to herself that she found him attractive and likable, especially after her unexpected physical feelings last night, but at the same time, she couldn’t push herself past the fact that he was in the military, and that greatly changed a man, in her opinion.
“Yes,” she replied to Ruth.
“I wish you would just get over this military objection,” Ruth said.
“Are you reading my mind?” Esther asked with a smile.
Ruth laughed. “I know you have your reservations, but I think you should at least give him a chance.”
“You just don’t understand, Ruth.” Esther replied. “I have told you this before, but I have seen men who have come back from war. They are broken. I have seen them be very kind one day, and mean the next. The acts of war addle their minds, and I have rarely seen anyone recover from that.”
Ruth was silent for a moment. “Have you seen this in your work, I assume?”
Esther nodded. “Weekly,” she admitted. “So many children hurt by fathers who have come back from war…just changed.”
Ruth nodded, too. “I understand, I think,” she replied. “At least I understand why you would be hesitant to get to know him a bit better. He seems like such a good man, though.”
“They all do, Ruth,” Esther replied.
“Does this happen to all men who have seen war?” Ruth asked.
“No,” said Esther. “However, I know that Lord Wiltshire was horribly injured, and I can’t imagine that he was not affected by that. We don’t even know him that well, Ruth. We don’t know what type of person he is.”
“All of that is true,” Ruth agreed. “It won’t hurt to at least get to know him, right? At least on a friendly level, I mean.”
“That’s true,” said Esther as she took a sip of tea.
“Oh, here comes Mary!” Ruth said.
Esther gave a sigh of relief. She preferred for this conversation to be over for now.
* * *
Allan was standing in the garden waiting for Harry to arrive. He hadn’t seen his cousin since the night before, and he wasn’t sure what to expect. After Lady Ruth and Lady Esther had left the drawing room, Allan could tell that Harry was angry. He didn’t say anything to his cousin, but he watched as Harry quickly swallowed his Scotch, and then excused himself for the evening.
While having breakfast, Allan had received a note from Harry telling him to meet in the garden at noon. He had already taken a walk around the grounds alone, this morning, as he needed to clear his mind a bit. But it would be nice to walk around with Harry, Lady Esther, and Lady Ruth.
While Allan was walking alone, his thoughts were filled with Bridget, but he also kept thinking of Lady Esther. It was surprising to him that he had thought of nothing but Bridget for the weeks since the wedding, and now that he had seen Lady Esther a couple of times, he couldn’t stop thinking of her.
Allan took a deep breath and took a look at his surroundings. He could see some horses running in the distance, and he was envious of their freedom. He couldn’t imagine ever being that free. Something was always weighing him down. He always had moments where he thought of the war. Even when he wasn’t thinking of his experience, like now, he felt burdened with the thoughts of Bridget and Lady Esther.
He then heard a shout, and he turned towards the sound. It was Harry, walking towards him and waving. Allan waved back, relieved that his cousin seemed to be in a better mood than he was the night before.
As Harry got closer, Allan could see Lady Esther and Lady Ruth walking behind him, but noticeably keeping their distance. Both of them wore hats, and even though most of her hair was covered, he could still see Lady Esther’s beauty shining through.
“Good afternoon, Cousin!” H
arry said as he approached. “Are you ready for a walk around the property?”
Allan nodded. “It will be my second today.”
Harry laughed. “I stopped into the house earlier and wondered where you were. You must have been walking.”
“Probably,” said Allan. “I do love your family’s property.”
Harry turned to see the ladies, and a smile spread across his face. “It looks like the ladies are happy to come on the walk, too.” Harry waved to Lady Esther and Lady Ruth. They both waved back.
“I think we will start by walking around the house, and then through the path near the pond,” Harry said to Allan. “Then, we can end at the stables, and if you wish to stay back and ride, I can escort the ladies back to the house.”
“Fine,” said Allan. “I am looking forward to riding.”
“Of course,” Harry said. “When we get there, we can get you mounted.”
“Good afternoon, My Lords,” Lady Ruth said, as she and Lady Esther approached.
“Good afternoon,” said Allan with a smile. “It’s a lovely day for a walk.”
“Good afternoon, Lady Esther,” Harry said, “I hope that you are looking forward to this walk as much as I am.”
Lady Esther smiled, and then she said, “I truly enjoy being outdoors.” Allan noticed that she did not say that she was looking forward to the walk.
“Very good!” Harry replied. He didn’t seem to notice.
“Are we ready to go?” Lady Ruth asked. “I can’t wait to see the property.”
“Oh yes,” said Harry. “Is everyone else ready? Lady Esther?”
“I am ready,” Lady Esther replied. Allan could tell that she was a bit uncomfortable, so he smiled at her, and she smiled back.
“Let’s go,” said Harry, as he started walking towards the north. “We have much to see.” Allan turned towards Lady Ruth and Lady Esther, smiled, and raised his eyebrows. He then motioned for them to begin walking, and he fell in line behind them.
* * *
“The stables are truly magnificent,” Ruth said as they approached the grand buildings. There were several horses running through the fields, and Esther was almost envious of their freedom. They could run whenever and wherever they wished, just like she would like to run from this situation.
During the entire walk, Harry had been crowding her. No matter where she looked, he was there. He would specifically speak with her as if they were on their own personal tour, and he certainly wasn’t paying much attention to Ruth nor Lord Wiltshire. Esther had not enjoyed that. So, as the stables come into view, she felt a sense of relief. Soon, the walk would be over.
The only saving grace was that Ruth and Lord Wiltshire were there. In fact, she was almost convinced that her sisters were right; she should consider getting to know Lord Wiltshire better. There was the possibility, of course, that he wasn’t interested in her any longer, but it couldn’t hurt to speak with him more. She knew that she would get an opportunity later, either before or after dinner.
“The pedigree of those two black horses over there goes back more than one hundred years,” Esther could hear Harry saying, as she looked in the opposite direction. “Lady Esther?” he said.
Esther quickly turned towards him and said “Yes?”
“I wasn’t sure if you were paying attention,” Harry said with a smile.
“Oh, I’m sorry,” Esther replied. “I am simply distracted by the beauty of your property.”
“Of course,” said Harry with a nod. “It is difficult not to fall in love with this land. I totally understand why you might have become distracted.”
Esther smiled. She didn’t know what else to say.
“The good news is this,” Harry said. “The planned walk I created for you all is over, and I thoroughly hope that you enjoyed it.”
“Oh, it was wonderful,” said Ruth. “Thank you so much, Harry.”
“And you, My Lady?” Harry said as he turned to Esther. “Did you enjoy yourself?”
“I did, My Lord,” Esther replied. “Thank you.”
“Now, now,” Harry said. “Remember, I told you that you may call my Harry. We are family now.”
Esther just smiled at him and nodded. She dreaded these uncomfortable exchanges. She could see Ruth smirking behind Harry.
“Now that that’s settled,” Harry continued. “Allan is going to stay here and ride, and it would be my pleasure to escort you both back to the house.”
Esther cringed, and she hoped that no one noticed. She then coughed to cover it up.
“Are you alright?” Lord Wiltshire said, taking a step towards her with a look of concern on his face. Having him so close made her feel warm, though she felt a slight shiver move through her body.
“Oh yes,” Esther replied. “I just had a tickle in my throat.” She saw his smile.
“Very well,” he replied. “I shall see you at dinner.”
“Shall we head back?” Harry asked.
“Yes, please,” Esther said.
Harry, Ruth, and Esther turned and began to walk back towards the house. The afternoon sun was hot, and Esther was looking forward to being back in the house to cool off. She could feel the perspiration trickling down her back, and she hoped that it wasn’t visible.
As the trio walked, Ruth began to drift a bit away, as she kept getting distracted by viewing the wildflowers that dotted the sides of the well-beaten path. Soon, Esther and Harry were walking side by side with Ruth falling more behind, though still close enough to not raise the eyebrows of anyone passing.
“I am very happy that you enjoyed yourself today,” Harry said. “In fact, I greatly enjoyed the time I was able to spend with you.”
Esther wasn’t sure what to say, but she knew that she had to say something.
“Thank you, Harry,” she replied. “It was certainly lovely to see more of your estate.”
“Would you be interested in spending any more time together?” Harry asked. She could hear the quiver in his voice as he spoke, which made her think that he was nervous.
“Harry,” Esther replied, “I think I know what you are asking, but I simply am not in a position where I am looking at courting right now. I’m sorry.”
“Oh,” Harry said, and then he was silent for what seemed like an eternity. “I understand. Your work is very important to you.”
“Yes,” Esther replied. She felt a bit sad. Certainly, he was upset at her answer.
“Harry?” Ruth had caught up to them. “Do you know what type of flower this is? The blue one?”
“I’m sorry, Ruth,” he replied. “I don’t.” Esther could hear the disappointment in his voice, and his face had become very sullen. In fact, he was walking at a faster pace now, and soon, he was several feet in front of Esther and Ruth.
Ruth turned towards Esther with a confused look. Esther just shook her head. They could see the house coming into view, so this uncomfortable walk would soon be over. Esther was looking forward to being away from Harry, getting out of the sun, and preparing for the dinner party.
* * *
Harry felt like a fool. He had very clearly expressed his interest to Esther, yet she had declined to do the same. He was the brother of one of the most powerful dukes in the country, and the owner of some of the finest horses in the world. How could she deny him like that?
She is a liar.
Harry walked even faster, leaving the ladies several feet behind him. He didn’t want to even be near Esther right now. He knew that she was lying about what she said. She wasn’t so interested in her work that she didn’t want to court. Instead, she just wasn’t interested in courting him. Why? He was so successful, he thought he was handsome, and he could give her the world. What lady wouldn’t want that?
Oh. A lady who was already interested in someone else. Like my cousin.
Chapter 14
Rose was putting the last finishing touches on Esther’s gown, making sure it looked perfect for the dinner party. Meanwhile, Esther was doing he
r best not to hinder Rose’s work. Even after so many years, it was often difficult for her to sit still for long periods, especially when getting dressed.
“Almost done, My Lady,” Rose said. She had been Esther’s lady’s maid for more than ten years, and she knew that Esther was getting restless.
“Thank you,” Esther replied. Though she was greatly looking forward to the dinner party, she dreaded the possibility that she might have to speak with Harry again.
Lusting For The Broken Earl (Steamy Historical Regency) Page 12
