How the Earl Fell for His Countess (Matchmaking Madness Book 2)

by Laura A. Barnes

  Lady Worthington sighed. “Girls, please allow me a moment with Evelyn before she has to meet with Reese.”

  “Yes, Mama,” replied Eden and Noel.

  After Reese’s sisters left, Lady Worthington grabbed Evelyn’s hand.

  “I do not know the direction to his study.”

  It was a pointless comment to make. There were many servants who could direct her to Reese. His anger vibrated with his order. And she knew why. They’d found humor at his expense. When Reese’s family opened their arms so generously toward her, Evelyn had relaxed in their company, enjoying how they bantered with each other. It reminded Evelyn of her own family.

  “I will show you. I need to speak with you while we have a moment alone.” Lady Worthington stood.

  Evelyn nodded. “That would be lovely.”

  Lady Worthington motioned for her, and Evelyn fell into step beside her. “I believe you will be good for Reese. Do not allow his bark to cower you. He has not always been so brisk. At one time, he joined in with our tomfoolery. However, after his father left our family in dire straits, he lost his sense of humor, and I am afraid he is showing his father’s temperament. Now with his breeding program on the brink of failure, he lets his frustration rule his actions.”

  “That explains his reason for accepting Uncle Theo’s bet.”

  Lady Worthington glanced at her curiously. “What bet?”

  Evelyn waved it away. “It is a long story. The short version is that Uncle Theo baited the gentlemen at the house party. Whoever won Charlotte’s hand would get the foal of a horse in his stable. He only goaded the gentlemen because one of them had already ruined Charlotte and he wanted that man to step forward. Instead, it caused a catastrophic confusion. That is why Worthington pursued Charlotte. And because of our deception, he lost what would have helped him financially. What a mess I have created.”

  “Was it?”

  Evelyn looked down. “Yes.”

  Lady Worthington hummed. “I disagree. You are what my son needs. Not a horse. Not financial gain. Only you.”

  Evelyn wished that were true. “I do not see how.”

  Lady Worthington smiled. “Because you, my dear, will create a family with Reese and give him a sense of stability that he has always craved. He does not understand what he needs, but he will.”

  “I hope you are correct.”

  “Trust me. I am. Now, shall we deliver you to the dungeon?” Lady Worthington laughed at her own pun.

  Evelyn laughed along with her. “Lead me away.”

  Lady Worthington led Evelyn along the hallway toward Reese’s study. She pointed out different rooms and told Evelyn she would give her a tour tomorrow. Once they reached the formidable room, Lady Worthington wrapped Evelyn in a motherly hug. The comforting gesture reminded Evelyn of her own mother. Over the years, her older sister Jacqueline and Aunt Susanna had hugged her when she needed the support of a loved one, but their affection never measured up to the tender embrace of a mother. A gesture that wiped away your troubles and warmed your heart.

  When tears came to her eyes, Evelyn realized she had missed her mother more than she thought. She clung to Reese’s mother for a moment and then pulled away before she embarrassed herself. When she drew away, Lady Worthington tilted her head at the door and smiled her support before she walked away.

  Since there were no footmen near the door to announce her arrival, Evelyn took it upon herself to knock and wait for permission to enter. She didn’t have to wait long before Reese threw the door open. Her husband stood in the open frame, glaring at her. Evelyn tried to hold on to her confidence, but some of it withered away under Reese’s fury. She had never had to deal with an angry male. Her uncle and cousin had never raised their voices at any of their mishaps. They only pointed out their mistakes so they could learn from them. While Reese had shown signs of his fury since they left Uncle Theo’s estate, it was nothing compared to the state he was in now.

  There was a trace of hurt in his regard. Before she searched his gaze for more, his eyes shuttered, shutting himself off from Evelyn getting too close. It would appear there were many facets to her new husband. Evelyn had allowed lust to blind her into believing what they shared was love. She needed to discover the layers that made Reese the man he was today. But would he allow Evelyn to learn who that person was?

  “Finally, madam. I am so glad that you replied to your summons with such haste.” His words dripped with sarcasm. “Perhaps next time you might consider my valuable time does not revolve around your schedule, but mine.”

  Evelyn sighed, drawing on Lady Worthington’s advice. In the past, she had apologized to put another at ease. However, she was no longer that Evelyn. Nor would she allow Reese to intimidate her. He thought her the meek and mild twin, too afraid to speak for herself. Well, she would show him that he didn’t know her so well, either.

  Evelyn drew herself up. “Your mother requested a private word. I paid her the respect I knew you would expect of me and granted her the time she requested.”

  Reese paused before he continued his tirade. He hadn’t been expecting Evelyn to respond with an excuse. He searched her gaze for any deception, but only truth shone from those depths. Depths of emerald gems glistening with hope. He couldn’t allow hope into his life. Hope wouldn’t secure him the funds he needed.

  He ushered Evelyn inside the room and closed the doors from any outside lurkers. He knew his family would listen through the doors. If he could keep their voices down, they would be none the wiser on his anger toward Evelyn. He led her to the chair in front of his desk. Then he moved to sit behind the enormous, over-the-top creation his father had designed to showcase wealth he never held. The only promising thing about the monstrosity was the distance it kept between him and his wife.

  Just holding Evelyn’s elbow for a few seconds had enflamed his senses. Her scent of raspberries and vanilla wafted in the air. He closed his eyes, the fragrance reminding him of stolen kisses in a linen closet. Her soft moans at his caress undid him then, as they did now. Then Reese remembered another time he tried to steal a kiss and was slapped for his attempt. That time the scent of chocolate biscuits surrounded her. Charlotte. Another sign.

  How would Evelyn taste now? Would the flavor of lemons explode on his tongue from the lemon cake he noticed sitting on the tray in the parlor? Or perhaps she tasted of pure sugar? He noticed how she took her tea, more sugar than the liquid itself. If he stroked his tongue along hers, would she sigh into his kiss?

  “You wished to speak with me.” Evelyn’s voice penetrated his musings.

  Reese shook his head to clear his thoughts. Why did he become so distracted in her mere presence?

  “Yes. I did not give you permission to tell my family of the reason for our marriage. I specifically told you we would discuss what to present to them. My younger sisters should not have heard the sordid details. You, madam, had no right.”

  She met his gaze directly. “I apologize if I have offended their innocent ears. If you recall, you were to come to my bedroom to discuss what we would share. Instead, you slinked away and left me to face your family on my own.”

  Reese sat up straighter in his chair, puffing out his chest. “I did not slink away. I had matters to see to. You were to wait in your room until I came for you.”

  She cocked an eyebrow. “But you never arrived, nor did you have any inclination to. Your mother sent Eden to collect me. Once I met your family, I decided I would not play them false with stories that held no truth.”

  He gnashed his teeth together. “So, you will not lie to my family, but I am an exception? Your conscience did not seem to have a problem when your every action toward me has been a lie.”

  Evelyn cringed at his tone. He never intended for them to move past her deception. She held no clue how to correct her mistakes. Only time would heal the wounds she’d caused. “I see your family no different from mine. They know the truth of my actions, and I felt your family should, too. If they did not he
ar the truth from us, the gossip mill would take pleasure in informing them of our misdeed.”

  “It was not your place to tell,” Reese snarled, rising to his feet.

  Evelyn clenched her hands in her lap. “What is my place then, Lord Worthington?”

  His eyes flashed in anger. “Your place is to stay silent. To be invisible. If I recall, that should not be so difficult for you to achieve. After all, you are the dull ward to the Duke of Colebourne. The girl who blended into the shadows that no one ever heard a peep from. That is what I require from you in my home. I do not want to notice you ever in my presence. I understand that we must share meals with my family. Those are the only instances you are to be within my vision. How you spend your days is of no consequence to me. Do not waste my time on any of your needs. My mother will be of assistance should you require anything. Are we clear, Lady Worthington?”

  Evelyn rose, lifting her chin with what pride she had remaining. “Very clear.”

  She walked to the door. When he spoke, her hand stilled on the doorknob.

  “And, Evelyn, please make sure you send a missive to your uncle about our marriage nuptials. I expect a sizable reward for providing you with my name.”

  If Reese’s demands for keeping away from him weren’t clear on his feelings toward her, his last remark settled with misery in her gut. Evelyn didn’t reply to his last request. She opened the door and walked smack dab into Graham. He wrapped his arms around her to steady her. She lifted her tear-filled gaze to his and saw pity. With a gasp, she untangled herself and walked away swiftly.

  Graham stood in the doorway, shaking his head at Reese. “Was that necessary?”

  Reese clenched his teeth. “She needed to understand her position as my wife. Her uncle coddled Evelyn her entire life. I do not have the patience. Nor do I care for her in the same regard to continue where the duke left off. No, it is best she learn her place in my life.”

  “The way mother learned her place in father’s life?”

  “Exactly,” Reese replied, but not with the same emphasis as his earlier statements.

  Graham’s eyes roamed over Reese with distaste. “Mmm, yes. I can see you are shaping up to be a replica of our sire. Even down to the cruel treatment of your wife. He would have been proud. Now Mother, she will be sorely disappointed to hear how you treat Evelyn. Such a shame. Since you have no need for your wife’s companionship, then you will not mind if I seek her company for idle conversation and such.”

  Reese advanced on Graham so fast, neither of them realized how deeply Graham provoked Reese.

  “You keep your philandering ways clear of my wife,” Reese snarled in Graham’s face.

  However, Graham only smiled at Reese’s temper. It would appear his brother protested too much where Evelyn was concerned. Reese may say he wanted no interaction with Evelyn, only when necessary, but Graham saw the effect Evelyn held over Reese. His brother was smitten and didn’t even realize it. It was only Graham’s brotherly duty toward Evelyn that kept provoking Reese to confront his feelings for the sweet girl.

  Graham didn’t back down. “I only wish to offer my new sister brotherly companionship.”

  “I will not repeat myself again. Stay away from my wife.”

  Graham cocked an eyebrow. “Or else?”

  “Or I will cut your allowance off. You will not receive another coin from the estate.”

  Graham shrugged his indifference to Reese’s threat. He continued to let Reese believe he needed his allowance to survive. When, in fact, he didn’t. Graham had his own source of income that his family wasn’t privy to. And he would continue to keep it from them. For now. He refused to risk their lives by giving them the knowledge of his wealth. To them, he would remain the penniless, troublemaking, spendthrift rake they and the ton believed him to be.

  Reese watched his brother walk away moments after his wife departed. Both conversations left him feeling drained. He poured himself a glass of brandy, drained it in one swallow, and then poured himself another. He wandered back to sit behind the desk, running his hand across the top. Was there any truth in Graham’s comment? Was he turning into his father? He shuddered at the thought. Yet, his behavior today alone showed signs of his father’s character.

  Reese thought he was better than his elder. However, his demands to Evelyn spoke otherwise. Still, he wouldn’t bend. Evelyn needed to learn her place in his life and deal with the consequences of her actions. Just because he married her didn’t mean he forgave her for her deception. In time, he would relent on his restrictions. But for now, Reese’s sanity needed Evelyn kept at a distance.

  Chapter Six

  Reese sat surrounded around the dinner table with his family in silence. The conversation that flowed around him was subdued, the familiar humor no longer displayed. It had changed the day he ordered his wife to stay invisible. For a month his family’s polite indifference held strong. They made their position clear. They pledged their allegiance with Evelyn. Graham had spread Reese’s orders to his mother and sisters. His mother’s wrath still lingered over his disregard toward Evelyn.

  Reese’s gaze trailed to the end of the table. Evelyn’s seat sat empty at every dinner. Reese could count on one hand the instances he came across her. On those encounters, she acknowledged him, then made herself scarce. It was what he wanted. Then why did he feel out of sorts, as if a part of him were missing?

  He discovered that she took her breakfast in his mother’s suite every morning at eight. Reese spent his days filled with appointments, calls on his tenants, or working with the horses so he never joined them for luncheon. But Evelyn did. Sometimes he walked by the dining room to listen to her talk and soak in her laughter. Reese never joined them because he meant to stand firmly by his decision. He wasn’t so cruel though to deny her the companionship of his family. And every evening she took a tray in her room, never once offering an excuse. They each shared the enjoyment of his family on their own.

  However, Evelyn’s presence was everywhere in his home. Her scent wafted in the air, her laughter filled the rooms, and her influence on his family was apparent. Everyone went out of their way to welcome Evelyn into their family and to Worthington Hall. Everyone but him.

  Though, in the dark of night, he regretted his stand. Reese overheard Evelyn humming softly in her bedroom and wished to be in her company. He wanted to twist the doorknob and open the door that kept them separated. But he never did. Instead, he held his palms against the grain, wanting the pull of their connection to reach Evelyn. Reese ached to hold her in his arms again, to kiss her soft lips, and to caress her silken limbs. Would she refuse him if he were to open the door?

  Reese’s gaze continued to travel around the table, taking in each member of his family. He noticed the subtle changes since Evelyn’s arrival and knew her influence over them was the reason. His family talked among themselves quietly, not wanting to set him off. Since his return home, he had taken his frustration out on them. Though they weren’t at fault, their consideration toward Evelyn over him hurt deeply.

  His latest turn of bad luck had been this afternoon after the post arrived. It was worse than he would ever let his family know. The Duke of Colebourne had responded to Evelyn’s letter. It wasn’t in his favor. The duke requested a visit once they reached London, to see for himself how his niece fared. Reese didn’t have any intention of taking Evelyn to London for the season. There was no need since they had already wed. There was the matter of their depleted funds. He’d already cancelled Eden’s debut and refused to cause a rift by taking Evelyn to town. Reese would have to swallow his pride and plead his case to the duke. Perhaps during his trip to London, the duke would allow him an appointment.

  Yes, that was the answer. Also, he needed a reason to leave. The farther away from Evelyn, the better chance he had of regaining his sanity. He would visit his old haunts and check out Tattersalls. He also had two calls he needed to make since he’d tied the knot. He regretted that he would have to hurt his mistress
es, but a promise was a promise. Even if only to oneself. Reese held onto his anger, but he would never hurt Evelyn in that matter. Once he returned, he would inform Evelyn that he would visit her bed nightly until she conceived. He needed an heir. Reese couldn’t count on his irresponsible brother to take care of their family.

  “That sounds like a fabulous idea, Noel!” Reese heard his mother exclaim.

  “What is?” Reese asked.

  Silence settled over the table. His family suddenly found interest in their plates. Reese didn’t know roasted hen and vegetables were so entertaining.

  “Noel?”

  “I thought we might take a picnic by the pond tomorrow. Evelyn has yet to explore the grounds,” Noel answered while staring at their mother.

  The mention of Evelyn hung in the air. They thought he paid no attention to their conversations. He tried not to, but every time they mentioned his wife’s name, his ears perked up, wanting to hear more.

  “I agree with Mother. It is an excellent idea.”

  “It is?” Noel squeaked. Her eyes shifted around to gauge everyone’s reaction.

  “Yes. I shall inform Evelyn of the entertainment while you organize the picnic details with Eden and Mother. Graham, you will see to the traveling conveyances. Mags, your job is to gather food for the ducklings.” Reese stood. “Now if you will pardon me, I have paperwork to finish.”

  With a fresh spring to his step, Reese headed to his study. He would appear busy for the next few hours. Then before bed, he would knock on Evelyn’s door. After he informed Evelyn of the plans for tomorrow, he would attempt his seduction. Why wait for his return from London to trick her with his devotion? He would begin tonight.

  “Should we warn Evelyn that Reese is going to talk to her?” asked Eden.

  Lady Worthington glanced at her daughter. “No. We must not give cause to Reese’s temper. Her absence from dinner is bothering him. Perhaps he wishes to turn a new leaf with Evelyn. We shall wait and see how the picnic progresses tomorrow. If he still hasn’t changed, we shall move to Plan B.”