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

by Laura A. Barnes

  Evelyn’s smile grew wider at her mother-in-law’s agreement to assist in seducing her husband. They spent the next hour with Evelyn describing how she wanted their room decorated upon their return and Evelyn’s other requirements for the home.

  In return, Lady Worthington explained Reese’s moods and how to work around them. She also explained their home in London and promised to write to the butler and housekeeper to warn them of her arrival and to keep it a secret from Reese. When Evelyn questioned their loyalty, Lady Worthington laughed and explained how the servants did her biddings, not Reese’s. She described how Reese never cared for the instructions with the servants and kept the responsibility with his mother. Horses were Reese’s primary obsession. Everything else besides the responsibilities of his title held no interest with Reese.

  Once they finished their discussion, Evelyn followed Lady Worthington into the library to visit with her new sisters before her walk with Charlie. Reese’s sisters were amusing to spend time with, and she would miss them while she was away in London. Never once had they shown her anything but love. Even more so when Reese acted like a brute. For a short while, he had been the most amorous, attentive husband a woman could ask for. Eden and Noel bombarded her with advice on how to handle Reese.

  Maggie had everyone in a fit of laughter when she told Evelyn the way to make Reese smitten with her. Evelyn only needed to sit on a horse and ride around in circles in front of him.

  While her comment held an enormous amount of truth to it, it was the one thing Evelyn would never do. Her fear of horses kept her from being anywhere near them. But could Evelyn put her fear aside to show Reese her commitment to their marriage? Could she attempt to find common ground with her husband?

  Another idea formed. Charlie was the only person she trusted to help her with her fear. She would have preferred her husband’s guidance, but if she wanted to prove the depth of her love to him, then what better way than to show him she no longer feared horses?

  EVELYN AND CHARLIE walked amongst the blooms with their arms interlocked. Neither of them had spoken. Evelyn was still lost in her thoughts on how to seduce Reese once she reached London. This time, she wouldn’t use deceit. She would use determination to make her husband understand that what they shared was rare and a once-in-a-lifetime feeling. And if he was too dense to see it for himself, then Evelyn would use every opportunity to prove they needed to cherish the love they held for one another. For some reason, the connection between them frightened her husband.

  Evelyn knew the fear came from watching his own parent’s marriage. His father had been bent on destroying his mother. At every opportunity, the late earl had flaunted his mistresses in front of Lady Worthington and demeaned every word she spoke. Evelyn knew Lady Worthington held no love for her late husband, but relief that she no longer had to endure their marriage and her children wouldn’t be under his rule and ridicule.

  Anyone could tell the Worthington children demonstrated the upbringing of a loving parent, a woman who cherished them with all her heart and had guided them into the amazing souls they were. While Reese had been under his father’s hand more than the other children, Lady Worthington’s guidance still held strong in his character.

  Reese might have had to spend more time with his elder to learn how to rule the earldom one day, but it was his mother’s character that held strong in Reese. From his sense of humor to his gentle care of the ones he loved.

  Evelyn also understood the pressure Reese had taken on upon his father’s death. He’d poured his heart and soul into a breeding program for horses that challenged the most experienced horseman. Because his father had gambled and whored away the family coffers, he stood to have it taken away at any moment. To put it bluntly, the Worthingtons were on the edge of financial ruin.

  Reese had tried any solution to keep their family afloat by hanging onto the edge with his fingertips. When Uncle Theo dangled an offer at Reese, her husband had grabbed ahold to secure his family. Only because of Evelyn’s selfishness to make Reese hers, he’d lost the chance for survival. Or so he thought. Instead of realizing what he gained, he had stubbornly denied what could make his life richer.

  Oh, Evelyn was no fool. She understood the world they lived in. The more money one had, the more power they held. Reese may be an earl, but he was a penniless one. Few knew the truth yet, but it didn’t matter. It only took one person to know for the rest of the ton to learn of Reese’s financial ruin. His rank would be the only reason his family would continue to receive invitations.

  However, once the merchants learned the state of his financial affairs, accounts would be closed. Even with his marriage to Evelyn, the ton could still shun Reese. Especially if the Duke of Colebourne didn’t offer his support of the marriage.

  Even though Uncle Theo knew Evelyn loved Reese, it wouldn’t be enough if Reese didn’t express his love for Evelyn for Uncle Theo to see. And so far, her husband had done nothing to prove otherwise. In fact, his actions kept showing the complete opposite. Once they reached London, her uncle would learn of Reese’s latest bout of temper.

  While she could convince Charlie to stay quiet, Sinclair was another matter. Sinclair didn’t approve of Reese’s treatment and would find pleasure in informing her uncle of Reese’s cruel words. Evelyn hoped to convince Charlie to sweet-talk Sinclair into staying silent, at least until Evelyn could make Reese believe in their love. A small feat by no means.

  “I can hear your wheels spinning, sister. Spill,” ordered Charlie.

  “Is it making you tired?” Evelyn joked over their shared secret.

  Charlie pretended to sigh dramatically. “Tremendously. I never slept a wink last night once Jasper—”

  Evelyn covered her ears. “Please, keep your intimate moments to yourself.”

  Charlie laughed. “You never even let me finish.”

  “Nor will I. The words night and Jasper combined is enough to leave me with nightmares.” Evelyn shuddered.

  “The act of my husband loving me leaves you with terrors?” Charlie gasped for effect. However, her smile gave her away.

  “Your husband may love you to his heart’s desire. However, I have no wish to learn of the details.”

  “Well, for your information, because of your husband’s display of a tantrum, my husband did not display his love.” Charlie shot her a dirty look Evelyn knew she didn’t mean. “Instead he spent the night pacing the rug with anger at your husband’s idiocy. Jasper is not a fan of Worthington’s from his attempts to win my hand at the house party. Then, Worthington made his standing worse when he spoke so insincerely in his regards to you once he discovered our deception. However, I convinced Jasper how much you loved him and to look at Worthington in a new light, especially after your recent letters where you wrote of his devotion. We thought he had changed, but apparently not. No, my dear sister, I spent the entire evening calming Jasper. My husband wants to remove you from Worthington’s care, and after witnessing Worthington’s disregard, I support Jasper’s decision.”

  Evelyn patted Charlie’s hand, pulling away and sitting on a bench. She patted the spot next to her, but Charlie declined. Instead, her sister paced back and forth, detailing why Evelyn should leave Reese. Evelyn looked upon Charlie with humor and let her mind wander.

  For the first time in a long while, Evelyn felt at peace with herself. She had broken out of her shell to live, and it felt invigorating. No, the circumstances weren’t the best, and her marriage hung in limbo, but Evelyn had never felt more alive. Her excitement with her plans for Reese was barely contained. She continued to let Charlie rant, for that was how her sister operated. Once Charlie settled, Evelyn would share her plans.

  “Uncle Theo wants you to move back in with him, but Sinclair and I both agreed that you should stay with us,” Charlie said, bringing Evelyn out of her thoughts.

  Evelyn shook her head. “Your offer is very kind. However, my place is beside my husband.”

  Charlie huffed. “Have you not listene
d to a word I said?”

  In truth, Evelyn hadn’t. She’d become lost in her own musings. Evelyn had heard bits and pieces and come to the conclusion that Charlie’s rant was all the negative aspects of Reese. But those traits were what drew Evelyn to Reese. They were what made him the gentleman he was. Yes, he had flaws, but she loved every one of them.

  Charlie threw her hands in the air, frustrated with Evelyn. Which only caused Evelyn to smile more. When Charlie growled, Evelyn knew she needed to calm Charlie before her sister took off and did something foolish. Charlie had the tendency to act out before she thought.

  Evelyn offered the seat next to her again, and this time Charlie collapsed on the bench. “I admit, I may not have been listening to your tirade, but I get the full impact of your words. You wish for me to abandon my husband and the love I hold for him. To treat him in the same regard his own father used to. No. I will not destroy the bond that holds us. It might be a fragile string with each strand fraying away, but it still binds us to one another. I only ask for your support while I repair those pieces into the hold that it is meant to be.”

  “We made a mess of things with our deception,” said Charlie.

  “Yes. My husband holds strong in trust, and I deceived him with my actions. I see that now. To him, I showed that I couldn’t be trusted in the same way his father never could be.”

  “I am sorry for the part I played. I only wished for your happiness.” Charlie reached for Evelyn’s hand.

  “You only went along with my wishes. I should never have played the risk. I wish I had been more forward and declared my interest. Only, I let my shyness and reserved character hold me back. Except when I pretended to be you, I was able to let it all disappear and become the young girl I used to be when Mama and Papa were alive. And for that, I only have myself to blame.”

  Each sister sat silent, lost in their thoughts of a simpler time when their parents were alive. Evelyn had embraced life in the same manner as Charlie. Even though Charlie pushed the boundaries after their parents died, she had continued to live life to the fullest, while Evelyn had cocooned herself away into a shell, living in fear of losing again. Through the years she didn’t realize that she had lost again. Evelyn lost herself. She lost the ability to live a carefree life. If she didn’t take action now, she would lose Reese too.

  “So, Lady Worthington, what are your plans for Lord Worthington?”

  Evelyn laughed at Charlie’s attempt at humor. “Why, Lady Sinclair, once I reach London, I shall pursue Lord Worthington with a seduction that will have him once again falling to his knees at my feet.”

  “A feat I know you will accomplish with the determination you hold in your eyes. It will be no small act, but one he will fall victim to in the end. I only hope for your case that when he falls into the abyss he clings to you tightly, never letting go.”

  “I hope so, too,” Evelyn whispered. “In which, I will need your help once we reach London with a small favor.”

  Charlie’s eyes lit up with excitement that she could aid her sister in winning her husband’s hand. “With pleasure.”

  Chapter Twelve

  Graham sat across from Evelyn, his gaze darting back and forth between her and Charlie. During the last hour of their carriage ride, he had been doing this. At times he would humph, or his lips would twist in thought or his head would tilt from side to side as he judged them. He must have thought no one took notice of his regard.

  Especially with Sinclair and Charlie in a heated debate on the merits of the livestock they wanted to purchase for their breeding program. Her sister held different opinions than her husband on the quality of horseflesh each required. Charlie remained stubborn and kept threatening Sinclair on returning to work at Uncle Theo’s estate. To that, Sinclair pretended indifference and baited Charlie with his own taunts.

  Evelyn shook her head. Even though their marriage held strong in love, it still didn’t stop them from falling back into their old behavior.

  Evelyn tuned them out and tried to concentrate on her book, but Graham’s open perusal drew her curiosity. Oh, she knew that before long, Graham would state his observations. He was a lot like Charlie in that regard, never keeping his thoughts to himself. He wanted to observe people’s reactions to his blunt remarks. So she pretended indifference, letting Graham process his thoughts. She hoped that was his intention, so when he spoke, it wouldn’t cause everyone in the carriage too much discomfort. For there was nowhere to disappear to while stuck in a carriage.

  “Mmm,” said Graham.

  Evelyn closed her book, leaving her fingers in between the pages she had been trying to read. She might as well stop trying because her thoughts consumed her with wondering how Reese would react once he discovered her invasion into his life. Did he return to his mistresses’ arms? Evelyn had heard the rumors of Reese’s pursuits when he visited London. Charlie had confirmed them from Sinclair’s rants. Would Reese continue in his father’s footsteps with lovers, drink, and gambling? She knew he held no funds for gambling, but like many lords in London, he could wager with no funds once he obtained credit. Many gentlemen loaned money and held the vowels with the intention of wiping them away for a favor here or there.

  There were many thoughts rambling in her head that she feared. However, they wouldn’t keep her from her goal.

  Soon, Graham’s musing drew Sinclair’s and Charlie’s attention too. Their conversation ceased, and Charlie tilted her head at Graham, like she did when something or someone drew her curiosity.

  “Fool,” Graham muttered again.

  “Are you calling my sister a fool?” Charlie growled, sitting forward in the seat.

  “No, my brother.” Graham held up his hand in defense.

  “Yes. On that I will agree with you,” said Charlie, relaxing back against the cushions.

  “I second,” said Sinclair.

  Evelyn never broke her gaze from Graham. She knew he wanted her to agree with them. However, she refused to. Because she was the fool, not Reese.

  “Do you not agree?” asked Graham.

  “No, I do not,” answered Evelyn, folding her hands on top of her book.

  “Mmm, interesting,” said Graham.

  “How so?” asked Evelyn.

  “Do you agree that he is at least blind?” asked Graham, evading Evelyn’s question.

  “I kept questioning his blindness throughout the house party,” declared Sinclair.

  “It is more than obvious,” said Graham.

  Sinclair nodded. “Exactly.”

  Evelyn and Charlie exchanged glances, then shrugged their confusion at Graham and Sinclair’s conversation. What were her brothers-in-law stating?

  “Their eyes,” stated Graham.

  “Their smiles,” said Sinclair.

  “Their laughter.”

  “Their temper.”

  The gentlemen continued to compare the differences between Evelyn and Charlie. Their argument stated that while they looked the same, they were the complete opposites in character. And anyone who interacted with them should notice they were two entirely different ladies.

  “To defend Worthington, they went to elaborate ends to confuse him,” said Sinclair.

  Graham turned his head toward Sinclair. “Oh? How so?”

  “Well, they had me confused the first time they changed clothes at the house party and switched their identities. And I have known them their entire lives. If Charlie did not display a few clues, I would not have noticed myself.”

  “However, you did?” asked Graham.

  “Yes.” Jasper smiled wickedly at Charlie.

  “How else did they confuse him?”

  “They would wear the same color of dress and arrange their hair the same. They went so far to switch places right under his nose, and still, Worthington was clueless.” Sinclair shook his head in disgust.

  “Still, every single nuance of them is different,” Graham emphasized.

  “Yes. I am afraid your brother’s attention was mo
re focused on what he would gain instead of the actual prize,” said Sinclair.

  “Well, if it is any consolation, dear Evelyn, I informed my brother shortly after you arrived that he was a fool not to have noted the difference. For I know I would have immediately.”

  “Thank you.” Evelyn smiled brightly.

  “So what are your devious plans for my unsuspecting brother, and how may I be of assistance?” Graham asked, rubbing his hands together.

  “I think it would be best if I do not make you privy to any plans I have formulating.”

  Graham gasped with a twinkling smile. “Where is the fun in that?”

  “I do not wish to cause discord in our family. And with your attempts at making Reese jealous, you only make him furious.”

  “Ahh, but he is so much more fun when he is in a snit.” Graham laughed.

  Evelyn’s eyes narrowed on Graham. “You take pleasure from antagonizing him.” It wasn’t a question she asked, but a realization she now understood.

  “Sometimes it is the only way for Reese to see what is before his eyes. It may take him a while to process his foolishness, but in the end, he always does.”

  “Still, while I appreciate your help, I think you should stop your flirtation and treat me as one of your sisters.”

  Graham moaned good-naturally. “You two are perfect for one another. Neither of you will allow me any fun. However, since I love you already like a dear sister, I will offer my support however you deem necessary.”

  Evelyn nodded. “Can you explain to us how you can tell me and Charlie apart when Reese cannot? I understand how Sinclair can since he has known us forever.”

  “While both of you are identical in appearance, and both lovely I might add, you each carry yourselves differently.”

  “How so?” Charlie asked.

  Graham looked to Sinclair for help. He didn’t want to offend either lady. They were both stunning in comparison, but Evelyn held a certain grace her sister didn’t. Not that Charlotte Sinclair wasn’t graceful, only ... Oh, Graham had once again spoken before he processed his thoughts.