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

by Laura A. Barnes

  “The duke will see you now.” The butler turned, expecting Worthington to follow him.

  Worthington followed the butler to the duke’s study. When he entered, he noticed the duke wasn’t alone. Sinclair and Gray each stood on opposite sides of the desk, presenting a united front. The duke sat regally at his desk with a scowl, demanding Worthington’s undivided attention.

  Worthington walked forward and stood behind a chair. He knew not to offend the duke by taking a seat without an offer made. And by the surrounding atmosphere of hostility, they would make no offer. At one time, Gray and Worthington had been the best of mates. He would never have fallen for Evelyn if not for Gray’s invitation last winter. By Gray’s glare, he had revoked his offer of friendship.

  “Please take a seat, Worthington,” the duke offered, surprising Reese.

  “I prefer to stand.”

  Gray looked to Sinclair and nodded toward Worthington. “By your hands?” he asked, impressed with Worthington’s two bruised eyes.

  Sinclair raised his hand and closed it, bending his knuckles. He looked at his nails. “As if I would tarnish my hands with him.” He smirked.

  Worthington stayed calm. He needed to prove to Colebourne that he held control over his temper. Sinclair and Gray were only baiting him for a rise, one in which he wouldn’t react to. He would endure their twisted humor for Evelyn.

  Colebourne pointed to the door. “Both of you leave now!”

  “But, Father...” Gray protested.

  Colebourne held up his hand and interrupted his son. “No. You had your chance to defend Evelyn’s honor at the house party and you did not. Instead you preoccupied yourself with another young miss. In doing so, you neglected to protect your cousin.”

  Worthington held a clue who the young miss might be, who wasn’t Gray’s intended. He never saw Gray anywhere near his betrothed, Selina Pemberton, once throughout the house party. Instead, Gray had followed Abigail Cason around like a wounded pup. Worthington wondered when Colebourne would force Gray to wed Lady Selina. Lady Selina’s father had secured a promise years ago. Gray had confided in Worthington his dislike for the miss. But like all families in powerful positions, Gray didn’t have the ability to choose his own bride. Colebourne had devised their union before Gray was even out of leading strings.

  Once they were alone, the duke extended his hand, indicating for Worthington to sit. Reese took a seat and waited for the duke to address him.

  “Would you like to present your case?”

  “No. Whatever you have heard, ‘tis the truth. I shamefully admit to my mistreatment of Evelyn.”

  Colebourne peered at Worthington shrewdly. He hadn’t expected the earl to admit to his faults so easily. Even though he hadn’t seen his niece’s tears, he saw the heartache in her eyes. His own guilt settled heavily in the air. He wasn’t an innocent bystander in this disaster of a marriage. Perhaps Lucas was correct, and he was a bit mad. He’d thought Worthington was the man for Evelyn, but now he sat conflicted with his misjudgment.

  However, the more he observed Worthington, the more a kernel of doubt grew. The gentleman before him appeared as miserable as his niece had last night during dinner. Did Worthington regret his cruel actions? Could he hope the earl had fallen as hard for Evelyn as she had for him? There was only one way to discover how Worthington felt.

  The duke pulled out the settlement he drew up when Evelyn’s letters portrayed marital bliss. He thought Worthington had set his pride to the side and realized the gem Evelyn was. However, when Sinclair presented him with the facts of Worthington’s revenge, he had been on the verge of tearing the document to shreds. Instead, he would use it to judge Worthington’s true nature.

  He extended the offer toward Worthington. Worthington perused it, a wrinkle appearing on his forehead, followed by a frown. Colebourne had been more than generous with him, if one considered the circumstances of the rushed marriage.

  Colebourne had no intention of making Evelyn suffer because she had fallen in love with the wrong gentleman, even though Worthington had been Colebourne’s choice for Evelyn when he learned of Worthington’s seduction last winter. As furious as Colebourne was with Worthington, he also felt gratitude toward the man for coaxing Evelyn out of her shell to experience the joy of life again.

  Worthington read over the document. The duke was presenting him the marriage settlement with the changes Worthington had requested a few weeks ago. Colebourne had been more than generous with his offer. It was more than Reese expected, considering how he had ruined Evelyn with his seduction. The amount would bring him flush and allow his family a comfortable lifestyle while he rebuilt their fortune.

  However, he had to refuse it.

  He considered how this would affect his family. Eden and Noel would have to postpone their debuts another year. He would have to lower Graham’s allowance. Worthington would have to tighten the purse strings on any purchases his mother or Maggie might want. But they would be proud of him for rejecting it. He didn’t want a fortune. He only wanted Evelyn. Without her love, Reese was only a shell of a man. He needed her to feel alive again. And he would settle for no less.

  “Thank you for your generosity. I appreciate your offer considering the circumstances of my and Evelyn’s union. However, I must refuse.” Reese ripped the document in two and placed it on the duke’s desk. “The only settlement I seek is Evelyn’s love.”

  “A bold move.” Colebourne laughed.

  “’Tis no move, Your Grace. I only speak from the heart.”

  Colebourne studied him closely. “Yet your actions speak otherwise.”

  Worthington sighed with regret. “Yes, it appears they do.”

  “So, miraculously you love my niece?”

  “I think I have all along. I had refused to admit even to myself the depth of my affection. The signs were staring me in the face the entire time. I can see them now. However, at the time, my selfishness prevailed. My only mission was the much-needed funds for my family’s survival.”

  Colebourne tapped his fingers on his desk, his gaze never wavering from Reese. “How has that changed? Does your family still not need funds to survive?”

  “Yes, they do. However, I will secure funds from another source. When I win Evelyn’s love, I want her to know that there is nothing between us but our love for one another. I need her to believe in me.”

  Colebourne listened to Worthington’s heartfelt speech, impressed with the emotions he delivered. He would have to be a blind fool not to see how much Worthington loved Evelyn. It might have taken Worthington longer to come to the realization, but he had. However, Worthington still needed to suffer a while longer for his cruelty. Once he finished his meeting with Worthington, he would convince Evelyn to stay with him and make Worthington pay court on Evelyn like she deserved.

  “I am still not convinced. That is why I plan on convincing Evelyn to remain here for the season. If you truly love her, you will court her as she deserves. Once I deem it sufficient, you may resume your marriage.”

  Worthington rose in agitation. “This is madness. She is already my wife and I am her husband. Because of your plotting, we never stood a chance from the very beginning. I will not agree to any more of your matchmaking attempts. I demand to see Evelyn, now.”

  At Worthington’s outburst, Colebourne sat back in his chair and smirked. He wanted to rejoice at Worthington’s demands, but didn’t want to show his hand too soon. The man needed to suffer. “I refuse your request. Now, take your leave. Our appointment is over.”

  Worthington seethed at the duke’s dismissal. He stalked to the door and threw it open. He would search this entire house for Evelyn if he had to. He refused to leave without her.

  However, the duke’s footmen lined the hallway with Sinclair and Gray standing at the door. Worthington knew they would use whatever force deemed necessary. He would take his leave now because he had caused Evelyn enough embarrassment. But he would return.

  Before he reached the foyer
, he heard someone walking down the stairs. He paused, wishing for it to be Evelyn. At first, it appeared his wish had come true, but as she drew closer, he realized it was only Charlotte. His heart rate slowed.

  Charlotte paused, then continued down the stairs once she noticed Worthington. She raised her hand for him to stop. At least he thought it was for him, but he realized Sinclair had advanced on him. Worthington felt Sinclair breathing on his neck.

  “Charlotte, can you please get Evelyn for me?” Worthington pleaded.

  Charlotte tilted her head to the side and perused Worthington before she replied in awe, “You can tell the difference? How?”

  Worthington sighed. He deserved her questioning. At one time, he had been clueless about the differences between Evelyn and Charlotte. Not any longer. “Yes.”

  “How?” Charlotte asked again.

  “There are many ways, none that I will explain to you. I do not wish to endure your husband’s wrath, or your cousin’s for that matter. My brother’s beating has been brutal enough.” Worthington nodded his head toward Sinclair and Gray.

  Charlotte inclined her head. “A fair answer.”

  “So will you?” Worthington asked with eagerness.

  “No.” Charlotte’s answer was blunt and to the point.

  If he climbed those steps, Worthington knew he would find Evelyn. However, he didn’t know how far he would get before Sinclair and Gray stopped him. The duke had a line of footmen ready to drag him away. The only option he had was to persuade Charlotte to give his note to Evelyn. Then he would bide his time to see if she returned home. If not, then he would construct a plan to invade the duke’s home.

  “Will you give her this?” Worthington asked, pulling the letter out of his pocket. He handed it over to Charlotte.

  To his surprise, she took it. “Yes, I will give her your letter.”

  “Thank you. I would like to apologize to you and Sinclair for my rude treatment while you were a guest in my home. My behavior was uncalled for, and neither of you deserved my harsh words.”

  Charlotte tilted her head for him to continue.

  Reese swallowed and hurried ahead. “Also, I want to express my deepest regrets for not realizing the differences between Evelyn and you. My only excuse is trying to secure a financial gain, and if I am being honest, a certain lady twisted my thoughts and my heart. I could not understand how one moment she ran hot with desire and the next moment cold. In my confusion, I lost my mind. And I apologize for only pursuing you for a horse and not for the lady you were.”

  Charlotte’s mouth hung open in surprise.

  “You were correct in giving Evelyn the rights to Cobalt. I do not deserve to own such a fine creature. But I will make sure it has the best possible care for Evelyn’s sake.”

  Charlotte studied him for several long moments before speaking. “I accept your apologies. And in return, I offer mine. I provoked you with our gift. If I am being honest, I added the stipulation because I still held onto the anger of when you so callously hurt Evelyn’s feelings. I thought I was protecting my sister. But as I have come to realize my sister no longer needs my protection. She only needs my love and support. I hope we can set our differences to the side for the sake of Evelyn.”

  Worthington climbed another step. “Apology accepted. Does this mean I have a chance for redemption in Evelyn’s eyes?”

  Charlotte shrugged, her lips tilting into a smile. “Perhaps.”

  Worthington laughed and surprised everyone by wrapping Charlotte in a quick hug before he turned away. With a nod toward each gentleman, he strode out the door with confidence. What started out with hope had turned to despair and now returned to hope once again.

  Charlotte smiled at Worthington’s display of happiness. She shrugged at Jasper’s and Lucas’s questioning stares. With a squeak, she ran back up the stairs, eager to learn the contents of the letter. Charlotte rushed into Jacqueline’s bedroom, where everyone remained drinking tea. They raised their heads at her return.

  Charlotte, out of breath, waved the letter in the air. She jumped and squealed her own excitement. When she talked with Worthington, she noticed his deep remorse and the love he held for Evelyn. Her heart warmed to him and she would do anything for Evelyn to find everlasting love with Worthington. Not only for Evelyn, but for Worthington too.

  “What is it?” Jacqueline inquired.

  “Worthington. Visited. Letter.” Charlotte gasped between each word.

  “Reese is here?” Evelyn rose and hurried to the door.

  “No, he has left.”

  “Oh.”

  “He left you a letter.” Charlotte handed Evelyn the missive.

  “Oh.”

  Evelyn turned and resumed her seat. She held the note in her lap. Reese arrived but didn’t ask for her. He left without visiting with her. Now, his rejection lay in her hands. Were his demands and his orders to return to his estate written in his bold strokes? She traced her name on the envelope over and over. Even the way he wrote her name was a bold command. Despair clawed at her soul.

  “No, no. You have it all wrong, dear,” Charlotte covered Evelyn’s hands with her own.

  Evelyn wiped a tear from her cheek. “He did not want to pay me a visit.”

  “Oh, but he did. But I had to tell him no.”

  “Why?” asked Abigail. “You promised not to intervene anymore.”

  Charlotte smirked. “But I did not. You can place the blame on Jasper’s and Lucas’s shoulders. Or more like Uncle Theo’s.”

  “Explain yourself,” ordered Jacqueline.

  “Well, as I started down the stairs, I noticed the hallway lined with footmen, and Jasper and Lucas stood at the end waiting. Soon, Worthington left Uncle Theo’s office. When he saw me, he waited. You should have seen his expression. He first appeared excited, then his expression changed to disappointment. Is that not wonderful?”

  “How is that wonderful?” Jacqueline narrowed her eyes.

  Charlotte’s smile widened. “He knew I was not Evelyn. When I questioned him on how he could tell the difference, Worthington made a most scandalous answer along the lines of not wanting to infuriate my husband further.”

  Evelyn blushed at her husband’s answer. She could only imagine his thoughts. Hope started to bloom again in Evelyn’s heart.

  “Oh, my,” gushed Gemma.

  “Then he apologized for his treatment when we came to visit. And in short, he also apologized for how he pursued us during the house party. Then he admitted I was correct in gifting Cobalt to Evelyn only. He offered his full support in caring for the foal. Then he handed me the letter and left with a purpose to his step. The letter you hold can only be good, my dear. That man means to prove to you and everyone else how much he loves you.” Charlotte hugged Evelyn.

  “Oh, how romantic.” Gemma sighed.

  Evelyn smiled at Gemma. Her cousin reminded her of Noel. Both were romantics at heart. Could Charlie be correct? Did this letter hold her husband’s true desire? If so, why did her hands tremble? She glanced around the room and saw the anticipation in her family’s gazes. Charlie’s belief in Reese’s apologies sounded so strong. Her sister had steered her wrong many times, but never with the purpose of hurting her. No, Charlie only guided Evelyn to find happiness.

  Evelyn ripped the envelope open with her own faith as guidance now.

  My dearest Evelyn,

  There are no words adequate to declare my sincerest apologies for my behavior over the past few weeks. My need for revenge seems so pitiful now. I can only blame my pride on not knowing how to handle the circumstances of my demise. All I can offer you are my actions from this day forth. I hope we can move past the tribulations of our marriage. Yet, I do not wish to forget them. For they woke me to the yearnings of my heart. A heart full of love for you. I have so much to confess, yet I refuse to do so in a letter. I only wish to leave the following words in hopes that you will return to me.

  Her kisses concealed her deception,

  A decept
ion fueling my need for revenge,

  Her revenge stabs me with its double edge,

  An edge of remorse now fills my heart,

  A heart she holds prisoner.

  Yours forever,

  Reese

  “Oh, my.” Evelyn sighed, holding the letter to her heart.

  A dreamy expression filled her gaze. Reese loved her. His letter spoke to her soul, echoing his own heartache. It was then Evelyn realized Reese must have read the book of poems she left on the divan in her bedroom. Did he also read her journal at the end? If so, he’d read her every thought and desire.

  “Oh, my! Oh, my!” Evelyn kept chanting.

  “What? Tell us,” Charlie demanded.

  “He loves me.”

  “Is that not what I told you?”

  A smile lit Evelyn’s face. “Yes, you did.”

  Charlie smiled smugly, pulling Evelyn into another hug. The other girls gathered around them. Tears streamed along Evelyn’s cheeks with happiness. She would miss their everyday love and support, but they would be there for her at a moment’s notice, whether to share her joys or heartache. From this day forward, she hoped it would only be with her joys.

  Charlie grabbed Evelyn’s shoulders. “What are your plans?”

  “The same as before. After I talk to Uncle Theo, I shall return home to see what awaits me.”

  “No matter the outcome, we are here whenever you need us,” offered Jacqueline.

  “And that is why I love each of you,” answered Evelyn.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Evelyn inched the door open to her uncle’s study. She found him sitting in his chair, staring into the fire. Uncle Theo appeared distracted and didn’t hear her enter. Even when she called out his name, he didn’t answer. It was only when Evelyn stood near him did he raise his gaze with surprise.

  He reached his hand out to her. “Evelyn, dear, I did not hear you.”

  Evelyn squeezed his hand. “I hope I am not intruding.”

  “Nonsense, you are always welcome. Please sit and keep an old man company.”

  “Old? Now who speaks nonsense.” Evelyn sat down on the settee.