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

by Laura A. Barnes

  Evelyn froze.

  “To end my affairs with them. They deserved to hear of my marriage from me, not the gossip mill.”

  “Neither one of your mistresses deserved an explanation. The only lady who deserves your attention is Evelyn.”

  “I disagree,” Worthington objected.

  Evelyn gasped. She clutched her chest as she felt another betrayal pierce through her heart.

  Evelyn opened the door and stepped into the room quietly. Neither of them noticed her entrance.

  “Are you mad?” Graham asked.

  “No. They each deserved to hear the truth.”

  Graham stared at Reese with disbelief. “Mistresses do not care because they are already spreading their thighs for another.”

  “Angelica maybe, but not Barbara.”

  “No, she only waited for your proposal instead.”

  Reese sighed. “I discovered the full implications of that this evening.”

  “You are a blind fool, brother. That has been her intent since you seduced her with your scandalous ways. Her marriage to Langdale never prepared her for the likes of you.”

  Reese scoffed. “Believe me, Barbara can take care of herself quite well. She does not need your defense.”

  “No, but Evelyn does.”

  “No, she does not,” declared Evelyn.

  Both men stilled, turning in shock to Evelyn standing in the doorway. Reese rushed to her side, carrying the flowers. He handed them to her as if they would alter what she overheard.

  Evelyn kept her hands at her side, refusing them. She wanted to believe Reese would never visit his mistresses, but the perfume surrounding him spoke otherwise. The heavy fragrance clouded the distress in his gaze.

  Evelyn turned and walked back up the stairs to her bedroom. She didn’t wait to hear his explanation. She imagined they could fix their marriage. Instead, she wondered if he had been unfaithful.

  “Evelyn!” Reese kept calling her name as he followed her.

  Evelyn slammed the door behind her. But that wouldn’t keep her husband away. He carried the flowers with him and tried giving them to her. When she refused to take them again, he threw them on the bed.

  “Evelyn, please let me explain.”

  “You have nothing to explain. Do you?”

  Reese grabbed Evelyn’s shoulders. “Yes, I have much. Will you listen?”

  “Do I have a choice?”

  Reese sighed. “Yes.”

  “Can you explain about your most recent visits?”

  “To your uncle’s home?”

  Evelyn shook her head. “No, afterwards.”

  “Can you be more specific?” Reese winced, trying to draw away from Evelyn’s questioning. Graham was right yet again. He didn’t have to end his relationships in person. A letter with a token of gratitude would have been sufficient. However, he didn’t even want to gift them with anything. He only wanted to shower his wife with gifts. Call it honorable, but he wouldn’t treat those women like his father had done countless times.

  Evelyn shook off his hold. “Your mistress. Or should I say mistresses?”

  Reese ran a hand through his hair. “I wanted to end them with honor. I should have once I reached town, but in my misery, I only drank my troubles away.”

  “Well, far be it from me to stand in between your lovers. Please continue.”

  “I do not want any other woman but you, Evelyn.”

  “The stench draping you speaks otherwise.” Evelyn sneered.

  “I swear I never touched them.” Reese’s gaze pleaded with Evelyn to believe him.

  “How many did you have?”

  Reese winced. “Only two.”

  “Only two?” Evelyn asked with dismay.

  Two too many, Reese realized. He never imagined his visits today would become knowledgeable to his wife. But Graham had seen him leaving Angelica’s home and followed him to Barbara’s. When he stayed longer at Barbara’s, it’d caused his brother to speculate that he hadn’t end it with Lady Langdale.

  “Evelyn?”

  Evelyn pointed to the door. “You need to leave. I would like some time to myself to understand where our marriage stands. I thought I had made a choice, but perhaps I made my decision too swiftly.”

  “Please, Evelyn,” Reese pleaded.

  Evelyn turned her back on Reese, expecting him to leave. However, she still felt his presence behind her. The fragrance of his whore stood between them, blocking them from happiness. She tried to trust Reese, but in all honesty, she didn’t know the character of her husband, only what she imagined it to be. Their marriage had been a farce since the beginning.

  “Reese?” Graham spoke from the hallway.

  Reese didn’t answer Graham, waiting for Evelyn to turn around. But by the set of her shoulders, he knew she wouldn’t. With a sigh, he lifted the flowers off the bed and laid them on the nightstand next to another book. He would leave her once again. However, he would return.

  “Evelyn?”

  Evelyn turned at Graham’s question.

  “What can I do?”

  She sighed. “I do not know anymore. I returned eager to reunite with Reese. Now I am unsure on where our marriage stands.”

  “If it is any consolation, I believe he ended those relationships.”

  Evelyn placed her hand over her heart. “Deep in my heart, I believe he did. However, there have been so many obstacles, demands, and promises that I no longer know if I should trust my heart.”

  Graham took a step inside the bedroom. “Can I offer my advice?”

  “Are you wishing to join my long line of advisors?”

  Graham laughed. “That you still have your sense of humor is a positive sign.”

  Evelyn smiled wistfully. “Your advice?”

  “Listen to your heart and your heart only.” With a smile of encouragement, Graham left Evelyn to herself.

  Evelyn glanced at the flowers. Reese had been so eager to give them to her, and she’d refused them. She walked to the nightstand to gather them. Their heavenly fragrance replaced the scent clinging to Reese. Her fingers caressed the petals. They reminded her of the wildflowers near the pond on Reese’s estate, taking her back to a time when their passion had exploded out of control. Instead, that memory represented when he began his deception. Did these flowers represent the same action? Or were they to remind her of a more sensuous memory?

  A knock on the door alerted Evelyn to her maid’s arrival. She bid her to enter and watched Sally carry in an armful of packages. Sally laid them on the bed, then gushed how Lord Worthington had spent the afternoon visiting the shops to surprise Evelyn with these gifts. The servants had obviously forgiven the earl for his outburst, his tokens of affection for Evelyn winning them over. She dismissed Sally before sitting on the bed to admire the gifts.

  Expensive colored paper wrapped each package with a ribbon tied around them for decoration. Ribbons Evelyn could wear in her hair. She smiled at his thriftiness. The first package contained a bottle of her favorite scent. She dipped the sweet fragrance on her wrists and behind her ear.

  The next few packages contained books from a variety of bookshops, each one a first edition to add to her collection.

  Another gift was from a confectioner. Evelyn opened the container to discover a variety of chocolates. She popped one in her mouth, and the taste of raspberries exploded on her tongue. She moaned in delight at the decadent treat.

  Only two packages remained. The first was small and carried the tag of a jeweler, and with it was a letter. Evelyn opened it to read.

  My love,

  I neglected to provide you with your own ring when we spoke our vows. I hope this ring will do. When I saw it in the store window, it reminded me of your eyes. Emeralds with silver sparks, beckoning me to your side. A spot I never want to leave.

  Your love

  Evelyn opened the box, and sitting on the plush cushion was a simple emerald surrounded by a dozen glittering diamonds. Each gem sparkled with brilliance. Evel
yn slid the ring onto her finger and held her hand out. A smile graced her face at her husband’s generosity. His thoughtfulness warmed her soul. All the anger seeped away, leaving her filled with love.

  She believed Reese’s explanation. She couldn’t fault her husband for being an honorable gentleman. While his intentions were questionable, she understood his need not to behave like his father.

  The last package contained a silken covering. When Evelyn opened the gift, tears leaked from her eyes. She pulled the garment from its wrapping and held it to her body. Her fingers trailed over the buttons. Her eyes flashed to the vanity and saw her trinket missing. She walked to the mirror to take in the fine detail. Reese had the nightgown she’d worn on their wedding night repaired. She had thought the piece destroyed. But her husband had kept it. Which only meant the pull of their attraction affected Reese deeply.

  Images flashed her eyes. The impatience Reese displayed to make Evelyn his on their wedding night. Every kiss, caress, and possession of her soul. Reese might not have known the depth of his feelings for Evelyn then, but this treasure showed off his devotion now.

  She shouldn’t have sent him away. Everything she said she would do to make their marriage stronger, she’d failed on. At the first obstacle, she’d refused to allow him an explanation. She only hoped he would return soon. In the meantime, she had a plan to put into place. Once he returned, Evelyn would leave Reese with no doubt of her true intentions.

  Chapter Twenty

  Worthington swirled the liquor around and around. At every spin, he felt himself slipping off the chair. He wasn’t, however. Ever since Evelyn had refused to allow him to explain, he’d been drowning his sorrows. Only this time, he didn’t remain at home. He’d allowed Graham to take him to their club. After a couple of drinks, Graham had grown tired of watching Worthington drink and took himself off to the game room, leaving Worthington to wallow in his own grief.

  However, he wouldn’t stay alone for long. Soon two gentlemen sat on each side of him. Worthington turned his head, his eyes lowered, and noticed Sinclair on his left and Gray on his right. He sighed. His evening kept getting better and better, he thought sarcastically. Worthington wondered if Evelyn sent word of his afternoon exploits.

  When he looked at them more closely, he realized she hadn’t. Instead of fury, their stares were filled with pity.

  “Worthington, we would like a word with you,” said Gray.

  “Bugger off,” Worthington slurred.

  “We need to discuss Evelyn with you,” Sinclair whispered, trying not to draw notice.

  “I say bugger off.” Worthington’s voice grew louder.

  Graham walked from the card room to the open area of the club to see Sinclair and Gray flanking his brother. He didn’t know what their intentions were, but by the growl of his brother, it wasn’t a friendly chat. He needed to convince Worthington to leave before rumors started. From what he’d learned when playing cards, speculations had already formed of Worthington’s marriage to the Duke of Colebourne’s ward.

  When they questioned him, Graham had played the supportive brother, spouting love at first sight and how they couldn’t live without one another. However, if anyone took sight of his brother now, they would know that Graham had lied. And if he lied about the status of Worthington’s marriage, what else had Graham lied about? He didn’t want his fellow peers to question any of his potential falsehoods.

  When Graham drew closer, he realized Worthington had kept imbibing. He watched both gentlemen grab his brother by his arms and turn him around. He raised a questioning brow at them, and Gray nodded toward a private room in the back. Graham returned the nod and followed behind them.

  However, his brother wouldn’t go quietly. He kept arguing loudly, causing heads to turn in their direction. Finally, they reached the Duke of Colebourne’s private room, and Graham closed the door for privacy. Inside sat the Duke of Colebourne, nursing a drink. Sinclair and Gray dumped Worthington into a chair. He slumped down, his arms hanging off to the side.

  Graham shook his head at his once-proper brother, reduced to a drunken mess. It was usually the other way around.

  “Colebourne,” Worthington shouted in camaraderie.

  Colebourne winced at the loudness. “I take it your reunion with my niece did not go as planned.”

  “Blundered it, I did.” Worthington slurred.

  “How so?” asked Colebourne, arching his brow.

  “Paid visits to my mistresses.” Worthington nodded as if his actions were justified.

  “You what?” roared Gray, and Colebourne waved his hand for silence.

  “Visited my mistresses, I said.”

  “May I ask why?” asked Colebourne.

  “Tell them finished. No more. Only one woman for me.” Worthington waved his hand in the air, emphasizing each reason.

  Colebourne nodded. “Excellent.”

  Worthington shook his head. “Evelyn did not think so.”

  “She knows?” asked Sinclair.

  Worthington nodded, a frown marring his face.

  “Oh, you are the most foolish bloke I have ever met.” Sinclair laughed.

  “How so?”

  “Well, there is the fact that you could not distinguish between Charlotte and Evelyn. Then you held Evelyn within your grasp, and you foolhardy visit your mistresses. Fool,” answered Sinclair, ticking off the reasons with his fingers.

  “However, he recognized the difference,” said Colebourne.

  “After he married Evelyn,” scoffed Gray.

  Colebourne took a sip of his drink. “No. Worthington knew the difference the morning after the ball. He might have called her Charlotte, but his heart knew it was Evelyn.”

  Worthington closed his eyes. He was so bloody tired. He wanted to share a warm bed with Evelyn snuggled against him.

  The gentlemen in the room kept chattering about Evelyn and Charlotte. He knew the bloody difference. The duke was correct. He had known the difference since that night. He recalled dancing with Evelyn and escorting her into dinner. When he grabbed her hand, the spark between them had shot through his soul. His body had responded differently than their earlier dance.

  While they ate, their passion built to a need out of his control. Their fingers brushed, their whispered words seduced, and desire reflected in their gazes. Worthington didn’t need to seduce Evelyn, their desire was mutual. Every moment of their night together seared itself into Worthington’s soul. Each caress, each whispered sigh, each kiss, each moan, each joining of their bodies into one, each scream. Pleasure, pure pleasure.

  The next morning, as the sun rose, Worthington watched Evelyn sleep and knew who she was. That he hadn’t captured Charlotte Holbrooke but her twin sister Evelyn. A rare beauty who also captured his heart. He wanted to react with anger at her deceit, but he couldn’t. With Evelyn, a sense of calm always settled over him, and the storm that controlled his entire life vanished into thin air. The only other time he felt this content was when he enjoyed his family, excluding his father.

  Even when the crowd gathered in the duke’s study, he might have referred to her as Charlotte, but it was Evelyn’s eyes he gazed into when he admitted to their rendezvous. Evelyn admitted her wrongdoing with much bravery. While Worthington continued to play the villain. He might have made love to Evelyn, but when he requested Charlotte’s hand in marriage, it was to secure a future for his family. Evelyn gave her heart to him, and he was the one who used her for his gain.

  “I discovered who Evelyn was before I offered for Charlotte’s hand,” Worthington admitted.

  “Then why offer for Charlotte?” asked Gray.

  “Because I needed the funds to support my family, and I wanted that foal for the fortune it would gain.” Worthington swiped a hand across his face.

  “Selfish bastard.” Sinclair sneered.

  “That I am.”

  “God, Reese. You are no better than father. If not worse,” Graham said with disgust lacing his words.

&nbs
p; Worthington nodded in agreement. “I am afraid so.”

  Worthington kept agreeing to the slander against him. They each spoke the truth. It wasn’t as if Reese didn’t carry the shame of his actions every day. He was deep in it. Each time Evelyn pulled him out, the guilt licked at his soul, and he pushed her away. She was goodness to his evil. He didn’t deserve her. However, he was a selfish bastard that would keep her.

  “And now?” asked the duke.

  Worthington sat up straighter in the chair. “I already explained how much Evelyn means to me to you earlier today.”

  Colebourne narrowed his gaze. “Then why are you here drinking your sorrows? Why are you not pleading your case with Evelyn?”

  “She refuses to hear my explanation.”

  “Stubborn as her sister,” muttered Sinclair.

  “Yes, those two can try the patience of the devil.” Colebourne chuckled.

  “Why are you encouraging Worthington’s pursuit?” Gray asked his father.

  “Because he is her husband, and Evelyn is his wife. That fact will never change. Mistrust clings to their marriage. Until they can be honest with each other, their marriage will flounder. They must admit to their faults and pledge of their love for their marriage to flourish.”

  The room sat silent after the duke’s words. All eyes were on Worthington, waiting for him. He had nothing left to say. He refused to defend himself any longer. The only person who mattered was Evelyn. If he held her forgiveness, then all would be well.

  “Are you bloody going to humble yourself or not?” asked Sinclair.

  “Yes,” answered Worthington, trying to rise from the chair and stumbling forward.

  “Perhaps we can be of assistance on helping you to your carriage?” asked Gray.

  Sinclair and Gray once again grabbed Reese by the arms as Graham followed. They settled Reese into the carriage, and Graham thanked them for their help. On the carriage ride home, Reese fell asleep, and Graham stared at his older brother while pondering how he’d misjudged him. Their entire life, he had looked up to Reese, never finding him at fault... until their father died, leaving the estate in a crumbling mess with no sight of stabilization. He watched Reese’s character change while trying to handle the responsibility. Graham had accused Reese of behaving like their father, but now he realized that Reese was only trying to survive any way he could.