by Dawn Brower
ONE LESS SCANDALOUS EARL
Bluestockings Defying Rogues Book Six
Dawn Brower
Monarchal Glenn Press
“Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.”
Lao Tzu
Contents
Acknowledgments
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Epilogue
Dawn Brower
Excerpt: Confessions of a Hellion
Prologue
Dawn Brower
Excerpt: Chance of Love
Prologue
Afterword
About The Author
Also by Dawn Brower
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
One Less Scandalous Earl 2019 Copyright © Dawn Brower
Cover Artist and Edits Victoria Miller
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced electronically or in print without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews.
Acknowledgments
Thanks to those that helped me polish this book. Elizabeth you’re my number one. You’re the best ever. Also thanks once again to my awesome editor, Victoria Miller. You make me a better writer and without you I might not be where I am today.
This book is for all the readers that have been waiting for Shelby’s story. I hope it meets all of your expectations.
Chapter 1
London 1824
It was a warm afternoon for late spring. Summer was around the corner, and most of the aristocracy would retreat to their country estates. Something Lady Kaitlin Evans wished was an option for her. She resided with her uncle, the Earl of Coventry, and he preferred town life. He rarely retired to his country estate. With her brother, Collin, still away at school and her cousin, Marian, married less than a year ago—Kaitlin was lonely.
She was happy for Marian. Her cousin had fallen hard for the Earl of Harrington. They were happy, and that was all that mattered, but the past year without her cousin at her side every day had grown tedious. Kaitlin desperately needed something to fill her days. Unfortunately, she didn’t do well socializing and didn’t have many friends. She had two, her cousin, Marian, and Lady Samantha Cain.
Samantha should be arriving soon to accompany her to Marian’s for tea. They met at least once a week, but that would soon come to an end. Marian’s husband wanted to retire to his estate for the summer months. He needed to be there to see to his tenants and the repairs needed on some of the outbuildings. Kaitlin would miss her cousin terribly. She was already lonely, and soon she’d lose one of the few people left she felt comfortable around.
“What has you so melancholy, my dear,” her uncle, the Earl of Coventry asked as he entered the sitting room.
She lifted her lips in a false smile. Kaitlin tried her best to make everything seem all right, even when she felt like she was dying inside. “Lost in thought.” She stood and hugged her uncle, then stepped back. He was home more often after a long bout of illness. He still had horrible days, but for the most part, he seemed on the mend. That could be wishful thinking on her part though. “How are you feeling today?”
“Don’t worry about me,” he said. “I’ve never felt better.”
He was lying, of course. His gait was slightly off, and he relied on his cane more than he used to. Sometimes, she thought his sight was affected, but her uncle had gotten rather talented in disguising most of his symptoms. The Earl of Coventry was a proud man and hated to show any signs of weakness. Kaitlin allowed him the falsehood of pretending he was all right. It was the least she could do for him. “That’s wonderful,” she said. “Then you won’t mind if I leave you alone for the afternoon.”
“Off to have tea with Marian?” he asked. “Do give her my regards, and if her rascal of a husband is around, tell him to pay me a visit before they disappear for the summer.”
“I’ll be happy to deliver that message for you,” Samantha said as she breezed into the room. Her dark hair was styled in an elaborate chignon, and her blue eyes sparkled with mischief. She wore a blue muslin walking gown and straw hat with matching blue ribbons. Kaitlin envied her friend. She was vivacious and feared nothing. Sometimes, Kaitlin wished she could be more like her, but that seemed impossible.
Samantha could do anything, say whatever she wanted, and not once did she care what anyone in society thought of her. No one dared treat her as inconsequential. Kaitlin shied away from everyone and had trouble stringing two words together in polite company. That was why she often stayed on the outskirts of balls and rarely was asked to dance. The only people who paid her any mind were her family and Samantha. She might as well be a marble statue for how little people noticed her. Truthfully, she rather liked being invisible. It saved her from making a fool of herself in society. That was why Samantha often felt it was her responsibility to assist her with even the smallest of tasks. It was her friend’s way of easing Kaitlin’s comfort. “I’m not sure I need your assistance with such a menial task,” she told Samantha. “I’m more than capable of delivering that message to Lord Harrington.”
She lifted a brow. “You are still that formal with him?” Her lips twitched. “He is your cousin through marriage. Surely he’s given you leave to use his given name.”
Her cheeks heated. She hated how she embarrassed so easily. “Of course he has, but it’s not proper.”
Samantha shook her head. “It’s proper because you’ve been given permission and he’s family. Stop overthinking the small things.”
“She is right,” the earl said. “Jonas wouldn’t have allowed you to enter into any sort of impropriety. He’s too smitten with Marian to make such a blunder.” His lips twitched. “The boy has had some wicked days in the past, but he’s almost…tame now.”
Kaitlin sighed. “I’m not comfortable with it.”
“All right,” Samantha said. “I’ll leave it be, but at least consider loosening those strictures you place on yourself. Learn to live a little.”
That was easy for her to do, but never for Kaitlin. Ever since she lost her parents and had to come and live with her uncle, she’d lost all ability to be spontaneous. She’d grown up faster than she’d thought possible. Being an orphan had altered her completely, and not for the better. Instead of telling her friend something she was already aware of, she turned to her uncle. “Take care of yourself while I am away. I’ll see you for the evening meal.”
“Have fun, dear,” he said with fondness in his voice.
She picked up her bonnet and secured it over her light golden hair. It was a white with pale pink ribbons that perfectly matched her gown. Kaitlin turned to Samantha and smiled. “Are you ready to walk over?”
“Of course,” she said and grinned. “I’ve been waiting for this visit all week. I think Marian has news for us.”
“Oh?” She tilted her head to the side. “How would you possibly know that without speaking to her.”
Samantha looped her arm through hers and leaned down to whisper, “I had my maid bribe Marian’s. I do like to keep abreast of things…”
Kaitlin shook her head. “You’
re incorrigible.”
“I know,” she replied with an amused tone. “But you love me any way.”
They exited the house and headed to Marian’s townhouse. Kaitlin, unlike Samantha, could be patient and wait for Marian to tell her whatever news she might have. She had her suppositions too though, and she hoped today was the day Marian trusted them with her secrets.
Gregory Cain, the Earl of Shelby would much rather find comfort in the arms of a soft, willing woman than spend even a second in the company of the sniveling idiot currently in front of him. Regrettably, he wasn’t going to be so lucky. The Earl of Barton had to be the biggest, most irritating moron he’d ever had the displeasure of being acquainted with. “How long have you known me?” Gregory’s tone was a combination of exasperation and firmness. He hated dealing with the newcomers to Coventry Club. He still didn’t know why he agreed to act as Harrington’s second in command, so to speak. Gregory shirked responsibility whenever he could, and this was far more than he’d ever allowed himself to take charge of.
“Uh…” Barton’s face went blank, and he tilted his head back. “About a month now, I think.”
Why the hell had Harrington allowed this child into the club? Surely he had to realize Barton wasn’t prepared for the duty and loyalty that came with being a member of the Coventry Club. “You’ve been welcomed in this club for a month. We’ve been acquainted much longer than that.” He hated to admit that, but Barton’s estate was near Gregory’s mother’s family home in Sussex. “You’ve been to Parkdale Abbey a few times while we were in residence.” Not that he’d visited his mother’s family lately. He preferred London and the entertainments it offered. He didn’t even bother visiting his own estate much.
The Earl of Barton, the sandy-haired, senseless twit, was almost a decade Gregory’s junior. He was maybe four years older than Gregory’s sister, Samantha. His green eyes had a dullness to them that didn’t give the impression of much intelligence. Perhaps that was his interpretation on the earl’s intellect… He certainly hadn’t displayed any signs that he held any amount of astuteness.
“I guess…”
Gregory rolled his eyes. He was so done with him. His patience had run thin, and he was about to knock some sense into the idiot when Harrington walked in. He had dark hair that curled around his neck and forehead, and his blue eyes held a keenness that Barton’s had lacked. He would have to hold some intelligence to be able to wrangle the lords that graced the club’s hallowed walls. The head of the Coventry Club stopped and first glanced at Barton, then at Gregory before he raised a brow arrogantly. “Do I want to know?”
“Probably not,” Gregory answered. His fingers twitched, and he fought the urge to clench them together. Harrington should handle this mess, not him. “But you should.”
Harrington strolled closer and pulled out a chair to join them. He sat and then placed his elbows on the polished oak table. “What has Barton done now?” He didn’t even bother to glance at the young earl’s direction.
Gregory groaned. “If you knew he’d be a problem, then pray tell why is…”
“Because it wasn’t that long ago the two of us required a guiding hand, and this club provided it.” He turned to Barton. “Have you been able to discern why Shelby is irate with you?”
“I…” Barton swallowed hard. “Well, I didn’t mean to.”
Gregory clenched his fist, but he held back. Barely. His anger was a barely tethered rage. Harrington chuckled lightly but remained composed. He wasn’t sure how his friend managed to keep that calm façade, but he envied it. Losing his temper came naturally to Gregory. It was a bit of a family trait he wished had passed him by, but unfortunately, it had become ingrained inside of him at an early age. Gregory glared at him and said in a seething tone, “That doesn’t make what you did right.”
Harrington pinned Gregory with an unwavering glance. His friend’s way of warning him to back off and let him handle his protégée. If one could call Barton that… Then Harrington returned his attention to the ignorant fool and gave Gregory a moment to breathe through his anger. “There are rules we have here. You were told of these rules before you were allowed to become a member. They aren’t difficult or extensive, and you are having trouble with the little we have.” He motioned to Gregory and said, “Shelby wouldn’t be discussing anything with you if you hadn’t blundered. So, please tell me, what is it that you’re having difficulty understanding?”
Barton sank back into his chair and then stared at Gregory with a mulish expression on his face. Soon he’d be acting like a petulant child. He lifted his chin in a defiant manner and said, “Why can’t I have my friends here? They would love to be a part of a swell place like this.”
“No one is supposed to know of the club,” Gregory reminded him. Why was it so difficult for him to understand? “Your friends, if that’s what you must call them, are not members. Those lads you brought here, well, one was a chit, but I digress.” The female street urchin had held a bit of beauty to her. If she was cleaned up and let her hair grow out, she’d be stunning. Gregory considered himself a connoisseur of gorgeous women. “What matters is they were pickpockets, thieves, maybe worse. They were here to rob us blind.” Or at least attempt to…
“They were not.” He lifted his chin. “They wanted a spot of fun. What is wrong with that?”
“Listen…”
Harrington held up his hand to interrupt Gregory. “This is going to be your only warning, Lord Barton. If this happens again, we won’t be so polite. You will be excommunicated from this club. Your key will be handed over, and if you make a fuss, we will ruin you. Do you understand?”
He nodded his head frantically. “I’m sorry.” He didn’t actually look as if he had any remorse for his actions. Barton seemed to be mimicking the words he thought he was supposed to say. If Gregory had to pinpoint exactly what he believed Barton actually felt, it was more fear than anything. Harrington could be scary at times.
“I’m sure you are,” Harrington said a mix of sternness and cajoling in his tone. Gregory wasn’t sure how Harrington managed sounding both at the same time. “Don’t make me regret allowing you into the club. Now go before I decide you’re a bad bet after all.”
The Earl of Barton hopped to his feet and ran from the room. Gregory clenched his teeth together, glaring in his direction. Then he turned to Harrington and said, “He should have been told to hand in his key immediately.”
“Sometimes it is wise to give a person a second chance,” Harrington said softly. “Why must you always take the most difficult path?”
He shrugged. “I’m contrary that way.”
His friend grinned. “I realized that years ago.” Harrington stood. “What are your plans for the afternoon?”
“I’m going to go crawl in my bed upstairs and sleep until nightfall. I fully intend to drink all night and find a few willing ladies to join me in my bed for a bit of…” Gregory lifted his lips upward into a wicked smile as he thought about what he intended to do with his favorite courtesans. “…wanton pleasure.”
Harrington stared at him a moment and then silently shook his head. He glanced back at him and said, “Walk with me back to the townhouse. I’d like to speak with you about a few things regarding the club, and Marian is expecting me back soon.”
Gregory frowned. “I’d rather not, but all right.”
“Rather not what?” Asthey asked nonchalantly as he strolled into the room. His blond hair was a little wind blown and his blue eyes held a hint of mischievousness in them.
“Take a leisurely stroll,” Gregory said in disgust. “Care to join us? Harrington makes it seem positively riveting.”
“I did no such thing,” Harrington said, sounding offended. “You give the impression that I’ve become tame or something.”
Asthey lifted a mocking brow. “You have become an old married fellow now.”
Gregory chuckled, at ease for the first time that day. “Well, he does make a valid observation.”
He really was tired. It had been a long night and an even longer day. Gregory hated dealing with some of the more idiotic members of the club. Sleep would be heaven, and later, after he rested, he fully intended to spend some quality time with some of his favorite courtesans. Harrington was a good friend. He could indulge him and get some exercise before he napped. “Fine, I’ll accompany you,” Gregory conceded. “I’ll try to be…less problematic, but I’m not making any promises.”
They exited the club together as they often did, but some things were still different. Gregory and Asthey were unmarried and welcome in the club. Harrington was allowed because he ran it, despite his marriage. Asthey was making noise about wanting to find a wife, but Gregory wasn’t ready for such a commitment. He wasn’t sure what he would do once Asthey found a wife. It would alter a lot in his life, and he hated change. Gregory had a feeling that, very soon, everything he had grown accustomed to would be ripped apart. Time would tell how well he dealt with it…
Chapter 2
A maid brought in a tea tray and set it on a nearby table. It was already filled with little cakes and pastries. Samantha stood and walked over to the table as the maid exited. “Would you like me to serve?” she asked.
