Escaping The Scurrilous Earl

by Lydia Pembroke

  In her mind, she was certain that a stronger, better woman would have found a way around it — a way to resolve the disagreement without having to give everything she had. Hadn’t Lord Felmingham said as much himself — that a smarter woman would not have ended up in such a situation? No, as much as it stung her, she did not believe herself worthy of the doctor’s affections.

  “I shall ponder it awhile, Dr Sharpton,” she said at last.

  He nodded, though she caught a glimpse of his disappointment. “There is no rush, Mrs Althrop. I shall call again on Tuesday.”

  Chapter Five

  Lily lifted her face to the warm sunshine, letting the balmy air drift across her skin. It felt good to be outside, in amongst the beautiful nature that surrounded Upper Nettlefold. Despite herself, she had agreed to daily constitutionals at Cedric Sharpton’s side, allowing him to lead her through his favourite walks that bordered the village.

  Somehow, he was even more charming and intelligent out here, as though he felt that he could shuffle off the mantle of ‘serious doctor’ and be more like himself. Lily was entirely enamoured, though she did not dare to show her feelings outwardly. Even accepting his hand, to walk along the lesser-trodden paths, she wondered if she were overstepping some invisible bounds.

  “Come and observe this,” he called excitedly, gesturing toward a cluster of tiny yellow flowers. “These are called Lady’s Mantle,” he explained, “and they are exceptionally good at relieving maladies of the female form.”

  “Can they aid in pregnancy?”

  “I would not advise it, but once the child is born these may be of use to you,” he said sheepishly, moving quickly on. “And these lovely little blooms are called Evening Primrose — have you heard of those?”

  He pointed to a much larger yellow flower, with clover-shaped petals and an almost spiny stem.

  Lily smiled. “They are used in relieving discomfort, are they not?”

  “They are indeed.” He paused, glancing anxiously at her. “Do you find me tedious? You must. I am quite boring you, aren’t I?”

  “Not at all. I think it is delightful to know that there are so many plants and herbs, with so many wonderful properties, just on our doorstep.”

  She pushed away the thought of other herbs, which could do far more destructive things.

  Lord Felmingham had suggested an herbalist for such a reason. No, these plants were intended for good, and her child would grow up loved, despite its origins. She had already promised the baby that, each night, before she went to sleep.

  “They do so fascinate me,” Cedric murmured.

  “It is indeed an interesting field of study Dr Sharpton, Lily said, wiping some perspiration from her brow. I don’t wonder that you are fascinated by it.

  “I fear I have kept you too long in the sunshine, Mrs Althrop. Please, you must allow me to return you to Hardcastle House before you turn into a prune.”

  Lily laughed. “I do look rather like a plum, do I not? A very large plum.”

  “I could never say such a thing, nor do you look like one,” he protested. “You look radiant. Being with-child becomes you very well.”

  Lily blushed. “Although, it does make me feverishly warm.”

  “That is the peril of growing a person within your body.” He held out his arm, smiling as her palm pressed against his forearm. “Now, let us return to Hardcastle House before Mrs Hardcastle sees me hung for allowing her charge to sizzle in the sunshine.”

  Upon their return to the boarding house, Cedric ventured into the drawing room to collect his things, whilst Lily waddled through to the kitchens.

  Mrs Hardcastle was the only one around, the other girls having already enjoyed their luncheon. Lily was not particularly hungry, but then hunger was not the reason she had sought out Mrs Hardcastle.

  “And how was your walk this morning?” the proprietor enquired with a knowing wink.

  Lily flushed again, feeling the heat in her cheeks. “Very pleasant, thank you.”

  “You know, dear girl, you could do far worse than the kind doctor.”

  “Whatever do you mean? I am not seeking to be courted by anyone in my current state.” She turned her face away, embarrassed to admit that she very much wanted to be courted by Cedric. He was so sweet and charming, always making her laugh and smile, in a way that she had not done for years. He was precisely the sort of man she could fall in love with, but how could a man like him ever fall for a girl like her? Even if he didn’t know the truth, she was still a heavy burden to take on.

  “Perhaps, you should be seeking such a thing,” Mrs Hardcastle suggested. “Finding a good husband would be a benefit to you both — mother and child. With his protection, you would never have to live in fear again. You could walk proud and forget any unpleasantness.”

  Lily sighed.

  “And what if he should discover the truth, Mrs Hardcastle? What if he should find out that I am a ruined woman? If he discovered it prior to a wedding, he would call the entire thing off. If he discovered it afterwards, he would loathe me forever. I am certain of it.”

  “Hush now,” Mrs Hardcastle urged, coming forward to settle Lily down. “You only have to cross one bridge at a time. There is no reason why the dear doctor should ever discover the truth of how you came to be with-child.” Lily looked at Mrs Hardcastle, and her face was as smooth as slate, while Lily’s was a worried puzzle. “In life, we must take some risks if we wish to survive, and I know you to be a survivor. He will not know unless you choose to tell him. Go through and ask the poor man if he is staying for lunch,” Mrs Hardcastle urged, a strange tone in her voice. “Maybe, you might suggest he stays for lunch every day, after your walks?”

  Feeling uplifted by the words of Mrs Hardcastle, Lily walked back down the corridor towards the drawing room and stepped inside, just as Cedric was coming out. The two of them almost careened into one another, though Cedric reached out at the last moment, steadying Lily by the shoulders at the expense of his bag, which tumbled to the floor.

  He reached down, retrieving the items that had spilled out, a look of good humour on his face as settled himself once more.

  “My apologies, Mrs Althrop, I did not hear you coming down the hallway,” he said.

  “I wonder you did not, for I pound along like an elephant,” she teased, laughing merrily. She could feel the memory of his hand on her shoulder, making her giddy.

  “You do not. You are as graceful as ever, dear Mrs Althrop.”

  She gazed at him with shy eyes.

  “I was wondering if you might like to stay for some luncheon — it will be just myself and Mrs Hardcastle, as the others have dined.” She paused, remembering the proprietor’s words. “Indeed, I know it is somewhat bold of me to ask, but perhaps you might like to stay for luncheon every day, after our constitutionals? Mrs Hardcastle suggested it, and I believe it to be an excellent idea, so you are not left ravenous before moving on to your afternoon patients.”

  Cedric beamed as though he had never expected such words to come out of her mouth.

  “Might I go one better, and ask if I may formally call on you, from hereon in? The luncheons should be a welcome addition to my day, but the former has been a question that has been playing on my mind for some time.”

  “Of course you may, Dr Sharpton,” she murmured, her heart fluttering in her chest. Truthfully, she wanted nothing more.

  “Then I shall do so tomorrow, when I shall also remain for my luncheon. As it happens, today, I have a prior engagement at one o’clock with Mrs Swinton at the Vicarage, who has a complaint of the throat.”

  A shy smile flickered over Lily’s mouth as she nodded. Cedric smiled back. “Tomorrow, I shall ensure that I am entirely at liberty to engage in your company,” he promised, his eyes glinting with happiness.

  Lily walked him to the front door and watched as he departed, though he turned to look over his shoulder and wave at her at least five times on his way across the town square. Her heart surged with joy,
allowing her a hint of euphoria that she still did not believe she deserved.

  At last, somehow, life was looking up for her in this utopia of Upper Nettlefold. Against all odds, she had hope for the future that involved love, and a husband, and a man who loved her in return.

  Truly, if things continued on as they were, she was hopeful that all points of the compass turned towards marriage.

  ~~~~~

  A phaeton-and-four rolled up to the Nettlefold Arms, the second of the two inns which served Upper Nettlefold. Where the Bell and Whistle was known for its working-class clientele, and was much larger, the Nettlefold Arms was firmly for the upper classes. A smaller establishment, gentrified to suit the local aristocracy, and any nobility that happened to pass through.

  It sat on the opposite side of town to the Bell and Whistle, facing the square whilst still nestled in countryside, with the rush of the river behind it, instead of the bustle of nearby houses and shops.

  Lord Felmingham opened the door to the carriage and stepped out, the footman hurrying to liberate his luggage. At four in the afternoon, he had hoped that the heat of the day might have eased off, but it showed no signs of letting up. He was already hot and irritable from the long journey from London, sweat sticking to his clothes as he strode inside the establishment.

  Glancing around at the smart interior of the inn, with its refined tapestries and clean tables, where a few well-dressed individuals were drinking, Lord Felmingham hoped the stagecoach driver had been right.

  A few days ago, Lord Felmingham had felt compelled to seek the runaway out, knowing that it might bring him some amusement. Besides, it would not do to have his bastard child running around all over the place, risking his reputation.

  Having tracked the driver down, he had demanded to hear what the man knew of Lily Althrop. The driver told the Earl of the pretty little thing that had stepped off at this location, but there were no guarantees that it was Lily. If he had come here for nothing, he was not going to be happy.

  ~~~~~

  Some days later, Lily found herself going out into the town on an errand for Mrs Hardcastle. It was becoming more and more difficult for her to take on these journeys, but she was eager to continue with them for as long as she was able. Considering that Cedric believed her to be six to seven months along, her bump was not as large as it might have been. It was only her back that ached and her ankles that felt swollen and uncomfortable, making such tasks troublesome.

  Having delivered the order requests that Mrs Hardcastle had given her, she decided to come back along the outskirts of the village, wanting to see if she could find any of the Lady’s Mantle or Evening Primrose that Cedric had pointed out to her. She thought it might be a nice surprise for him when he came to call the following day, for their daily constitutional.

  As she was passing by the Nettlefold Arms, a figure emerged from the shadows, reeking of stale alcohol and tobacco smoke. Thinking it an ordinary drunkard, she veered out of the man’s way; she had encountered enough by now to know that they were generally harmless, they just needed to be avoided. However, the man seemed intent on grasping at her, his body lumbering towards her, his hands outstretched.

  He tore at the edge of her gown, tugging on the fabric, pulling her around to face him. Fingertips clawed at her waist, trying to grip her tighter. She fought to get away, but he only yanked harder at her dress. He lifted his gaze to her at last, peering up at her through a tangled mop of fair hair.

  Terror ricocheted through her like a musket-shot as she stared into the pale blue eyes of Lord Felmingham. She had not recognised him until he was up close, the Earl having put on a deal of weight since the last time they saw one another. His face was chubbier, but the sharp nose and thin lips were chillingly familiar.

  “My, my, my, Miss Lily, you are looking delightful,” he purred, pulling her close, his rancid breath hot on her cheek. “You have filled out somewhat, but I don’t mind that.” A hiccough started up in his throat, his eyes not quite focussed.

  “Unhand me this instant,” she hissed, reminding herself that she was a better and stronger woman than she had been.

  “Now, now, is that any way to treat a business associate?” he slurred. “I am here on business… business with you, Miss Althrop.”

  She thrashed against him.

  “Release me or I shall scream.”

  “Please do, you know how that excites me,” he cackled, staggering back slightly.

  Lily railed against him, but her held her firmly.

  “I am here because there is one fee left on your father’s balance. I am here because you must pay that debt, unless you want your family to suffer.”

  The blood drained from Lily’s face and she froze.

  “That’s better” he bent to kiss her. Lily kicked at him.

  “What do you mean? I have given you enough!”

  “Ouch, you have become feisty since you left London. But no. Not quite, my pretty little thing… if you want to keep this charmed life you appear to have found for yourself, I want something in return. You must come to my bed one last time… unless you want everything to come crashing down around you?”

  “No…” she gasped, thinking of Cedric.

  “I have been watching you, Lily… I have been watching you very closely, since I arrived here. I was hoping that you might pass by, and when you did… oh, I seized my opportunity.” He grinned licentiously, his hands smoothing across her bump. “One more night, and all shall be settled.”

  She pushed him away, running from the dark shadow of her past, though she could already feel the light of her new life fading.

  Chapter Six

  Lord Felmingham lunged for her again, snatching at her hand, pulling her back. Terrified for the safety of her child, she railed against the Earl, scratching at his pallid palms until he released her with a yelp. She did not linger to give him another chance to delay her. Stumbling, almost falling to the ground, she picked herself up and ran as fast as her legs would carry her. Not daring to look back in case the Earl was in pursuit, Lily hurried towards Hardcastle House, darting across the interior courtyard and bursting through the doors that led directly to the kitchens. Panting hard, she struggled through the empty room, looking for Mrs Hardcastle. There was nobody in the kitchen or the pantry, forcing her to shuffle into the main house. Everything ached, everything hurt, and everything felt wrong.

  “Mrs Hardcastle!” she cried, a sharp pain searing through her abdomen.

  The agony caused her to slump to the ground, gripping the edge of the staircase banister for purchase, as she cried for Mrs Hardcastle once more. A second grip of overwhelming pain shot through her nerves, starting deep in her abdomen, and spreading out like molten lava. No, no, no, it is too soon, she told herself, wondering if the stress had triggered her labour. She had fought hard to break free of Lord Felmingham — could that be enough? She sincerely hoped not, though a third cramp brought her to her knees, preventing her from standing again. Hearing Lily’s cries, Mrs Hardcastle tore down the stairs, discovering Lily on the floor in the hallway.

  “Lily? Whatever is the matter?”

  “The baby,” she gasped. “I think it is coming.”

  Mrs Hardcastle gaped in alarm. “But it is much too soon!”

  Lily nodded. “Lord… Felmingham… is here in the village. He took me… by surprise. I fought him off but… I fear he may have caused me to… go into labour.” Tears trickled down her face as sobs wracked her chest. “My baby will not… live. It is too soon. My baby will… not be able to survive.”

  “Now, you must not speak in such a way, dear girl,” Mrs Hardcastle assured, though uncertainty lingered in her voice. “I must send for the doctor at once. He may be able to help you.”

  Lily clung to the banister as Mrs Hardcastle raced out into the street, her skirts flapping all around her, and begged the nearest passer-by to run to Dr Sharpton immediately, to inform him of what had happened.

  All they could do was wait until
he arrived, though Lily feared the worst. The pain was all-consuming, rendering her immobile.

  “We must get you into one of the rooms,” Mrs Hardcastle urged, helping Lily back to her feet.

  The pain twisted through her body, searing white-hot through her nerve endings. The baby could not be coming, it simply could not. With some difficulty, the two women managed to stagger into one of the nearby suites. It was vacant of tenants, everything pristinely cleaned for the next boarders who might come along. Strangely, Lily longed for the comfort and familiarity of her own attic room, instead of the imposing grandeur of the suite. However, she knew that she would never have been able to make it up the stairs. Clutching at her abdomen, she let Mrs Hardcastle lead her to the bed, where she struggled to lie down on the covers. The mattress held her, relieving the ache in her tired muscles, but it did not remove the agony that bristled through her petite frame.

  “Mrs Hardcastle?” a shout went up from the hallway. Cedric had arrived.

  “In here!” Mrs Hardcastle replied, gripping Lily’s hand. Cedric appeared in the doorway a moment later, his face pale.

  “What has happened?” He rushed over to the bedside and began to remove items from his medical bag.

  “There was some trouble,” Mrs Hardcastle explained tentatively, “and it seems to have set off the beginnings of childbirth.”

  “No, it is much too soon. I shall have to do what I can to prevent it.” Cedric took out several packages of dried herbs, pounding them in a small pestle and mortar. He worked quickly, keeping his eyes fixed on Lily. She writhed atop the covers, her face twisted in a mask of pure agony.