An Earl's Wager_Regency Romance

by Joyce Alec

  Matthew studied her. “You like playing matchmaker. I did not take you for that.”

  Annoyed, Lizzie glanced at him. “You do not even know me.”

  Her companion gave her a cool, irritating smile. “That is a very good point, Lady Elizabeth. Why don’t you allow me to get to know you?”

  “I have a feeling I might regret it, so thank you, but no. Please excuse me, Mr. Adams.” With that, Lizzie walked away to an amused pair of eyes.

  So, this was Lady Elizabeth Ellis. He had no idea she was so wild. This chase was going to be invigorating.

  3

  “I think he was absolutely charming.” Lizzie smiled distractedly as Isobel went on and on about Sir Charles.

  The duchess smiled. “What about Lord Deering, dear? I believe you were infatuated with him just last week.”

  “Oh, Mama, do keep up. Lord Deering is too old.” She bounced in her seat excitedly. “Sir Charles has an estate in Hampshire, and he said that if we ever go that way, we should write to him.”

  “Calm down, love. He seems to be a fine young man and he is a relation of the Marquess of York. I do approve, but do not be so hasty. I would hate to see your reputation in jeopardy.”

  Lizzie’s feelings were hurt as her mother muttered the words about a reputation in jeopardy. The duchess quickly looked over at Lizzie, realizing her mistake. Lizzie smiled at her mother to let her know that she was all right. The duchess relaxed.

  Lizzie quickly moved the conversation forward. “Let her enjoy herself, Mama. Sir Charles was absolutely besotted by her. I am sure he will call upon Isobel this afternoon. Everyone observed his interest in her.”

  Isobel paled. “Lizzie, you’re right. I must wear my new lilac dress that brings out the color of my eyes. Madam Sallo is supposed to deliver it today. Lizzie, you must accompany me to Madam Sallo’s shop. Now!”

  Lizzie looked up startled. “Now? You want to go to her shop? Nonsense. She will deliver it as she said she would. Don’t be ridiculous.”

  “No! We must go now. What if she doesn’t deliver it before Sir Charles arrives. Lizzie, you must join me,” screeched Isobel.

  Even Lizzie couldn’t resist the desperate pleading from her sister. The duchess tried to persuade them to have a maid fetch the dress, but Isobel wouldn’t listen. The lilac dress had become the most important thing in the world.

  “Really Isobel, you need to carry yourself with a little more grace. What would Sir Charles say if he saw you now?” questioned Lizzie.

  “That I’m the most beautiful girl in this carriage?” asked Isobel with a sarcastic tone of victory in her voice.

  Isobel was awarded with a pinch.

  The ride was short, and Lizzie demanded that she be allowed to stay in the carriage while Isobel collected her dress. Lizzie wanted to ensure that as few people as possible noticed that they were attending to their own errands. When Isobel took longer than anticipated, feeling cramped inside, Lizzie got out to stretch her legs.

  Not a few moments had passed when she heard a familiar voice calling her name. Lizzie’s face turned bright red—partly from anger and partly out of embarrassment for being caught at the shop.

  “Lady Elizabeth, what a surprise to see you here.” To her displeasure, Matthew Adams, the man from the ball approached her.

  “Hello, Mr. Adams,” Lizzie said bitterly.

  He grinned, “So cold.”

  Lizzie smiled through her teeth, “You are mistaken. I am merely waiting for my sister to finish her business.”

  He flashed an amused smile her way and stood next to her. “It is not often I come across such a lovely duchess hanging out in front of a shop.”

  “My mother is a duchess, Mr. Adams, as I’m sure you’re perfectly aware, or you would have addressed me properly.”

  Matthew raised a hand in greeting at a passerby and commented, “I do wonder what it is about me which makes you bristle like an angry little kitten.”

  Lizzie wondered if hitting him with her fan would injure him. “Once again, you are mistaken, Mr. Adams. I have treated you with nothing but politeness.” She spoke the last word with such biting insult that Matthew laughed.

  The road was busy with carriages and townspeople moving about their daily tasks. She wondered what was taking her sister so long. This situation would surely be the topic of gossip.

  “My cousin seems to be quite infatuated with you, Lady Elizabeth.”

  Lizzie looked him straight in the face. “He seemed very infatuated with my younger sister until the ball. How troublesome.”

  “I can see you do not really care for him.”

  She smiled. “I do not really know him.”

  Matthew adjusted his waistcoat and leaned against the carriage, “Then it seems I shall pursue you.”

  Lizzie froze. “That is very brave of you. I can assure you that you are wasting your time.”

  “I am a brave man, Lady Elizabeth.” Matthew’s eyes twinkled.

  Resisting the urge to physically step on his foot, Lizzie smiled, a very forced smile. “What brought this about, if I may ask?”

  “I find you very intriguing.”

  “Hardly a compliment.”

  “There is nothing else in this town that interests me.”

  Lizzie bared her teeth. “Then maybe you should return home.”

  Matthew studied her in amusement. “You would like that, wouldn’t you?”

  “You are imagining things,” Lizzie replied with a wry smirk.

  “Since I am courting you, it seems I should no longer keep my identity a secret. I am Matthew Adams, the Earl of Malmesbury.”

  Lizzie looked completely unperturbed. “Is that supposed to impress me, Lord Malmesbury?”

  She looked so unruffled that Matthew had the urge to mess her up a little bit, to see her get angry or annoyed. However, he knew how to play his cards. “I suspect it should impress your mother.”

  “Lizzie!”

  Hearing her sister’s call, Lizzie smiled at Matthew. “If it were only that simple, Lord Malmesbury. I wish you good day.”

  “I will call on you tomorrow, Lady Elizabeth. Please do let your mother know,” he said as Lizzie walked away.

  She was a cool one. However, that just made Matthew more determined to tear through her barriers. As the carriage rolled away, he saw the sneaking glance Lady Elizabeth threw his way and tipped his hat in polite acknowledgment. He grinned as she quickly looked away. This was going to be quite a catch indeed.

  Entering his cousin’s home, he let the butler take his coat and walked into the parlor. Lord Deering was lounging in his chair, already on his fourth glass of whiskey. Knowing how drunk he must be, Matthew ignored him and looked towards his sister. She was writing a letter and seemed intently serious. Curious, he moved forward only to have her scowl at him and cover the paper with her hand.

  “Do not be rude, brother.”

  “I simply wanted to see to whom you were writing.”

  “Yes, and then you will want to investigate, and then you will involve yourself wholly in my affairs. Off with you.”

  Making a sad face, he sat in the opposite chair and asked, “Is that any way to talk to your older brother?”

  “Being born five seconds before me does not make you my older brother. It makes you lucky.” Katherine eyed him. “What is bothering you? You look like you’re on the hunt.”

  “I met a girl.”

  His sister gaped at him. “You met a girl?”

  Matthew stretched his legs. “You do not need to sound so surprised.”

  Katherine faced him. “Brother, you are a snob. Of course I am surprised.”

  “Yes, well, I need an heir since you cannot inherit.”

  Katherine turned back to her letter. “You are also a beast.”

  “It was a joke, darling. Do not get so angry.” He tried to pacify his sister. “Don’t you want to hear all about her?”

  “I do not care.”

  “Is that so? Well then, you would
not care to know that she is Lady Elizabeth, the eldest daughter of the Duke of Wellington.”

  Her sister paused and then looked up. “Go on.”

  “She has a very nasty temper and she likes to hide it. She is also very witty, which she hides under a mask of politeness and sarcasm. And once you attack those shields that she has surrounded herself with, she becomes a snarling little kitten.”

  “Brother, I do think you very well on the way to falling in love with this girl!” Katherine exclaimed.

  “I would not go that far. I find Elizabeth interesting and I have told her that I will court her. She seemed to dislike the idea, however.”

  “Who wouldn’t? You did not even ask her. No woman wants to be told what to do.”

  Matthew smiled sardonically at his sister. “My darling Katherine, if I were to ask her permission, she would trip me and walk all over me with those pretty little heels of hers. She does not need a man who will ask her permission. She needs one who can tame her.”

  His sister patted her golden hair and looked thoughtful. “I do find it odd though. Most young women would welcome a courtship with a young, handsome earl; especially one with your fortune.” She added, “I would very much like to meet your Lady Elizabeth.”

  4

  “You seem to be upset, Lizzie.” Isobel looked at her.

  “How could I be upset? Sir Charles’s visit was lovely. It is clear that you have stolen his heart.” Lizzie flashed a sincere smile at Isobel. Lizzie wanted nothing more than to see Isobel happy, but the thought of Isobel marrying and leaving the family home was disheartening. Lizzie stood up. “I am going for a walk.”

  The duchess studied her oldest daughter before putting aside her sewing and saying nonchalantly, “I think I shall accompany you. I wouldn’t mind the fresh air or the company.”

  “Mama, I want to be alone with my thoughts.”

  “Nonsense, darling. Let us go. The exercise will do us both some good.”

  The walk brought Lizzie and her mother to the untamed fields of the estate. No words were exchanged, and the duchess remained silent. She knew her daughter and was very good at waiting her out. Lizzie climbed higher and higher and then turned to look at their home. “Isn’t it strange, Mama? We live in such a beautiful home, with grounds spreading so far, and yet one day, you and Papa will be gone and Isobel will be married. I will be the only one left. It seems so lonely, the very thought of it.”

  Her mother’s eyes darkened with distress. “Darling, why are your thoughts so sorrowful?”

  Lizzie sat down. “I wish, at times, that things were different, but they are not. I am not fit for marriage, Mama. If anyone ever found out, I would ruin our family’s name. I couldn’t do that to you, Papa and Isobel.”

  Her mother sat down next to her and held her hand. “What happened was not to be predicted, darling, and in my eyes, you are not damaged. You are the most patient and wonderful daughter a mother could want. Nobody will ever find out about that experience. Your father made sure of that.”

  Lizzie’s eyes glistened with tears that she would not allow to fall. “Suppose I do fall in love and get married, am I doomed to lie to my husband for our entire lives? I couldn’t live with that. It’s best that I hold my secret close and remain as far away from love as possible.”

  Lizzie let her mother try to comfort her, to hold her, but she felt cold inside. It was as if there was a gaping hole where her heart used to be. “Lord Deering has a cousin, Lord Malmesbury.” She could sense her mother listening. “He told me he intends to court me and will call on me tomorrow.”

  “Do you like him?”

  Lizzie threw up her hands, exasperated. “What does it matter how I feel?”

  “Elizabeth, you are worthy of loving, and you are most definitely worthy of being loved. That horrible event was not your fault. You are not the one who needs to be forgiven. Any person who can’t see that is not fit for your love.”

  Lizzie threw herself back onto the ground and covered her eyes with the back of her hand to prevent her mother from seeing the desolate look in them. She knew her mother was right.

  “I do not dislike him.”

  The duchess looked at her daughter and wished for a second that she could turn back time and stop herself from making the decision which ruined her daughter’s life. “I hold myself responsible.”

  “You should not. I was the one who accepted the proposal. I could have said no. I just have to bear this burden and live on.”

  “My darling girl, your spirit and faith in the Lord is a strength to us all.” The duchess pulled her daughter to her chest and let her own tears flow. Her heart felt like it would break into more shattered pieces. She had tried so hard to make peace with her daughter’s past so that she could comfort the broken girl.

  “I think I shall go to London for a few weeks. Maybe some time away will be good for me.” As her mother pulled away from her to look at her face, Lizzie quickly smiled. Putting her mask firmly back in place, she said in a cheery tone, “A little shopping and some socializing might be what I need.”

  Lizzie stood up. “I do so hate to be this mood.” She looked back at her mother, “It is getting rather late. Let us go back or Isobel will be shrieking our names for the neighbors to hear.”

  “I really should tell her not to do that,” the duchess said, disapprovingly, following her lead and changing the tone.

  The next morning as Lizzie stood at the doorway saying her goodbyes, she caressed a tearful Isobel on the cheek. “Do not fret. If I find any potential suitors who might be worthy rivals of your Sir Charles, I will send them your way, immediately.”

  That had just the intended effect.

  Face turning red, Isobel scowled. “Don’t you dare.”

  “I might. You never know.”

  “Mother!”

  “Can’t you please begin your holiday without starting a fight, Lizzie?”

  Lizzie grinned and gave her sister a loud kiss on the cheek. “Behave yourself, darling” She began walking towards the carriage, and then paused and whispered into her mother’s ear, “I do believe Sir Charles will make her quite happy.”

  The afternoon was bustling with excitement as the duchess had invited Lord Malmesbury and his sister, Lady Katherine, to tea. The duchess had already invited Lady Katherine to tea after meeting her at the ball, believing that Katherine would get along well with her daughters. She extended the invitation to Lord Malmesbury when Lizzie mentioned her potential interest in him. The duchess wanted Lizzie to be present, but Lizzie needed time to herself, so she allowed her to visit London.

  “Lady Katherine, thank you for joining us.”

  “Thank you, Your Grace. May I introduce my brother, Lord Malmesbury.”

  “How do you do, Your Grace? I am acquainted with your eldest daughter.” Matthew bowed.

  “So I hear. She is not present, unfortunately. She left for London this morning.” The duchess was watching Matthew’s every move, but continued her conversation with Katherine. “Lady Katherine, how long are you staying in Wellington?”

  “I am not entirely sure. It depends upon my brother.” When the duchess turned an inquiring eye on Matthew, he just smiled. “It depends entirely upon the answer Lady Elizabeth gives me.”

  “Matthew!” exclaimed Katherine. She was embarrassed by Matthew’s bold statement.

  Their hostess raised a hand to stop Katherine and studied Matthew. “I heard about you yesterday. I also heard that you wish to court my daughter.”

  “Will you allow it?”

  Matthew saw the troubled look on the duchess’s face. She slowly said, “I would not push my daughter too much, Lord Malmesbury. If she does not wish it, please do not pursue her.”

  Matthew was silent. The duchess’s feelings were betrayed by her sad eyes as she moved to greet her other guests. Matthew watched her, his eyes hard. Something was definitely wrong.

  As the afternoon progressed, Matthew observed the way the duchess encouraged the in
teraction between Sir Charles and her younger daughter. Matthew found it exceedingly strange that the duchess was trying to block his attention toward Lizzie.

  5

  London was full of life. The hustle bustle of the city allowed Lizzie to hide and be alone with her thoughts. She had arrived in London one week prior, and was finally starting to forget the irresistible smile of Lord Malmesbury.

  Lizzie had settled into her family’s townhouse quite comfortably. She wanted to be alone, so the servants obliged. She ate alone and didn’t even bother getting dressed some days.

  Lizzie sat on the windowsill in the sun room, only wearing a loose chemise. It was quite cold for March so she had a shawl wrapped around her. Immersed in her book, she did not hear the sound until it was too late. The door opened and she frowned. “I thought I told you I was not to be dis—”

  Matthew entered the room.

  He saw her state of undress and immediately averted his gaze. “I beg your pardon, Lady Elizabeth. I did not know.”

  Lizzie blushed furiously and wrapped the shawl around herself. Mortified, she stood up and rushed out of the room. Hurrying up the stairs, she rang for the maid and was dressed quickly.

  “Who allowed Lord Malmesbury inside?” Lizzie demanded. “Who is responsible for letting him get as far as the sun room? The lack of order in this household is a disgrace.”

  The maid was understandably upset. “The main entrance was secured, m’lady! He must have entered through the servants’ entrance. I was briefly unavailable. He must have asked the new man.”

  “This is ridiculous! Hurry up so that I can go see what he wants.”

  “Very good, m’lady.”

  Downstairs, Matthew was trying to calm himself down from the embarrassment of surprising Lady Elizabeth while she was indecent. She had looked positively delightful and so furious. He had never seen such a wild expression on a lady’s face. She might very well have mauled him to death. He looked towards the entrance. Perhaps he should leave.

  “Lord Malmesbury.”

  In a simple blue dress, Lizzie looked absolutely stunning.