Enticing the Earl

by Christie Kelley

  “You are now my sister, Mia. I expect you to call me James.”

  “Of course, James. How is your parish?”

  “Small but devout. I am quite happy down there despite being so far from my family.” James sipped his sherry slowly.

  “It makes me glad to hear you are happy,” Mia said. “Have you married?”

  “Not yet. I’m certain that’s why Caroline insisted I attend. She wants to introduce me to one of her friends.”

  Simon had never been so happy to be married. There would be no matchmaking mamas after him now. “Good luck.”

  “I may have to marry just to stop all the interference from Mother.” James smiled slightly. “Have you heard from Charlie?”

  “He left Hartsfield Park right after the wedding,” Simon replied.

  “He was at the wedding?” James frowned.

  Sensing James was upset about not officiating, Simon said, “He just happened to be there. He said Caroline had sent him to force me to attend the party.”

  James scowled but said nothing more on the topic.

  Even though Simon had imparted all sorts of etiquette on the drive down here, Mia still felt unsure at the dinner table. Simon had been seated several chairs away so she couldn’t ask him. Instead, James sat next to her so she waited for him to pick up a spoon before trying her soup.

  Mia finally picked up the same size spoon as James and tasted her soup. The incredible flavor of potato soup washed over her tongue. This was nothing like the potato soup she and her mother would make.

  As dinner progressed, she made polite conversation with those around her but her gaze constantly went to Simon. He was seated next to Caroline’s sister-in-law and Caroline’s husband, Richard. Simon appeared to have no issues speaking with those around him. Nor did he look uncomfortable with the number of people in the room. A quick count revealed eighteen people at the table. So perhaps his reticence had to do with more people in the room.

  Two-and-a-half hours later, dinner was finally finished. This only brought another type of fear to Mia. Now it was time for the women to retire to the salon while the men stayed and drank brandy. She rose out of her chair slowly to follow the women. Simon gave her a smile for encouragement as she walked away.

  She had no idea what women spoke of when ensconced in the salon with no male company. Would they gossip about women she didn’t know? She quickly discovered the topics ran the gamut from how to handle a difficult husband to child rearing. Having no experience with either, she spent most of the time quietly observing the women.

  Simon’s mother hadn’t said anything to Mia since her conversation in the library with him. Mia couldn’t wait to have a moment alone with her husband to find out what had been discussed. She was still taken aback by his mother’s venomous attitude toward her.

  Caroline was the perfect hostess, making sure all her guests were comfortable and had tea or sherry. She then joined in the conversation regarding morning sickness. Mia hadn’t realized she was with child again.

  “Caroline, some peppermint tea might help with the sickness,” Mia suggested quietly to avoid drawing too much attention to herself.

  “Thank you, Mia. I shall try that.”

  “Drink it before you get out of bed in the morning. As soon as you awaken.”

  “I will try it tomorrow. I didn’t have this problem with Nicholas,” Caroline commented.

  “Perhaps it will be a girl,” Caroline’s mother-in-law remarked. “That would be wonderful.”

  “Or perhaps she should accept the fact that most women have morning sickness and understand that it will pass when God wills it,” Caroline’s mother said sharply, staring at Mia.

  “Mother!” Caroline exclaimed.

  It was so odd that Simon’s mother would say such a thing after all Mia and her mother had done to help her when she was ill. But Mia couldn’t hold her tongue on this topic. “I have never understood why someone would want to suffer needlessly. There is no cure for morning sickness save having the baby, but there are some herbs that can calm the symptoms.”

  “I believe I shall retire. Good night.” Simon’s mother left the room in a huff.

  “Silly old bat,” his grandmother commented after she left. “Never understood what my son saw in her.”

  The other women in the room stared at Simon’s grandmother with gaped disbelief. Thankfully, the awkwardness departed when the men joined the women for cards and games.

  “How did you make out?” Simon asked as he sat next to her.

  “Oh, I do believe your mother might never speak to me again.”

  “Lucky you,” he whispered with a chuckle.

  “Simon,” she said, swatting his arm.

  “Caroline and her husband would like us to play cards with them.” He rose and held a hand out for her to grasp.

  “What are we playing?” She had a very limited scope of card games.

  “Whist.”

  “I have never played before,” she admitted.

  “If it makes you feel better, I’m not much of a card player.” Simon’s cheeks flushed at the admission.

  “The numbers?” she whispered.

  He nodded and then escorted her to a small table in the corner. “And that is why we are playing at this table and not one closer to the others. Caroline’s idea in case you didn’t know how to play and to keep me from embarrassing myself.”

  “Thank you.”

  “Thank Caroline. It was her idea.” Simon pulled out a chair for her.

  Once seated, Caroline quietly explained the rules and then they played a trial game. After a couple of games, Mia felt as if she was starting to enjoy it. She and Simon even won a hand. Watching her husband’s face, she could see he struggled with the numbered cards. Many times, she would see his lips move as he counted the suits.

  “I believe I am done for the night,” Caroline said, stifling a yawn.

  “Good night. And don’t forget the tea,” Mia said.

  “Thank you again for the suggestion.”

  Simon and Mia also decided to retire. Once in their room and finally alone, Mia asked, “So how was the conversation with your mother?”

  Simon rolled his eyes as he removed his jacket. “It was interesting,” he drawled. “I do understand my mother wanting me to marry a wealthy woman after that business with Burton. But I don’t understand her vehemence against marrying you in particular.”

  “I have been wondering the same thing all night. Your mother has always been very kind to me and my mother.” Mia turned her back so Simon could unbutton her dress and untie her stays. “Perhaps she truly feels I am not worthy to be countess because of my birth.”

  “Yes, except she was hardly from the highest of birth, yet my father married her.” Simon stripped off the rest of his clothing before slipping under the covers with her.

  “She wasn’t?”

  “No. She was a country squire’s daughter from the Midlands. Nothing more. They had money but no connections in Society.”

  “Indeed? I would think that would make her far more compassionate to my situation,” Mia commented. She snuggled up to her husband, resting her head on his chest.

  “That’s what I would have thought too.”

  “Should I try to speak with her about it?” At this point, Mia didn’t think his mother would stay in the same room with her unless she had no choice.

  “Give her some time. Right now, she is angry that she was caught off guard. I suppose that is my fault. I should have sent a letter to her when I knew we would marry.”

  Mia nodded against his chest as she yawned. “As you wish.” But before she drifted off to sleep, she decided to have a conversation with Caroline about her mother. Perhaps another woman could give her some insight.

  Chapter 21

  With no guests arriving until tomorrow, the gentlemen decided to hunt, leaving the women to do whatever they did all day long. Mia had no idea what women of means did during the day. At home, she would have been busy
from sunrise until she retired. In Society, women seem to do nothing but gossip and needlepoint. Neither were of any interest to Mia.

  Mia wandered the house, searching for the library so at least she could read. When she finally arrived via the maze of marble corridors, she scanned the shelves for something of interest. She found The Life and Strange Surprising Adventures of Robinson Crusoe, of York, Mariner: Who lived Eight and Twenty Years, all alone in an un-inhabited Island on the Coast of America, near the Mouth of the Great River of Oroonoque; Having been cast on Shore by Shipwreck, wherein all the Men perished but himself. With An Account how he was at last as strangely deliver’d by Pirates. She didn’t think she’d ever seen such a long title on a book.

  With a shrug, she curled up into a chair to read the book and hoped it lived up to its title. Before long, the book took her away from this stifling room. Away from the polite conversations about nothing. And away from feeling completely out of place.

  Until whispered voices from the room next door became shouts.

  “You must accept her, Mother.” Caroline’s voice raised an octave. “She is Simon’s wife now. She will be the mother of his children.”

  “Your brother is not financially sound. He needed a wealthy wife to assist him in rebuilding his life. She has nothing. She is nothing. What respectful woman has been with several men before she even married? She will never remain faithful to him. God only knows if she will deliver Simon’s child or some other man’s.”

  “You must do it for him!” Caroline said. “She might not have been my first choice for Simon but at least he has finally wed.”

  “You can accept her if you wish, but I will not.”

  Caroline must have realized their voices were becoming too loud because she reverted to whispers.

  Unable to hear any more, Mia stared at the book on her lap. Tears blurred the words until she saw nothing. Perhaps it would be best for all involved if she just returned to the estate and assisted her mother with healing the sick. She would still be Simon’s wife but he could attend functions without her. From what she’d heard, this was not such an unusual arrangement amongst the ton.

  She wiped away her tears of self-pity. Simon would have to realize that these people would never accept her and not appearing with him was for the best. For both of them. He would not be embarrassed by her and she would not have to suffer through the whispered gossip about her.

  “There you are.” Caroline’s voice sounded cheerful as she walked into the library. As if noting Mia’s position close to the study and red eyes, Caroline’s cheeks flushed. “We are all in the salon and want you to join us.”

  She and Caroline had known each other for years. There was no reason to dance around the truth. “Caroline, you do not need to lie to me,” Mia said softly. “I couldn’t help but overhear you and your mother arguing.”

  Caroline’s shoulders sagged as she walked closer. She sank into the chair next to Mia. “I must apologize for my comments and my mother’s. You must realize this was a huge surprise to us both. I will admit, I had hoped for a match between him and a friend of mine.”

  “I had no idea he had an interest in another woman,” Mia said slowly.

  “He didn’t, but I was hopeful he would once he met her.”

  “Oh.”

  “I thought he and Anna would enjoy each other’s company. But instead, I shall introduce her to James.” Caroline tilted her head slightly. “He might be a better match for her anyway. James is much more subdued than Simon.”

  “How so?” Mia had never seen Simon that upset. A few times he’d lost his temper but nothing serious.

  “James is just a very calm person... which is why he is good with his parishioners.”

  “Of course.” Mia stared down at the book on her lap again. “Caroline, do you think I will ever come to be accepted?”

  “Yes,” Caroline said enthusiastically. “The family will need time to come to terms with the sudden marriage.” She leaned closer to Mia’s chair. “You’re not with child, are you?”

  Mia laughed softly. “No, definitely not unless it’s happened in the past week.”

  “That’s unfortunate.”

  “Why?”

  “It would be wonderful if our children were close in age. I don’t see James getting married for a while and who knows if Charlie ever will.”

  “Yes, well Charlie still has his charm. I’m sure someone will catch his eye before too long.” Mia noted the page she was on and closed the book. “Now, what is happening in the salon this afternoon?”

  Caroline stood up quickly. “I almost forgot. My sister-in-law, Susan, is going to play for us. She is quite accomplished at the pianoforte.”

  “That sounds wonderful.” Mia hooked her arm with Caroline and they set off down the hall.

  “Thank you again for the peppermint tea. I felt much better this morning.”

  Mia was happy that some of her knowledge had been of use. “You are very welcome.”

  By the following evening, Simon noted that Mia was becoming far more comfortable than the previous days. He would have to thank his sister for that. Caroline included Mia in everything from some dress fittings to a picnic luncheon today. Richard’s sister, Susan, also seemed to enjoy Mia’s company.

  It was mostly his mother who still seemed to have an issue with her.

  Tonight at dinner, he watched as Mia held a conversation with Richard’s brother, Thomas. He smiled as Thomas nodded in agreement with something Mia had said to him. Simon relaxed and took a bite of salmon.

  A footman walked into the room and hurriedly whispered something to Richard.

  “Hart, there is a man to see you. A Mr. Tanner. He said it is of the upmost importance. Would you like me to send him away?”

  Tanner! “No. I’m sorry, but I must speak with him. Please excuse me.”

  “He is in the receiving salon. If you need more privacy, please use my study,” Richard said as Simon walked past.

  “Thank you.” He glanced back at Mia who stared at him as if hoping he would ask her to join them. He shook his head slightly.

  She gave a quick nod of understanding.

  He walked into the receiving room and closed the door behind him. “Mr. Tanner, what brings you here?”

  “We found Lambert, my lord.”

  Waves of relief swept through him. “Thank God.”

  The usually blunt Tanner went silent for a long moment. He reached for his tea and slowly sipped it.

  “What is wrong, Tanner?”

  Tanner sighed. “One of my men found him in London. He admitted to being Davies after some coercion from my man.”

  And yet, Tanner didn’t seem terribly happy about that news. “I assume there is more to this story. What else did he confess to?”

  “All he said was someone paid him to do it.”

  “But why?”

  “He didn’t say why the person paid him to play the part of Davies and seduce Miss Featherstone.”

  “I want to speak with him.”

  Tanner glanced down at his tea. “I’m afraid that is not possible, my lord.”

  Simon fisted his hands as frustration grew. “And why not?” “Lambert is dead, my lord.”

  Simon cursed. “What happened?”

  “He shot himself in the head, my lord. My man had a witness.”

  “Who was this witness?” Anyone could be bought to blur the truth.

  “Lambert’s current mistress. My man found them in bed together in a hovel in Whitechapel. Lambert killed himself while in bed with her.”

  “Bloody hell,” Simon muttered. “So we have nothing else to go on, do we?”

  “I’m still searching for Burton, my lord. Perhaps he had something to do with this,” Tanner said quietly.

  “Highly unlikely. The man was most likely out of the country with my money before I even noticed the discrepancies in the books. I doubt the incidents were related.” Simon raked his hands through his hair. He was almost ready to pull out
his hair in frustration. There had to be something Tanner had missed. Some clue in that room. “Did you find anything of value on Lambert?”

  “Only his personal effects.”

  “No strange pieces of gold or maybe a gem or two?” Perhaps Lambert hadn’t found a thing while digging. They hadn’t. Mia must have picked up all of the treasure with those few items.

  “No, my lord.”

  With no other clues to go on, it made no sense to keep Tanner on when money was difficult. “Mr. Tanner, thank you for your services but I believe our business is concluded. I shall have the rest of the money sent to your London office.”

  “My lord, are you certain you want to end this now? With Lambert’s death, there may be some rumors circulating that could lead us to whoever hired him. Just because Lambert is dead, it doesn’t mean you are not still in trouble. Whoever hired Lambert may still be out there looking for something from you... or her.”

  Tanner certainly knew how to keep his job. “Very well,” Simon said. “You have one month. If you cannot find any credible information then our business will be complete.”

  Tanner rose and bowed. “Thank you, my lord. I believe I will have something in that amount of time. In times of grief and upheaval, people tend to say more than when they are in a guarded state of mind. Someone will slip and say a name.”

  “Assuming anyone knows who paid Lambert.”

  “Someone will know.” Tanner smirked. “And I shall start with his mistress.”

  Simon stood. “Very good. Keep me informed of your progress.”

  With his frustration at a fevered pitch, Simon had no desire to rejoin the dinner party. There was no bag for punching here. No dumbbells to lift. Nothing to ease his irritation. He walked to the billiard room and grabbed a cue. He slammed the white ball into the colored ones, watching as they split apart. While it felt good, it was not the same as the physical relief he received from punching.

  He turned at the sound of the door shutting behind Mia. “Are you all right?”

  “No.”

  “I heard Mr. Tanner was here. I take it he didn’t come with good news?” She walked up to the table and picked up a ball. She tossed it back and forth between her hands to hide her obvious nerves.