LOVE IS SERIES #10
“…Love does not delight in evil but rejoices in the truth…” 1 Corinthians: 13:6
THE BARON’S BLUNDER
Susan M. Baganz
Copyright 2016 Susan M. Baganz
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Cover Art by Joan Alley
Edited by Sally Shupe
This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events or locales is purely coincidental. The characters are the product of the author’s imagination and used fictitiously.
Warning: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. No part of this book may be scanned, uploaded or distributed via the Internet or any other means without the permission of Prism Book Group. Please purchase only authorized editions and do not participate in the electronic piracy of copyrighted material. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.
Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, King James version
Published by Prism Book Group
ISBN-10: 1-943104-58-1
ISBN-13:978-1-943104-58-1
First Edition, 2016
Published in the United States of America
Contact info: [email protected]
http://www.prismbookgroup.com
TABLE OF CONTENTS
THE BARON’S BLUNDER
TABLE OF CONTENTS
OTHER BOOKS BY SUSAN M. BAGANZ
DEDICATION
CHAPTER ONE
CHAPTER TWO
CHAPTER THREE
CHAPTER FOUR
CHAPTER FIVE
CHAPTER SIX
CHAPTER SEVEN
CHAPTER EIGHT
CHAPTER NINE
CHAPTER TEN
CHAPTER ELEVEN
CHAPTER TWELVE
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
OTHER BOOKS BY SUSAN M. BAGANZ
Rose Hill Regency Romances
The Baron’s Blunder (novella)
Orchard Hill Contemporary Romances
Pesto & Potholes
Salsa & Speedbumps
Feta & Freeways
Historical Christmas Novella
Fragile Blessings
(Also featured in print in Love’s Christmas Past)
DEDICATION
To Grandpa “The Earl” Wichern
I’m grateful you joined our family.
Lord, don’t even bother bringing me a man.
What were You thinking anyway?
Err
Πλανάω planaō plan-ahʹ–o
(cause to) roam (from safety, truth or virtue):
go astray, deceive, err, seduce, wander, be out of the way.
(Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance)
Do not err, my beloved brethren.
James 1:16 (KJV)
Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth.
1 Corinthians 13:6 (KJV)
CHAPTER ONE
Spring, 1808
Great Britain
The sun blinded him, yet a flash in the distance caught his attention. Sure enough, another robbery of a coach by some land pirate. Not again. Disgusted, Lord Charles Percy urged his mount into a gallop as he drew his pistol and cocked it. He aimed and shot the gun out of the ruffian’s hand. The thief’s horse tossed the rider to the ground before racing away.
His own mount pulled up alongside the carriage, almost stepping on the bounder with his sharp hooves. He aimed the pistol.
“I didn’t mean to hurt no one. Don’t kill me,” the man groveled.
“Either I shoot you now or you hang tomorrow.”
The man scrambled to his feet and started to run but Charles was a crack shot and brought him down. Dismounting, he strode to where the fellow moaned on the ground and pushed him on to his back with one of Hoby’s finest boots. The filthy villain stared up at him, eyes wide with fear.
“Get up. I must march you to the magistrate since your horse has abandoned you.”
The man rose, clutching his bleeding arm. Grabbing him by the collar, Charles shoved him toward the road and wrapped the man’s wrists behind his back with rope from his saddle. He pushed the would-be thief to the ground. “Don’t move or I’ll shoot the other arm as well.”
How many of these blackguards had he caught recently? Five if his count was correct. It was as if God gave him a divine mandate to erase the countryside of the vermin. It wasn’t a role he cherished or sought.
He dismounted and strode to the carriage to discover the occupants now standing outside, watching. A beautiful debutante stood there, tapping her foot, obviously not impressed with his deeds of daring in rescuing her. He doffed his hat and bowed. “My ladies, Mr. Percy at your service.” Standing upright, his eyes met the sparkling coffee-colored gaze of a dazzling woman with golden silk hair and azure dress with darker blue pelisse. She extended her gloved hand to him. He accepted it and bowed over to place a kiss an inch above its surface.
“Your servant.” He took in the woman beside her, dressed in a shocking shade of puce but with regal bearing. He took her hand and did the same.
“We are indebted to you, Mr. Percy.” The older woman’s narrowed gaze made him wonder if he’d erred.
“You are unharmed?”
A broad smile overtook the young woman’s face. “Thanks to you we are now safe.” A hint of sarcasm laced her words.
The older woman shook her head at the ingénue. “I am Lady Grey and this is my niece, the Honorable Henrietta Allendale. My charge was ready to dispatch the criminal with her pistol when you arrived, saving her from that distasteful act.”
“He saved the thief’s life. If I’d shot him, he’d be lying dead.” Miss Allendale’s chin rose a notch. The challenge in her tone was clear. She could have done better than him. Intriguing.
“Most distasteful and shocking display of vulgarity, my dear,” the older woman chided.
Charles’s eyebrow rose a fraction as he took in the younger woman and fought a grin. It wouldn’t do to encourage the girl. If memory served, this was Lord Remington’s sister. He was doubly glad he’d assumed his less prestigious moniker. While she intrigued him, most women her age had only one thing in mind—capturing a wealthy, titled gentleman.
And this gentleman was not willing to be caught.
“I’m sorry I failed you by keeping him alive, my lady. I often opt to let the law or God decide in matters of life and death and do not seek to play that role myself lest I tarnish my soul.”
“A believer, then?” the older woman asked.
“Aye, that I am. May I assist you back to your carriage so you can safely resume your journey? I’ll ensure this man is dealt with by the local constable.”
He stood and helped Lady Grey in before turning to Miss Allendale. She put her hand in his and she leaned forward to whisper. “I know not what game you play, sir, but you, my lord, are no mere mister.” She entered the carriage and their eyes met. He swallowed hard and finally released a grin. Marcus once described his sister as wily and astute. He did not envy his old classmate the chore of corralling this young filly. He strode to his horse and chuckled. She’d probably’ve rapped his knuckles soundly for such a comparison if she’d heard it.
“Wat you laughin’ at?” the criminal asked.
“My own amusing thoughts.” He lifted the man to his feet. “Come now, lead the way and remember, my finger has an itch.”
The frown on the man led him to believe that perhaps this one would actually listen and keep him from firing his weapon again. Rounding up criminals was a tedious business, but at least today it won him the opportunity to meet a woman who might
just be his match. He’d enjoy sparring with her again.
If only he could keep her from people who knew his title. She might take him in disgust then. Not that it mattered. He wasn’t in any danger of losing his heart or his head.
The sun hid behind a cloud giving some relief from the heat of the day as he walked his criminal to the next village. He could hardly wait to be done and get to London to meet the Honorable Henrietta Allendale once more.
* * *
“Henri, turn around will you? It is unseemly to be mooning after a man you’ve only just met.”
“I realize that, Aunt Dorothy, but he was quite handsome, was he not? And I daresay he was lying about his identity. But why? Is he truly humble or trying to hide something? But of course”—she settled back into her seat—“everyone conceals something, don’t they?” She bit back her grin at the thought of just how well Mr. Percy looked in those trousers. If her aunt understood where her mind had wandered, she’d be on the receiving end of a sound scolding. “I wonder what it is?”
“Stop that. You’ll have him a pirate from Barbados avoiding capture.”
“Pish, posh! Such silliness, dear Aunt. He has a proper British accent and not one of the lower orders. No. He is of a higher station than he claims. Mister Percy is not landed gentry, I guarantee you that. Did you observe the polish on those boots? And the signet ring on his left hand? His coat was custom made, if I understand anything about fashion. His horse is an expensive animal with perfect lines and gait. No, Aunt, he is of the aristocracy and I do hope I meet him again.”
“Leave it be. He’s not a man to be trifled with, I dare say.”
“Trifle? Me trifle with any man’s affections? No. I suspect this one is avoiding the parson’s mousetrap as much as I am, so he’s perfectly safe.”
“No man is safe. Well, except for your brother, perhaps.”
“Marcus is too safe if you ask me. How’s he ever going to find a wife if he won’t dance with any miss more than once in a two-week span? You realize the only reason he attends all the social rounds is to cultivate the political allies he needs.”
“He is young, my dear, and has much to prove to many. I’ve no doubt he’ll make his mark, and when he’s ready, God will bring the perfect girl to his doorstep to be his bride.”
“I hope you don’t mean literally to his doorstep, Aunt. Do you realize how many young women have claimed to have sprained their ankles in front of our townhouse? Poor Edwards and Mrs. Agnes have tended a multitude of foolish ingénue whilst my dearest brother does his business elsewhere. It’s making him quite suspicious of any woman who even looks his way. One might think he’s prideful for all that, but he’s really not. Just afraid of being trapped.”
“Not a fear you share?”
“There is nothing to be anxious about, for it shall not happen. I will not allow a man to compromise me and will stay within the guidelines set by society, Marcus, and yourself. I shall be fine and can live quite happily this way for many years to come.”
“But if Marcus were to wed, would you want to live in the same house as the Viscountess?”
Henri frowned. “I never considered that. My, that might make life abundantly more difficult, but I’d have a sister—which would be delightful, I’d hope.”
The carriage barreled along as each woman relaxed into the squabs. Henri smiled as she recalled the stormy grey eyes and the blond hair of her rescuer. She really hoped they would meet again…and soon.
CHAPTER TWO
Several days later, Charles spied the woman who haunted his dreams as he came out of the haberdashery after placing an order. He stepped forward and bowed. “Lady Grey and Miss Allendale. What a delight to meet you again.”
“The pleasure is ours. We are indebted to you for your dispatch of the thief the other day.”
He stood upright and the twinkle in Henrietta’s eyes belied her serious tone. “’Twas an honor to come to the aid of two beautiful women. I trust the rest of your journey was made without any further trials?”
“Other than the dust and the constant bouncing?” The corners of Lady Grey’s lips rose a fraction. “My nephew owns the finest of coaches, but still, they can be quite stuffy.”
“It is sad that it is not allowed for a woman to make that journey on horseback. I, for one, would enjoy that immensely,” Miss Allendale stated.
“Would you, now? Hours in a saddle can make one quite sore if the rider is not used to it.” Charles raised an eyebrow.
A delightful shade of pink colored Miss Allendale’s cheeks. “Perhaps for a novice rider, but I’ve been known to ride our grooms into the ground. The horses often outlast them.”
“You should encourage your brother to hire better grooms with far more stamina,” he parried.
“We are headed to Gunter’s for ices. Would you care to join us?” Lady Grey asked, putting an end to the exchange.
“As much as I would enjoy such a prospect, I have an appointment to keep.”
“Well met, Mister Percy. Adieu.” Henrietta winked at him as he doffed his hat in farewell.
Returning it to his head, he watched them walk down the street.
Intriguing young woman indeed.
* * *
Henrietta leaned into Lady Grey. “No mere mister visits that shop. What do you think, is he an earl, or perhaps a viscount like Marcus? And why would he pretend to be something less?”
“You are full of flights of fancy. Perhaps you might ask Marcus about this man when he comes to town.”
“Perhaps, but that could be weeks from now. That fire at the Brown’s was quite inconvenient, as is my brother’s insistence that he participate in building a new place for the family.”
“Mrs. Brown is enceinte and due within a month. He’s only doing what is right.”
“I realize as much, and if I didn’t love and adore him, I’d be vexed at just how perfect he is.”
Lady Grey chuckled. “Perfect? You of all people understand just how imperfect he is.”
“True, as does Jared. But we love him anyway. His faults are few to be sure. But I will ask him about Mr. Percy next I see him.”
“Good. Now may we set thoughts of this young man aside and enjoy an ice?”
“Yes, dearest Aunt. We may.” They entered Gunter’s and enjoyed the refreshment there. And while Henrietta didn’t speak of it, her thoughts were full of the fine figure and visage of a certain gentleman. Her heart was in no danger from her little imaginings and she found it an enjoyable pastime to speculate on the peculiar puzzle he presented.
* * *
Charles settled into a chair across from his companion, Sir Michael Tidly, at White’s. A glass of wine was poured for him. He sipped it and sighed.
“Oh, no. Say it isn’t so, Charles.” Michael groaned as he leaned forward with his brow furrowed.
“Say what?” Charles asked. He struggled to keep the image of a beautiful blonde from the forefront of his thoughts.
“You’re mooning over a woman, aren’t you? Dangerous stuff in our business.”
“I’m only intrigued by a young lady I met on the road the other day as I apprehended another miscreant.”
“Did you leave him alive?”
“But of course.”
“Does this lovely lady who has piqued your interest have a name, perchance?”
“Miss Henrietta Allendale.”
Michael sat back and a grin spread across his face. “You’re quizzing me. Marcus’s sister? She’s a royal pain. I have first-hand experience. She would play with Katrina who lived next door, but more often than not was getting into all kinds of mischief. She’s a crack shot, though, which is impressive, and her left hook is nothing to sneeze at. And from what I understand she has no desire to wed.”
Charles shook his head. “She has too much spirit for most of the men on the marriage mart.”
“And too much money. Many of the lads out there would gladly put up with her for that dowry.”
“Is she pla
ying hard to catch, perhaps?” Charles asked.
Michael shook his head and clicked his tongue. “Don’t fool yourself. You’re probably just the man to put up with her. When she realizes it, you’ll be caught and not seeking escape.”
“She is a beautiful woman.”
“Wake up, my good man. This kind of thing is what’ll get you killed. Stay focused.”
“One problem.”
Moaning, Michael asked, “What?”
“Before I knew who she was I introduced myself to her as Mr. Percy.”
“She didn’t believe you, did she?”
“Is she that well-versed on the peerage?”
“I doubt it. She cares little for title or consequence, but more about character. Being found in a lie will be a serious obstacle if you really are enchanted with her.”
Charles frowned. “She already suspects I’m not who I say I am.”
“There’s a reason I avoid her company. Far too perceptive by half.”
“Is she? Lord Hughes might find her useful.”
“Perhaps he already has. I wouldn’t know and it’s all the better I don’t.”
“Any news?”
“Jared wrote. He’s afraid. The war is getting worse and he said he’s almost been caught more than once. Some of the French have been brutal in their torture.”
“Not surprising if they can behead people a la Madame Guillotine.”
“Keep him in your prayers.”
“Aren’t you praying for him?”
“I don’t have faith enough for that.”
“I pray you’ll change your mind one day.”
Michael sighed. “I appreciate your devotion to God, as well as Marcus’s, but leave well enough alone.”
“I’m concerned for your soul, Michael. There’s nothing for me to be gained by your accepting Christ than knowing you’ll be at peace and have His power with you as you go about your work.”
“God could want little to do with a man like me.”
“Your origins have nothing to do with being acceptable to God any more than they did with you being my friend. But God loves you more.”
The Baron's Blunder (Love Is Book 10) Page 1
