The Heiress's Convenient Husband

by Regina Scott

  She should not be so relieved to hear that, but at least if his heart had not gone to the grave with Lord Thorgood’s wife, he was free to give it to another.

  Namely, her.

  Chapter Nineteen

  James wasn’t surprised that Eva slept late the next morning. He’d also had a little trouble waking after a difficult night. Today they would have to settle many matters—the earl, Priestly’s possible connection, the French spies.

  And his growing feelings for Eva.

  He could admit it only to himself. He was coming to care for her. Since Felicity’s defection, he had never allowed himself to feel for another. It was safer, for him and for the lady. Yet Eva engaged every emotion: joy, hope, love. And fear. The bright future they had envisioned was so close. He knew how easily it could be taken from them.

  Yet how could he hold her at arm’s length? She was sunlight, burning through the fog around him. He wanted to open his heart to her. He wanted to feel love in all its messy, marvelous entanglements. She’d taken a tremendous risk on him. He wanted to prove to her that her faith was justified.

  He’d agreed to a marriage of convenience. Would she think he’d tricked her if he suggested they make a real marriage instead?

  Pym had poked up the fire and brought James tea and toast with jam when Eva ambled out of her bedchamber in her dressing gown and stockinged feet. He felt a little guilty that he’d managed to save his boots and not her slippers. Still, her wiggling toes looked rather endearing as she moved toward him.

  Blinking against the sunlight streaming through the windows, she perched beside him, hairbrush in her grip.

  “What now?” she asked.

  He allowed his gaze to linger on the tousled mass of her hair. The urge to touch, to stroke, had only grown. He forced himself to focus on her question.

  “Now I expect an inquisition from his lordship,” he said.

  Despite his intentions, she must have noticed his look, for she touched the billowing curls, cheeks pinking. “Sorry. I hadn’t had a chance to tame it yet.”

  And he had no desire to see it tamed. He held out his hand. “May I?”

  She sat back, slight frown on her brow. If she could not trust him with this simple task, what hope did he have?

  As if she saw the questions behind his eyes, she slowly offered him the brush. “Careful. It fights back.”

  He accepted the brush with a solemn nod. She turned her back on him, as if to give him better access.

  He ran the brush gently through the dark waves. They sprang from his touch, like a young colt, eager to prance. He caught her wincing and slowed his efforts. The thick curls were soft, yet strong, like Eva herself.

  She shifted on the seat. “Perhaps I should finish the task.”

  Reluctantly, he returned the brush. “As you wish.”

  As she accepted the brush, Pym trotted into the room. “His lordship ordered a big breakfast and is waiting on you below.”

  “How very thoughtful of him,” Eva said, swinging the brush back and forth by its handle. “Please inform his lordship we have other plans.”

  Pym set about his hopping from foot to foot. “I’d be delighted, Mrs. Howland, but perhaps he would take it better if you told him yourself.”

  “Oh, I can assure you he’ll take it better from you,” Eva said, eyes narrowing.

  James put out his hand to still the brush. “I’ll speak to him, Pym. That will be all.”

  His man-of-all-work offered a grateful smile before leaving.

  “You don’t have to rescue everyone,” Eva said.

  “And neither should Pym bear my punishment,” James countered. “I share your desire to rid ourselves of the earl once and for all, but nettling him won’t serve that purpose.”

  “It might make the process more enjoyable,” Eva suggested.

  When he eyed her, she laughed. “Oh, very well. I’ll do my best to be polite. But we need a plan, James. Either we tell him about the boat and your suspicions of a French incursion, or we force him out of the castle so you can investigate further.”

  “Let’s try the latter,” James said. “He never liked rusticating here. Perhaps we can pluck that string.”

  Eva smiled. “I’m rather good at plucking strings.”

  Not, unfortunately, when it came to the earl. He was wrapped in a thick wool banyan when they came downstairs, as if the sunny day had grown chill. As he sat at the head of the table in the great hall, the hand that held his toast was trembling.

  “I wasn’t sure you were coming,” he complained as Eva and James took seats at one side of the table. “Your mother insisted on a tray in her room.”

  “Well, it is our honeymoon,” Eva said with a treacle-sweet smile to James.

  “You needn’t posture,” the earl said, fork stabbing a plump sausage. “I know it’s not a love match.”

  Eva fluttered her lashes at him. “Now, who would have told you that?”

  James watched him. He merely chewed a moment before answering.

  “I have many friends in the village, dear. Ask James.

  Eva’s gaze darted to him, and he nearly slumped at the doubt that had crept in.

  “I was not aware you corresponded with anyone but me,” James said.

  “You are not aware of many things,” the earl replied. He nodded to the dish of coddled eggs. “Do fill your plate, Eva. I’m sure you must be hungry.”

  Eva speared a sausage instead.

  “Was there a reason you decided to stay in Grace-by-the-Sea?” James asked, reluctantly filling his own plate. “The London Season won’t end for another month.”

  “And Lady Howland must miss your company,” Eva put in.

  “I will return in good time,” the earl said. “I haven’t visited the spa in ages. I thought it time, what with the new physician. You will join me.”

  It wasn’t a question. But tarry at the spa? Not when he had so many other matters to attend to. Yet who knew what the earl might get up to if James left him to his own devices.

  Something pressed against his foot, a gentle touch. He glanced at Eva, surprised. Her gaze was on the earl.

  “I’d be delighted to join you,” she said. “Though you may find it thin of company. The other guests seem slow to accept Doctor Bennett.”

  “Your company will be all I need,” the earl assured her.

  James nearly choked on his eggs.

  “Good,” Eva said, spooning up some eggs herself. “Then James can attend to his other business in the village.”

  The minx! She’d manipulated the earl brilliantly. As if he noticed as well, the earl narrowed his eyes. “Business?”

  “I must reinstate the lease,” James said. “And there are some other matters that must be accomplished to leave everything for your new steward.”

  The earl sat back. “New steward? Are you resigning your position?”

  Before the earl could sack him, certainly. “It seemed appropriate under the circumstances.”

  “Nonsense.” The earl returned to his meal as if the decision had been made. “It would be impossible to replace you. You know too much about the various properties.”

  “So I understand,” Eva said with a triumphant smile to James. “Now, off you go. So much to do.”

  James leaned over and pressed a kiss to her cheek. “Are you certain?” he murmured.

  “I’ll miss you too, dearest,” she said. “But I’ll make sure your cousin has an interesting time at the spa.”

  That was what he feared.

  ~~~

  There. At least this time she could take comfort in the fact that she had rescued James. The worry on his face had nearly given away the game, but he reluctantly excused himself. She could only hope he would use the time to speak to Mr. Priestly and Mr. Denby about what they’d learned.

  And perhaps a little time thinking about her.

  She still could not believe he’d wanted to brush her hair. She liked her curls, but, from her first nurse to Patsy, ever
y other lady in her life had complained about them. His reverent touch had stirred something deep inside her. Oh, to feel so admired, so loved.

  “I must congratulate you,” the earl said, bringing her back to the present. “I didn’t think he could be so easily swayed.”

  “He’s stronger than you know,” Eva said. She dug into her coddled eggs.

  “So, apparently, are you,” the earl said, watching her.

  Eva refused to acknowledge the comment. She finished eating then rose. “If you’ll excuse me, I should prepare to accompany you down the headland.” She left before he could respond.

  When she returned a short time later, serpentine redingote covering her pink sprigged-muslin gown, she found the carriage waiting. It seemed the earl walked nowhere, unlike most of the visitors to the spa. Was he intent on causing a stir?

  “Lady Howland sends her greetings,” he said as they set out. He had replaced the banyan with a tailored black coat and breeches. “She misses your company, as do Thorgood and my granddaughter.”

  “A shame you decided I had to leave, then,” Eva said, turning her gaze to the trees.

  “A decision I deeply regret,” the earl assured her.

  Because it had turned out to her benefit, but she couldn’t bring herself to say that to him.

  “I am always amazed how small the village is,” the earl mused as they started down from the headland. “We could put every house in a tiny corner of London and still have room for more.”

  She’d once thought as much, but she could not agree with him now. “And yet I am continually amazed by the size of its people’s hearts. They have certainly made me feel welcome.”

  “Position and wealth generally have that effect,” he said. “At least, on the surface.”

  He was determined to be a raincloud on her summer day. She scowled at him. “I did not advertise my wealth, unlike some.”

  He smiled. “You didn’t have to. Quality will out, my dear.”

  She was quite glad when the carriage stopped at the spa and she could put a little distance between them.

  Doctor Bennett was speaking with Mrs. North and her son when Eva and the earl entered. The Norths were the only ones in residence. The breeze from the door ruffled the pages on the big book at sat at Jesslyn’s desk, and water dribbled down into the fountain as if it were weeping.

  The earl went to sit on one of the wicker chairs.

  “Enjoy yourself,” he ordered Eva, as if he expected her to perform for him.

  Eva turned her back on him and went to join the Norths and Doctor Bennett.

  “Where is everyone?” she asked after exchanging greetings.

  “Everyone who is anyone is here,” Mr. North drawled, swinging his quizzing glass.

  “Oh, really, Dickie,” his mother scolded. She turned to Eva. “I was just explaining to Doctor Bennett. The others seemed determined to buttress Miss Chance. I could not convince them to return. And now Dickie and I will be leaving on the afternoon stage.”

  “Great deal of bother,” Dickie grumbled. He sounded like Patsy.

  “I have not had the luxury of leaving the spa to go in search of Miss Chance,” Doctor Bennett confirmed. “And my free time has been taken up in trying to settle into the village. But I am certain we can resolve this issue. Now, pray excuse me while I speak with our other guest.”

  Eva almost told him not to bother, but she glanced at the earl to find that he had leaned back in the chair and closed his eyes. Perhaps it was the blue of the walls, but his complexion looked almost grey.

  “Of course,” she said, and the doctor took himself off.

  Dickie North offered Eva his arm. “Would you favor me with a promenade, Mrs. Howland?”

  Rude to refuse, especially when his mother was beaming as if Eva was an old friend. Eva agreed, and they commenced strolling past the lonely wicker chairs staring out at the sea.

  He prosed on about his horses and the weather, and she offered approbation or commiseration, as appropriate. But the conversation was sufficiently unengaging that she could allow her mind to wander. Perhaps that was why she noticed when others joined them.

  The first was Mr. Harris. He went straight to Mrs. North and spoke at some length, and she could only conclude he was bringing her a message from Miss Chance and the other refugees from the spa. The second was Mrs. Greer, and she made her way to Eva’s side, forcing Dickie to a halt in both his stride and his monologue.

  “Mrs. Howland!” the spa president’s wife gushed. “What a delight to find you here.”

  “Mrs. Greer,” Eva acknowledged. “Do you know Mr. North? This is his last day with us.”

  Mrs. Greer didn’t so much as glance his way. “Good journey, sir. Now, Mrs. Howland, you must tell me. How is the earl enjoying his sojourn? Is there anything we can do to make him welcome?”

  Dickie lifted his chin as far as his complicated cravat would allow and stalked off. Mrs. Greer did not appear to notice. Her gaze was fastened on Eva’s face, as if she waited for a word from a master.

  Eva glanced to the earl. Doctor Bennett had evidently prescribed a dose of spa water, for the earl held a crystal glass in his hand. The way he frowned down into it, however, told her he had little intention of actually partaking of the waters.

  “I believe he is sufficient,” she told Mrs. Greer. “But thank you for asking.”

  She peered at Eva. “Perhaps I should ask him myself, just to be certain.”

  James had said people tried to reach the earl through him. It would serve the old codger right if Eva introduced Mrs. Greer to him. Someone would end up getting the cut direct. She glanced the earl’s way again.

  Mr. Harris had moved to his side and was conversing earnestly, the earl nodding along. Then the Newcomer bowed and left.

  Interesting. Never in her wildest dreams had she considered that the most popular fellow at the spa would be the earl.

  She pasted on a smile. “I think that’s a marvelous idea, Mrs. Greer. Allow me to make you known to him. I’m sure he’d like to hear all about life in Grace-by-the-Sea.”

  Chapter Twenty

  James made use of the time Eva had given him. He alerted Quill as to what they had found in the caves, then did the same with Lark. He found the latter at the Mermaid Inn near the shore.

  “Only a while longer,” he told James when they sat at a table to the back of the public room. “When Jesslyn and I marry next week, I can move into Shell Cottage with her. We’ve already fitted out a study. Until then, you sit in my office along with anyone else who fancies a bite.”

  Laughter rang out from a group of fishermen near the long counter that bisected the space.

  “It isn’t ideal,” James agreed. “But it will have to do.” He set about explaining what he and Eva had discovered.

  Lark blew out a breath. “I cannot like it, especially after that cipher Aunt Maudie found. Mr. Carroll mentioned he may be getting close to solving it.”

  “Good,” James said. “That may tell us more about our unseen visitors.”

  “In the meantime,” Lark said, “I’ll send word to the Excise Office to see if we can step up patrols by the revenue cutters.”

  James thanked him and left.

  His next stop was the flat above Mr. Carroll’s Curiosities, where Priestly lived. It was only a simple sitting room, the bedchamber just beyond. James had given his secretary a holiday after the wedding, but he found Priestly in his rooms, tea things on a table by the window and pot steaming.

  “May I offer you anything, sir?” he asked after welcoming James.

  “No, thank you,” James said. “I came with a question for you, Priestly. If you had a choice, would you prefer to work for the earl, or me?”

  Priestly didn’t hesitate. “You, assuredly, sir. The earl always put me in a bit of a pucker.”

  James cocked his head. “Enough so that you would fear to disobey him?”

  Priestly blinked. “Yes, that is no. What are you asking?”

  �
�Someone told the earl Eva and I planned to marry,” James explained. “You were one of the few who knew both the wedding date and how to contact the earl.”

  He washed red. “I would never… That is, how could you…” He paused to tug down on his plain blue waistcoat. “If I have ever given less than satisfactory service, sir, I will tender my resignation immediately.”

  “I don’t want you to quit, Priestly,” James said. “I want the truth.”

  His face tightened. “That is the truth. I would never betray you to the earl. If you cannot believe that, then perhaps it’s best if you find another secretary.”

  In the end, James managed to convince him that he believed his innocence. Yet as he left, he could not think of anyone else who might have had the knowledge and access to the earl. He left the village wondering which pair of eyes was watching his every move.

  ~~~

  Eva and the earl had returned from the spa by the time James reached the castle. It was a long afternoon and evening. The earl was complaining and capricious, but he insisted on their company, and James could not decamp without leaving his mother at the fellow’s mercy. As it was, she clung to Eva as if afraid of blowing away otherwise. He could only be relieved when his lordship called for an early night. Only then could he catch Eva up on what he’d learned.

  She’d curled up on the settee in their sitting room, toes tucked under her wrapper, body leaning against his, and he could imagine an endless number of nights like this—sharing their days, their hopes and dreams.

  “So, we have nothing more to go on,” she summarized when James had finished.

  Her clean apple scent teased his nose. “Unfortunately, no. But I thought I detected a new level of frustration in the earl tonight. He may be convinced to leave soon.”

  “From sheer boredom if nothing else.” She yawned. “Forgive me, James, but I must sleep. I’ll see you in the morning.”