Marrying the Wrong Earl (Lords & Ladies in Love)

by Callie Hutton

  “Here, Nash, hold this basket closer to the fire so I can see more clearly.” She pointed to the brown basket with Cleopatra.

  “I am beginning to itch already.” He sneezed once. “It might be a better idea to go closer to the window.”

  Arabella shook her head. “No, they need the warmth from the fire.” She held up a needle and pushed the thread through as Nash slid the basket over and knelt alongside her.

  He grabbed his handkerchief from his pocket, shook it out, and placed it over his nose. “Are you sure you know what you are doing?”

  “I’ve done this many times. Now you will need to hold Cleopatra down while I sew her up, since this will hurt.”

  “Egad! I’ll be sneezing until Christmastide morn. Why not give her a shot of whiskey to calm her down?”

  Arabella sat back on her heels and studied him. “Whiskey? Why I have never thought of that. I tried laudanum once, but since I was afraid of using too much and killing Caesar—that was one of the squirrels I tended—I’m afraid it didn’t do much, and I ended up getting bit. Thankfully, Sophia offered to hold him, so we got it done.”

  “And why, might I ask, is Sophia not here helping now?”

  “She is packing. As you demanded, my lord.” She smirked. “And, she might have been sick to her stomach for the rest of the day after the last time.” Those words were mumbled, but nevertheless Nash snorted, so he must have heard them.

  He rose. “I’ll be right back. Anything to get this over with.” He headed to the sideboard and picked up the small amount of whiskey he’d poured for himself. “Here.” He handed the glass to her.

  “You need to hold her head so I can pour it down her throat.”

  “She’s bleeding!” He sneezed.

  “Apparently, all this disturbance in your library has not diminished your ability to see and hear,” she quipped.

  “Arabella…”

  “All right. I will hold her and you pour.”

  With very little trouble, they managed to get enough of the whiskey down so that after about five minutes the cat was snoring. Arabella watched the cat’s eyes close with amazement. “That worked quite well. You are an excellent surgeon’s assistant.”

  Nash blew his nose and wiped his dripping eyes. “Not a role I intend to repeat. Let’s dose the other one, so we can finish up.”

  After dosing Hercules, Nash tied his handkerchief around his nose and mouth and put on his leather gloves as he held one animal, then the other, while Arabella sewed. She wasn’t quite sure since she was busy, but it sounded to her as though Nash gagged at one point.

  “There.” She sat back and admired her work. “All I need to do now is cover the wounds with a clean cloth and let them sleep.” She grinned at him. “Thank you so much for your help. The whiskey was a wonderful idea.”

  Nash grunted and stood. “This needs to stop, Arabella. If you want to take up some type of hobby, try watercolors or embroidery. Or gardening. Something suitable to your station.” He removed the handkerchief and used it to wipe his nose.

  “Now you went and ruined it.” She accepted his hand and rose. “I do not see why I cannot continue to help my animals. For heaven’s sake, no one needs to know. Besides, Her Grace, the Duchess of Manchester conducts her botany experiments by digging in the dirt, and her husband not only allows it, but follows her about to help.”

  “Everyone is aware that Manchester allows his duchess to act in an unseemly manner because he is completely besotted with her.”

  As you will never be with me, nor I with you.

  “If you will excuse me, my lord, I have a few items to take care of before I dress for dinner.” Her back stiff, she swept past him and left the room.

  “What about this mess in my library?”

  She turned back to him with her hand on the door handle. “If a countess does not perform surgery, then certainly, a countess does not clean, my lord. I will have the maids see to it.” With a little more enthusiasm than was warranted, she closed the library door just as Nash let out with a wholehearted sneeze.

  Oh, the man absolutely infuriated her! She rounded the corner toward the stairs and practically ran her mother down. “Oh, Mother, you frightened me.”

  “Arabella, a lady does not rush about.” She glared at her apron. “And what in heaven’s name have you been up to now?”

  “Two of my animals were injured. I had to sew them up.”

  Her mother actually paled. “What is the matter with you?” She spoke in a low, furious voice. “Your husband will not want his wife sewing up animals. You are a countess, now, Arabella. You must put these childish activities behind you. What would Lord Clarendon say if he saw you now?”

  “I would say ’tis time she put these childish activities behind her.” Nash strode down the corridor. “But now I suggest we all clean up and dress for dinner. We have an early start in the morning, so I asked Cook to move dinner up two hours earlier.”

  Well, who would ever imagine her husband and Mother not only agreeing on something, but both of them glaring at her as if she were a disobedient child. All of the fight went out of her. Despite what she had told everyone, her body was still weak from her illness. “If you will excuse me, I will order my bath.”

  Arabella turned to climb the stairs and stumbled as her knees weakened. Nash grabbed her around the waist and swung her into his arms. “We will see you at dinner, Lady Melrose.” He proceeded to carry her up the stairs. Instead of protesting, she laid her head on his chest. She tried to fight the comfort she felt, but it was no use. She snuggled into his arms as he reached her door and bent to open the latch.

  Once inside, he carried her to the bed and laid her gently down. “Perhaps a tray in your room would be best tonight.” Her heart warmed at the look of concern on his face. He really was a nice man.

  When he wasn’t being arrogant and self-righteous.

  “I am sure after a bath I will feel much better.”

  He studied her. “I think not. Call for Sophia and have her attend you, and I will join you after my bath. I will send word to your mother that we are dining here.”

  Although she knew it was not a good idea to allow him to order her about like that, truth be known, she was too tired to argue. “Yes. Perhaps that would be best.”

  He threw up his hands and raised his face to the ceiling. “Hallelujah. My wife agrees with me.” His harsh words were softened by the indulgent look he gave her. Something deep inside her twisted, but she quickly squashed it.

  Nash bent and kissed her on the forehead. “I will ring for Sophia and join you shortly.”

  Arabella was fast asleep when Sophia awoke her to help her into the bath. After a luxurious soak in lavender- and lemon-scented water, she climbed out of the tub and allowed Sophia to dry her off and dress her in another new nightgown, pale yellow with lace at the bodice and cuffs. Sophia left and Arabella slid into a matching wrapper just as Nash knocked and entered the room.

  He wore a red and black striped banyan, his hair still damp from his bath. As he walked, the bottom of the dressing gown opened to reveal muscular calves covered with light brown hair. She had a hard time taking her eyes off his movements as his elegant feet drew him closer to her.

  “Dinner will arrive momentarily.” He took her hand, kissing the skin with his warm lips. “You look lovely.”

  “I should really have checked on the animals—”

  Irritation flashed across his face as he held up his hand. “No. No animals, no surgery, no blood. Tonight, we will enjoy a quiet dinner, an early bed, and then off to Suffolk in the morning.”

  She couldn’t help but wonder if early to bed meant a repeat of last night’s bed activities. Despite her fatigue, the thought of what they’d enjoyed the night before brought a flutter to her stomach. Before she had the opportunity to dwell on that, a scratch at the door announced the arrival of two footmen carrying dinner trays.

  “Set them over there.” Nash pointed to the table in the middle of the r
oom with two chairs all ready for their use.

  Once the men left, Nash held out her chair, and inhaling all the wonderful scents, she said, “Everything smells wonderful.”

  The display of fish soup, lamb chops, braised mushrooms, green peas, two jellies, a pudding, and fresh fruit reminded her how very hungry she was. Nash poured them both glasses of wine, and they began their dinner.

  “Am I to trust you are all ready to leave first thing tomorrow morning?” Nash studied her over the top of his wine glass. “I do want to get an early start.”

  “Yes. Sophia has everything packed. I believe she had the footman take my trunk down to the carriage already.”

  He nodded. “Excellent.”

  Once they finished their meal, Nash poured himself a brandy and a sherry for her, and they retired to the two chairs in front of the fireplace. All the enthusiasm for bed activities had been wiped out by her fatigue, the heavy meal, and the sherry. When the room grew quiet, she found herself nodding off, until Nash stood and took the drooping glass from her hand.

  “’Tis time for bed, sweeting.” He took her hand and walked her the short distance to the bed. He helped her remove her wrapper, then slipping off his banyan, joined her under the covers.

  Tomorrow they would head to Suffolk. Arabella was anxious to see the manor, specifically where they would be able to build a larger kennel than the one in London. There should be plenty of room at a country estate for her to take in more animals. With that pleasant thought, she drifted off to sleep.

  Chapter Eleven

  Nash tapped his foot, waiting in the entrance hall for his wife to make an appearance. Once again, he checked his watch. He’d told Arabella he wished to leave at dawn. Here it was nearly eight o’clock, and she was still giving last-minute instructions on the care and feeding of her cursed animals.

  It had taken quite a few lively discussions before he’d flat out ordered her to leave the animals behind. He had no intention of sneezing all the way to Suffolk if he had to share his ride with recovering animals. Nor would he allow another carriage to haul them all. With their vehicle, and the one for Sophia and Andrews with all their trunks, the entourage was extensive enough.

  “Arabella.” He strode down the corridor to the kitchen where she held court with two footmen and Cook. She waved her arms around, still explaining.

  A quick glance at what he assumed was his exasperated face, she said, “I am ready, my lord.” She stooped to give last-minute pats to the several animals in recuperation, then with a sad smile joined him. “Couldn’t we at least take—”

  “No.” He grabbed her elbow and marched her down the corridor, out the door, down the steps, and into the carriage. He snatched her reticule from Quinn’s hand as he passed by.

  Arabella settled into the carriage and straightened her gown. “My goodness. Was it absolutely necessary for you to propel me out the door that way?”

  “Yes. We would have been there another hour had I left it up to you to decide the time was right to leave those beasts.”

  “They are hardly beasts, and they need me.”

  “And I needed you to leave.” He took a deep breath. “Let us not start off this trip at odds with each other.”

  “I agree.” Arabella settled into her seat. “Tell me about Clarendon Manor.”

  He loved his home in Suffolk and enjoyed talking about it. “Except for when I was at school, I spent most of my life there until I took my seat in Parliament. The house actually dates back to the Elizabethan era. The exterior of the house retains that appearance, but most of the interior was remodeled over the years. The gardens were at one time extensive, but we have cut back on them since before my father’s time.”

  “It sounds as though you enjoy time in the country.”

  “Yes. Mother did not approve of her children living in Town, felt the air was not good for our lungs. Consequently, Eugenia and I were left at the Manor oftentimes for months at a time with her governess, my tutor, and other staff members. Mother would visit us at least once a month for a week or more while she and Father were in London.

  “Once I went off to Eton, and then University, Eugenia was left by herself with no playmates. Although, even when I was at home, she was forced to spend a great deal of time indoors while I was allowed much more freedom. Mother had strict rules for my sister.”

  “And for you?”

  “Well, as a boy I wasn’t forced to sit for hours and embroider or do watercolors. Eugenia also spent a great deal of time practicing how to walk, how to sit. I think Mother even tied a board of some sort to her back to improve her posture.”

  “Good heavens. Poor Eugenia. It seems so unfair.”

  Nash shrugged. “I never questioned the discrepancy, since I was led to believe little girls had delicate constitutions and therefore could not run, play, or climb trees as well as little boys.”

  Arabella stared at him. “I don’t believe that. Not for one moment. There is no doubt in my non-delicate mind that little girls can climb, run, and jump as well as little boys. I have done such myself, and should we have daughters, I expect them to have some freedom as well as learning their necessary lessons.”

  “I suppose you spent all of your girlhood taking care of stray animals.”

  “Not all of it. Like Eugenia, I had lessons in comportment, manners, watercolors, embroidery, and pianoforte. I also learned French and German, along with math, geography, and history. Father insisted that I have a well-rounded education.

  “But, yes, as a matter of fact, I did spend too much time, according to Mother, rescuing animals and tending to their injuries. I loved when I could provide care for an animal that I found. Though my mother was and still is not too fond of my ‘little hobby,’ as she calls it.

  “Speaking of Mother, not that she said so, but I think she is concerned that you are less than delighted with her and wish for her to stay out of your way for a while.”

  Nash shook his head. If that was the woman’s concern, she certainly hadn’t wasted any time in settling herself into his home. “Truthfully, I have not yet completely gotten over my angst at what she did. Not just to me, by accident, but to you. It angers me that she thought so little of your appeal that she felt it was necessary to foist you off on a man old enough to be your grandfather. However, she is your mother, and will receive the necessary respect from me, and my staff, as well.

  “That being said, I own a house in Bath that I leave for my mother’s use, or Eugenia’s, if she desires to visit. If your mother wishes to have privacy, she is more than welcome to reside there. Or if she would like to holiday there.”

  Arabella stared at him. “Thank you. I will suggest it to her. She might like that very much, in fact. At one time, she visited Bath at least once a year. She still has friends there with whom she corresponds.” Her whispered words, and the relief on her face, touched him.

  He gave her a crooked smile. “Did you expect me to toss your mother out into the streets?”

  “Well, since you seem quite anxious to do the same with my animal friends, the thought had crossed my mind.” She smiled back, her eyes full of laughter.

  He reached for her hand and slowly withdrew her glove, the silky material sliding over her skin. He placed a light kiss on her palm and looked up at her through the curls resting on his forehead. “I am not in the habit of abandoning ladies to their fates.”

  He turned her hand over and stroked his thumb over the soft, sensitive skin at her wrist. “Ah, my countess, perhaps when you get to know me better, you will find I am not the ogre you believe me to be.”

  Her breath whooshed from her lungs, which she attempted to hide with a cough. She shifted in her seat, obviously affected by his actions. “Yes, perhaps.”

  His soft laughter at her discomfort with his attentions brought a scowl to her face.

  They made one stop for a late luncheon and to switch horses at the Bull and Bear Inn a little more than halfway to Clarendon Manor. Restless and anxious to be fr
eed from the carriage, Nash was quite happy when he was able to note the beginning of Clarendon land, with only about a half-hour distance from the front door.

  The sun had set, and it was near dark when the carriage rolled to a stop in front of his estate home. Since word had been sent ahead that their arrival was imminent, the household servants stood outside, lined up, awaiting their master and new mistress.

  “I will introduce you to the staff, but since it grows dark, I suggest you refrain from too much conversation. You will have time over the next few days to speak more fully to them.”

  He climbed out and turned to help her down. She shook out her skirts and put a bright smile on her face as she linked her arm with his and they walked up the stone path and greeted the head butler, Morton.

  Based on the dark circles under her eyes and the lines of fatigue on her face, it was apparent Arabella was exhausted from the trip, but she nevertheless showed the proper interest as Morton bowed to them both. After introductions were made, he proceeded down the line to introduce all the house male servants. His housekeeper, Mrs. Davies, then continued on and introduced all the female servants.

  Arabella was gracious, charming, and unaffected. Truth be known, he was very proud of her at that moment. She had the correct balance of approachability without a suggestion of inappropriate friendliness. The staff seemed enthralled with her, and Nash was hard pressed not to admit the same feeling himself.

  On the other hand, his mood dampened a bit at the extensive possibilities that presented themselves with access to more wild animals. More surgery. More arguments. He would need to find a way to keep his stubborn little wife busy. Perhaps more time spent in bed? He grinned at the thought.

  They were escorted to their bedchambers, Mrs. Davies only taking a few minutes to point out to Arabella what she needed to know for the night. “Your lady’s maid has been busy since her arrival arranging your things.”