by Alexa Aston
Hudson resented that Cor played dirty even from the grave. If anything would tempt him to wed, it would be to become Meadowbrook’s owner. The special memories of his times there would be the only lure to tempt him into matrimony.
He cursed aloud. He didn’t want to wed. He’d tried to tell her that. Cor was a stubborn woman—even from the grave. She would know he didn’t need the money but the idea of owning Meadowbrook would appeal to him. Especially since it was so close to both Jeremy and Luke’s country estates. The three brothers, all within half a day’s ride of one another.
A part of him wanted Meadowbrook so bad he could taste it.
That wasn’t a good reason to wed, though. He might have looks and wealth but he was a by-blow. Yes, he had taken the St. Clair name, mostly to please Jeremy, though he was proud to bear it. He’d never be a true St. Clair, though. If he wed, his wife wouldn’t be able to move freely in society because he lingered in a kind of limbo. His family accepted him and always invited him to events they hosted. Any wife of his would also be welcomed at their homes. As far as the ton saw things, though, a duke’s bastard didn’t belong among them and would never be welcomed. Looking for a wife among the women in Polite Society would never work since the mamas would forbid their daughters from even gazing in his direction.
Cor had told him to look outside the ton. Should he? He wondered why he was even considering marriage. If he wed, would his wife resent all his St. Clair relatives for having what Hudson could never provide to her? If they had children, would those children be looked down upon by their St. Clair cousins?
Damn Cor for complicating his life. He was already far behind in work matters, which had him frazzled. He’d tried keeping track of everything while being in the country these past two months but it wasn’t the same as dealing with people in person. He needed to return to London at once to address a good two dozen matters. That did not leave time for finding—and convincing—a woman to marry him in the next sixty days.
Hudson sighed. Much as he would like to be master of Meadowbrook, he might as well see the estate go to Delia. He was a confirmed bachelor, in control of his own destiny. As much as Cor wanted him to have a family, he didn’t believe fate held it in store for him.
He mounted his horse and returned to the stables, not seeing anyone from the family. He entered the house and passed Barton.
“Dinner will be in half an hour, Mr. St. Clair,” the longtime retainer reminded him.
“Thank you, Barton.”
Going to his room, he entered—and found Jeremy waiting for him. His older brother sat in a chair, staring out the window. A touch of gray tinged his temples now. Jeremy had passed forty last year but was still in superb physical shape. Hudson chuckled to himself. Probably from running around chasing his large brood of children.
“We need to talk.”
“You’re using your ducal voice,” Hudson said. “Or I should say your ducal tone of voice. It’s when you give an order and never question if anyone will disobey it.”
Jeremy smiled wryly. “Is it perhaps because I am a duke and no one questions my authority?”
“Probably.” Hudson sat in the chair opposite his brother. “You may talk all you wish. I don’t have to listen. I certainly don’t have to act as you want me to. I am an adult.”
“You are,” Jeremy agreed. “One of the best men I know. In large part, thanks to Cor.”
He winced. “That’s a low blow, Duke. If we were boxing, you would receive a penalty for it.”
“We can agree Cor was the wisest of all the St. Clairs. She may not have been born one but as a duchess, she molded each of her grandchildren into being the men and women we are today. It was hardest for you, Hudson. We all know that. Yes, Luke and Rachel and I all had to share a house with our good-for-nothing father. He might have sired the five of us but he was a father to none of us. Cor was the true parent of the three legitimate St. Clairs.
“As for you and Laurel, Cor regretted until her dying breath that you’d been left unacknowledged until you were eighteen. It weighed heavily on her heart. Laurel, in marrying Anthony, gained entrance into Polite Society. Only because he was a duke. There are very few duchesses in England and members of the ton do not wish to alienate them. They overlook her humble beginnings because of her lofty position.”
“I’m another matter,” Hudson said gloomily. “I understand, Jeremy. I accept it. Believe me, having people snub me socially doesn’t bother me in the least. I’ve gone hungry. Been cold. Worked eighteen to twenty hours a day. Nothing those in society could do or say about me has any effect or influence on me. Yes, in a small way, it’s difficult sometimes because I am not your social equal. Has it stopped me from becoming successful or making a fortune? No. Has it kept my extended family from loving me and being loyal to me? Of course not. As you said the day I met you, St. Clairs stand together.”
“That’s why I want you to realize that Cor always knew what was best for us—even when we don’t always know that for ourselves.”
“You’re saying I should find a wife because she wanted me to do so.”
“Yes. She had her reasons for wishing you to become a husband and father. Even if it meant enticing you to do so by dangling Meadowbrook before you. We all know you don’t need her money. You have scads of your own.” Jeremy leaned forward. “Honor her memory, Hudson. She wanted you to have Meadowbrook. A home of your own, just as all her grandchildren have. You two bonded there. Meadowbrook is in your blood as much as it ever was in hers. Take a wife. Build a life with her at Meadowbrook. You can still continue your work on behalf of the family.” He grinned. “We wouldn’t let you slide away from us so easily. Not when you have the Midas touch.”
Hudson pondered his brother’s words. He could buy his own estate. It would never be Meadowbrook, though. What would it be like to teach his children to ride there? To picnic by the lake? To stroll through its gardens and inhale the sweet scent of the various flowers?
He craved it. Yearned for it. And Cor, wicked woman that she was, knew his desire for Meadowbrook would be his Achilles’ heel. It would be hard because it was so different from what he envisioned for himself but he could make it work. All it would take would be finding a woman willing to become his wife.
“I don’t think I can be like my brothers and sisters and find a love match in two months’ time—but I am willing to seek a bride,” he said.
Once the words left his mouth, Hudson wished he could be at peace. Instead, the only woman that remotely appealed to him as a wife was Lady Mia Sloane.
And she had declared she would never wed.
*
Mia recorded her observations in her journal as George cleaned up for the day. She had never thought about taking on an assistant but Mr. St. Clair had suggested it when they’d met to sign the two agreements at Mr. Davidson’s office. Though the former valet knew nothing about science, he was highly organized and took instructions well. She found having George’s assistance helped her accomplish far more than she would have on her on. Since she’d been in London, they had completed all testing on her steam engine. Mr. Garson, who was in charge of the warehouse, had found a property only three blocks away which would serve as the place to manufacture her machine.
She only wished she could work longer hours. The compromise reached had given Mia mornings at the warehouse to work on her experiments while afternoons were dedicated to remaking her. Aunt Fanny had been appalled that Mia hadn’t known what a corset was or which fork to use. She had never danced at an assembly so dance lessons were required. Her aunt tutored her in things Mia found impractical and useless but she listened with care. Her aunt and uncle had rescued her from an impossible situation and she did not want to embarrass them once she went out in society.
Aunt Fanny still had no clue that Mia had no interest in marrying and she wanted to keep it that way. Her uncle had taken her to his bank and helped her set up an account in her name. She’d arranged with Mr. Grant, who now serv
ed as her solicitor, and Mr. Davidson for her monthly funds to be deposited into her account. If Aunt Fanny grew upset enough with Mia and asked her to leave the household, she now had ample money to rent a place of her own. Even if Aunt Fanny allowed her to stay, Mia still might rent a place to live that would be large enough to work on her creations, as well. After so many years of being on her own, she still found it a little difficult to make polite conversation at meals. If she lived alone, she wouldn’t have to worry about that.
She was a little worried about today’s upcoming meeting. Mr. St. Clair, who for some reason had not been in London the past few months, had returned. He’d requested a meeting with her and asked if he could bring along his family members and some investors in her steam engine. The meeting was to take place at the Duke of Everton’s London residence. Mr. St. Clair said the duke was the head of the St. Clair family. She would explain her creation to the investors and they would be able to ask questions of her. Mia set aside the notebook she’d been using and retrieved another one. It had all her notes on the steam engine. She might need it, especially the diagrams, in order to explain to the gentlemen what her machine did.
“Everything’s in order, my lady,” George said. “I’ve also set up for our work tomorrow morning.”
“Very good, George. You have proven to be a great help to me.”
“I didn’t know if I would be a help to you but I’ve come to like what I do.” He chuckled. “I don’t always understand it but I find it interesting. Are you ready for today’s meeting with the investors?”
“As ready as I can be. I’ll admit I’m a bit nervous. It’s one thing to speak to an individual such as Mr. St. Clair and explain my device. Quite another to talk to a group of men.”
“You’ll do well, my lady. You know everything about your engine, inside and out.”
“I should be getting home. I’ll need to change.”
“I’ll fetch the carriage.”
The carriage was something Mr. St. Clair had added to the contract. He said he knew that she would need transportation to and from the warehouse and the factory once production began. The vehicle—and George—were a part of the agreement she signed. The St. Clairs provided the carriage and George’s salary. Mia thought it too much but it allowed her to move easily between her uncle’s townhouse and the warehouse without inconveniencing anyone.
She leaned down and picked up Nelson, who had been napping. He blinked his one good eye.
“You be good,” she said, checking to make sure the cat had fresh water and something to eat before they left for the day.
Nelson had not been welcomed at Aunt Fanny’s. Upon his arrival and introduction to her aunt and uncle after Mr. St. Clair had rescued the cat from Morris Park, Aunt Fanny had a monstrous sneezing fit. Her eyes also began watering. Mia realized at once her aunt was allergic to cats. Though it saddened her, at least she had space at the warehouse and Nelson spent his days there. Mr. Willis had said Nelson was a good mouser and the warehouse had far fewer mice than it had before the tabby’s arrival.
George delivered her to her uncle’s residence. “I’ll be here at two o’clock to take you to the duke’s,” he promised.
Mia waved goodbye and went inside. She’d explained to her aunt why she needed this afternoon to herself and that she wouldn’t be available for any lessons today. Aunt Fanny had been upset until she learned Mia would be meeting with the Duke of Everton.
“Everton is the epitome of a gentlemen. Still, I want Trentham to go with you. It’s not appropriate for you to meet alone with a group of men, Mia. You are a single woman and need a chaperone. Trentham will make the perfect one.”
She hid a smile. From what she gathered, she should be chaperoned by Aunt Fanny. Her aunt, though, found Mia’s work dull and boring. When she had tried to explain certain facets to Aunt Fanny, her eyes glazed over.
“I think Uncle Trentham will be a respectable chaperone. He may even know some of the investors who attend.”
“You said it’s the Everton family and a few others?”
“Yes.” Mia thought a moment to the list Mr. St. Clair had sent. “Family members include the duke’s brother, the Earl of Mayfield, and his three brothers-in-law—the Duke of Linfield, the Marquess of Merrick, and the Earl of Alford. And of course, Mr. St. Clair and a Mr. Proctor, who helps Mr. St. Clair in managing the family’s investments.”
“My, that’s an impressive group,” her aunt exclaimed.
“There are others. Family friends, from what I gather from Mr. St. Clair. I can’t recall all their names at the moment.” It was enough trying to keep the family members straight in her head.
Aunt Fanny patted Mia’s hand. “Wear the lavender gown that I like. It looks so pretty on you. It’s important to always look your best.”
Mia doubted the men would care one whit what she wore but she would wear the gown her aunt suggested because it was a favorite of hers. Though she had fought against wearing dresses when she first arrived, she’d grown used to them. She’d still saved the shirt and trousers she had on the day she left Morris Park. Perhaps one day, when she had her own house and workspace, she might return to wearing them again. For now, though, it was nice to look pretty.
She asked Soames for water to be sent up for a bath. By the time she bathed and had help from Aunt Fanny’s maid in dressing her hair, it was time to depart for her meeting. She collected her notebook and slipped it inside her reticule. Downstairs, she found her uncle waiting.
“Are you ready to dazzle these men with your calculations and machine?” he asked with a smile.
Mia laughed. “I think these men are more dazzled by ballgowns and horses, not dry talk of engines and how they operate.”
They went outside where George was waiting. Her uncle assisted her into the carriage. She went over in her mind the presentation she would make, hoping she would do justice to her engine.
The carriage came to a halt. Her stomach lurched. Nerves filled her as her uncle handed her down and they were admitted to the Everton residence and taken upstairs to the library. The butler announced them and she and Uncle Trentham entered. A group of imposing men were gathered in a circle, along with one dark-haired woman. They all turned to stare at her.
Mia prayed she wouldn’t faint from their intense scrutiny.
Chapter Twelve
Hudson had arranged for his immediate family to gather half an hour before the scheduled meeting with Lady Mia and their investors. He’d included Rachel in the group, thinking it would be less intimidating if a woman would be present to greet Lady Mia.
“Where is everyone else?” Luke asked. “I only see family gathered. I thought you said you’d arranged for a few other investors, Hudson?”
“I have. They will be here shortly, along with Matthew.”
“I haven’t a clue why you want me at this meeting,” Rachel said. “Talking about some type of machinery sounds terribly boring.”
Her husband slipped an arm about her waist. “Oh, so you would send me to this meeting and allow me to be bored?”
She batted her lashes coyly at him. “You’re so manly, Evan. You simply understand things like this much better than I ever could.”
“You’re not weaseling out of this meeting, Rachel. I have ulterior motives for you being here,” Hudson told her.
She eyed him with interest. “You have my attention.”
He cleared his throat, anxious about opening up to them. As in gambling, he always played his cards close in life. Revealing what he had in mind had him paralyzed with fear.
“Go on,” Anthony encouraged, his eyes kind.
Hudson cleared his throat again and said, “You all know the terms of Cor’s will. That if I’m to inherit Meadowbrook, I must wed soon.”
“You wish to marry Lady Mia,” Jeremy stated.
Rachel frowned. “Who on earth is Lady Mia?”
“The inventor you’re about to meet,” Hudson said.
“What? No one told me thi
s steam engine you’ve all been so keen on was devised by a woman.” His sister nodded sagely. “Since I have my own business designing landscaping and fountains, you thought that would give me something in common to talk about with your inventor. Plus, you want my opinion regarding the match.”
He felt a blush rise. “She’s not my inventor.”
“Well, you’d like her to be,” Rachel quipped.
It was true, so he might as well admit it.
“Lady Mia is a very unique female,” he began. “She’s far more clever than I could ever hope to be. Her knowledge of science is vast. Her design for this new steam engine is remarkable. Even if she were a man, I would want everyone to meet her because I think the St. Clairs will be doing business with her for a long time.”
“She has other designs?” Alex asked.
“Yes. I’ve had them moved to our warehouse and she is working on various devices in a space provided for her.” Hudson paused. “The possibilities are limitless. It will take numerous sessions to go over what she’s created and see if she has other devices viable enough for us to invest in.”
“But you’re interested in investing in her, as well,” Luke said.
Hudson nodded. “I am. I never thought to wed. I didn’t see myself as a husband and father.”
“This Lady Mia intrigues you more than with her inventions,” Rachel said.
“Yes. Very much. That’s why I wanted you to know this before she arrives. We’re not only going to hear about her steam engines. I want your opinion on if she would fit into our family.”
Several started to speak but Jeremy held up his hand and the group fell silent.
“We are touched that you care what we think, Hudson,” the duke began. “If Lady Mia is your choice—then she is our choice as well. It will be nice to meet her and hear her speak about her work. But know that you have our support no matter which woman you choose as a bride.”
