In the Arms of an Earl

by Rose Pearson

  Her father nodded, his jaw set. “If he does not listen to you this time, then I shall step in at once, Harmonia. As I have come to learn, my daughters do best when they are allowed to choose their own suitors, and so I will support you in this. I only want the best for you.”

  Harmonia smiled, her heart lifting. “I am very glad for that, papa.”

  The anger left his expression as he drew in a long breath. “Very good, Harmonia. I insist that you inform me as to how this situation progresses. I do not want you to be alone in this.” His eyes dimmed. “I already made that mistake with Jacintha.”

  “You did not make a mistake,” Harmonia replied at once, not wishing her father to carry any kind of burden. “No-one could know of Lord Slate’s true nature.”

  Her father made to reply, only for there to be a knock at the door. The butler entered when called, carrying a small bouquet of flowers and a note, which he presented to Harmonia.

  “This came for you only a few minutes ago, my lady,” he said, crisply. “Can I be of any assistance whilst I am here?”

  Amelia ordered a fresh tea tray for the three of them and then looked at Harmonia expectantly.

  Harmonia could smell the blooms even before she lifted them to her nose, delighted with the sight of them. They were delicate and gentle, making her smile.

  “Well?” Amelia continued, impatiently, her eye dancing. “Who sent them to you?”

  A little embarrassed at having to read the note in the presence of both her father and sister, Harmonia opened it carefully, her heart singing as she saw Lord Newford’s name on the bottom.

  “Lord Newford – the Earl of Newford, papa – wishes to call on me tomorrow afternoon, so long as you consent,” she said, quietly, glancing up at her father. “Might I accept?”

  “The Earl of Newford, you say?” her father asked, a smile on his face as he saw how happy Harmonia appeared to be. “You know of him, then? And is there more to this acquaintance than I might immediately suspect?”

  Amelia chuckled. “Papa, do not tease her so. I have met him, and he is appearing to be a very amiable gentleman, with a kind smile and, from what I have seen, a strong interest in Harmonia.”

  Harmonia blushed and looked away, her happiness lifting her almost out of her seat.

  “Then I think it a wonderful idea,” her father replied, with a kind smile. “Of course, I shall need to be introduced and Amelia will sit in with you both.”

  Harmonia got up from her chair at once, stopping only to kiss her father’s cheek. “Thank you, papa,” she said hastily, her fingers itching to write her note of acceptance to Lord Newford. “I am sure you will like him.”

  Her father laughed softly. “Any gentleman who can make you smile like that is worthy of an introduction to me at least,” he said, as Amelia grinned at her. “Go and write your reply and then come back here to join us for tea. I want to know all about how you met this gentleman and what he is like.”

  Glad that her father was showing an interest, Harmonia promised to be as quick as she could and scurried towards the drawing room and her writing desk, the note clutched to her heart and her smile fixed to her face. She did not think she had ever been this happy in her life before and the prospect of seeing Lord Newford again only added to her joy.

  Chapter Six

  Phillip cleared his throat, adjusted his cravat just a little and waited for the butler to introduce him. He was nervous, he had to admit, but the thought of seeing Lady Harmonia again made him smile.

  “Welcome, Lord Newford,” Lady Harmonia said with a bright smile as he stepped in through the door. “How good of you to call.”

  He bowed low, aware that there was an older gentleman rising from his chair as well as Lady Harmonia’s sister, Lady Amelia.

  “How very good it is to see you again,” he murmured quietly.

  Lady Harmonia’s cheeks were pink, her eyes warm. “May I introduce you to my father, the Duke of Westbrook, and my sister, Lady Amelia.”

  Phillip bowed again, seeing the Duke’s scrutiny as he raised his head. Clearly, the Duke was aware of Phillip’s interest in Lady Harmonia, a fact which Phillip was not quite sure how to take. Was he to be viewed as acceptable to the lady? Or was he unacceptable according to the Duke’s standards?

  His palms started sweating as he took his seat, the Duke already beginning to ask him questions. He asked him about his family, his father in particular, his title, his estate, his holdings, his responsibilities and duties and whether or not he had ever been married before. Phillip answered each question as honestly as he could, well aware of Lady Harmonia’s begging look towards her father as he continued to throw question after question at Phillip.

  “Papa,” Lady Amelia interrupted, after a time. “I do believe that Lord Rodgerson was due to call on you this afternoon.” She glanced at the clock on the mantlepiece and looked back at him with a firm look in her eye. “I would not want you to be late.”

  The Duke cleared his throat, his eyes twinkling as he looked at Harmonia and saw her flushed cheeks.

  “Indeed, you are quite right,” he said with a smile. “Do excuse me, Lord Newford. I must go and meet with a very dear friend of mine. I shall leave you to the company of my daughters.”

  Phillip scrambled to his feet, relieved that the questions were, for the time being at least, over. “Of course, Your Grace,” he mumbled, managing a less than graceful bow. “It was a very great pleasure to meet you.”

  The Duke chuckled, clearly well aware that he had managed to disconcert Phillip a little. “Yes, it was good to meet you at last, Lord Newford. Good day.”

  Phillip waited until the door had closed behind the Duke before letting out a long breath, sitting back down and trying his best not to sag against the soft cushions.

  “I am so terribly sorry, Lord Newford,” Lady Harmonia said at once, an expression of embarrassment written across her features. “You must understand that my father means you no ill will.”

  “No, indeed,” Phillip replied, firmly, wanting to take away any lingering anxiety she might feel. “I did not think that for a moment, I assure you.”

  Lady Amelia laughed, reaching for her sister’s hand and patting it lightly – and Phillip found himself longing that he might be just as free to do the same.

  “You must understand, Lord Newford, that my father has had a rather trying experience with my younger sister Lady Jacintha, who recently married Henry Musgrove.”

  “Oh?” Phillip asked, immediately interested. “I thought she had a happy marriage.”

  “Oh, she does,” Lady Amelia assured him with a bright smile. “I believe them both to be deeply in love. However, my father was, at one point, pushing her towards an entirely different gentleman who appeared to be quite wonderful to everyone. It was only later that we discovered he was not.”

  “And that is why he is so insistent with his questions,” Lady Harmonia explained, still looking quite contrite. “I swear he would put any man who he saw within ten feet of one of his daughters through the same questioning.”

  “Let alone a man willing to send flowers and call upon his last remaining unmarried daughter,” Amelia interjected. “You are not too embarrassed; I hope?” She said with a mischievous look on her face directed to both Harmonia and Phillip.

  “No, not at all,” Phillip assured her, already feeling more relaxed. “I am very glad he cares so much for his daughters.”

  Lady Harmonia smiled softly and, as a tea tray was set before them, Lady Amelia made some excuse about finishing a piece of embroidery and, taking her seat a little further away from them both, set about with her needle and thread.

  Phillip could have kissed her. He had longed to spend some more time alone in Lady Harmonia’s company and now her sister was giving them just that, clearly aware of what they required. Lady Harmonia poured the tea and rose to hand her sister a cup, and Phillip could not help but admire her gracefulness as she did so. Her face was lit with a happiness that seemed to add to
her loveliness and, deep within him, Phillip felt a yearning unlike anything he had ever experienced before.

  “I was very glad to get your note,” Lady Harmonia began, her eyes lifting to his. “It is kind of you to call upon me.”

  “I have been looking forward to it all day,” Phillip confessed, making her blush again. “You are a very interesting young lady, and it is my desire to further our acquaintance.”

  He had no qualms in being direct with her, thinking it best to make his intentions clear from the very beginning. She did not seem taken aback nor astonished at his words, smiling at him before sipping her tea. Phillip drank his tea also, and, as their conversation began to pick up a little more, he soon found himself lost in conversation, thinking her the most delightful of ladies. He quite forgot about Lady Amelia in the corner and did not once think of the Duke’s persistent questions. All he saw and thought of was Lady Harmonia and her gentle smile and thoughtful answers. They had a lot in common, having a rather spirited discussion as to whether prose or poetry was the better to read.

  “Mayhap I should take you to the bookshop to find you some of the best poets,” he suggested, seeing her immediate answering smile. “Should you like that, Lady Harmonia?”

  “I would, very much,” she said at once, her delight evident.

  “Good,” Phillip replied, bolstered by her quick acceptance. “Then might I also ask if you would be willing to join me at the ball I am to host in a few days’ time?” Plucking the invitation from his pocket, he held it out to her, glancing towards Lady Amelia. “Of course, your sister and father are both invited also.”

  “You are very kind,” Lady Harmonia replied, taking it from him and opening it to read what was inside.

  He cleared his throat, hoping that she would be just as quick to accept his invitation. “I am aware that there is very little time between this invitation and the ball itself, but you can put that down to the fact that I have not known you for a particularly long time,” he explained, as Lady Amelia got to her feet and came to join them. “It is a masquerade ball, which, I think, will make it a very special occasion.”

  Lady Harmonia lifted her eyes to his, her eyes widening. “A masquerade!” she exclaimed, sounding very excited. “How wonderful! I confess I have not yet been to one so far this Season.”

  Phillip grinned at her exuberance. “It is sure to be quite wonderful, made even more so if you are able to attend.”

  Lady Harmonia looked to accept straight away, only to hesitate and look at her sister. Lady Amelia, however, gave the smallest of nods and, with a bright smile of her own, Lady Harmonia nodded.

  “I think we would be very glad to join you,” Lady Amelia said, with a gentle smile in his direction. “My father may not join us, as he is often tired these days, especially in the evenings.”

  Phillip understood at once. “But of course. Please ensure that he knows he is welcome regardless.”

  “Of course,” came Lady Amelia’s reply.

  Recalling the gentleman who had stuck to Lady Harmonia’s side the last few times he had seen her, Phillip paused for a moment, wondering whether he ought to invite him also. He did not particularly wish to have their cousin join them but neither did he want to be rude.

  “I do recall,” he began, a little hesitantly, “that there was a gentleman with you previously – your cousin I think.”

  “Cousin Luke?” Lady Harmonia said at once, the smile fading from her face. “Yes, he is often with us.”

  “I do not wish to be rude,” Phillip continued, with a slight smile, “so might you inform me whether or not I should invite him also? I would be happy to do so if you preferred him to be there with you.”

  His heart thumped in his chest as he waited for their reply, seeing the sisters exchange looks. He hoped desperately that Lady Harmonia was not in any way inclined towards the man and given how she had behaved the last time he had been with her, he had assumed she did not care for him in a particular fashion. He just hoped that he had been correct in that.

  “You are very kind to think of him and of us, my lord,” Lady Amelia began, throwing a look toward Harmonia. “However, you need not concern yourself with him and his attendance. We are quite happy to come to your ball without him by our side.” Her expression grew somewhat mirthful as Harmonia began to laugh softly, trying to hide her laughter behind her hand. “In truth, Lord Newford, you would be doing us a very great favor were you to leave things as they were.”

  Phillip glanced from one sister to the next, unable to stop himself from smiling at Lady Harmonia’s mirth. He was not quite sure what had been going on, but it was quite clear that his suggestion that they invite their cousin had not been a pleasant one.

  “Oh dear, I am making quite the fool of myself,” Lady Harmonia murmured, looking away from him. “It is just that – and I will confess to being honest with you, Lord Newford – that my cousin Luke is often by my side and, were he to be at the ball, I can promise you that we would have very little time without him.”

  It was carefully said and yet Phillip understood precisely what she meant. Clearly, she was a little frustrated by the grasping way her cousin held onto her and, since she had seen as much in her expression at the theatre, Phillip felt a deep sense of relief flood his heart.

  “Then I shall leave the invitation with you both,” he said, getting to his feet as he realized his time was gone. “Thank you for the tea, Lady Amelia, Lady Harmonia. I have had a very enjoyable afternoon.”

  “As have I,” Lady Harmonia replied, her expression clear and honest, adding to Phillip’s hope that there might be something blossoming for them both. “I look forward to our outing to the bookshop.”

  “Indeed,” Phillip smiled, knowing that he could not wait three days to see her again. “Might I take you tomorrow? Around the same time as today?”

  Lady Harmonia blushed and nodded, her gaze dropping away from him for a moment. “I would very much like that, Lord Newford.”

  He grinned, happiness blooming in his heart. “Then tomorrow it is,” he declared, taking her hand and bowing over it, resisting the urge to kiss the back of it. “I am already looking forward to it.”

  “As am I,” Lady Harmonia replied, as he opened the door. “Good day, Lord Newford.”

  “Good day, Lady Harmonia,” he replied, forgetting entirely about Lady Amelia as he took her in. She was beauty itself and, as he left the house, he could not help but smile in delight. What a wonderful afternoon it had been!

  Chapter Seven

  Harmonia drew in a sharp breath, her stomach tightening.

  “Are you sure you’re ready to do this?”

  Harmonia let her breath out slowly, her fingers slowly uncurling from where they had tightened into fists. “Yes, I think so. I need to show Luke that I am stronger than he knows, that I will not be intimidated by him simply because he thinks himself more determined than I.”

  Amelia shook out her skirts, coming to stand next to her. “You are very brave to speak to him so. I am sure father would have been more than happy to make your wishes clear.”

  “I know,” Harmonia replied, with a quick smile. “But this is something I need to do myself. He needs to hear it from me, not from papa, although I will, of course, seek his input should Luke not respond in the way I hope.”

  “You give Luke far too much credit,” Amelia said, firmly. “He is a man used to getting what he puts his mind to and that includes you. Despite your clear rejection of him – which I think we have both made very clear – he continues to pursue you in the hope that you will, in fact, turn back to him. Foolish man that he is!”

  Drawing in a long breath, Harmonia tried to settle her jangling nerves, knowing that Luke would appear at any moment. “Thank you for your support with this, Amelia. I could not have done it myself.”

  “No, you could not,” Amelia agreed, with a small smile. “The man is a hurricane and you are a gentle flower. He can be quite overpowering when one is alone with him.”r />
  Harmonia nodded, her mouth settling into a tight line.

  “Most unlike your other gentleman caller,” Amelia continued, with a slight lift of her eyebrow. “Lord Newford took you to the bookshop yesterday, did he not?”

  “I took my maid,” Harmonia exclaimed at once, thinking that Amelia was suggesting that she had behaved improperly.

  Amelia held up her hands, laughing. “I did not mean that, Harmonia. I was merely wondering if you had a good time with him?”

  “Oh,” Harmonia said, her cheeks heating with embarrassment. “I do apologize, Amelia. Yes, I did have a marvelous time. I thank you for asking.” She smiled to herself, her nerves fading as she recalled just how wonderful an afternoon it had been with Lord Newford. They had so much in common, although he had not yet convinced her to give up more of her prose in order to add poetry! The way they had laughed and smiled together had made her heart blossom with affection for him, even more so when he insisted on purchasing three separate books for her, on the proviso that one be a book of poetry.

  “Goodness,” Amelia murmured, as Harmonia realized she had been caught in a daydream. “It is little wonder you want to speak to Luke so swiftly. Lord Newford has caught your attention, has he not?”

  Finding it easy to be truthful with her sister, Harmonia nodded. “I think him a very amiable man, Amelia. He is kind and considerate, charming and polite. He is generous to a fault and we have so much in kind that I feel as though I have known him for a longer time than in actuality.” She shook her head, struggling to find the words to express what she felt. “Does any of that make sense?”

  Amelia laughed, her eyes bright. “Well, Harmonia, I think you shall soon find yourself declaring that you love this man, which I, for one, am very glad of. I think him a proper gentleman and certainly a good match for you.”

  Harmonia felt herself blush. “Do you think so?”

  “Certainly, I do,” Amelia declared at once, smiling. “Now all you need to do is to push Luke away with such firmness that he will have very little choice but to do as you ask, and then the rest will fall into place.”