by Vikki Vaught
He did not know what caused the woman to hold him in such high regard, but he was glad she did. Perhaps that would help gain acceptance from the earl. “What a pleasure to see you again, ma’am. Have you been giving any more lectures? I hope you will enjoy my rose garden. It’s my aunt’s pride and joy. I’m sure she will appreciate your expertise.”
She preened. “I look forward to it. I would be happy to give her some guidance.” Lord, he hoped her aunt would understand and be tolerant of his.
The earl harrumphed. “Where is my errant daughter?” The man’s lip protruded, making him look like a petulant child, his arms resting on his large belly, which was covered by a straining, puce-colored waistcoat.
Cortland offered his hand. “Welcome to Wallingford Manor. I hope you had an easy journey?”
“I demand to see my daughter immediately,” the earl barked.
Fortunately, Wallis came out with Mary. She timidly approached her father and curtsied. Cortland hated to see the old Mary returning. “Good day, sir.” She bowed her head before the domineering man.
He looked down his bulbous nose. The dissipation was clear in his puffy eyes and ruddy cheeks. “You have caused me a great deal of trouble and money. What do you have to say for yourself?”
Cortland interrupted. “That is enough. After my housekeeper shows you to your bedchambers, I shall be happy to meet with you and discuss your grievances. I will make restitution for any financial hardship our marriage may have caused.”
Mrs. Hadley came out and curtsied. “Lord Melton, Lady Mildred, if you will follow me, I will take you to your rooms. After you have had a chance to freshen up, tea will be laid out in the drawing room.”
“Yes, Papa. Please join me after you have settled in,” Mary told him.
“I do not want tea. I will talk to your husband as soon as I have finished washing away my travel dirt,” he snapped. Still looking disgruntled, he followed the housekeeper inside and up the stairs.
Damn!
I hope this is going to be a short visit.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Mary’s worried expression tugged at his heart. Her childhood must have been a living hell. She murmured, “Please accept my apologies for my father’s abrupt manner.”
“It’s not your fault. Don’t worry, I can handle the earl.” He offered his arm and led her inside to the drawing room where his aunt sat working on her stitchery. After excusing himself, he made his way to his study and asked Wallis to find Collins, so he could join him for his upcoming meeting with Mary’s father, one that would surely be a trial.
Five minutes into his meeting with the cantankerous man had him gritting his teeth. Before his secretary could write up one contract, the earl demanded more changes. Collins ended up using several pieces of parchment before they finally agreed on the terms. Cortland had not only waived all the monetary part of the dowry, he also paid the five-hundred-pound debt the earl had owed to the marquess.
At least Winston Hall was safe, the modest estate Mary’s grandmother had willed her. Of course the earl had no choice regarding the property because his mother had made sure the earl could not touch it.
That would be a nice property for one of their children. Either as part of a daughter’s dowry, or a home for a younger son. While he was in no rush to have children, he did hope to have several eventually. Even considering they had the wealth of the viscountcy at their disposal, the added property would be helpful.
Thank God the earl planned to depart on Saturday, so they would only need to endure the obnoxious man for a couple of days. Something good did come of his discussions with the earl. He agreed to allow Mary’s brothers to visit for their entire school break. Of course it was self-serving, since the man wanted to attend a house party during the holidays, and did not want the added nuisance of his sons to curtail his pleasures. Mary would be so pleased.
Dinner was a miserable affair. Nothing his cook had prepared earned the earl’s favor. The beef was too dry, the potatoes undercooked, the lemon syllabub too tart. Of course, the earl blamed it all on Mary. Several times during the meal, Cortland had barely managed to remain in his seat. He’d wanted to pull the man up by the scruff of his fat neck and toss him from the house.
The worst part of the visit was the effect the earl had on Mary. She’d reverted to her “biddable daughter” demeanor, and remained quiet and cowed throughout the entire evening. She’d found such life and joy since their elopement, and he hated to see her father suck it from her. When he at last escorted her to her rooms, she complained of a headache and told him she just needed to sleep.
Around three in the morning, Cortland awoke clawing at the imaginary cord around his neck. The nightmare was so vivid, he arose shaking and drenched in sweat. He could barely pour the brandy into a glass, which he downed in two gulps. He spent the rest of the night sitting in the hardest chair he could find, determined to remain awake for the rest of the night.
Needless to say, when he arose at dawn and looked in the mirror, he had dark circles around his eyes, and lines etched into his brow. Not calling for his valet, he threw his riding clothes on and went out to the stables. He took a bruising ride on Zeus, pushing his faithful steed entirely too hard. When he returned, he personally tended him, making sure he had done the animal no lasting harm.
This had to stop.
Just when he thought the nightmares might be gone, they would return. At this rate, he would never be able to fulfill his wife’s wishes. If he could not be sure he would not fall asleep after making love to her, then he needed to avoid her bed altogether. Of course, that would hurt Mary, and he did not want to do that.
Curse it! There has to be a better solution!
Cortland’s day only got worse when the earl demanded to see his estate. He had proceeded to show the earl around the property, and the man criticized everything from the crops he would plant in the spring to the proper way to breed sheep. He also told him that he was far too friendly with his tenants.
That afternoon, when he joined the ladies for tea, he found one surprising aspect of the visit. Lady Mildred was enjoying his aunt’s company so much, she hinted that she would like to stay on for a while longer. He would take it under consideration, and if Mary was agreeable, he would extend the invitation to her since it would help Aunt Marjorie deal with her grief.
After he dressed for dinner, he stopped by and asked her how she felt about it. “While my aunt was not pleasant to live with, she actually apologized for her attitude toward me this afternoon. She told me she had to be that way because of my father. Evidently, the earl has bullied her ever since they were children. She’d been too afraid to show any affection toward me because of it, and deeply regrets it.”
He hugged her. “Have I told you how much I admire you? You have such a kind, forgiving heart. Well, if you’re sure, I’ll ask her after dinner.” He offered his arm. “Shall we go down?”
She smiled as she slid her hand in the crook of his elbow, and they went to the drawing room and joined the others. The meal was as unpleasant as it had been the night before. Again, the earl despised all the food served. Tonight he complained that the food was too highly spiced. After Mary took the ladies to the drawing room, the man started in again as they drank a glass of port and smoked their cigars.
When Cortland and the earl joined the ladies in the drawing room—after a grueling thirty minutes alone with the man—he extended the invitation for Mary’s aunt to stay for the upcoming holidays.
Lady Mildred accepted with jubilation. “Thank you, Hardesty. I would love to stay and become better acquainted with your dear aunt. I understand my nephews are coming for a visit as well. You will have a full house.”
“The more the merrier. I’m looking forward to meeting all three of them.” He glanced at Mary. “As long as my wife is agreeable, I plan to give a Christmas party for my neighbors and tenants; all will be invited. It will be in memory of my uncle and cousin. They always enjoyed the holidays so much. I kn
ow they would approve. It should be a pleasant evening.”
Mary’s eyes widened, and then her mouth turned up into a beaming smile. “Oh, Cortland. That sounds wonderful. Of course I agree.”
Aunt Marjorie dashed a tear away as she added, “I, too think it is a marvelous idea. Thank you for thinking of this. It will make my first Christmas without them easier to bear.”
Suddenly, the earl arose from his chair and declared, “How cozy. Since my sister is no longer needed in my household…after all, the only thing she was good for was chaperoning my daughter, you can keep her here permanently. She is now your responsibility. She will no longer be welcomed in my home.”
The bewildered look on Lady Mildred’s face had Cortland meeting his wife’s eyes, and she gave a slight nod, letting him know she understood they had no choice. If it did not work out with her aunt living with them, he could always offer her a home at Addington Hall.
He quickly assured the shocked woman, “We would love having you here with us—”
Before Cortland could say anything else, the earl spat out, “Good riddance. I will retire for the night. I want to be well rested for my journey tomorrow.” Then he stalked from the room.
Mildred bowed her head, obviously ashamed of her brother’s outburst. Aunt Marjorie reached over and touched her hand. “Please, accept my nephew’s invitation. Your presence has helped me tremendously over the past few days. I would love to have you stay with us.”
Thinking quickly, he told the poor woman, “Yes, we would as well. The conservatory and greenhouses at Addington Hall are in terrible condition. They could benefit greatly from your knowledge on horticulture, ma’am. The hall is only a couple of miles from here. Would you be interested in helping to restore them?”
While the fear was still in her eyes, she drew herself up and said, “I would be happy to. But I hate to burden you and your family beyond the holidays. Perhaps I could stay there until the spring. I’m sure I can make arrangements to let a townhouse in London by then. While I may no longer have a home with my brother, I am not without resources.”
Cortland, not wanting to hurt the woman’s pride, told her, “Let’s not worry over this now. We can see how everything goes over the Christmas season and make some permanent decisions after the new year. In the meantime, we will enjoy your company.”
Mildred gave him a grateful smile. “Of course, Hardesty. Whatever you think is best.”
While Mary’s aunt still looked unsettled, Lady Mildred brightened, and the two women put their heads together and began discussing the Christmas party.
He joined Mary on the sofa. Keeping his voice low, he said, “Are you truly all right with all this?”
She sighed. “We will manage somehow. At least Aunt Mildred will be occupied with your conservatory at Addington Hall. Since she has already suggested she stay there, that may work out.”
He reached over and touched her hand to reassure her. “We’ll just have to take it a day at a time. Now, about the party. Are you agreeable with that?”
She beamed. “Oh, yes. I look forward to getting to know everyone. Other than the funeral and church, I haven’t had much opportunity to socialize with our neighbors. Between your accident, then my father’s arrival, it’s been quite hectic.”
Then he had another notion. “Since we’ll be entertaining our neighbors, and your brothers are coming for a visit, how would you feel about inviting my sister and her family to join us for the holidays? We could even invite Lord and Lady Billingsley. I know how close you are to Kathleen, and I like her husband a great deal.”
“Oh, Cortland, I would love that above all things. That would give me a chance to get to know your sister better, and I would love to spend Christmas with Kathleen. I can’t wait to see everyone.” Her eyes shown bright, and joy radiated on her face.
Her beauty, as all that was in her heart radiated from her countenance, almost stole his breath.
Obviously, he’d pleased her, and it would be so nice to have all his family around him. It had been years since he had celebrated Christmas, let alone with his family. A warm glow filled his soul at the thought. “Well, if you’re sure you want to take all this on, I would greatly appreciate it. I’ll send out the invitations tomorrow.”
“It would be my pleasure.” She turned solemn. “I imagine you didn’t have a pleasant day with my father. I know he is difficult.”
As he toyed with her fingers, the now familiar warmth rushed through him. Just being in her presence calmed him. “It was a bit trying, but I managed to survive. Is your headache gone?”
“A good night’s sleep and the pleasant, although surprising, change in my aunt has restored me completely,” she assured him. “I can’t get over the difference in her. It’s like someone else has invaded her body and sent the old Mildred packing.”
Cortland guffawed. “You mean it’s not my devastating charm?”
“That may have had something to do with it.” Mary’s blue-green eyes sparkled. “My aunt met Gerrard and Aimee today when Miss Allen brought them down at tea. While she was a bit stiff in the beginning, the children had her smiling before they went back upstairs. I’m sorry you didn’t get to see them today.”
He met her gaze. “I thought it would be best if they didn’t meet your father. His gruff manner would have scared Aimee.”
“I agree. As much as they missed seeing you, it was for the best.”
“Well, I need to go over some reports my secretary left for me. There is a huge amount of paperwork involved when a peer passes away. Don’t wait up for me. I’ll see you in the morning when your father departs.” He squeezed her hand, then left the room.
****
Mary watched Cortland with longing. Obviously, he would not be coming to her room tonight, even though she’d told him she felt fine. Perhaps he would change his mind. Of course, she was sure he’d had a lot to contend with since his uncle’s demise.
She looked over at her aunt and again marveled at the change in her. While she would never have expected to have to live with the woman again, they could not avoid it. How like her father to cast the poor woman off now that he no longer had need of her. She could only hope her aunt meant what she’d said earlier. At least she could live at Addington Hall once the holidays passed, if she reverted to her old behavior.
Mary overslept the next morning and completely missed seeing her father on his way, but she was just as glad. She hoped he would follow through and allow her brothers to spend their school break with them. At least she would not have to worry over them until next summer, if he did.
Over the next two weeks, she spent her days getting ready for the Christmas season. While she enjoyed decorating the house for the holidays, her heart ached for her husband. He had not come to her bed at all. Each night, he would escort her to her room, kiss her cheek, and leave her, stating he needed to return to his study.
From the deep circles under his eyes and the lines on his forehead, she could tell he was not sleeping well, but whenever she asked him about it, he assured her he was fine. She’d asked if he was having the nightmares again, but he had bluntly told her he did not want to talk about it.
While he was unfailingly polite whenever she saw him, she missed the closeness they’d shared before her father came to visit. Nothing had been the same since. After their last conversation, when he’d almost bitten off her head when she asked him again, she knew she had no choice but to leave it alone.
Her only joy was spending part of her afternoon with Gerrard and Aimee. They had started visiting the kennels. One of the dogs had given birth, and Gerrard had fallen in love with the runt of the litter. Cortland had allowed him to have the pup, and now Goldie was the boy’s constant companion.
Aimee found a kitten that one of the stable cats had and she took her as a pet. Blackie was an adorable ball of fluff and the little girl spent hours playing with her. Mary had to admit she was growing quite fond of both pets. Her father had never allowed her to have one,
so it was her first opportunity to be around domesticated animals, and she could understand why people became so enamored with their pets.
In the middle of December, she received a curt note from her father, letting her know they could pick up her younger brothers on the fifteenth. Cortland sent his uncle’s larger, more luxurious coach to Eton to retrieve Michael and Charles. On the morning of the sixteenth, the weather had turned bitterly cold. The sleet that arrived on the heels of the frigid air made travel difficult, so Cortland took his smaller carriage when he left for Oxford to get her brother, Ben.
The sleet turned to snow by early afternoon. She prayed Cortland and Ben would make it home without mishap. As the sky grew dark and they still had not arrived, she became concerned. Aunt Marjorie and Aunt Mildred tried to distract her, but to no avail.
Finally, when she’d begun to fear an accident had occurred, she heard a carriage pull up out front. She ran down the stairs and out the front door without her cloak. The wind and snow blew so hard, she could barely stand, but when she saw Cortland and Ben crawl out of the carriage, she flung herself into her husband’s arms.
Cortland pulled her to him. “Darling. It’s too cold for you. Why did you come outside?”
“Oh, Cortland, I’ve been so worried. What took you so long?” she cried.
“Let’s go inside, and I’ll tell you what happened.” He wrapped his arm around her as they made their way into the house.
Once inside, she pulled out of Cortland’s arms and rushed into her brother’s. “Oh, Ben. I’m so happy to see you. Are you feeling well?”
He patted her back. “I’m fine, sis. It’s so good to see you. I was so shocked when I received your letter telling me you had gotten married. I’d been so worried our father would marry you off to one of his cohorts.”
