The Earl of Heartbreak

by Bethany M. Sefchick

  She continued to fret over the matter while she waited for Timothy, one of the stable hands, to saddle Glory and help her onto the mounting block. From time to time she glanced around, wondering if she might catch a glimpse of Rayne, but when Jack, the head stablemaster informed her that Rayne had ridden out earlier that morning and would be back sometime in the afternoon, she ceased her searching. And her worrying. She now had time to figure out what she would say to him that wouldn't make her sound more foolish than she likely already did. In fact, she would be lucky if Rayne did not think her touched in the head with her bold request.

  As she rode out towards the far end of Hallowby Grange, Sarah allowed the warm summer sun to seep into her bones. Though she had donned her riding habit, she had left her hat back at the stables and insisted that Colleen leave her hair in the plait it had been in the night before. Already the air was beastly hot and Sarah didn't want to make herself ill from the heat as she had been known to do in the past.

  Once she reached the picturesque lane that formed a border between Hallowby and Montclef, the ancestral home of the Marquess of Lansdale, Sarah allowed Glory her head and the mare took off at a gallop, obviously overjoyed to finally be exercised properly. Unlike Taffy and Toffee, Glory did not care much for London since she was unable to run as she liked, often expressing displeasure at being reined in most of the time. Now, horse and rider were one and Sarah felt her worries over Rayne diminishing the harder and faster she rode.

  Sarah had asked Rayne to seduce her. He had agreed. They were both adults and knew what the other was about. It should be a simple matter, really. Except that this was Rayne and nothing where he was concerned was ever simple. At least not for her.

  Sarah was pondering the issue with Rayne so much that she was unaware of how far she had ridden until she realized that Hallowby's grounds didn't extend to the small stream that flowed into the nearby village. That was part of Montclef so as quickly as she could, she slowed Glory and began to turn the mare around. While normally straying onto the neighboring estate would not be any great issue, the previous Marquess of Lansdale and his son, the heir, had been dead for close to two years now without the man's second son, now the new marquess, being located. The last Sarah had heard, the man was somewhere in America. Baltimore, perhaps? Or Boston? For as educated as she was, the geography of former British Colonies always escaped her for some reason.

  "Are you lost?" Sarah brought Glory up short at the sound of a female voice calling out from somewhere nearby.

  As she turned the mare again, Sarah saw a young girl, likely around two and twenty, emerge from a small cluster of trees. She had a basket around her wrist, and as she came closer, she popped a blackberry into her mouth. Ah, berry gathering. Despite the woman's relatively simple dress, it was clear that she was indulging in one of the upper class' more feminine pastimes.

  Sarah also took note of the woman's tanned skin, which, combined with the flat tones of her accent marked her as an American. And if those two things hadn't, her lack of a bonnet certainly would have. Though Sarah herself was eschewing one today, it was common knowledge that unless a young American girl was in London, they rarely wore bonnets or hats of any sort for some peculiar reason. Or, at least that was what Sarah had heard anyway, and for a moment, she wondered if it was really true. Then she decided it didn't matter. She was intruding on another's land and should apologize.

  "I'm sorry," Sarah replied as she brought Glory to a stop and slid easily off the mare's back. There was a nearby rock that looked as if it could double as a mounting block so she wasn't too worried about getting back on the horse. "I come from Hallowby Grange, which is the estate that neighbors this one. My brother is Viscount Chillton, whom most refer to as Frost, and he owns that estate and most of the surrounding area." She grinned. "Save for this one patch that juts out into Montclef land, of course."

  The other woman smiled widely, making her transform from merely pretty to beautiful. For a moment, Sarah envied the other woman that ability. She doubted that she had ever shown so brightly as this woman did in her drab dress and unkempt hair. "You must be Lady Sarah Tillsbury." She dropped into a slightly clumsy curtsey. "I am Pearl Weston. Or should I say Lady Pearl, I suppose. My brother Daniel is the new Marquess of Lansdale."

  Sarah was unable to hide her surprise. "I was unaware that your brother had returned." She frowned. "Or that he had a sister."

  Pearl shrugged and once more, Sarah wondered how this young woman would fare in the treacherous waters of London Society. Not well, she would wager. She was far too unrefined and lacked any sort of artifice. Not to mention that she was a true innocent in every sense of the word. That was a dangerous combination.

  "It is an ugly story, but as you are neighbors, I shall tell you anyway." Pearl glanced back in the direction where the manor house likely lay. "Even if I don't, you will be certain to hear it once I make my official debut during the Little Season. At least that is what I am told."

  Pearl gestured to a pair of nearby rocks by the stream that had likely been placed there as a place to rest while fishing. After tying Glory to a tree, Sarah gratefully took a seat. It had been an age since she had been riding and her backside was a bit sore. "Thank you," Sarah said as she perched on the rock. "And I promise that I will be the very soul of discretion. I am preparing to retire from Society myself at the end of next Season so not many people pay attention to me." Which wasn't really true, of course, but she wished to put the other woman at ease as much as possible.

  "I suppose it doesn't matter." Pearl popped another berry into her mouth as she offered some to Sarah, who accepted them gratefully. She had made the mistake of leaving the house without breakfast that morning. "Most people already know that Daniel was in America when he became the marquess. In fact, he has lived there since he was but three years old. Only my father and my other brother Augustus remained here in England after The Argument."

  "Actually, I was unaware of that." Though Sarah supposed she should have known. Frost likely did.

  Once more Pearl shrugged and Sarah decided that she would offer to help the girl with her debut if she would allow it. This young woman seemed far too nice to allow her to be thrown to the wolves come November. "I think my father tried to keep word of The Argument quiet as best he could. It didn't reflect well on anyone, or so I am told. I was not there. Or rather, I was, but I had not been born yet." She tugged at a fold in her dress. "My father was a violent and suspicious man, or so I understand. He indulged in numerous affairs and expected that others did the same. Including my mother."

  "Oh dear. That is unfortunate." Sarah plucked another berry from the basket. She was enjoying Pearl's company immensely so far. The other woman lacked the pretense and cruelty so common among Sarah's set.

  "Very," Pearl agreed, taking another berry. "Augustus was dark haired, just like my father, but Daniel was born fair. The proverbial golden boy. My father was convinced that meant my mother was cheating on him since in his mind, all children in the family should take after him. He forgot that my mother was of German heritage and rather fair herself. By the time she became with child again, my father had himself convinced that she was having a long-term affair with a visiting Nordic nobleman and that Daniel and the babe she was currently carrying were his."

  Sarah bit her lip. "So he banished your mother, and you by default, to America." Unfortunately, she had heard of similar stories before and knew this would not likely be the last.

  "Daniel as well," Pearl sighed though thankfully, this time she did not shrug. "I now believe that my father truly believed that Augustus was his only real son and that Daniel was expendable."

  "Until they both perished in a carriage accident." Sarah did know that much.

  Pearl shook her head. "Racing curricle. My father's solicitor did his best to describe the event as a carriage accident, but the truth is, my brother challenged my father to a curricle race over funds to cover a gambling debt. They crashed when neither one would give in
and tumbled into a steep ravine, here on the edge of Montclef lands. They were both killed immediately." Pearl shook her head. "It was in the papers Daniel received when he was notified that he was the new marquess."

  Rising from the rock, Pearl instead settled by the water. There was restlessness about her that Sarah knew would likely cause her trouble later on if it was not curbed. "We have only been in England for a few months now. We docked in Brighton and spent a great deal of time there while Daniel and the solicitor signed all of the necessary paperwork." She rolled her eyes in clear annoyance. "It was most confining. In Baltimore, while I still did not go out without a chaperone, I had far more freedom than I do here. Before my mother passed away, that is."

  "I am sorry," Sarah offered. "You have my condolences. While my mother is still alive, my father has been gone for a very long time." Not that Sarah missed him much. Actually, not at all.

  "I miss her." Pearl was not hesitant about her grief, something else that would be held against her in Society. "But Daniel has been the best parent possible in their absence. Even if he is a bit over protective at times."

  "Did I hear my name?" The bushes rustled again and from them emerged the most perfect golden man that Sarah had ever clapped eyes upon. Rayne was handsome but this man was nothing short of breathtaking.

  Clad in perfectly fitting breeches, a pale yellow waistcoat and bottle green tailcoat, he was the epitome of English male elegance, right down to his highly polished Hessians. When he bowed low, Sarah thought she might swoon. As a rule, Sarah did not swoon. Ever.

  "My lady. Forgive me for not observing the true proprieties but I am Lord Daniel Weston, the current Marquess of Lansdale." Then he grinned at Sarah as he rose. "By way of Baltimore, Maryland in America, if you could not already tell." He glanced at Pearl. "And I see you have already met my sister."

  Already on her feet, Sarah dropped into a deep curtsey, hoping that it hid at least some of her blush. "I am Lady Sarah Tillsbury, the sister of Viscount Chilton. Our estate, Hallowby Grange, borders yours on this very narrow strip of land." She gestured to Glory who was still lazily munching grass without a care. "I was out for a ride this morning and I was woolgathering, I fear. I didn't realize how far I had gone until I noticed the stream. That was when I knew I had crossed onto Montclef lands."

  Daniel chuckled, the sound rich and throaty and delightful to Sarah's ears. "Do not worry, my lady. My father might have been an ogre, but I am not. Please. Feel free to ride this land any time that you like. We are neighbors after all, and it is my goal to be a good one."

  His words and accent were a strange mix of both English and American, which Sarah found oddly appealing. For a moment, her heart went out to this man and his sister. Despite their obvious good breeding, it was clear that they were also a bit lost in this new world that had been unceremoniously tossed into. With his handsome looks and winning smile, Daniel would snag himself a bride in no time if that was what he wished. Pearl, however, was a bit rougher around the edges. Perhaps in America that would not be an issue, but here in England it would be. Especially in London.

  Deciding that she needed something else other than Rayne's seduction to concentrate on, Sarah made an impulsive decision. Though she still had to plan Frost and Lavinia's wedding feast and celebration, what would one more day's delay hurt? It wasn't as if Mama wasn't already likely making her own plans, despite placing Sarah in charge. In fact, she wouldn't be surprised if there were letters from Mama filled with party instructions on the silver salver back in Hallowby's front hall even at this very moment.

  "Thank you," Sarah said with another brief curtsey. "To repay your kindness, as well as your sister's most delicious breakfast of wild berries, I would like to invite you and your sister to dine at Hallowby tonight. Though my brother is still on his honeymoon at the moment, he is due back any day now." That was a lie but neither of them needed to know that. "And we already have another guest in residence, Lord Brook Bexley, the Earl of Raynecourt. I am certain you two will hit it off rather well. Rayne, as he is called, is very influential in the House of Lords and he can likely provide you with some guidance. I understand that Lords is a treacherous place to navigate, even for a seasoned Englishman."

  Immediately, Pearl whirled to face her brother. "Oh, Daniel! Could we? Please?"

  He laughed and Sarah could see the slight crook in his nose where it had been broken. So. Handsome but not perfect. That slight imperfection made her feel a little less overwhelmed in his presence. That nose also made it a little more probable that Rayne would like the new marquess, as well.

  Rayne. What would he say when she returned and informed him that she had invited the handsome new neighbor and his sister to dinner that night? Then again, why did it matter? He was not in charge of Hallowby. For the moment, she was. More over, theirs was a false betrothal meant to deter Baron Hodge. It wasn't real. The only real thing between them was the promise seduction. If Rayne ever managed that. For all of his roguish ways, she also knew there were lines he would not cross and she feared that included seducing the sister of his best friend.

  "Of course, I accept." Daniel's gleaming white teeth flashed and for a moment, Sarah was very envious of American tooth care. His smile matched his sister's in perfection so obviously they were doing something correctly across the Atlantic. "My sister and I shall be there."

  "Would seven o'clock suit?" Sarah asked as she dusted off the skirt of her riding habit.

  He nodded. "Very much so. In fact, I look forward to it." Then he leaned in while Pearl was momentarily distracted by Glory who had worked her reins free and was now nibbling at some wildflowers. "And if it is not too presumptuous of me, Miss Chillton, might I ask a favor?"

  "Of course." Sarah could feel the heat from the marquess' body, for he was that close. Just like Rayne's in many ways, but yet not at the same time. This was just heat. Rayne ignited fire within her. There was a difference, she was quickly learning.

  Taking her by the elbow, Daniel led Sarah closer to the rushing stream so they would be less likely to be overheard. "While I did not grow up in England, I do still have vague memories and have spent the last several months learning how to be a marquess. In Baltimore, I was a businessman, so I was viewed as a gentleman. I might not have perfect courtly manners, but I would not embarrass myself in London Society." He glanced over his shoulder to where Pearl was stroking Lacey's nose. "My sister however..."

  "Will not survive in Society without some help and guidance." Sarah said the words as gently as she could.

  "She is a bit rough, I know, but I do not believe she is hopeless." The look he gave her just then indicated that he prayed that was the truth and not simply what he wished to believe.

  Sarah quickly put his mind at ease. "No, she is far from hopeless. She simply needs a bit more polishing." She eyed Daniel carefully. "And you wish for me to help her."

  Surprisingly, Daniel shook his head in the negative. "That would be presumptuous of me and I don't wish to intrude upon a lady I have only just met and whom I suspect has issues of her own to deal with." At Sarah's shocked expression he smiled. "I confess to having a slightly sketchy past in some regards, Miss Tillsbury. Certain con artist skills among them. I saw how you moved when you mentioned Lord Raynecourt. There is more between you two than you let on. I shall not pry. Nor will I ask you help Pearl. I would simply ask that you behave properly, as I suspect you always do. I can tell by the way Pearl looks at you that she already idolizes you. In the past, because we are wealthy, others looked to Pearl for guidance and I am afraid that she pulled them down to her level." He sighed. "I don't mean to speak ill of my sister, for I love her more than my own life at times, but I am aware she could use some refinement."

  Laughing, Sarah nodded. "Act like a lady. I can do that, my lord, I assure you."

  "Thank you." The marquess looked more than a little relieved. "And if you could recommend a good finishing school where Pearl might acquire a bit more polish, I would be forever grateful.
As I said, I am very well aware that she needs help, but I also confess that I am at a loss as to where to start."

  "And a modiste and a milliner and jeweler too, I suppose?" Sarah was truly enjoying herself. Both Daniel and his sister seemed like lovely and genuinely nice people. She would be happy to help them in whatever way she could.

  "Those too," Daniel agreed, "but perhaps we can start with the finishing school for now. I am certain Pearl will threaten to disown me, but I fear that tutors and governesses can only teach her so much and she is a bit willful." He smiled ruefully. "Or perhaps more than a bit."

  For the first time in a very long time, Sarah smiled. She felt young again, and while she knew that Daniel Weston was not the man for her, it felt good to flirt for a little while and be viewed as a desirable woman. He didn't know she was The One, the single woman in all of England held to such an impossibly high standard that no one could get close to her. She had the impression that to him, she was just an attractive woman and she wished to keep it that way.

  "Then I believe I have just the place to recommend, my lord." Sarah smiled just a little wider at Lord Lansdale, simply because she could. "If you and your sister could arrive just a bit early tonight, I shall be happy to get you that information.

  "Excellent!"

  It was clear the marquess was thrilled with her proposal. Sarah could only hope that Rayne was just at thrilled with her plans for them for the evening.

  Chapter Nine

  "I still cannot believe you were so foolish as to invite them to dinner!" Rayne had been fussing and fuming at Sarah ever since she had returned from her early morning ride and informed him that they would be having dinner guests.

  Dinner guests! As if they were lord and lady of the manor when clearly they were not! Guests! As if he wanted another handsome, unwed lord being paraded under Sarah's nose the very day after she had been all but begging Rayne to seduce her. Was the woman mad? For certainly these were the actions of a Bedlamite!