by Karen Lynne
The Earl’s Reluctant Bride
Brides of Somerset Book One
Karen Lynne
The Earl’s Reluctant Bride
Book One in Sweet Regency Romance Series.
Copyright © 2019 by Karen Evelyn, writing as Karen Lynne
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review, without the prior written consent from the author. For more information, address the author at:
[email protected]
This book is a work of fiction. Any references to historical events, real people, or real places are used fictitiously. Any likeness to any person, living or dead, is purely coincidental. Characters, and story line are products of the author’s imagination.
Created with Vellum
Contents
Also by Karen Lynne
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Epilogue
Author’s Note
Sneak Peek Courting Eliza
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
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Also by Karen Lynne
Brides of Somerset Series:
The Earl’s Reluctant Bride
Courting Eliza
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To my daughter Johanna Dodge who without her dedication and inspiration in her own writing, I would never had started my own stories.
Chapter One
There was only a fortnight left before Susan Hamilton’s father was to be wed. Her mother had been dead three months. She had begged her father to wait at least six before marrying Lady Kensley, but he had insisted. They had no money, he complained. With the death of her mother, her allowance had been cut off, money that had supported them all these years.
Susan had heard the same story over the years, how her father had won Lady Coventry’s heart even at the disapproval of her father Lord Coventry.
Susan had never met her grandfather. Her mother had been admonished by Lord Coventry’s solicitor not to ever contact him again. If her mother agreed to abide by his wishes, she would continue to receive her allowance, but her dowry was forfeited when she had married Susan’s father George Hamilton.
She knew her parents loved each other. Her father had been dashingly handsome, her mother told her. They’d been happy here at Fyne Court. A home that Lady Coventry brought with her to the marriage. An inheritance from her mother. It was Susan’s only home.
When her mother had died after a short illness, everything changed. Her father became restless. Lady Kensley had shown up before her mother’s grave had grown cold, consoling her father with gifts of fruit and wines from her estate and inviting him to hunting parties. He entertained new friends, ones her mother would never have approved. Especially Mr. Caldwell, a crude young man not much older than herself. He caught her alone one day, while her father was gone, and asked for her hand in marriage. After that, Susan avoided being around when her father brought his friends home.
She wanted to stay here at Fyne Court when her father married. With only a few weeks left she needed to tell her father how she felt.
She found him in his study. “Father I wanted to talk to you.”
He looked up from his desk, his eyes tired. “Susan if this is about my marriage, we have been over this. I am done talking. I will marry Lady Kensley.”
“No, Father, it is not about your marriage. I want you to be happy, and if Lady Kensley does, well then….” She sat down. “I do not think I could live at Sutton Hall with you and Lady Kensley. You will not make me live there, will you Father?” She rushed on before he could speak.
“I want to stay here at Fyne Court. The Baxter’s will be here, and you could hire a companion until I come of age. It will only be a few months before I reach my majority.” She watched him as he rubbed his chin. “You know I will only be in the way at Sutton Court. Besides, I do not think Lady Kensley likes me”
Her father’s eyes softened as he reached for her, stroking her arms gently. It was the first sign of comfort he had given Susan since her mother died. He looked around the room. His shoulders dropped as he nodded his head. “You are probably right. If that is what you want, I will see what can be done.”
“It is, Father.” Susan said softly, still sad about her father’s decision to marry so quickly.
It had been a busy week getting her father ready for his wedding and now the day was upon them. All his belongings and trunks had been delivered to Sutton Court. Susan hurried down the stairs, where the footman opened the door, helping her into the waiting carriage. Mary, her lady’s maid, climbed in behind her. It's a wonderful day, Susan thought. The day was abnormally sunny after the long cold winter.
The ceremony was to be held at the chapel at Fyne Court just down the hill. Following a wedding luncheon at Sutton Hall, where friends and villagers were expected to attend.
The chapel was small. George Hamilton stood in the front with one of his cronies standing as witness. Her father winked at her when she entered. A warm feeling settled in her heart. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad. Her father had been unhappy since her mother died. She took her place by the altar. Susan would be Lady Kensley’s only attendant due to being George Hamilton’s daughter. Otherwise, she was sure Lady Kensley would have had none.
The bride entered the chapel on Mr. Caldwell’s arm. Lady Kensley was fashionably dressed with a blue robe trimmed in gold worn over a white muslin dress. A turban with two large feathers covered her dark hair, which did not improve her strong-featured face and prominent nose. Graceful did not describe her.
They all stood before the vicar as the short ceremony was performed, after which her father placed a kiss upon his new wife’s cheek. While the couple went with the vicar to sign the register, Susan waited outside where villagers and well-wishers gathered to greet the new couple.
Her father emerged from the chapel first, followed my Lady Kensley, as the crowd threw seeds with hardy calls of congratulations. After making a short speech, thanking all who came and, inviting them all to the party at Sutton Hall, her father tossed handfuls of coins, which sent the group into a frenzy.
The large banquet hall was already filled with guests by the time Susan arrived. Before the end of the first course, most of the guests were already tipsy with drink. Hot, humid air settled in the great hall, causing Susan to wilt as the stale smell of brandy stung her nostrils. Guests were more interested in the flow of wine, as the footman kept the crystal glasses full. Vulgar comments and rowdy laughter greeted the couple as Lady Kensley egged them on. Her father’s flushed face was an indication of his over-indulgence.
A cold chill crept up Susan’s spine as Mr. Caldwell leaned over and whispered in her ear. “Miss Hamilton, I’m looking forward to our courtship.” She tried to repress the nausea at the feel of his hot words. He’d
had too much to drink and had been leering at her all afternoon, trying to engage her in conversation. Her father had been too drunk to notice her discomfort.
Susan recoiled. “I do not know what you refer to sir.” She held his eyes trying to be brave. “I have not agreed to a courtship.” He must be crazy or too drunk. Surely her father would never give his blessing to this man without her consent. Cringing a sick feeling invaded her body.
He laughed. “We shall see.” He tossed back the rest of his drink in one gulp, his lustful eyes lingering over her, a wicked grin crossed his face. Susan edged away, as far as she could.
Wedding toasts began as friends of the couple tried to out-toast each other, and then Lady Kensley rose from her seat signaling it was time to change for the wedding trip. Relieved for a chance to escape Susan knew what was expected and followed behind her up the flight of stairs.
Two ladies’ maids were packing and preparing their mistresses things as they entered her chambers.
“Leave me. I want a word with Susan alone,” Lady Kensley said, dismissing the maids.
They hurried out, closing the door behind them. “Susan, your father and I have decided to sell Fyne Court. You will need to move in here for the time being.”
Susan stiffened in shock. “I don’t understand. Sell Fyne Court? But it’s my home. father said nothing about selling.”
Lady Kensley waved her hand in the air. “I talked with your father. After I explained the cost of supporting another household, he has agreed it would be best.”
Susan was stunned. “So, am I to live here?” Susan’s pulse increased as Lady Kensley’s words sank in.
Her step mother looked at her, unconcealed dislike in her voice. “For now, but I understand Dale Caldwell has lost his heart and wants to marry you. Frankly, I did not think Dale capable of marriage, but your father has given permission.”
Susan shuddered. “I do not love Mr. Caldwell, and I have no wish to marry him!” She could not believe her father would do such a thing.
Lady Kensley took off her turban, adjusting its feathers. “Do not be silly, Susan, Dale Caldwell is a rich young man and despite his behavior. He will make a good match.”
Susan felt panic rising in her chest. She would talk to father. Surely, he would not make her marry someone she did not love. Mr. Caldwell was a vile man. “I cannot marry him.” Susan held her head high maintaining, eye contact with her step mother.
Lady Kensley laughed, her voice shrill. “Oh, you cannot. Do you have a lover on the side then? One your father is unaware of?”
Susan could not believe what she was hearing. “Of course not,” she sputtered, blushing at the thought.
Her stepmother looked at her, a frown creasing her brows “Pity, it would have been easier if you had a beau waiting. You are still under age, Susan, so let me be clear. I do not want you here. I do not want any other women in my house now that I am married, especially another wife’s daughter. I want you married to Dale Caldwell and if your father can not convince you, I have ways of getting what I want.” Lady Kensley smiled “If you do not marry Mr. Caldwell, you will be thrown out into the streets to starve in the gutter.”
“My father would never allow that,” Susan cried.
Lady Kensley gave her a shrewd look, her tone icy. “George is married to me now. Look around you my dear. He can have anything he wants. Everything money can buy. What is that passage, cleave unto thy wife?” She laughed without humour. “You, have no alternative. I do not intend for you to run another house at my expense.”
Susan recoiled at the vehemence in Lady Kensley’s voice. Her world was falling apart. What would she do now? There had to be another way. She would rather scrub floors or be a scullery maid, anything rather than marry Mr. Caldwell.
“I must not keep your father waiting.” Lady Kensley rose from her dressing table. “If you are not officially engaged to Mr. Caldwell when your father and I return from our wedding trip, I will make your life very uncomfortable.”
Lady Kensley walked across the room and pulled the bell. Her maids entered the room. “Hurry, help me dress. We should have left by now.” She commanded. Susan left the room without speaking. Walking down the hall in a daze, she could not believe she was being forced to marry Mr. Caldwell.
Slowly descending the stairs Susan looked over the banister, where gentlemen were leaving the dining hall. Mr. Caldwell was talking to a group of ladies standing on the hearthrug. He leaned on the mantel, he turned, catching her eye, he raised his glass and smiled. She ignored the distressed feeling growing inside her and descended the stairs while avoiding the group below.
She found her father still lingering in the dining hall. He avoided her eyes as she approached. Her stomach retched. “Father, did you agree to sell Fyne Court?” Susan enquired as he looked everywhere but at her.
“I am sorry Susan, I had no choice.”
Her heart tightened at the despair in his words. Why did she feel so protective of this man who should be her protector? Her heart melted in sympathy. This situation could not be easy for him. “Father, I will pack Mother’s things, and find some where to store them.”
He reached out to her just as drunken voices cheered from the foot of the stairs. “Here she comes!”
Her father’s new bride slowly descended the stairs, her silk gown rustling against her legs, the bonnet's veil covering half her manly face. Scanning the crowd, her eyes locked on Dale Caldwell. She tossed a package high in the air. A second later, Mr. Caldwell's hand reached out and caught it. She turned her satisfied smile on Susan, nodding, confident Susan understood.
Tucking her hand into her Father's arm they strolled out to the waiting carriage. Cheers and shouts followed as the carriage headed down the drive. Susan hadn't been able to kiss her father good-bye. The hairs on her neck rose as Mr. Caldwell moved in beside her.
“Lady Kensley wanted you to have this.” His calculating voice sneered as he handed her the package her step-mother had tossed. “It is for our wedding.” he whispered. “Do you want to know what it is?”
Without replying, Susan turned away from him and, holding her head high, headed for the stairs. She increased her pace, suspecting Mr. Caldwell would follow her. She entered the room where she'd left her cloak, checking behind her before closing the door. The maids had started to clean, putting everything back in order. Susan needed to get home where she could think.
“Is there a back stairwell, leading to the stables?” Susan asked.
“Yes, Miss Hamilton. Follow me.” The maid turned away from the main staircase and moved to another part of the house where they descended a smaller, less impressive stairwell. With a few more turns, they emerged to the back part of the house.
“Thank you.” Susan dropped a small coin into the maid’s hand.
“Oh, thank you miss.” The maid sank into a deep curtsy.
Following along the path to the stables she could see the carriages lined up waiting to be called by their masters. The Hamilton carriage was worn and dated. Her mother had brought it with her to the marriage, along with Jaxon, the old coachman. The two horses that pulled the carriage were as shabby as the carriage itself, but Jaxon kept them well-groomed and the harness polished and shined.
“Miss Susan, I waited just as you asked.” Jaxon bowed, hat in hand.
“Thank you, Jaxon. Please take us home. It has been a long day.” Susan climbed into the worn carriage, looking around to make sure Mr. Caldwell wasn’t near.
“Aye, it has. We sure will be missing Master Hamilton.”
“Yes, we will.” Susan sighed, giving Jaxon a tired smile as he closed the door to the carriage.
When the carriage pulled up to Fyne Court, Susan climbed down and headed to her fathers’ study. “Jaxon, I will need you to freshen the horses. I am going to Montacute earlier than planned. Please be ready to go in an hour.” Dashing off a letter, Susan handed it to the footman. “Deliver this to Montacute.”
“Yes, Miss Susan.” Th
e footman took the note from her hand.
Susan looked around her. Fyne Court was her home. Her whole life was here. Her heart sank as she contemplated leaving. She’d give instructions for her mother’s things to be packed. There wasn’t much left. Anything of value had been sold long ago. Her mother’s harp which she’d taught Susan to play, the pianoforte, silver tea service, and anything else that could bring in extra money had been sold over the years.
Mr. and Mrs. Baxter stood in the entry at the foot of the stairs. “Oh, Miss Susan, the Master is selling the house.” Mrs. Baxter commented wringing her hands. “Now mama, don’t be worrying miss Susan.” Her husband replied as he laid a reassuring hand on his wife’s shoulder. Her eyes showed signs of crying.
“What has Father told you?” Susan asked. She would try to be strong even though her life was crumbling around her.
“Mr. Baxter and I are to be retained at the old cottage with a plot for a garden and a small hen house. The housemaid and footman are to go Sutton Hall with the Master.”
Apparently, her father wasn’t as innocent as he appeared, leaving Lady Kensley to give her the bad news. “I am going to visit Miss Phelips at Montacute while Father’s away. Can I send mother’s things to the cottage with you until I can make other arrangements?”
“Oh yes, we will take good care of your mother’s things.” Mrs. Baxter gave her a wobbly curtsy as, her husband reached out his hand to steady her before she fell over.
