The Earl's Reluctant Bride: A Sweet Regency Romance (Brides of Somerset Book 1)

by Karen Lynne

  “Buy Fyne Court? It’s the only thing I have left of Susan’s mother.” George Hamilton rubbed his chin, watching James.

  James watched George closely. “I hear Lady Kensley doesn’t want to support its running.”

  George Hamilton shifted uncomfortably. James suspected he did not like being reminded he was living off his wife’s money. Susan had already told him Fyne Court was for sale. What was he up to?

  “Come, George, I would not like Susan to think I had bought her.”

  George stammered at this. “Buy my daughter. I should think not.”

  “So, you see it would serve us both. I buy Fyne Court, you will give the property as a gift for your daughter, and she will not feel as if I had paid money for her. We both have our needs met.” James coaxed him. “Name your price. What do you think your property is worth?”

  George watched at him as James waited, holding his tongue. George Hamilton’s eyes sparked with mischief as he named his price. James held still, controlling his expression. He couldn’t believe the exorbitant amount he demanded. It was abuse. He was taking advantage at his daughter’s expense. He fully expected James to haggle over the sale but he would not give this man any reason to renege on their agreement. The thought of Caldwell touching Susan made his blood rise.

  “I agree on one condition,” James replied. “Susan must never know. It is to be a gift from you, her father, on the announcement of our betrothal to me!” James stated firmly.

  George Hamilton’s eyes grew wide and a big smile crossed his face. He stood up, clapping his hands. “Agreed, my boy. I would be happy for you to marry my Susan. This calls for a drink.”

  George poured two glasses of brandy and handed one to James. Her father downed his in one gulp and poured another.

  “I will have my man draw up the papers for the marriage contract. They will be ready by the end of the week. Remember, Susan is not to know.” James eyed him. “I will announce our betrothal at the end of the Season, then the money will be paid and Susan will own Fyne Court.”

  “Yes, yes. I will keep quiet,” George replied as he held up another glass and drank it as well.

  James controlled his disgust and maintained an even smile. “I must leave you now as I have other business to attend.” He put down his untouched glass and showed himself out.

  He retrieved the reins and tossed the groom a coin before climbing into his phaeton. His speed increased as he neared Hyde Park. The meeting with George Hamilton had not gone as he had planned. He knew fathers arranged marriages to the family’s advantage and daughters were expected to obey. But George Hamilton was putting his daughter up to the highest bidder. He was not so blind as to how the ton worked, but it left a bad taste all the same.

  Every woman deserved a suitable courtship where a gradual passionate admiration of each other might grow. He wanted that for Susan. He would make sure the contract stipulated that Fyne Court would be hers even if the marriage did not take place.

  Chapter Twelve

  The following days flew by in a whirl for Susan. The dresses that had been ordered arrived a few at a time, which made Mary flutter with excitement at the array of accessories that complimented the gowns.

  The countess’s lady’s maid kept Mary busy teaching her the proper way of caring for Susan. She was learning how to properly dress her as well as accessorize to the best advantage. When Mary wasn’t busy with her lessons, she was packing for their departure to London.

  The countess kept her busy with lessons as well. She spent her time refreshing her social etiquette, preparing herself for the larger, more critical audience of the ton. She didn’t want James to be embarrassed, so she studied every spare moment. She didn’t play the pianoforte well like Abby but her mother had taught Susan to play the harp.

  James had made arrangements for the servants to go ahead of their mistress so that all would be ready when they arrived at the town house. Susan had been taking care of her fathers needs for so long, she had forgotten how nice it was to be cared for instead.

  Their trip to London went smoothly, With the well-sprung traveling carriage it was almost a delight. Arrangements were made to stop overnight at a comfortable posting inn. When they pulled into London after two days’ travel, Susan was quite refreshed. She was impressed by the grand entrance of the town house. It was double the size of its neighbors with a fine carved door displaying a shiny door knocker, indicating the family was in residence.

  James gave his mother a broad smile as two livered footmen opened the carriage door. “Mother, I see you have arrived in good health,” He commented as he helped her from the carriage.

  Susan’s heart raced at the sound of his voice. Her hand warmed at his touch when, he gripped her hand as she stepped from the carriage. Then he tucked it into his arm as he guided her up the stairs into the house. “I have been to see your father.” James quietly spoke into her ear.

  “What has he said?” Susan hoped all was well with her father.

  “I shall tell you about it after you have had a chance to rest and change.” James released her hand.

  The countess had started for the stairs. “I will see you two at dinner.”

  “The housekeeper will show you to your rooms.” James lifted her hand and brushed it against his lips. Susan felt shy, as always, at the intimate gesture. “I want to show you around after you have rested. I’ll be in the library, working, when you are ready.” She felt his eyes follow her as she trailed behind the housekeeper.

  She was settled in a pretty set of rooms done out in chintz and situated next door to the countess. The effect was simple and pleasing. Mary appeared from the sitting room and bobbed a curtsy. “Miss Susan, I have everything ready for you to wash up.”

  Susan touched her hand to her mouth while trying to suppress a giggle. “Mary, you are starting to look a proper lady’s maid.” She was wearing a simple but clean gray uniform that complemented her trim figure.

  “Yes, miss. The staff have been so kind. The countess’s maid is teaching me and I have a very pretty room. I am ever so pleased.”

  Mary, eager to show Susan the rooms waved her to follow. “I was to show you your facilities miss.” Mary stopped in front of a door and opened it to reveal a strange cabinet.

  “It is called a water closet, miss. You pull this chain after you have done your business and it’s flushed down here.” She lifted the lid where a small brass bowl was enclosed. “No more chamber pots. His lordship has one downstairs in the servant’s hall as well. His servants boast the earl is very progressive.”

  “Thank you, Mary.” Susan was over-whelmed with the modern facilities. She had heard of these new inventions but had never seen one.

  Eager to talk with James, she washed the dirt off and changed into a fresh dress before seeking him out in the library. He sat behind a large mahogany desk, laying aside his paper as she entered. Standing, he came towards her and taking her hand, he led her to sit and settled into a chair across from her. She felt shy again as he studied her with dark eyes. She’d forgotten how well his shoulders filled his coat.

  “I trust you had a good trip?”

  “Your carriage is very nice and you were kind to make the arrangements. We were fortunate to encounter no mishaps on the road this time,” she teased, remembering their first meeting.

  James laughed, a rich sound to her ears. “I am glad.” His eyes glowed at her joke. “I have met with your father, as you know, and I shall not keep you in suspense. Don’t worry it is good news.”

  Susan relaxed in her chair.

  “Your father has agreed to our betrothal, and as he pointed out that you have no dowry, he has agreed to give you Fyne Court as a betrothal gift.”

  She was stunned. “He’s giving me Fyne Court? As a betrothal gift?” she asked in disbelief. “But we are not to be married.”

  “I have taken care of that,” James replied, patting her hand. “The home is to be given on our announced betrothal at the end of the Season. Even i
f we don’t marry, Fyne Court will be yours. My solicitor is having the papers drawn up, making sure the stipulations protecting you are in the contract your father will sign. You will be of age when we break our engagement, so you will have control of your life, Susan,” he reassured her.

  Susan felt a knot in her throat as she tried to control her feelings. “I don’t understand. Why are you doing this?”

  For a moment, his face clouded as he looked down at their hands. When he looked up, he’d recovered, giving her that cocky smile. “I have my reasons. Someday I may tell you. For now, can you trust me?”

  For reasons she couldn’t explain, she did trust him. Remembering his respect for his mother, he was the most unselfish man she had ever met. “Yes, James, I do trust you.”

  Nodding, he brightened. “Come, I want to show you the house before dinner. How are your rooms?” He stood, tucking her arm in his.

  “Very nice, especially the water closet,” she teased.

  James chuckled. “That was my father’s project. He loved new inventions. He would have installed them at Bowood House, but there was no sewer system in place and the cost would have been extreme, so the project was abandoned.”

  Susan relaxed, enjoying the tour. His home was very elegant but not ostentatious like Lady Kensley’s estate. She felt comfortable here with James. What would it be like to be his countess? She sighed, knowing she must settle for his friendship.

  “Here is our music room.” James followed her into a small, quiet room at the back of the house where the street noise was eliminated. The soft sage green walls gave it a calm feeling, better with which to enjoy music. A small pianoforte beside a harp were the only instrument’s adorning the room. Susan held her breath as she ran her fingers along the carved cherry wood testing out the tune as she plucked the strings.

  “Do you play?” James asked as he watched her caress the harp.

  “It’s been a long time. My mother taught me to play, but she sold her harp years ago when money was tight. I used to play every day, but I haven’t had much opportunity to improve since then, I’m afraid.”

  “Would you play me a tune?”

  She eyed him. “I know a little jig you might like.” She smiled, making herself comfortable on the stool. She tuned the strings before beginning.

  She watched James make himself comfortable on the soft chase lounge as he settled in to listen. Susan ran her finger over the strings, playing a few cords before starting. She began slowly, then picked up with a lively tune. It felt good to play as her fingers strummed the wires. She finished up the song and relaxed the harp back onto its stand.

  James clapped with enthusiasm. “That was fun. What do you call it?”

  “Martin Tatty’s Jig. It is one of my father’s favorites, the best I can do, I’m afraid, without music.”

  “You shall pick up some music while you’re in London. Until then, we have some sheet music on the shelves you are welcome to use.”

  “I would like that.” Susan gave the harp a last look as they left the room.

  I am sure Mother will want to take you shopping. Will you ride with me tomorrow? I would like to show you the Park. I have some business in the morning, but I could come by after.” He had tucked her hand back into his arm as they left the music room.

  “I would like that. I haven’t been to Hyde Park before. Abby says it’s most impressive. I have heard gossip in the papers about all the people you meet.”

  “Yes, it gets very crowded during the Season, especially Sundays. Everyone wants to be seen.”

  Susan was beginning to feel comfortable in James’s presence. She liked the way he kept her close, making sure she was looked after. It was a pleasant evening with just James and the countess. He renewed their outing plans to Hyde Park the following day, kissing her hand as he left for the evening.

  Chapter Thirteen

  He entered his rooms on 37 St. James street. “I need to see Mr. Reeves in the morning Sims. Will you send a note around? I’ll be in the coffee room around nine.”

  “Yes, my lord.”

  In the morning his valet handed a copy of the London Times to him as he left, preferring to read over his breakfast.

  The coffee room was quiet. A few gentlemen shared a table by the window. James chose a small table in a corner. He’d just opened the paper when a booming voice interrupted his thoughts. He looked up to see Capt. Rutley coming towards him.

  “Malmesbury, you’re in London. I can hardly believe it, but I see you’re here.”

  James stood as the captain shook his hand and patted his back. “Lord Malmesbury, I’d like to introduce Sir Martin Wycliff. Malmesbury and I served on the Continent together.”

  James bowed. “Sir Martin, good to meet a friend of Rutley’s. Won’t you join me for something to eat?” He gestured for them to sit.

  “James, I was surprised to read of your engagement today. I always thought you had intended to stay free of matrimony. She must be some lady to bring you to the altar,” the captain. declared.

  “You read of my engagement today?” James asked his brow furrowing.

  “Yes, in the Times. See for yourself.” The captain pointed to the turned down paper on the table.

  James snatched up the paper and scanned the announcements. There it was.

  The honorable Mr. George Harrison of Somerset is glad to announce the betrothal of his daughter, Miss Susan Hamilton, to James Belfour, Earl of Malmesbury, of Wiltshire.

  James tried to regain an even temper as he gripped the paper. “Yes, Miss Hamilton is a fine lady. She is staying with my mother in our London house. We shall be here for the remainder of the Season.”

  He couldn’t believe George Hamilton had jumped the gun and announced his daughter’s betrothal. It appeared he wanted the money for Fyne Court now. James laid to paper down on the table, as he contemplated how he would handle this new development.

  The gentlemen finished their meal and were departing company when James’s solicitor came in the coffee room.

  “Reeves, glad you could come.” James gestured. “I have just read the paper. It seems Mr. Hamilton has announced my betrothal to Miss Hamilton.” He handed the paper to Reeves. “A bit early, I am afraid.”

  A waiter placed coffee in front of Reeves, as James watched him read the notice. His solicitor relaxed as he laid the paper down. “I don’t know what to say, my lord. The papers were signed last week as soon as they were delivered.” Reeves rubbed his chin. “We could sue for breach of contract.”

  “No, Reeves, that won’t do. Go ahead and finish the sale of the property, making sure it reads as I requested. Miss Hamilton is to have full ownership.” He would not ruin Susan’s reputation over something her father did.

  “Very good, my lord. I have your copy of the agreement.” Reeves pulled the papers from his case and slid them over to James. “I will have the papers for the sale drawn up.” Reeves finished his coffee before leaving.

  James left his club, pondering Susan’s reaction to this new development. It went against their plans, but he found he rather relished the idea of having it known she was his betrothed.

  Susan had started the morning with a light meal. This was her first visit to London, her first Season. She deliberating while Mary finished her hair. It was going to be a busy day. The countess had scheduled modiste appointment after lunch, and a dinner party at the home of a friend.

  “Mary, you have out done yourself this morning.” Susan lightly touched her hair.

  “Her ladyship’s maid said this is the latest fashion in hairstyles.” Mary handed her the newest pelisse and bonnet to match her gown. “The staff says the park is the place to be seen by all the important people,” Mary assured her.

  She found the countess at her desk going over invitations. “I am ready to leave whenever James arrives, my lady.” Susan walked over to where the countess was sitting.

  “Enjoy your time, dear. We have a busy day. Here’s some pin money for your outing.” The
countess handed her an envelope. “Maybe you can convince James to take you to the music shop, but I’m sure you have need of other things.”

  Susan took the envelope and sat down. She felt a little pang as she fingered the paper between her hands.

  “What is the matter, Susan?”

  “I am a little scared of the upcoming events. I never thought I would be here in London for a Season.”

  The countess nodded her head. “I would be worried if you were not scared. The ton can be quite intimidating. But most of them are quite nice. In the end, it does not matter what they think; it is what is in here that matters.” The countess placed her hand over her heart. “Susan, you have a good heart. You will do well.”

  Susan hoped she was right. “I worry I may disgrace James.”

  “Your mother Anne was a fine lady, and so are you, Susan,” the countess assured her “Oh, I almost forgot. A letter arrived in the post today from Miss Phelips.” The countess rifled through the correspondence on her desk., “Ah, here it is.”

  Susan reached for the letter the countess handed her, opening it as she sat by the fire. Absorbed in the letter, she relaxed until she had read it all the way through, and then, looking up at the countess again. “Abby and Aunt Lucy will be in town next week.”

  “That’s good news” the countess replied. “You look lovely Susan, I see your maid is learning quickly.”

  Susan put her hand to her hair. “She is doing well, thanks to your lady’s maid.”

  The door rattled, and before the countess could reply, James swept into the room looking quite… well, Susan couldn’t seem to stop her heart as it squeezed in her chest. Would she ever get used to seeing him without her body reacting? Her hand tightened around the letter on her lap as he spoke. Putting the envelopes into her reticle as he approached, she forced herself to relax.