The Earl's Winning Wager

by Jen Geigle Johnson

“Rid of him? I thought he was in the realm of acceptable, except for your personal and pointed dislike.”

  “My personal and pointed dislike might be enough. Shall I have to look at his face at family dinners?”

  Her smile grew, and her eyes lit with happiness. “Family dinners?”

  Then he looked away. “I suppose at some point I will no longer be invited.”

  “You shall. You shall come and enjoy.”

  “For that, I thank you. Now that I know you all, I don’t think I should be able to bear living in a world devoid of the Standish sisters.” He felt so cheery at being thought of as family he almost had a welcoming greeting for Smallwood on his lips.

  “I can take it from here, Morley.” Smallwood held his arm out for Miss Standish to take.

  “You may not.” He placed a hand over hers.

  But she wiggled her hand away and then waved at them both with her fingers. “I think I shall walk freely. I’d like to try my hand at balancing on these rocks without a strong arm to lean on. They feel so odd beneath one’s slippers, do they not?”

  Smallwood hurried to her side, but Morley let her be. As the two hurried on ahead—Smallwood making a fool of himself almost at her feet, chasing as she walked faster—Morley drank in the lovely sounds of the sea. The gentle, lazy, crashing of waves on the shore, a distant cry of gulls. It all seemed to wash over him and brought a sense of calm.

  Then a new hand rested on his arm.

  “I hoped you would be here,” Lady Annabelle’s voice purred.

  Her voice disrupted the calm, but he nodded. “Lady Annabelle. Thank you for inviting us to this picnic. It looks to be the premiere event in Brighton.”

  Her eyes narrowed as she studied the group gathering under the large tent. “It does, doesn’t it? There are some who would not deign to come, and of course it is rumored Prince George is already here at the Royal Pavilion. But we have a good group, plenty for your Standish friends to know.”

  “Thank you. Your assistance in this matter is most desperately needed.”

  “I’m pleased to help. They’re lovely girls. And did I hear their dowries have all been established?” Her eyebrows shot higher on her forehead.

  “They have. The Duke of Granbury wrote me this week, though how you’ve come upon the information, I’m not certain if I want to know.”

  “News of this sort travels quickly. You shall have no trouble finding suitors for them all, even the eldest, though she is almost on the shelf.”

  He bristled inside, but he kept his expression bland.

  As they approached, the sisters were already fast in conversation with others and receiving introductions all around them. Morley was pleased, until the group around Miss Standish seemed to grow. Smallwood was pushed to the outer circle as more bowed at her front. Her laugh carried out over the pebble beach to Morley.

  His unease grew. Smallwood didn’t seem to capture her admiration, but any of these other gentlemen could. And once she was introduced at Prinny’s ball, anything could happen.

  Did he wish her every happiness? Naturally. But he wished her happiness began and ended with him, not at the hand of some other gentleman.

  The other sisters seemed safe and well cared for. Even Grace. He smiled. Lord Weatherby had taken to throwing rocks into the sea with her at his side. Some others noticed and were making their way over. All in all, the event had every reason to be a positive one. If only he could convince his heart this was the case—even without Miss Standish at his side.

  Lady Annabelle began talking all about Brighton and the Season. “Our Season may hold fewer choices, but they are some of the most preferable. And when many are tired of London and the air and the smells and the crowd, they come to Brighton to bathe and breathe. Everyone is in a far better state of mind.”

  “I imagine so.” He took his turn to breathe deeply. “I enjoy this air so much I wish I spent every day here walking the water.”

  “How is that dreadful inn?”

  “It is not so very dreadful.”

  “Not when you can dine with the Standish sisters?” Her expression showed no emotion, but her eyes were still calculating.

  “I don’t know what you are trying to discover, but they are a lovely family, and I am doing my duty by them.”

  “And enjoying yourself?”

  He dipped his head. “And enjoying myself immensely.”

  “Very well.” She stepped closer. “But once everyone is paired off and your duty is done, perhaps we could try again, you and I?”

  Her question seemed to come out of the blue and took him very much by surprise. But before he was required to answer, a familiar voice called out from behind.

  “And he’s come at last.” Morley grinned at Lady Annabelle.

  They turned.

  “You, there!” Gerald waved. Her Grace, Amelia, walked on his arm. Morley chuckled at the sight of them. A jollier married couple he had yet to see.

  He lifted his arm. “You, there.”

  “Keep me in mind, Morley. I won’t be around forever.” Annabelle tipped her head.

  “Thank you. I acknowledge the honor of what you offer.”

  Then Gerald was upon them. He clapped Morley on the shoulder. “And how’s my lucky best friend?”

  Morley bowed over Amelia’s hand. “Good to see you.”

  “And you.” Her smile lit her whole face, and the beach seemed brighter.

  “And you, former friend. I am only surviving. And much relieved you and Her Grace have come.” They stood side by side and made their way toward the tent. “I should disown you as a friend.”

  “One day you just might thank me.”

  “Perhaps, but not any time soon, I’m afraid.” He indicated the crowd of men around Miss Standish. “And do you think this is easy? To take a family of women out in society? I feel like the ton’s most auspicious matron.”

  Gerald dipped his head back and laughed. Amelia joined in behind him, arm in arm with Lady Annabelle.

  “I’m glad you are amused, but I am desperate. You must assist me.”

  “I’ve come to do just that. Now, what’s this? You’ve brought the youngest out in society?” His frown amused Morley.

  “Not out in society, but simply out for a picnic on the beach with her sisters.”

  “And a few overly attentive lords, if my eyes do not deceive me.”

  Morley looked closer. “I see what you mean.” He picked up his pace. “We will talk more on this later.”

  Gerald waved him on.

  Weatherby was talking to Grace, their faces close. What possible enticement did the young Miss Grace have for Weatherby? Morley couldn’t fathom what his motivation could be, but he would feel much more comfortable with Grace on his own arm.

  “Miss Grace.” He bowed to them both.

  She jumped and put some distance between herself and Weatherby.

  “The Duke of Granbury has arrived and asked after you.” He held out his arm.

  “Oh, I’m so happy to hear it.” She curtsied to Weatherby and then took Morley’s arm.

  As Morley led the youngest Standish away, he glanced over his shoulder to catch the last of a possibly interested Weatherby.

  “Shall we go eat our picnic?”

  “Oh, yes, I’m famished.” She skipped along at his side. “I was beginning to wonder if people ate at picnics or merely stood around.”

  “Let us hope they eat.”

  Miss Standish sat on a blanket with Smallwood. Charity was in an animated conversation, surrounded by men who were equal parts amused and passionate about whatever she was expressing. He’d never met a woman like Charity.

  Kate was surrounded by women, and the group of them were chattering at high levels of energy, their skirts swishing about them. And Lucy—his eyes scanned the area for Lucy and then landed on her, at the duke’s side, smiling quietly and conversing with Amelia.

  He led Grace to a free blanket and went to retrieve her food. As he passed the duke, he in
dicated with his head, and his friend moved to join her. Some of Morley’s concern lessened in that moment. Perhaps the duke would really assist and he would no longer be alone in his efforts.

  Miss Standish’s beautiful laugh hung like musical notes in the air around him. As he turned his head to follow the sound, her eyes met his, and he was captured, not daring to breathe until she looked away again. Then the world sped up, and he resumed his path to the food tables. Oh, he was lost. And he wasn’t certain what to do about it.

  Chapter Thirteen

  June only half listened as Lord Smallwood went on about his latest horse purchase. She was interested in horses. At one point in her life, she’d dreamed of a large stable. And he was a handsome man, and attentive. But her gaze drifted over to Lord Morley and Lucy and Grace, sitting with the duke and duchess.

  She was relieved Her Grace had come. Perhaps the presence of the duchess would take some of the odd, awkward feelings that disturbed her when Lord Morley was near. And perhaps she could confide in the woman. She seemed genuine, caring.

  Lord Smallwood lifted her fingers into his hand. “I have been happier getting to know you this past week than I have been in a long time.”

  His eyes were earnest, his attention solely on her. He pressed his lips to the back of her glove. “Might I have permission to court you more seriously?”

  They sat mostly alone. He spoke quietly. Though she was taken aback by his timing, she was not surprised he asked such a question.

  “I—” She looked down, searching for the proper words to use. “I am flattered by your request. Might I think about it for a day or two?”

  “Certainly. I am not in a hurry…yet.” He lowered her hand. “I’m looking forward to Prinny’s ball. Perhaps you will know then?”

  She nodded. “Yes, I will have an answer for you.”

  He then talked of the other couples, the people sharing their tent. “This whole event was planned in part for your benefit.” He lifted a cup and indicated a pretty woman Lord Morley had spoken to earlier. “Lady Annabelle offered to assist Lord Morley in helping you and your sisters move forward in your social standing here in Brighton. So she included you on the invitation list and then invited more of the local gentlemen to round out the numbers.”

  “And what is she to Lord Morley?”

  Lady Annabelle had slinked over closer to Lord Morley and her sisters until the duke noticed her and invited her to join them. She sat as close as it seemed possible to Lord Morley, leaning across him somewhat as she greeted everyone else on the blanket.

  June tried not to be bothered by a scene she didn’t totally understand, but Lord Smallwood’s words seemed to be proven by her view at that moment.

  “They have a past. And perhaps a future? I think his mother approves, which is a remarkable feat in and of itself. Lady Morley is most adamant he marry well, and many a lady have not passed muster.”

  “How interesting. I know nothing of his family.”

  “Well, you wouldn’t. He’s a private sort of fellow about some things, Annabelle being one.”

  As June studied them, she saw some regard in his expression as he looked at her, some deference to her in conversation. They seemed familiar. Perhaps Lord Smallwood knew of what he spoke.

  “Lord Morley is ruled by duty.” Lord Smallwood’s breath tickled her neck. She knew if she turned, his face would be very close—too close—so she kept turned away.

  “Hmm.”

  A great restlessness filled her, and more than anything, she wanted to stand and take a turn—or a run, more like. She eyed the shoreline and wished to skip through the shallow, foamy water.

  Soon everyone was finishing up their food, and the servants were cleaning up. When Grace stood before her, standing by the duke and duchess, June could not have been more pleased.

  “Come walk with us, June.” Grace held out her hand.

  “I should like that very much.” She turned to Lord Smallwood. “You’ll excuse me?”

  “Or I could accompany?”

  “I think my sister is seeking some sisterly counsel.”

  “Ah, which might not be so easily shared I accompanied you?”

  “Precisely. You understand.”

  He nodded and stood quickly, reaching a hand down to help her rise.

  As soon as the three were out of earshot, Grace squeezed her arm. “We have the duchess all to ourselves.”

  To June’s surprise, Her Grace giggled. Then she leaned across her sister so she might smile at June. “I have heard so much about the role you played in helping Gerald with the other sensitive situation. How can I ever thank you?” June had aided him in avoiding an entrapment to a woman who still lived nearby, the woman in question having eloped with a footman, of all things.

  June felt her face heat. So much exuberance and gratitude focused on her was overwhelming. “I don’t think any thanks are in order, really. We have been so blessed ourselves by the care of your husband.” She waved a hand back to the picnic. “All of this is possible now. I can hardly believe it.”

  Grace sighed. “Yes, men are interested in us now.”

  June laughed. “Grace, it will be a few years yet for you.”

  “A few?” Her face drained of color. “But I thought surely I could have my Season next.”

  “You are still young, and our other sisters aren’t married. You don’t mind waiting?”

  The growing pout on her lip showed she very much cared, but she said nothing more.

  Then the duchess smiled a warm and caring smile. “Who is the man doting so much attention on you?”

  “Oh, that is Lord Smallwood.”

  “And?” Her eyes danced with excitement.

  “And…I don’t know. He is attentive.” She looked down and watched the pebbles as she walked. “There is a bit of news to share. Might I?” Her eyes sought the duchess’s.

  “If your question is will I keep your confidence, my answer is most definitely.”

  “I trust you will. My concern stems more from whether you care to be bothered with such trivial concerns so unrelated to yourself.”

  “On the contrary. I feel very involved and care deeply for your situation and happiness.”

  June studied her in wonder. “You are too good, too kind, the both of you.”

  “Morley as well. He’s of the opinion you sisters are now his personal responsibility.”

  “Yes, I know.” June looked away, not certain how to keep the disappointment out of her voice.

  “But I do not believe he acts solely out of duty.”

  “Don’t you?”

  “No. His affections seem to have been captured.”

  “Your Grace—”

  “Oh, call me Amelia, please. I need at least one friend who will address me as a friend and not as some creature to be revered.”

  “Might I call you Amelia as well?” Grace’s hopeful expression told June just how much she longed for family, for friendship and familiarity with others.

  “Of course. Your entire family may.”

  “I don’t know if Lucy would.” Grace frowned. “I think she prefers the titles.”

  “And that would be acceptable too.”

  June could feel her gaze. She had so many questions. What did she mean about Lord Morley’s heart being captured? That he felt like one of the family? He’d said it often enough. June knew he had interests in knowing her better, but in what way? She couldn’t always feel like a duty to him. Was he so dutiful he’d marry her himself if no one else asked?

  Even if she told herself she was happy to spend her days in the castle with her books, even if she told Lord Morley such a thing, would he then ask for her, just to ensure they were all married?

  Well, she wouldn’t wait to find out.

  June?” Amelia smiled. “You had news to share?”

  “Oh, yes, I am woolgathering. Something you said is dancing around in my mind.” She swallowed. “Lord Smallwood asked me just now if he might court me more seriously
.”

  Grace gasped. “You can’t allow him.”

  “What? Why not? Why does no one seem to approve of him? He’s respectable in every way, handsome, and seems interested in me.” June turned away, exasperated.

  “Who else doesn’t approve?” Amelia’s soft voice brought her attention back to the two of them.

  “Lord Morley, I suppose. He’s the only other one.”

  “And the others. Charity doesn’t like him.” Grace pointed out.

  “That’s just because he has Tory leanings.” June shook her head.

  Amelia laughed. “Oh, I like Charity, then.”

  “I can’t understand what is so wrong with him. If someone such as him were to be doting on any of you, I’d be pleased.” She felt her eyes burn. “I never thought I’d be the one with a match. I’d all but planned to be the one alone. And here someone very eligible is interested. Why should that be so wrong?” And the real issue, how could she turn away the only man to show real interest in her? Real, unmotivated by duty, honest to goodness, interest. She simply couldn’t afford to turn that away.

  “You said you told him you want to think about it? Why?”

  “I wish to know for certain the leanings of my heart. I don’t want to toy with a man’s emotions. I felt it unfair.”

  “Absolutely. You are an honorable sort of person with a loving heart. Any of these men in the ton would be happy for the rest of their days to have a woman such as you at his side.”

  June’s heart swelled. “I hear you. But I find your words floating in the air above me. Not one of them is sinking in.” She shrugged. “As much as I would like them to.” She looked out over the water. “After all this time of feeling like we were just the wealthy class castoffs, women to be pitied and helped because of our fall, I wonder if there are people left who might value us for other things, see the worth of our hearts, our humor, our minds, the things you mentioned—our honor.” Oh, it felt so freeing to share her feelings.

  Grace squeezed her arm. “I didn’t know you felt this way.”

  “I don’t suppose anyone did. But I did. I do. And I just don’t see how finding a bit of my own happiness would be wrong.”

  “Oh, dear June. Might I call you June?”