A Viscount's Second Chance (Hearts and Ever Afters)

by Joyce Alec

  “Are you truly suggesting that your betrothed was somehow in on this scheme?” another gentleman asked, sounding horrified.

  “You had better just admit it, Thornley,” said another. “Some of us know just how badly you are in debt.”

  Henry felt a touch on his shoulder and knew it to be Eleanor. He whispered thanks to Miss Blackthorn as she was helped away by another gentleman before turning his gaze back towards Thornley. He knew from Thornley’s expression that the man was fully aware that Henry and Eleanor were somehow behind this, but that he could not quite put the pieces together. It was just what Henry had hoped.

  ***

  Eleanor drew in a swift breath, feigning astonishment even though happiness was filling her soul. “You took the ruby, Lord Thornley? And then tried to lay the blame at my dear companion’s feet? Why would you do such a thing?”

  Thornley snarled at her, his hands now forming fists. “This was your doing.”

  “How dare you!” Eleanor exclaimed at once, and, with a sound that reverberated around the hall, slapped Thornley’s cheek which brought a gasp from the assembled crowd.

  “Lord Valliant,” said one of the gentlemen, who was holding the ruby. “Is this your missing piece?”

  Eleanor held her breath instinctively, even though she knew that the jewel did belong to him. Thankfully, Lord Valliant did not take long to recognize it, turning his fierce stare onto Thornley.

  “So, it was you,” he said, angrily. “How dare you do such a thing?”

  “I…I…,” mumbled Thornley.

  With a whirl of happiness threatening to burst through her chest, Eleanor stepped closer to Thornley who was, by now, an utter mess. He was stammering and stuttering, all bravado gone. There was nowhere he could lay the blame, no way he could get out of this current predicament.

  “Our engagement is at an end, Lord Thornley,” she said, loud enough for the crowd to hear. “I will not be married to a thief—especially not one who tried to blame my dear companion, Miss Wiltshire.” Turning away from him, she began to walk away, only to pause and look over her shoulder. “I shall never think of you again,” she finished, continuing to climb up the steps and away from the ballroom.

  Eleanor did not know where she was walking, only that she wanted to find a quiet space where she might watch the continued proceedings without interruption. She could hardly believe that their nightmare was now at an end and that Miss Wiltshire’s name was clear of any scandal.

  A hand suddenly grasped her wrist, and, with a yelp of surprise, Eleanor found herself pulled into another room, the door slammed shut behind her.

  Hands grasped her shoulders and pressed her against the wall, just as Henry’s lips found hers. Eleanor responded at once, digging her hands into his hair and returning his kiss with all the passion and relief she felt. There was no one like her Henry. No other man could compare to him. He had stood by her side and helped her through the mire, bringing her safely to the other side. How long he had loved her. If she had known even a fraction of what he had felt at the time, how differently her life might have turned out. However, at least now, they were together.

  “My love for you continues to burn,” Henry murmured against her mouth as he drew in ragged breaths. “I cannot live without you, Eleanor.”

  “And finally, I am free of Lord Thornley,” Eleanor responded, looking into his eyes as he moved slightly away from her. “I do not believe there is any need for us to go to Scotland.”

  She saw the swift kick of disappointment in his eyes, and, needing to reassure him at once, laughed softly. “All I meant, Henry, is that we might be wed here in town, instead of traveling to Scotland.”

  Hope flared in his eyes. “You are willing to marry me, then? To become my wife?”

  “Henry,” Eleanor murmured, letting her fingers run down his cheek. “How can you think that I would not wish to share my life with you? Can you not see how much I feel?” She brought her mouth to his again, but kissed him lightly and sweetly, laughing softly at the sigh that escaped from his lips.

  “I did not love my first husband,” she continued, remembering the shock it had been to find out she was engaged to him. “And I came to believe that marriage was simply something I would have to endure.”

  “Not with me,” he said, catching her hands and holding them tightly. “You know how much I love you. Our lives together will be something to be enjoyed, with love as our guiding anchor.”

  Eleanor smiled, the future spread out before her as a bright, shining path. “I swear I will love you for the rest of my days, Henry. You are the best man I know.”

  Henry wrapped his arms around her, holding her tightly in his embrace. Eleanor sighed happily to herself, feeling the chains that Thornley had held fall free from around her. Finally, she was to be happy, wed to a man she loved. A man who had loved her, even before she had known his name. Her Henry.

  Epilogue

  Eleanor hummed to herself as she walked outside, her face tilted towards the sunshine. It was a beautiful day and she could think of nothing better than taking a walk outdoors in the fresh air.

  The air was crisp and clean, and Eleanor drew in a long breath, smiling to herself. How much things had changed in these last few months.

  Wandering through the flower-covered gardens, Eleanor thought back to the day she had read of her engagement to Lord Armitage in the society papers. It had brought a rush of pleasure, seeing her name next to his, knowing that they were to be wed soon. She had spent almost every day in his company, growing more and more excited by the day.

  Their wedding day had come and she had made her vows before God, knowing that the love she had in her heart for this man was only going to grow as they spent their years together. Henry had made his vows to her, his eyes practically glowing with love, their hands clasped together as the clergyman pronounced them man and wife. She had hardly been able to believe it had finally happened, almost overwhelmed with happiness and delight.

  After their honeymoon, Henry had asked Eleanor where she most wished to reside, aware that she found a great deal of delight in town. However, Eleanor had declared that she had quite enough of town for the moment and so, much to Henry’s delight, they had come to live in his country estate and had spent a wonderful eight months residing there together. Henry had shown her what it meant to be loved by a man, a man who cherished and loved her for who she was instead of treating her like a possession, like a duty that needed to be fulfilled. It was an entirely new experience and one that Eleanor was beginning to treasure.

  “Eleanor!”

  Hearing the sound of her husband’s voice, Eleanor turned at once and saw Henry walking towards her, a broad smile on his face. He caught her hands and kissed her, hard, as though he had not seen her in a great many days when, in reality, they had awoken together in the same bed only a few hours earlier.

  Breathless, Eleanor broke away from him, laughing. “Have you missed me, Henry?”

  He chuckled, pressing his lips to her cheek. “More than you know.” His hand rubbed across the soft swell of her belly. “And how is our daughter today?”

  “Our daughter?” Eleanor asked, lifting one eyebrow. “I thought you were quite convinced it was to be a boy.”

  Henry shook his head, his eyes dancing as the baby kicked under his hand. “No, I think it is a determined little girl, who shall be just as beautiful and just as intelligent as her mother.”

  Eleanor’s expression softened. “You should not mind if it is not a boy?”

  “Mind?” he exclaimed, his eyes widening. “No, indeed. We shall have a great number of children, I am quite sure, but even if they are all girls, I shall be the happiest man in all of England—especially if they all turn out to be like you.”

  Eleanor could not help but kiss him again, her hands framing his face. “You are always so good to me, Henry.”

  He smiled at her and linked her arm through his, before walking through the gardens with her again. “Now, would you l
ike to hear my news?”

  “News?” Eleanor asked, surprised. “Yes, indeed.”

  “It is about Miss Wiltshire.”

  Eleanor stopped at once, looking at him in astonishment. “Miss Wiltshire?” she asked, wondering what this had to do with her cousin. “Whatever is the matter?” Miss Wiltshire had continued to live with them, just as Eleanor had promised, although she did see less of the lady than she once had.

  Miss Wiltshire had found two ladies in the nearest village who had a small dress shop that they ran together and had found both company and usefulness there. She often walked there to spend time with them and Eleanor was glad for her, for she had been worried that Miss Wiltshire would feel a little lonely in the changed circumstances.

  “It seems Miss Wiltshire has been seen in the vicar’s company of late,” Henry said, a broad smile on his face.

  “Yes, I knew of that,” Eleanor replied, not quite understanding the reason for her husband’s good humor. “That cannot be of note, surely.”

  “Ah, but I had the pleasure of the vicar’s company this morning. It appears he and Miss Wiltshire make something of a good match.”

  Again, Eleanor stopped in her tracks, dropping her husband’s arm and staring up at him. Her heart beat frantically in her chest, as a burst of happiness exploded in her heart. “You mean, he wishes to marry her?”

  Henry nodded. “He came to seek my permission, although I told him that was not required.” He tucked a stray strand of hair behind Eleanor’s ear, letting his fingers run down her cheekbone. “Do you think she will accept?”

  Eleanor could hardly speak for joy, thrilled that her friend would soon have a home of her own. “I know she will!” she exclaimed, catching Henry’s hand. “She has confessed to me that she thinks him a most amiable man.”

  Chuckling, Henry shook his head. “It is just as you predicted, Eleanor. Did you not say that she would find a worthy clergyman to be her husband?”

  “I believe I did,” Eleanor laughed, recalling her words. “I am truly glad for her. Everything we went through with Lord Thornley and his dishonorable plans was worth it.”

  “More than worth it,” Henry murmured, his eyes darkening just a fraction. “I do not think I have ever loved you as much as I do today, Eleanor.”

  Her expression softened, her heart filled with gladness as she reached for her husband again. “And I love you more with each passing day, Henry,” she murmured, before reaching up to kiss him once more.

  ***

  THE END

  If you loved reading this book, discover all the heartwarming romance stories in the Hearts and Ever After Series. All books are stand-alone stories and can be read in any order.

  An Earl’s Agreement

  An arranged marriage turns dangerous when he will stop at nothing to make her his bride! Will her hero prevail?

  Married to a Marquess

  After her wedding day, Alice never saw her husband again. She must now take charge of her own life if she is to ever know happiness!

  A Viscount’s Second Chance

  Henry is thrilled to have a second chance at love, but he risks losing Eleanor again when a scandal threatens to tear them apart!

  A Duke for Christmas

  Isabella did not want to end up on Charles’ doorstep, but it might be exactly what both of them need… A clean, Regency romance to warm your heart.

  Unexpected Earl

  Catherine is enamored with Lord Kerr and plans to marry him, but Lord Linton will do all he can to stop the union.

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  About the Author

  Joyce Alec grew up in Colorado and graduated from college with a degree in business. After developing a passion for books, she spent countless hours reading a variety of genres, but fell in love with sweet, historical romances. Joyce’s passion for reading eventually cultivated into a love for writing, so creating Regency-era tales of love is a dream come true for her.

  After planting her roots in Florida, Joyce found another passion: the ocean! In her free time, you can find Joyce at the beach with a big floppy hat, flip-flops, and a vanilla iced coffee in hand. She lives in the Sunshine State with her prince charming and wildly vivacious son.

  BONUS CONTENT

  Rescuing a Lady

  Text Copyright © 2016 by Caroline Johnson

  All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictionally. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or to actual events or locales is entirely coincidental.

  First printing, 2016

  Publisher

  Love Light Faith, LLC

  400 NW 7th Avenue, Unit 825

  Fort Lauderdale, FL 33302

  www.LoveLightFaith.com

  Rescuing a Lady

  By: Caroline Johnson

  Rescuing a Lady

  Chapter 1

  England, 1839

  “It’s gone? What do you mean, it’s gone?”

  Martha stared in confusion at her stepbrother, whose sickly smile made her stomach churn.

  “Simply that, dear sister. It’s gone. Your dowry is gone. I have taken it and used it to further my business. You really aren’t the brightest young lady, are you?”

  His mocking smile told her that he was enjoying her distress.

  “What am I supposed to do?” Martha cried, struggling to keep her composure. “Gerald, you promised father –”

  Gerald snapped, “He was your father—not mine. I may have promised that I would look after you, but how I choose to do so is entirely my prerogative.”

  His sneer was back. This did not bode well.

  Martha was completely at his mercy. She was a single woman who depended entirely on her stepbrother. She lived in his home, ate his food, and used his money. It was difficult to get anything from him, even something as simple as a pair of new gloves to replace her worn ones. Even then, she’d had to prove that her current pair were beyond repair. It was humiliating, but she’d become used to his tight-fisted ways.

  Knowing that her father left her a substantial dowry had been her saving grace, safe in the knowledge that she could one day be free of Gerald in a home of her own. She was not the most beautiful, nor the most eligible lady, but a substantial dowry had made her believe that she would, one day, find the gentleman for her. It had been her father’s dearest wish.

  Martha’s heart clenched as she thought of her beloved Papa, so recently departed. If only he were still alive, then she wouldn’t be in this terrible situation. How had Gerald managed to get his greedy hands on her money? It had been her only way out, and now, it seemed, it was gone in a flash.

  “I don’t understand…”

  Gerald moved forward, his steely gray eyes calculating and shrewd, and his slow steps putting Martha immediately on her guard.

  “There is an easy way to solve this, Martha. You know what I want.”

  Martha tried to calm her trembling, knowing what was coming. This had gone on for too long.

  �
�No, Gerald. I’ve told you time and time again, I will not sign over that parcel of land to you. It’s the only thing left I have from my father. I know it isn’t worth much, so I don’t understand why it’s so important to you.”

  A flash of anger crossed Gerald’s face, his hands clenching into fists.

  “You will have to do what I say soon enough, Martha, dear,” he spat. “You should know by now that I always get what I want. A few days without food might have you willing and to do as I say. What do you say to that?”

  “You can’t starve me,” Martha cried, the very thought filling her with terror. “I am meant to be like a sister to you, Gerald. Why are you so cruel? You’ve inherited your father’s title and money. My father left you most of his fortune to make it easy to care for me. Why must you take the one thing left in my name?”

  “That small parcel of land connects my other properties, and I want it.” Gerald screamed. “Just sign it over, and I will see if I can scrounge together a suitable dowry for you.”

  Martha replied, her voice cold, “Your actions thus far have proven that I cannot trust you.”

  “So you keep saying…” Gerald replied insolently.

  He paused for a moment, staring at her. Martha’s breath came quick and fast as she longed for this conversation to be over.

  “You do know that when you turn twenty-five years old, that land becomes mine,” said Gerald.

  “Gerald, I still have six months until I am twenty-five years old. I do believe that I am still young enough to find a suitable match. You cannot write me off as a spinster quite yet.”