The Earl Claims a Bride

by Amelia Grey

  Angelina felt tears of joy gather in her eyes at the possibility that her wild idea might actually work. “We’ll have them to you by the end of the week.”

  Chapter 17

  Friendship is constant in all other things, save in the office and affairs of love.

  Much Ado About Nothing 2.2.266–67

  It was dark as midnight and freezing cold, too. The rising sun of dawn hadn’t penetrated the gray skies on the horizon. A patchwork of early-morning fog hung low in the misty air and scattered as they slowly rode through it. Harrison’s fingers and toes were tingling but his heavy cloak and the horse beneath his legs helped keep him warm.

  “I’m beginning to think we should have waited until midday to ride in the park rather than at daybreak,” Harrison said to Bray, who rode beside him.

  “I was just trying to remember if this was your fool idea or mine so I’d know which one of us to call a bloody idiot.”

  “It was yours and you damned well know it,” Harrison complained and then finished with a short laugh. “Can you believe we used to do this and actually enjoy it?”

  “Ah, but years ago when we’d ride like this,” Bray answered, “we had spent the night gaming and were happy our pockets were full.”

  Harrison’s horse nickered and blew puffs of warm air from his nostrils. “And we’d down numerous pints of ale and several glasses of brandy to keep us warm.”

  “Do you miss those days?” Bray asked.

  Do I?

  Harrison took in a deep cold breath and caught the odor of damp foliage. He remembered many rides in the park before, during, and after daybreak when he, Bray, and Adam were the scandalous scoundrels of London Society. Racing through the park on horseback or curricles was almost a nightly pastime, no matter the weather.

  “No,” Harrison admitted with a grin. “But I sure as hell enjoyed them at the time.”

  “So did I.”

  They rode in silence for a time. Through spindly, barren tree limbs, Harrison noticed that the first shards of pink split the sky in the distance. He heard the deep sound of a hound baying in the distance. It reminded him of Angelina’s dogs. And that reminded him of Angelina’s sweet smile, her fresh-as-rainwater scent, and the taste of her honeyed lips. He wanted to see her and he wanted to see her today. Hearing the dog’s howl reminded him of an idea he’d had a couple of days ago but dismissed. A risky idea, but Harrison had never let that stop him.

  “So tell me, why did you want me to meet you for an early-morning ride in the park?” Harrison asked.

  “What makes you think I had a reason other than wanting someone to talk to while I exercised my horse?”

  “Because I’ve known you since I was ten.”

  “Tell me it hasn’t been that long?” Bray said dryly.

  “It has. Do you have everything arranged for our journey up north on Sunday to see Adam?”

  “I’m set. How about you?”

  “I’ll be ready. I want to see him but I also need to see Thornwick. I continue to get updates from my manager every couple of days, but he never tells me all I want to know.”

  Bray pulled the reins short and stopped his horse. Harrison did the same, thinking it was about time Bray decided to tell him what he had on his mind.

  “I have some information for you, if you want it.”

  Puzzled, Harrison said, “Go on.”

  “First, I want you to know I didn’t go looking for this. The subject came up while I was talking with some gentlemen about an issue that will be discussed in Parliament soon.”

  “All right,” Harrison said, remaining cautious and curious as to what this was about. “But you need to know I haven’t mastered being an earl, yet. I have no desire to wade in the political waters of Parliament.”

  Bray reached inside his coat pocket, pulled out a flask, and tossed it to Harrison.

  “Good, you don’t have to worry about that for the current session. This was about a military issue.”

  Harrison went still. It had to be about Maxwell.

  “Am I going to need this?” Harrison asked, holding up the silver container.

  “Only to stay warm.”

  “In that case.” Harrison opened the flask and took a drink.

  “The information I have for you is about Captain Maxwell.”

  For a moment Harrison wondered if he even wanted to hear what Bray had to say. Whatever it was, the information would not alter Harrison’s plans in any way. He still intended to win Angelina’s heart away from the soldier.

  Harrison sipped the brandy again, replaced the top, and threw it back to Bray. “I had already assumed that.”

  “It concerns how his injury happened.”

  Now, that interested Harrison. His horse snorted, shuddered, and shifted beneath him, restless to get moving. “Go on,” he said, reaching down to pat the warm neck of his mount.

  “It didn’t result from a battle, a skirmish, or any kind of brave act as I assume most of us suspected. It was an accident.”

  Harrison whistled under his breath. That was surprising news. “What happened?”

  “His commanding officer said he was inspecting his loaded pistol and it backfired right into his eye.”

  “Damnation,” Harrison whispered.

  “It was a hell of a thing to have happened.”

  “I agree. I haven’t heard any gossip. Is he claiming something different occurred?”

  “Not that I know of. He’s not telling anyone what actually transpired and his officers and the people who know are respecting his wishes and keeping quiet, too. That is, except for one officer who decided to divulge the information to the three gentlemen in our group.”

  Harrison’s bay stirred restlessly again, causing Bray’s horse to snort and stomp his feet, too. If that many men knew, it would eventually get out.

  “I wonder why he wouldn’t want anyone to know the details. It was an accident that could happen to any of us.”

  “But shouldn’t happen to an officer. It’s not that I think you should do anything with the information,” Bray said. “I wanted you to know, too, since I had heard.”

  “I’m glad you told me. I admit I’d wondered. This is not my story to tell, and if I should hear otherwise, I’ll keep my peace about what I know.”

  “I was sure you would.”

  Bray uncapped the flask and took a drink. “How are things going with you and Miss Rule?”

  “Slow,” Harrison responded, his stomach tightening just thinking about Angelina and how she made him feel. Taking his time wasn’t what Harrison wanted to do, but it was the best approach for her. If he rushed her, she would get more confused about him than she already was. He knew something she didn’t. She could swear to heaven and back that she was in love with Maxwell, but Harrison knew different. She wouldn’t have responded to his kisses the way she had if that were the case. In time, as she got to know the officer she’d realize it. And Harrison had to give her that time.

  “Have there been any more rumblings from Hopscotch?” Bray asked.

  “Not since the incident at the Heirs’ Club where he reminded me once again how serious the Prince is about his wishes for me to marry Miss Rule.”

  As if sensing he would get no more information from Harrison, Bray said, “What do you say we give these horses their heads like we used to? Fifteen pounds if I make it to the Serpentine before you do.”

  Harrison took a close look at his friend’s mount. He wasn’t familiar with the horse but he did know the stride, stamina, and speed of his bay.

  He grinned at Bray. “Thirty and you’re on.”

  Chapter 18

  I have suffered with those that I saw suffer!

  The Tempest 1.2.5–6

  She wasn’t ready by the time Lord Thornwick arrived, but it wasn’t her fault. Her father had rushed in the door minutes ago announcing that he’d just seen Lord Thornwick at the Heirs’ Club and the earl had asked if he could take Angelina for a ride. And of course, her father ha
d happily agreed he could come immediately since Angelina had no other plans.

  No other plans!

  It’d taken her three days to complete every painting she’d started but for one reason or another had never finished. Yesterday she’d carefully packed all her snuff-and mourning boxes, fans, and miniatures and had them delivered to Bishop Worsley, thinking her job was done and everything was in his hands. She should have known better. The man promptly sent her a note in return saying that she was to continue to paint every day, and as she finished each box or fan she was to send it to him. Already she was finding that while she immensely enjoyed painting for pleasure, she had little desire to paint because she needed to or someone demanded it.

  While she dressed, Angelina was alternately frustrated and excited. Frustrated because she’d never get more painting done if she continued to have things happen during the day that kept her from it. And frustrated because she couldn’t figure out what in heaven’s name she was doing being excited about the prospect of seeing the earl.

  Captain Maxwell, the man of her dreams, was back in London; he should be the only gentleman she was looking forward to seeing. He was kind, courageous, and wounded. He needed her support and love now most of all. Lord Thornwick was a strong, capable, and carefree man who had no worries and no problems. He certainly didn’t need any compassion from her. That she was eager to see him made no sense to her. Her heart belonged to Captain Maxwell. She was sure of that.

  Besides, what kind of man showed up unannounced to visit a young lady with a pot of wilted violets in his hands for her to nurse back to health? Though she had considered it a challenge to save them and make sure they bloomed again just to show Lord Thornwick she could.

  She and the earl had seen each other in passing at one of the parties last night, and though there was no conversation between them, they had both done a lot of watching the other. Why she would bother, she had no idea. And now suddenly he wanted to take her for a ride in the park. She just couldn’t figure him out. He followed no acceptable rules of polite behavior. What kind of gentleman would give a lady only a few minutes’ notice?

  There was no time to put much thought into what she would wear. She hurriedly donned an ivory carriage dress that was trimmed with dark blue ribbon around the neckline and the cuffs of her sleeves. When Mrs. Bickmore announced that Lord Thornwick had already arrived, Angelina sent her down with matching bonnet and cape and told her to find a parasol to take as well.

  Angelina stopped in the vestibule to calm her breathing from scurrying to change. She didn’t have to worry about pinching her cheeks. She was already flushed. Much to her consternation, she always felt that way when she looked at Lord Thornwick. He made her forget she was a calm, sensible young lady who wanted to be in control of her future life.

  She headed confidently down the corridor to the drawing room, determined to ignore those unwanted feelings the earl stirred up inside her. When she walked through the doorway, her breath caught in her throat. Lord Thornwick was on one knee on the floor, laughing and playing with Molly and Mr. Pete.

  He looked up at her and smiled and she felt as if her heart flipped. A warm tenderness settled over her and all her anxious feelings drained away. He could disarm her faster than a hummingbird could flap its wings.

  “Lord Thornwick, I apologize for being late.”

  Harrison rose tall and commanding. The now ever-present butterflies in her stomach started swarming like bees. Would she ever cease to have that sensual awareness when she saw him? He looked devilishly handsome in a fawn-colored coat and dark-brown waistcoat with brown trousers stuffed into shiny black knee boots.

  “You’re not late,” he said as Mr. Pete barked and jumped on his leg, trying to regain his attention. Molly yapped, too, but couldn’t be bothered to expend the energy to jump. “There was no time set. Besides, I was enjoying getting better acquainted with your grandmother’s dog and Mr. Pete.”

  She looked around. Except for the dogs, he was alone in the room. “Where’s Papa?”

  “After I arrived, he left to go tell the members of his club that I agreed to join and become a member. Apparently he didn’t want to wait. He said he’d be back before we returned.”

  Another warm feeling washed over her. “It wasn’t necessary for you to join his club, but thank you for doing that. I know it made him very happy.”

  “I did it because I may be asking a favor of him soon.”

  “My father? Really?”

  He nodded. “After the library is rebuilt at Thornwick, I’ll need someone to help me decide what books I need to replace all those that burned.”

  “That’s right. I’d heard there was a fire at your home but no one seemed to know how bad it was. Was it very destructive?”

  He shrugged and then rubbed the head of the jumping dog. “It will take time to repair all the damage, but it’s begun now.”

  “Mr. Pete, stop that and leave Lord Thornwick alone. Sit. Sit.”

  The dog didn’t acknowledge her and kept trying to get Harrison’s attention. He rubbed he beagle’s head again. It was her fault for not taking the time to properly train Mr. Pete, but the painting was more important at present.

  She tamped down her feelings of appreciation and said, “I’ll take the dogs out back and then we’ll be ready to go.”

  “I’ll help you,” he said, scooping up Molly and handing her to Angelina. He then grabbed Mr. Pete and said, “Lead the way.”

  A few minutes later they picked up Harrison’s coat, gloves, and hat, along with her things, on the way out the door. The grip of Harrison’s hand was strong against her gloved hand as he helped her step into the curricle. He settled himself beside her and immediately released the brake, picked up the ribbons, and snapped them onto the horses’ rumps. The carriage took off with a jolt and a rumble.

  White wispy clouds scattered across a blue sky and the bright glare of the sun. Angelina opened her parasol and relaxed into the softly cushioned seat. It was a glorious day for a ride in the park, but she needed to be painting.

  “Do I hear you laughing?” the earl asked.

  Was I?

  “Laughing? Me? I don’t think so. You must be hearing things.”

  “Aren’t you happy?”

  “I guess so. I mean, yes, I’m happy. What an odd question. Are you happy?” she countered.

  “Very,” he said, turning off her street and maneuvering the horses to fall in line behind a curricle carrying another couple. “You seemed flustered when you walked into the drawing room.”

  I was.

  “Flustered doesn’t mean unhappy. Not that I’m admitting I was flustered, either, you understand,” she added hastily.

  “I suppose I could have given you more notice of my intention to take you for an afternoon ride.”

  “That would have been polite,” she agreed. “And even better if you had asked whether I’d like to go rather than just telling my father you were coming to take me.”

  “Ah, I see. So as with the dancing—you want to be asked and given the chance to decline.”

  “Yes,” she said with a smile. “That would be nice.”

  “I’ll try to remember that.” He glanced over at her and offered a roguish grin. “I suppose being told takes some of the charm off the ride.”

  Very little, she wanted to say, but settled for giving him another smile instead.

  “Tell me, how are your plans to save your father coming along?”

  She had wondered if he would ever ask her about that. “My grandmother and I are working on something.”

  “That’s good. What?”

  “Nothing I want to talk about with you, Lord Thornwick.”

  A wrinkle formed between his eyebrows. “But I’m curious.”

  She smiled, feeling quite confident her paintings were going to produce enough money to help them pay down the debts. “I’m sure you are.”

  “There aren’t many things two ladies can do.”

  “Not many
, but some.”

  “You’re not going to tell me anything.”

  “No.”

  “Fair enough. Did you enjoy your afternoon with Captain Maxwell?” he asked after a couple of minutes’ silence.

  She glanced at him, but he was keeping his eyes straight ahead on the horses. “Yes, we had a lovely visit,” she said and watched him drive by the road that would have taken them to Hyde Park. “You missed the turn to the park.”

  He looked over at her. “I didn’t miss it.”

  She twirled her parasol against her shoulder and said, “I’m sure we just passed it. If you look behind you, you’ll see you indeed missed the turn.”

  “Did you think we were going to the park?”

  Suspicion that all was not right seeped into her mind. “Didn’t you?”

  He laughed. “No.”

  “What do you mean? Didn’t you invite me to take a ride in the park with you?”

  “No, I only told your father I wanted to take you for a ride.”

  “You are very mischievous, my lord.”

  “Perhaps, but I never said we would be going to a park. I’ve wanted to do this since it first crossed my mind, but I always ended up talking myself out of it.”

  His words were like a needle prick. She knew he was only feigning interest in her to fool her father and the Prince, but that he felt the need to talk himself out of an afternoon ride with her stung.

  Lord Thornwick will always be a scoundrel!

  “But my father made a fair assumption, don’t you think?”

  He shrugged. “Yes.”

  “Well, no matter,” she said, determined to enjoy the afternoon. “It’s such a beautiful day, it will be nice to just ride and see the sights of London.”

  “I didn’t say we didn’t have a destination.”

  She looked over at him again, and once again he kept his eyes straight ahead. “So we are going somewhere?”

  “Yes.”

  A feeling of excitement rose in her. Any normal young lady would be frightened to be in a carriage with a renowned scoundrel, and here she was feeling a delicious thrill of excitement.