The Earl's Encounter (Haddon Brothers Book 1)

by Wendy Vella

  “Lord Wimplestow, Howard.”

  Milly heard Joseph greet the men as she reached the piglet. Dropping to her haunches, she reached out a hand and scratched its back. A little snuffle came from the animal, and then she had it in her arms.

  “Well done, Milly!” Apple-blossom cried.

  Throwing Lord Ellsworth a triumphant look, she ignored his nod, and moved to replace the piglet in its sty. Small victories, Milly realized, were often all a person had. Throwing the handsome man a final look, she met his steady gaze before making her way inside to wash.

  “We shall go for a ride, Milly. I don’t want to see that man again.” Apple-blossom stormed into her room minutes later.

  “Excellent idea,” Milly said. She had no intention of running into Lord Ellsworth either.

  Bundling Apple-blossom into her coat and outer things, Milly had them outside as soon as she had pulled on hers.

  “Are you in a hurry, Milly?” Apple-blossom said as they once again headed to the stables, this time by way of the rear of the house, thereby avoiding Lord Ellsworth and Mr. Howard.

  “The weather is turning?”

  Looking skyward, Apple-blossom shook her head. “No, it isn’t.”

  “Your mother is expecting us back for tea in an hour.”

  “No, she isn’t. You want to leave here as much as I do, and I would like to know why.”

  “I have no idea what you mean. Now come along.”

  Only when they were mounted and walking through the gates of Wimplestow Hall did she feel the tension ease inside her.

  “Is it the earl you do not want to spend time with?”

  “I am not dignifying that with an answer.”

  “The earl is my guess. I noticed how uncomfortable you seemed with him. Did you know him in London?”

  Milly spluttered, and then coughed as the cold air hit her throat.

  “I am a governess. How can I possibly know an earl?” Milly nudged her horse forward and into a trot, Apple-blossom did the same.

  “He is handsome.”

  “He is an earl.”

  “Are all earls handsome, then?”

  “And I am to know this how?”

  “You’re defensive, Milly, which is a sign that you are agitated, and I repeat, why does the earl make you feel that way?”

  “I’m not defensive, what I am is a mere governess, so there is no point to this conversation.”

  “We are not people who stand on ceremony.”

  “Yes, thank you, Apple-blossom, I believe you tell me that frequently.”

  “Just as you tell me you are a mere governess often, Milly.”

  “You have a smart mouth, Miss Wimplestow.”

  The girl smiled. “Thank you, I will take that compliment. Now, as I was saying, we do not stand on ceremony, and I’m not sure the earl and his family do either. They have lived here their entire life, as have I, and I have never seen their snobbery. Now Lady English, she is another matter entirely.”

  “Most unpleasant.”

  “Milly, I think you have secrets, but as I like you I will not pry.”

  Dear God. The shift in conversation threw Milly.

  “I—ah….”

  “It’s all right, but if you wish to tell me, then my ears are available to you at any time.”

  Apple-blossom then patted her hands, before gathering the reins of her horse.

  “And now let’s gallop.”

  She was not as proficient as her charge, but Milly acquitted herself well enough. She was even smiling as they turned for home, more than ready for tea.

  “Do you know, Milly, I think your prophecy about the weather could prove accurate.”

  Looking skyward, she noted it had definitely darkened, and the temperature seemed to have dropped. Thunder started rolling in when they were about twenty minutes from Wimplestow Hall, and rain began to pelt down. Milly had no time to react as the black beast Apple-blossom rode reared high. Seconds later, he had bolted down the road, his rider attempting to stay in the saddle.

  “Dear God!” Milly galloped after them, riding low on her horse’s neck. The bloody black beast was fast, but she soon managed to draw alongside. Apple-blossom was sawing on the reins but with little result. Milly leaned sideways and grabbed the reins. Her last thought as Apple-blossom’s mount veered right was that she was likely to break her neck, and she would never see Joseph again. She fell sideways, hitting the ground hard and rolling. She came to a halt on her back.

  Chapter 10

  “Christ, Milly!”

  She couldn’t breathe. Grasping for air, she got to her knees, desperate to inhale. Instead an awful rasping sound came from her mouth.

  “It will come, Milly. Easy now.”

  Hands lifted her forward, and she clutched them as fear gripped her, and then she felt it, the blessed relief of air filling her lungs.

  “That’s it, inhale slowly.”

  With the return of her breath came reality. She was braced on Joseph’s lap, and his hands held her against his chest.

  “Forgive me, Lord Ellsworth.” Milly moved so quickly, she tumbled off his thighs.

  “You seem determined to harm yourself. Have a care, madam.”

  She tried to evade him as he moved to her side, but he simply held her still with a hand on her shoulder.

  “Are you hurt anywhere?”

  “N-no, and thank you for helping me.”

  “Any pain?”

  “No.” She pushed him aside, and tried to get to her feet. “My glasses?”

  He slid an arm around her back and helped her rise.

  “How is it you are here, my lord?”

  “Howard and I were leaving as the thunder rolled in. Rain followed, and it was then we realized you had not returned.” The words were clipped, and his expression was dark.

  “My glasses?” Milly dropped her gaze; she did not want him looking too closely at her.

  “Here.” He thrust them at her, and she fumbled them into place.

  “Thank you, Lord Ellsworth. I assure you I am quite all right, if a little damp. I-I must make sure Apple-blossom is unhurt,” she added.

  “Howard has her.” He began to unbutton his coat. Horrified that he was doing so to hand it to her, Milly stepped back.

  “No, please, you must not offer me your c-coat.” Milly fought the shivers that were gripping her.

  “Why?” His expression was fierce. “You’re cold, I am not.”

  “It is not right.”

  “Damn it, woman, I care nothing about what is right! You were thrown from your horse, you’re shivering, and likely hurt. Don’t be a fool!”

  Milly backed up until she reached her horse.

  “I— Wimplestow House is close. I shall be all right until I reach it, Lord Ellsworth.”

  “I never thought you a fool, Miss Higglesworth.”

  Anger radiated off him. His brows were lowered, and he looked menacing.

  “I am not a fool, merely a woman aware of her standing in this w-world.”

  He moved closer, now only a foot from where she stood.

  “And because you are a mere governess, and I an earl, I cannot aid you should you need it?”

  When put like that, it did sound silly, but Milly stood firm.

  “Yes.”

  He snorted, and it was not one of amusement. “That’s ridiculous. I kept you warm inside this very coat on the journey here.”

  “Yes, but no one was there to see that, nor did you leave me little choice. It is also not the way of things, my lord,” Milly said, wondering why she was pursuing this silly conversation. She could be warmer by now if she had taken the offer of his coat. Warm and dry, and his scent would be wrapped around her.

  “Who made this law?”

  Milly made herself look at him. His face had relaxed again, the anger seeming to have fled with the speed it had arrived, and she was sure he was laughing at her again.

  “It was passed in the House of Lords last year,” she snapped. S
he hated people laughing at her.

  “Really?” He appeared to give her words some thought. “I do not remember voting on that.”

  Milly turned away. The man was far too appealing, standing there with rain flattening his hair to his head. Grabbing her horse’s reins, she attempted to mount. Two hands gripped her waist and threw her onto the saddle.

  “Perhaps this time you will stay up there.”

  “It was not my intention to fall, Lord Ellsworth. Please excuse me now, as I need to find Apple-blossom.”

  “She is having an argument with Mr. Howard, there.”

  Following the direction he pointed, Milly found Apple-blossom in a heated debate with Mr. Howard.

  “Oh dear. Please excuse me.” Milly felt a few twinges in her muscles as she motioned her horse forward.

  “Are you unhurt, Apple-blossom?” Mr. Howard was demanding as she drew near.

  “He bolted.... Yes, yes I am.”

  Milly watched Mr. Howard snatch Apple-blossom into his arms and hold her close. Her suspicions that the man cared for the girl were correct, it seemed.

  “When I saw your horse bolting, and you attempting to stay upright in that foolish saddle, all I could think was of you falling, and I could not reach you.” Mr. Howard’s words were raw, and emotion radiated from each one.

  “I cannot ride astride when I am out.”

  Milly noted Apple-blossom was not struggling for release.

  “Then don’t gallop!”

  “I’m unhurt, Daniel.” Apple-blossom patted his cheek, and then tried to disengage herself.

  Stay still, you foolish girl, Milly thought.

  “Give me a few minutes, and I may just believe you.”

  Mr. Howard pulled Apple-blossom closer, until her face was pressed into his chest.

  Milly looked skyward. The rain was now coming down in large, fat drops, and she would strike a close resemblance to a drowned rodent if she stayed out here a second longer. Moving to the side where there were several trees, she waited.

  “It seems your efforts are working, Miss Higglesworth. Your charge appears to have secured the affections of Mr. Howard.”

  Milly tensed as Lord Ellsworth moved under the trees on his horse. She had hoped he would leave, but it seemed he was not ready to do so. His leg brushed hers as he reined his mount in beside hers. He then lowered his coat around her shoulders, and the sudden warmth was so blissful she nearly moaned.

  “Not one word.”

  “Thank you.” Milly swallowed her pride.

  “Accept those two.”

  “It is not my efforts, my lord. Apple-blossom is a lovely girl, and it is obvious that Mr. Howard has held her in high regard for some time.”

  “He certainly seems to,” came the drawled reply.

  Milly watched Mr. Howard kiss Apple-blossom passionately.

  “Oh dear, I should really put a stop to this.”

  “Why? They are hurting no one, and kissing is a wonderful pastime.”

  “Perhaps for a man who would face no consequences for doing so were someone to see him, but not for someone like Apple-blossom or....” Milly realized she was going to say I.

  “You?”

  “There is no need for you to stay here now, my lord. Please return to your errands.”

  “I am sheltering from the rain.”

  Frustrated to have him so near, Milly attempted to ignore him. How is it he does not recognize me? It was not the first time she had thought such a thing, but surely there was something of the old Millicent Lawrence in her that he should see? But then, if he did recognize you, you would have to run again. She was a perverse creature.

  “Lord Wimplestow should not let his daughter ride that stallion, Miss Higglesworth. She is lucky she did not break her neck.”

  Milly sighed. “He spoils her.”

  “As fathers do. Mine was no different, and the best of men.”

  Milly had known Joseph’s father well. She’d loved him. He’d been funny, kind, and intelligent, and very much like his sons. She had once been excited at the prospect of him as her father-in-law.

  “When did he pass, my lord?”

  He was silent for a while, and then when he spoke his words were clipped.

  “Four years ago.”

  So he’d dealt with his father’s death soon after she had broken their betrothal. Dear Lord, he must loathe her.

  “I am sorry for your loss,” Milly murmured, her words sounding empty and hollow. She felt a desperate sadness for the loss of the late earl.

  “It is done with.” He dismissed her words. “You ride well for a governess, Milly.”

  He wanted the subject changed, and she could not fault him for that.

  “I believe I have already asked you before how many governesses you are acquainted with, my lord, with which to base your knowledge on.”

  “I’m astute, everyone says so.”

  Milly refused to look at him, but she wanted to, because she knew he was laughing at her again. Teasing and provoking her.

  “You are an earl. Of course they say so.”

  “Are you suggesting the only reason people flatter me is because I am an earl?”

  Milly didn’t answer that question.

  “Come now, you said the words, surely you can back them up?”

  “I am merely suggesting that people tend to flatter you more than they would someone who does not bare your lofty title, Lord Ellsworth.”

  “I do believe that hurt, Miss Higglesworth.”

  Milly watched Mr. Howard release Apple-blossom. “I am sure you will survive, my lord. Now thank you for lending me your coat, but please excuse me. Milly shrugged out of the warmth and handed it back to him.

  She rode away before he could utter another word. She did not want to feel anything for Joseph. No empathy, no anger, and definitely not the stirrings of love. Because when she left him once more, as surely she must, she did not want to suffer like last time. The pain had almost destroyed her.

  Chapter 11

  Milly had to admit that the change in her charge was quite something. Although some of the sparkle Apple-blossom now carried in her eyes was due to Mr. Howard, the rest was from her guidance.

  The girl had confided in her that Mr. Howard was to approach Lord Wimplestow and offer for her after the ball. It was an excellent match for both parties, but even more so as they were so obviously in love.

  Beneath her thick blue cloak, Apple-blossom was dressed in pale mint, her hair styled simply with a matching ribbon around her head. She wore long white gloves and slippers, and looked every inch a lady.

  “You look lovely, Apple-blossom.” Milly touched her arm. “And while I know you are no longer seeking a husband, please remember what we have discussed, and if you have need of me, you need only look. I shall be seated nearby.”

  “Daniel will be here, Milly. I wish to dance only with him.”

  “But you will not do so, as it is not the done thing,” Milly warned.

  The girl clapped excitedly. “None of your silly rules can dampen my happiness tonight, Milly. I will live close to my family, and Daniel and I enjoy the same things.”

  “I am happy for you, my dear, I really am, and they are not my silly rules, but those that govern society.”

  “Society that I will never have to be part of.”

  Apple-blossom hugged her hard, making several of Milly’s ribs creak.

  “I cannot wait for Daniel to talk to Father!”

  Milly looked around when she was released from the highly inappropriate hug she had secretly enjoyed. Flaming torches lit the path into the hall as they followed several other guests. Snow had fallen, was banked on either side, and everyone was walking with care in case ice would have them off their feet. Music and the rumble of voices greeted them through the open doors as they drew near.

  She had tried to persuade Lady Wimplestow not to make her attend this evening, but the woman had insisted. She’d called a seamstress to Wimplestow House and had
an old dress of hers altered for Milly to wear, and now here she stood.

  What if someone recognizes me?

  Her cheek rolls were in place, as were her glasses, padding, and lace cap. Milly would also ensure she stayed in corners or seated out of sight. She could do no more than that.

  Up ahead, Lord and Lady Wimplestow were entering the building. She was determined to avoid Lord Ellsworth. The man was getting to her. His humor, his intelligence, his... well just about everything about him she had once loved, she seemed in dire peril of loving once again. Not the kisses, however; those she had enjoyed, but they worried her. She did not want to believe him the type of man to kiss a servant.

  Milly adjusted Apple-blossom’s gloves once they were ready to enter the hall.

  “You will do wonderfully.” She felt a pang in her chest as she looked at the girl. Excitement sparkled in her eyes, and she remembered that feeling. Her first entrance into society had been thrilling.

  “Thank you, Milly. I wonder if Daniel is already here?”

  “I am sure he will be. Now enjoy your evening, Apple-blossom, and remember at supper to nibble, not gulp.”

  The hall was large and noisy. Fires roared in the grates, and large chandeliers cast flickering light over the guests. Once, Milly would have looked down on such a countrified scene as beneath her, but no longer. She thought it lovely. Looking at the guests, she recognized several faces, and knew many had come to Stonleigh for the ball. It was imperative no one notice her, so she would find somewhere to hide, but be ready should Apple-blossom need her.

  Lord and Lady Wimplestow were soon in conversation with friends, leaving Milly and their daughter alone.

  “Do you see anyone you wish to speak with, Apple-blossom?”

  “I do. Over there is Miss Elizabeth Barratt.”

  “Then go, and I shall be nearby.”

  She found a shadowed corner where two elderly ladies stood chatting.

  “Good evening.”

  “Good evening.”

  Milly settled herself against the wall. The chairs, she noted, were occupied already, and as they were in a well-lit part of the hall, she was happy to stay where she was.

  “’Tis a lovely evening for a dance. Cold outside, and yet warm in here.”