To Be Loved By The Earl: A Regency Novella

by Kasey Stockton

  * * *

  Adam paced before the adjoining room door for nearly an hour before his curiosity got the best of him. He understood his wife was probably asleep at this point. She probably had been from the moment she stepped foot into her new bedchamber. But it was his wedding day, and all he wanted was a glimpse of her.

  He took a deep breath and tried the door, relieved to find it unlocked. He chastised himself for second guessing her; in truth she probably had no idea it could lock from either side, but it felt like a success all the same. He opened the door cautiously, putting pressure on the door jamb to reduce the squeak of the hinges as he stepped inside.

  A small candle burned on her bedside table. Left there by the maid, no doubt. He approached under the guise of blowing it out and took a moment to study his wife.

  Cori laid in the center of the large canopied bed, curled on her side. Her mouth was slightly open as she breathed heavily, but her face was completely free of trouble. In fact, until that moment, he had not realized how troubled she had seemed earlier. Not at the wedding, but after he had found her in the alcove.

  Sighing, he vowed to determine precisely what was bothering her. And, more to the point, he resolved to never again set foot within her bedchamber on his own accord. At least, not until he had been invited. He needed her to come to him.

  But those were worries for another day. At present, he merely bent down and placed a feather light kiss on her temple before retreating to his own room and subsequently falling into a deep sleep.

  * * *

  Cori awoke confused. A vivid dream played with her memory of Lord Arnett kissing her forehead in the dark of the night. She shook her head to dislodge the delusion and looked about her. It took some time to place the rose silk wall hangings and matching bed canopy, but by the time her maid had finished starting the fire she remembered everything. Lord Arnett loving Rosemary; their escape to Windfall; that almost kiss. She found herself glad to be in familiar country and already began compiling a list of what she'd like to accomplish that day when she made her way down to breakfast.

  She was surprised at first to find Lord Arnett seated at the breakfast table before her, standing when she entered the room. He was a busy man, taking great care in overseeing Windfall’s estate business. Certainly that required an early start.

  “Good morning,” he said, reseating himself after she had taken a plate through the sideboard and filled it with a multitude of delicious items.

  She nodded in response and took her own seat, sampling the berry jam on a slice of toasted bread. Delicious.

  “Do you have a busy day ahead of you?” She ventured after a lengthy silence. That was the sort of thing married people spoke of at breakfast, was it not? She had never paid much attention before.

  “Quite.” He finished chewing before fixing her with a look. “And yourself?”

  “Yes.” With more enthusiasm than she realized she had, Cori explained her plans to have Chance brought to the Windfall stables—as long as his lordship did not object, which he didn't—and then take herself to the dower house to visit with Grandmama—for now they were married she could well and truly call her that—and then meet with the housekeeper later to discuss the part Cori should play in learning to run such a large and well run house. It would help, she explained, that she was already of a slight acquaintance with Mrs. Banner and liked her immensely.

  And she could not forget to check in with her sisters.

  She looked up from this speech with sheepish eyes as she took in Lord Arnett’s shocked expression. “Forgive me, my lord. Perhaps I should have inquired if you had a plan for me first.”

  He recovered himself nicely. “I should not presume to control the details of your day.” He brought his fork down and played with the remnants of his breakfast absentmindedly. “Perhaps, though, it would be prudent to drop the titles since we are now husband and wife.”

  Cori was stunned. She knew many couples who called one another by their title instead of their given name and enjoyed long and happy marriages. She also was taken aback by his sudden shyness. It was not a side of Lord Arnett—Adam, she should think—she had ever before witnessed. He must have taken her surprise as a refusal for he stood abruptly and muttered something incohesive before fleeing for the door.

  She never took him for a coward, either.

  “Adam!” Cori called, effectively stopping him in his tracks. “I should like that above all things.”

  The pretty remark seemed to be the correct response. He smiled at her before bowing again and resuming his exit. Perhaps he’d had all the marital conversation he could manage for one day.

  Chapter 10

  Adam sat at his desk with his palms over his eyes, rubbing the sockets. Never before had he felt like such a bumbling fool. He had always had the charm and charisma of an older son set to inherit a fancy title and even fancier estate. His consequence had always been rather healthy, and his confidence even more so.

  Until, of course, the incident…

  He shook his head, careful not to think along those lines. A year on the continent had done wonders to regain his self esteem. Seeing Rosemary again had gone even farther in solidifying his resolve. He had thought marrying Cori would be the right thing. But then, after her mood alteration following the wedding, he began to fear he had made a mistake.

  He stood suddenly, crossing to the study window and sweeping the lawn. Disappointment snaked through him. He had hoped to catch a glimpse of her. It was clear he did not fully understand women, let alone her. And it was even more obvious she had her own set of intricate feelings which he could not begin to comprehend.

  It was time to set his focus on important matters of business. It was fortunate for Adam and his new wife that his family chose to remain behind in London for it would give him the opportunity he needed to settle into his role as a husband and get Cori situated in the house. It seemed, however, she was going to do just fine on her own.

  He only hoped her efforts to involve herself in the household duties would not create tension with his mother when she returned.

  Swallowing, Adam turned from the window. He sat at his desk and sifted through correspondence that had piled up while he was gone for the wedding festivities. He prepared paper and ink for responses. Retrieving his penknife, he trimmed his quill and watched the feather hover over vellum as he lost all thoughts. He tried to write a response but crumpled his efforts and tossed it into the fire grate.

  Standing, Adam paced the dark Aubusson carpet. It was impossible to get any work done. All he could think about was Cori. And, if he was being honest, the kiss they almost shared following the wedding breakfast. He regretted not taking action. How would it have felt?

  Clearly, he needed to get out of this office.

  It was plain he needed to spend more time with his wife.

  Adam found Cori’s horse, Chance, in the stables, happily munching away on his oats. He inquired with a stable hand and discovered that Cori had already come and gone that morning. He walked away feeling sheepish.

  For all he knew, Cori valued her privacy and would find his searching her out objectionable.

  He stopped halfway across the lawn. If Cori was with Mrs. Banner then he would let her be. If she was with his Grandmama, however, then it was perfectly acceptable to join their visit. He pivoted toward the dower house and found his long strides growing eager. If only he could snap out of it. Quite frankly, his interest was growing closer to obsession.

  Shaking his head, he opened the gate and stepped into the front garden, his heart beating a rapid pattern against his chest. He heard a tinkling laugh through the open window.

  Taking a deep breath, Adam poised to knock.

  Chapter 11

  Cori sipped her tea, the remnants of laughter lingering on her lips. Grandmama had insisted Cori use that particular title in addressing her, then set about asking questions about the fancy London wedding.

  “When I married the Marquess,” Grandmam
a began, her eyes closed as she reminisced, “I had the most exquisite gown. It would not be de rigueur today, but at the time it was the height of fashion. It was wide enough to fit four of me across in the skirt. And the sleeves! Oh dear, the sleeves were glorious.”

  “I am glad you loved your dress,” Cori said, setting her tea cup on the low table in front of the sofa. “I am equally grateful that fashions have developed away from those horrid wire underthings.”

  “You little minx,” Grandmama said, swatting at Cori with her fan. She returned to fanning herself, though why she felt so warm in the cool room was beyond Cori’s understanding.

  “And my grandson,” she continued. “He cut quite a figure, I assume.”

  Cori’s cheeks turned a delicate shade of pink. “Yes, he was quite handsome.”

  Grandmama gave her a knowing smile which only deepened the blush.

  “Tell me,” Cori said, clearing her throat delicately. “How does your garden go on?”

  “Quite well, thank you. But you cannot change the subject so easily, my dear. I want to hear about the wedding. I have not seen the dashing young gentleman much since our return from the continent. Is he very much changed?”

  “I shouldn’t know,” Cori responded, taking up her cup again to give her shaky fingers something to do. “I did not know him well before he left. It was my sister who claimed a relationship with him. One, I hear, which has been difficult for either of them to let go. However—”

  A throat cleared loudly from behind and both women turned to find the subject of their conversation standing in the doorway. His red hair was disheveled and his eyes fairly glittered—though with humor or anger was anyone’s guess.

  “Be seated, dear,” Grandmama said. “Don’t stand about in the doorway gawking so. Would you care for tea?”

  Adam chose a chair across from the women and accepted tea. He appeared stiff and formal, eyeing Cori warily. She did not understand the sudden intrusion, or the pointed scowl.

  The silence stretched on and Cori gained enough courage to ask, “You have finished with your business?”

  “Not hardly,” he responded.

  Her eyebrows rose in response and she had the desire to look away from his penetrating gaze. Instead she held it, sure there was some test or battle being performed and she was not going to fail.

  “Is there a matter of urgency which brings you to my door?” Grandmama asked, her mouth growing firm.

  Adam broke away, delivering a pitiful smile to his grandmother. “I simply wished to stop in and say hello.”

  Grandmama’s expression clearly said she disbelieved him. But it was no matter. Adam’s behavior was strange. If he had come to see his Grandmama, then perhaps he wanted to do so alone. Cori had told him of her intentions to visit, but he could have forgotten. He clearly did not seem happy to see her there, that was for sure and certain.

  Rising, Cori set her cup on the tray. “Thank you for tea, Grandmama. I have an appointment to keep with Mrs. Banner to go over the duties of the house and I should not be late.”

  “Come visit soon, dear,” she said, rising to embrace Cori. “And a very welcome to our family.”

  Adam stood. “I will escort you back to the house.”

  Cori shot Grandmama a questioning glance, but she simply lifted her eyebrows in reply. It was a silent communication, enough for Cori to know that neither of them understood what was going on in the earl’s mind to explain his odd behavior.

  She wasn’t particularly sure, either, that she wanted to find out.

  Adam walked ahead in the front garden of the dower house and opened the gate for Cori, gesturing her through. When they reached the path that led them through the small wood toward the large lawn in front of the house, he offered his arm and Cori cautiously laid her hand there.

  “Did you enjoy your visit?” he asked, his voice awkward and stilted.

  “Yes, thank you.”

  They walked through the wood quietly. Cori thought to return the question, but his visit hadn’t lasted so it did not really apply. Adam suddenly stopped before they reached the open, spanning lawn, and Cori halted in step.

  “We have been invited to a ball,” he said abruptly.

  “Oh?”

  “The Countess of Dunview is throwing one at the end of the month and sent a card expressly inviting me and my new bride. I should like to attend.” His eyes darted from hers to her lips and added, “If you are agreeable.”

  “I am agreeable,” she said meekly.

  Adam nodded once, his gaze slowly roaming her face. Her heart pounded against her chest as she held her breath. She could not tell if Adam was leaning closer or if it was in her imagination. She held still, fearing one slight movement would break the spell.

  A sudden, loud barking pulled them from the moment. Anabelle burst from the trees, circling the pair in wild, yapping excitement.

  Cori jumped. Adam suddenly stepped away, taking a slice of anticipation with him and replacing it with disappointment.

  He turned away, an air of distraction about him.

  “Did you come alone, girl?” Cori asked the dog, sweeping her gaze over the woods. She stepped onto the lawn to better survey the space. Adam stood nearby, watching the interaction.

  “Cori!” a small voice yelled.

  Her heart swelled when Marjie stepped from the trees, her blonde ringlets in disarray and her cheeks glowing.

  “Have you come alone, you little imp?”

  Marjie’s smile grew. “Miss Hooplin doesn’t mind.”

  Cori’s eyebrow raised in question. She was unaware that Adam had come to stand behind her until he said, “Come to the house with us and we will send a note to your mother.”

  “My mother is still in London. But you may write to Miss Hooplin. When she wakes up, she might wonder where I am.”

  They started toward the house together. “And does she often nap?” Cori asked. The governess had been hired the moment Cori became engaged, for her mother could no longer rely on Cori to fill in where the missing governess lacked.

  “Every day at the same time. So I take Annabelle out and we get our exercise. Miss Hooplin doesn’t like exercise.” She shrugged, her little mind unbothered. “Or dogs.”

  “What a strange creature she must be,” Adam said dryly, watching Annabelle trot along beside Marjie.

  Cori chuckled. It was Marjie’s nature to do as she pleased, and even more so to be indifferent.

  “How about a spot of tea and then I shall walk you home myself,” Cori asked, pulling her sister in close.

  “Lovely. But will you quit squeezing me, please?”

  Chapter 12

  Adam watched Cori mother her youngest sister with the greatest joy and satisfaction he had ever witnessed from a mother, natural or otherwise. More than he’d witnessed on his own, at any rate. He tried to give them privacy, leaving them alone in the parlor with their tea while he went to his study to care for his correspondence. But he quickly found he could not concentrate on writing letters with tinkling feminine laughter filtering down the hallway.

  Drat Cori, and drat her little sister.

  No, he did not truly feel that way. It was not their fault he had made a sort of game out of trying to guess which laughter belonged to which sister. He was fairly positive which one belonged to Cori when another sound came in that stumped him once more.

  There was nothing else for it, he simply had to go and discover if he was correct or not.

  Adam crossed the hallway, careful to enter the parlor right away. He did not want to make the mistake of lingering and hearing things better left unheard.

  “Lord Arnett!” Marjie squealed. She was a fetching little thing, and while she did not resemble Cori greatly in the obvious ways, her smile was identical. He found he liked her smile very much.

  “Yes, you little rascal?”

  Marjie giggled. “I have an idea for a game, but Cori refuses to play.”

  He looked at Cori. She was watching her youn
ger sister with an indulgent smile. He was certain she would play anything Marjie asked.

  “What game is that?”

  “Archery!”

  Adam chuckled. “I hate to bear the bad news, but that is not an idea for a new game.”

  “With Annabelle!” she continued enthusiastically.

  Adam shot Cori a questioning glance and she explained, “The dog.”

  Oh. “You’d like to shoot your dog?” he asked, giving her the best haughty, judgmental look he could muster.

  “Of course not,” she said, unfazed. “I’d like to tie a target to her back. A moving target would be so challenging to hit!”

  “Yes, I could see that.” In truth, he admitted to himself, he wouldn’t mind trying it either. But not at the expense of an animal.

  “Shall we get you home now, dear?” Cori asked. “Your governess is surely awake by now and is likely expecting your return.”

  “That old hag couldn’t see—”

  “Marjie.” Cori reprimanded sternly. She evidently had experience using authority over her sister in such a way. “You will respect your governess.”

  “But you haven’t met her,” Marjie whined. “She really is horrid. And boring, Cori! She is so very boring.”

  Cori stood at once. It was apparent that she took responsibility for Marjie’s poor manners and her blushing cheeks showed it. Adam found himself attracted to the Cori he was seeing. She was confident in the way she handled her sister, and even more so, she was competent.

  For the first time in his life, Adam imagined a brood of little children running around, some with his red hair, others with Cori’s dark brown. A mix of brown and green eyes watched their mother lovingly while she told them a bedtime story and tucked them into their cots. He was certain Cori would be the sort of mother who would insist on putting her own children to bed. A warmth spread through his chest. Clearly he had made a superb choice in a bride.