“I do not find her conducive to our developing relationship,” he continued.
Temptation to ask him about the letters hidden within his desk flitted to the surface, but Cori shoved them back down. He had already stated he did not love Rosemary, he had quit his attraction when her character was made plain to him. And he had not proposed. That was enough, wasn’t it?
“Then we are decided,” she said. “We will refuse to help.”
Chapter 16
The house and courtyard was a flurry of servants when they arrived back at the barn. People moved this way and that carrying trunks and boxes, putting away horses and cleaning the mud encrusted carriage.
“Prepare yourself,” Adam muttered, worried about Cori. She had reached a new place with him, and now she had to reside in the house with his mother. He groaned.
“What is it?” his wife asked, concern on her pretty brow.
“Nothing frightening,” he smiled back. “But let us be clear on one thing. Regardless of any emotional blackmail, we will stand firm together.”
They crossed the lawn and entered the foyer to hear Lady Berwind shouting orders at various servants. No wonder everyone adored Cori; she was significantly less abrasive.
“Adam! You’ve returned,” Mother said, approaching him with her cheek out, which he dutifully kissed.
“And Corianne,” she said, giving Cori her hands.
“My name is Coriander, but you may call me Cori. Most people do.”
Mother blinked, her face a picture of condescension. She turned to the passing chambermaid and requested a bath to be prepared in her room forthwith. “I must rest,” she explained to the couple.
“We have been invited to Lady Dunview’s ball this evening,” Adam said.
“Splendid,” Mother replied.
“Did Travis return with you?” he asked.
“No, he chose to stay in Town.”
“And Father?”
Her eyes tightened. “In bed. The trip was rough and he needs to recover. He was seen by a wonderful physician and has a new regimen in place. I am sure we can fill you in on it if you wish.”
Adam nodded.
“Until tonight,” she said, mounting the stairs.
Adam swallowed his irritation. If Travis was ever going to create a real profession for himself then he needed to begin taking things seriously. And if his father was going to teach him all he needed to know to take over as the marquess, he needed to heal.
“I believe I am going to bathe as well,” Cori said quietly, pulling him from his brooding thoughts.
He smiled, watching her go and wondering where in his life he went right to have such an amazing woman by his side.
* * *
Adam felt the air shift while he descended the stairs. He reached the foyer and stilled, the sight of Rosemary awaiting him a gross opposite of the angel he had anticipated: his wife.
“May I help you?” he asked stiffly, avoiding any close proximity to the blonde vixen.
Her lips curled in a way he used to admire; now, however, her smile only disgusted him further. “I believe your mother has informed you that I require an escort? How kind of you to take on the role.” She stepped up beside him, her fingers trailing lightly down his arm.
A small noise behind them turned his chest cold and he spun, cringing at Cori’s crestfallen face. He moved to her side but she was stone, her arm unyielding when he tried to thread it through his own.
“Rosemary, how lovely to see you,” Mother said, coming down the stairs with regal authority, her vivid maroon gown the height of fashion. “Let us be off.”
They rode to the ball in silence. Appreciating the darkness as a cover, Adam picked up Cori’s hand in his own and held it quietly on the seat, his mother and Rosemary across from him completely unaware. She slipped her dainty hand from his grip. Anger flared within him at her careless sister—for there could be no other cause for Cori’s sudden distance. Drat Rosemary!
“It shall be lovely to see all of our country friends again.” Mother sighed. “We can tell them all about London.”
A floral scent wafted from Cori’s hair and Adam inhaled, trying to place the flower. It was not roses, of that he was certain. And neither was it lavender.
“It shall be splendid going to parties again,” Rosemary said, causing Cori to stiffen beside him. “How amusing to remind us of the many joyful entertainments we once shared.”
The carriage rolled to a stop, and Adam’s mouth remained closed. He did not know how to reply, for the woman was cunning and would likely twist any of his words. It was evident she intended to hurt her sister, but to what aim was lost on him.
* * *
Cori did not know whether to run and cry, or stay and swallow her feelings. Rosemary’s game was anyone’s guess, and her words were hurtful. She could not look at her sister without recalling the loving notes she had sent Adam so long ago, and resulting anger and frustration warred within her. Coming down the stairs to the image of Rosemary and Adam in a close tête-à-tête was all of her recent fears realized, and she had to remind herself that Adam did not care for her sister in that way.
She needed to trust her husband.
They walked into the ballroom, Cori’s hands firmly hidden within the folds of her gown. Her gaze flitted from face to interested face and she swallowed, unused to the direct attention the party was heaping on her. It seemed everyone wanted a glimpse of the earl’s new wife.
The strains of a waltz began and Adam turned, grasping her elbow; his deliberate gaze trained on her own. “Please excuse us, I should like to dance with my wife.”
He whisked her onto the center of the dance floor, his arm coming around her waist, supporting her, his other grasping her hand. The strength of his gaze was enough to make her cower, but she stood strong.
“She was merely greeting me. I did not approach her.”
Cori laughed. Of course Rosemary was to blame. That was not up for debate.
Adam stopped in the center of the dance floor. “Can you not simply trust me?”
She did trust him. It was her sister that angered her.
Yet, Cori could not help but think of the letters, of his previous attachment. She realized that he did not love Rosemary. But if he did not marry her to spite Rosemary, then why did he marry her? She had believed him when he explained his feelings for Rosemary and their subsequent demise, but watching her sister standing so close to his side, her stomach had dropped and all sense failed her.
Grasping her hand he swiftly fled the ballroom, pulling her down the hall and onto an open terrace. “Must we rehash this now?”
Cori glared, anger coursing through her. “It was not I caught in an embrace this evening, Adam. And I did not choose to allow Rosemary to accompany us. I thought we decided to deny our mothers’ request.”
“I was set upon!” he defended. “I did not anticipate her presence, she was merely there. What do you propose I should have done?”
Cori watched him, her heart constricting with sorrow. She wanted so badly to put her trust in him but fear reared its ugly head and she quaked with apprehension.
“I’ve read the letters,” she said, surprising herself.
Confusion marred his brow.
“From Rosemary. In your desk.”
Comprehension lit Adam’s face. “Those were from years ago,” he explained. “Before she had ever set foot in London. Before she even met Lord Hammond or her numerous other suitors.”
“Yes, and you’ve kept them close all these years,” Cori said, fighting the emotion rising to the surface. “I read the words she wrote, the way she talked of your future together. It was made clear to me that I was a pawn in your game. I understand you chose me to spite her, and I find it is a difficult thing to come to terms with.”
Adam stood still, his mouth slack as he searched her face. She waited for him to speak, for a denial to spill from his lips, but nothing was forthcoming.
Wiping tears from her cheeks w
ith the back of her hand, Cori turned and walked calmly from the terrace. She regained her composure as best she could and reentered the ballroom, accepting a dance from a neighbor and doing her utmost to appear calm and collected.
She would be able to vent her emotions into her pillow at the evenings end. For now, she simply had to endure.
* * *
If it wouldn’t send him directly to Newgate Prison, Adam would gleefully wring her neck. He watched Rosemary across the dance floor, anger coursing through him. He wanted, desperately, to drag her from the dance floor and put her in her place. But causing a scene would not benefit any member of his family. He cared little for his own reputation, but deeply for Cori’s. For her, he would refrain.
“Cards, old boy?”
He turned sharply, smiling at the older man to his left. Lord Fordham, an old crony of his father’s, appeared as bored as he sounded.
Lord Fordham continued, “I find these balls dashedly dull. Dance a few times and get out of here, that’s my advice.”
Nodding, Adam searched the room for Cori. She was dancing the cotillion and looked radiant doing it. Her smile, he noticed, was tight. Her mouth closed to conversation. He wanted nothing more than to erase her troubles, and he vowed to do so.
It was foolish of him to have remained quiet earlier, when she had first accused him of his spiteful motives. In truth, it was the first he had considered the concept and he was too busy examining the idea to properly shut it down.
“How’s your father these days?” Lord Fordham said, causing him to jump.
“Unwell. But he has been in London seeing doctors and we are hopeful.”
“Capital. Excellent man, your father.”
Adam looked at the older man. He’d lost his wife a few years before. “Why do you attend these balls, sir? You lack the females to drag you here.”
Lord Fordham smiled softly, his white side whiskers quivering. Reminiscing, perhaps? “I must, boy. Someday you’ll understand.”
Adam watched him go. He approached a young woman and then led her onto the floor. For an older man, he was spry.
He chuckled to himself. He would likely never understand the older earl.
Checking the floor once again for Cori, he watched her leave one partner and join another for a Scottish reel. Rosemary now danced with Lord Fordham, and his mother stood just on the other side of the room deep in conversation with a few women.
If he was not going to dance with his wife, then he was not going to dance at all. He might as well take Lord Fordham’s advice and go play some cards.
Chapter 17
Cori refused the dance with the older lord whose name she failed to recall. His wiry white side whiskers quivered as he smiled, bowing himself away.
Taking the opportunity for respite, she sat in a chair along the wall, watching silk skirts twirl around the floor and trussed up gentlemen lead the ladies from one step to the next. The quadrille was a stately dance and she was only too happy to give her aching feet a rest.
“I haven’t seen Adam in some time,” Rosemary said, sidling up and taking the empty seat beside her.
Cori stiffened. The familiar use of her husband’s name was likely geared toward her discomfort. And it worked.
“When we used to attend the balls years ago, he would scarce leave my side.” She sighed. “I vow, he was the most dedicated gentleman of the lot.”
“The lot?” Cori asked. “Are you referring to the many men you strung along?”
Rosemary’s smile slipped momentarily.
Turning to face her sister, Cori asked, “And where are they now, Rose?”
Silence met her question, but Cori did not back down. There was nothing to gain from Rosemary’s words or actions. She could not have Adam, now or ever, and her spiteful reminiscing helped no one.
“Rosemary, can you not let it go?”
“No,” she said, her voice as hard as her face. “I had a perfect plan, and you ruined everything.”
“I am sorry you feel that way, but what good are your actions going to do now? How is it helpful to sabotage my marriage?”
“It will make me feel better,” she said.
Cori’s heart broke, her fears realized. Rosemary had no plan in mind, no ulterior motive. She simply wished Cori and Adam ill will.
Standing, she looked down at her older, more beautiful sister. “I am sorry you are struggling. I know I needn’t remind you that these trials are of your own making, for mere recollection can tell you so. But I will say one thing on the matter and then never speak of it again: you will not ruin my marriage, regardless of your efforts. I love my husband. Which is more than I can say for how he ever felt about you. You had your chance with him and I am glad to say you lost it. Move on, Rose.”
“That is the prettiest speech I have ever heard.”
Cori gasped, turning to find Adam standing directly behind her. “And,” he continued, taking her hands in his own, “those letters meant nothing to me. In truth, I forgot they were there or I would have burned them long ago. Cori, I did not marry you to spite Rosemary, I married you because you are thoughtful, intelligent and kind. You serve others without thought of yourself, you care about people, and you have a stunning heart. I am blessed I did not fall for any other traps, so I was prepared to offer for you when I finally met you.”
“But you said nothing when I made the accusation.”
Adam pulled her a few paces away from Rosemary, allowing for some privacy. She noticed her sister stalk away and felt the relief her departure brought.
“I should have, but I was too busy pondering your words. Until that moment I had not even considered the possibility. In truth, I wondered if Rosemary was part of my motive. Upon recollection, though, I do not think it ever crossed my mind, as a subconscious motive or otherwise. I was smitten with you, Cori. You attracted me from the beginning.”
She shook her head. His words were lovely, but could they be true?
He stepped closer. “I may not have loved you the moment I asked you to marry me, but the more fool me. I love you now, Cori Arnett, and my love shall only grow stronger with time. Allow me to prove it to you every day, and you will know with a surety that you are the one. The only one.”
Heart soaring, Cori stepped marginally closer. “Very well, Adam. But you could have told me sooner.”
He leaned down and kissed her, his face spreading into a grin when he stepped away. “I have a novel idea.”
“Hmm?” she asked, wrapped in the glow from his kiss like a warm blanket.
“I believe we are a due a wedding trip. Where shall we go?”
“Italy? I should like a tour from someone who knows the place well.”
He grinned. “Italy it is. On one condition.”
“Yes?”
“Tell me what you smell of. I have been dying to know for weeks.”
She smiled softly. “Jessamine.”
Epilogue
Cori stood on the bow of the deck, the salty wind whipping strands of hair into her face. She smoothed them away, soaking in the Italian coastline peeking through the distance. Warm arms wrapped around her, pulling her against a solid chest. She leaned her head back, allowing Adam’s warmth to seep through her gown and heat her skin.
“I cannot wait to show you the Roman ruins,” he said. “And the food, Cori, is absolutely amazing.”
“I suppose I ought to eat a great deal more, if I going to be supporting another human.”
She felt him stiffen behind her.
“You cannot mean it?” he asked softly. His hands trailed up her arms, gripping her shoulders to turn her around. His eyes grew wide, his mouth hung slack.
Cori nodded. “Mr. Gallo confirmed it this morning.”
His face breaking into a grin, Adam swept her into his arms, spinning her in circles as he whooped. Setting her down in a sudden, rapid movement his hands steadied her. “Are you alright? I should not have done that.”
She chuckled. “A little queasy,
perhaps. But no worse for the wear.”
Pulling her into a soft embrace, Adam’s arms held her securely. He kissed the top of her head. “We shall grow this child on Italian food and then take him back to England to be born among his countrymen.”
Pulling back, she lifted an eyebrow. “What has you so convinced it is to be a boy?”
“I need an heir,” he said simply.
She shook her head. “You cannot control these things, Adam. What if she is a little girl?” Despite the fellow passenger and physician, Dr. Gallo’s, healthy examination, a dose of concern for her unborn child remained at the forefront of her thoughts. She needed to know the child would be loved regardless of her inability to inherit Adam’s title.
“I will love her almost as much as I love her mother,” he said solemnly. “And I have a strong feeling she will have me wrapped around her finger just as much.”
Grinning, Cori reached up on tip toe to kiss her husband. “Of course she will. She’ll learn from the best.”
Also by Kasey Stockton
Women of Worth Series
Love in the Bargain, Book One
Love for the Spinster, Book Two
Love at the House Party, Book Three
Love in the Wager, Book Four
Stand Alone Romances
To Be Loved By the Earl
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About the Author
Kasey Stockton was drawn to the Regency period at a young age when gifted a copy of Sense and Sensibility by her grandmother. A staunch lover of all things romantic, Kasey doesn't discriminate between genres and enjoys a wide variety of happily ever afters. A native of northern California, she now resides in Utah with her own prince charming and their three children. When not reading, writing, or binge-watching sappy chick flicks, she enjoys running, cutting hair, and anything chocolate.
To Be Loved By The Earl: A Regency Novella Page 8
