A Merchant's Extraordinary Lady: A Historical Regency Romance Book

by Aria Norton

“The diamond and emerald necklace. It will go beautifully with her eyes, yes?”

  “She does not want jewellery, Mother.”

  He wasn’t lying. Aurora had only kept the most inexpensive of the jewellery he had given her, refusing all else. He had wished to gift her the emerald and diamond necklace on their wedding day, but he had decided not to. He had bought the intricate piece during his travels and brought it back with him, not knowing what he would do with it because Lydia preferred pearls. After meeting Aurora, he had known that the necklace would be perfect for her.

  “Oh no, she must have it! Hija, you will take it, yes?”

  To his amazement, Aurora agreed. “Yes, thank you.”

  “There! That is settled. Now, come, let me show you your room. Carlos told me that he wished you to have your own room, although I find that strange. However, I had the servants air out the room, and the wallpaper was picked by me. I hope you like what I have done.”

  Carlos chose that moment to leave them, not wanting to intrude on their womanly talk. The last thing he heard Lydia say was how charming Aurora was. Yes, he could agree with that. His wife was beautiful, lovely, kind, cheerful, and everything else one could imagine.

  “Only when she is not fighting me.”

  But even their fights had been amusing. Shaking his head, he headed towards the kitchen for some refreshment.

  ***

  Lydia came down the stairs sometime later without Aurora, massaging her leg.

  “You have overexerted yourself once again,” he accused.

  “Never mind that, ’tis but an old injury. Your wife is tired, so I have convinced her to take a little nap.”

  That explained her absence. “Oh, I asked Vanessa to bring some tea for everyone.”

  “She will have something when she awakens. Now, what I wish to know from you is what you intend to do with your wife. I see an innocent, young woman coming into a situation she knows nothing about. I am happy that you are married, but at what expense to her? You have not told me everything about her. You did not tell me when I first asked you, but I will not let you go until you explain how it is that you came to marry a baron’s daughter and a beautiful one at that. It seems that any man, even a prince, would wish to have her as his wife.”

  Carlos snorted. He hadn’t meant to but hearing his mother say that any man would wish to have her as his wife was amusing.

  “My wife is not all that she seems, Mother. You have no notion of what she put me through while we waited for our matrimonial day. Do you recall how I used to play tricks as a child? Well, she makes me look like an amateur. Let’s just say that she did not wish to marry me, or anyone else for that matter.”

  “You forced her into marriage?”

  His mother’s disapproving tone shamed him. She had almost been forced to marry a brute of a man, and while he was nothing like the man who had caused the scars on her leg, he had still taken away Aurora’s right to choose.

  “Her father wished her to be married, and I offered. I saw my chance to get closer to my father, and I took it.”

  She shook her head. “Your need to prove yourself to your father has gripped you far more strongly than I wished, hijo. Very well, once you have what you wanted, what will you do with your wife? You cannot discard her; neither can you ignore her. You have intentionally disrupted her life for your own gains. What will you do once you return to the sea?”

  He certainly couldn’t take her with him! The kind of people he dealt with would think nothing of abducting Aurora and keeping her for themselves. The thought made his stomach clench. But if I leave her behind, she might get into mischief. It seemed that he was between a rock and a hard place.

  Chapter 16

  Aurora was glad that she had brought along some old dresses, or she might have ruined her new ones in the garden. She had managed to convince Lydia to let her weed the garden and plant some vegetables in the vegetable patch, although the woman had not been pleased about it.

  “’Tis apparent by her insistence in treating me like a porcelain doll that Carlos did not tell her much about me.”

  Although he would have had ample time to do so yesterday. Aurora had not known how exhausted she was until she had awoken this morning, feeling fresh and energised. Fortunately, no one had thought her lazy for sleeping so long, and in fact, encouraged her to take more naps.

  “One good sleep at night is more than enough for me.”

  She usually slept around ten hours a day, eight if she couldn’t put a book down. Lydia had shown her a little room with some books, but it wasn’t extensive enough to be called a library.

  “Perhaps it is simply a reading room or a place for her to write letters.”

  Hopefully, there would be some books for her to read. She didn’t mind rereading old books, but a new one would present an adventure.

  “I thought I might find you here,” said Carlos behind her. “Did you sleep well?”

  Aurora sat back on her haunches, using her gloved hand to shield her eyes. “Yes, thank you. I thought you would be gone for the day.”

  When she had awoken this morning, Lydia had informed her that Carlos had left for some business. For just a mere second, she felt disappointed, but she had quickly pushed that aside and focused on the positive. If he were gone, then she wouldn’t have to deal with him.

  “It was only for a few hours. Are you settling in?”

  “Your mother has made me feel welcome.”

  She watched him run his fingers through his hair, the shininess of the strands catching the sunlight. For all his character flaws, he was a handsome man.

  “I, uh, thought perhaps we could have lunch together.”

  Lunch? Together? Had he forgotten what he had put her through? The despair and fear she had felt on her wedding day were still fresh in her mind, reminding her that the man who stood before her had taken her away from all she had known for seventeen years.

  “You thought wrong. Besides, I have already agreed to help your mother bake some bread to take to the poor. That will take up much of my day.”

  She longed to say something that would cut him to the quick, but there was every chance that Lydia would appear at that exact moment. Aurora didn’t want to do anything that would upset and offend her, but she still wanted to make her husband’s life hellish. I made a promise that I would never let him live in peace, and I shall keep it. I cannot allow any tender feelings for Lydia to take me off course, but how to go about doing it?

  She failed to tell herself that the other reason why she didn’t want to trouble Carlos was due to her heart thawing towards him. Not much, but it was significant enough to cause some alarm. If I hadn’t been cooped up with him for so many days, I would not have learned much about his life and had some of my views changed.

  “Perhaps I can accompany you and Mother?”

  Aurora was about to say no, but Lydia beat her to it. “Of course, hijo! However, you have never wished to accompany me before. It must be your wife who has influenced you. I see she will be both your strength and weakness, yes?”

  Aurora ducked her head. Must I suffer his presence again today? I thought I would build up my defence and resolve to trouble him, so when he returned from his business errand, I would be fortified by my anger. An anger that was inexplicably disappearing bit by bit. If she lost that, she would lose herself.

  “I shall be in my study,” said Carlos. “Let me know when you are ready to leave.”

  She heard him turn away and return to the house. Only then did she lift her head to watch him. There was power in his shoulders, but he never used his strength against anyone. At least, none that I have seen.

  “You are angry, yes?”

  Startled, Aurora could only look at the woman.

  “My son has taken you from your family, and you are angry.”

  That was true, but could she admit as much to her? I’d rather not. I wish to keep our relationships as separate as I possibly can. It would be difficult as they were mot
her and son, but she had to try. Lydia has done nothing to me; ’tis Carlos who needs to be taught a lesson.

  “Will you plant cabbage as well? Netty taught me a delicious recipe where you stuff cabbage leaves with–”

  “Child, do not avoid the conversation,” the woman gently interrupted. “I know what my son has done, and you are rightfully angry. However, he is not a bad man. Sometimes he makes mistakes as I am certain you have done as well, but he means no harm. Perhaps in time, you will come to accept him and share a room.”

  Aurora’s eyes widened. Share a room with Carlos? Over her dead body! As long as it is possible, I shall keep him away from me.

  “’Tis not easy to forget being taken away from one’s family.”

  “I know. I was once almost killed by a suitor who wished to marry me by force.”

  What? Wait, if that were true, how on earth could she condone what her son had done to her?

  “I suppose you are wondering why I am asking you to accept my son when I went through a similar situation?”

  “Yes,” Aurora said truthfully.

  “I know my son is a good man; that is the first difference between him and that man. While I admit, his methods were not right, especially as you were against the marriage, know that he will do nothing to harm you. The man who hurt me and caused these scars upon my leg was a selfish man intent on getting his way. I was around your age when it happened, perhaps a little more naïve than you are. I escaped, but only just. Carlos’ mother found me on the side of the road and took me in against her husband’s wishes.”

  Aurora had to admit Carlos had not laid a hand on her except when needing to put a ring on her finger. He kept his distance and never looked at her inappropriately. Why didn’t she try to run away as Lydia did? Her first attempt had not worked, but surely the second would have? But she knew why. Lydia had run away because her life was in danger, but Aurora’s life had not been in any trouble. Carlos had never acted cruelly towards her and had never raised his voice.

  Additionally, it was within her father’s rights to marry her off to whoever he deemed acceptable. Nanny had also begged her to consider her future, to at least give her marriage a chance. Aurora wasn’t without sense, but that didn’t mean that the still frightened part of her didn’t wish to flee.

  “I cannot promise you that I will accept Carlos.”

  That would mean losing a part of herself. I have lost enough already.

  Lydia nodded, touching her head. “You will do as your heart tells you to. Perhaps, in time you will see that you are suited for each other. It may seem impossible now, but an old woman knows these things. You will wash up and join me in the kitchen, yes?”

  The woman strolled into the house, humming a tune Aurora was not familiar with. Removing her gloves, she mulled over the woman’s words.

  “’Tis normal for a mother to speak for her son; I cannot hold that against her.”

  But she would rather not hear about his good qualities. And now I will have to spend an entire afternoon with him. Not that it was any different from their journey together, but she wouldn’t be able to say whatever she wanted because Lydia would hear. Goodness.

  The next few days were filled with learning about the Fernandez family and growing used to the servants and how the house was run. Lydia took pleasure in teaching Aurora everything she could, often speaking to her in Spanish. Carlos hovered around them, never joining in their activities unless Lydia invited him. He rarely talked to her unless she initiated the conversation, and even then, he didn’t say much, but Aurora noticed that he listened well.

  One day, she spoke to Lydia about missing the library back home, and within a few days, three large boxes full of books had arrived. Another day she mentioned that she had always wanted a Great Dane, and within two days, a Great Dane puppy had been hand-delivered to her with a blue bow. Aurora knew that Carlos was behind the gifts, but he never said a thing about them.

  More clothes had arrived for her over the week, overfilling her wardrobe until Lydia suggested they turn one of the other rooms into a walk-in clothes space. Carlos had organised for the room beside hers to be changed into a large wardrobe with plans to remove the wall separating it from her own room. He is doing so much for me, and I have yet to thank him. She wanted to, but the words always seemed to die in her throat whenever she saw him.

  Lydia entered the parlour holding a tray laden with tea and sweet pastries.

  “Dear, would you mind taking this tea to Carlos? He’s in his study. I would ask someone else, but everyone is occupied, and my leg is hurting a bit today.”

  Aurora quickly took the tray from her, scolding her. “Why did you not call me before? You know that you should not carry anything heavy.”

  The woman waved her hand at her. “Never mind that, hija. I will take a rest right here if it makes you feel any better.”

  “Much. Would you like me to make you a cup as well?”

  “Oh, no, I have had enough for now. Carlos, however, has been complaining that I have neglected him ever since you arrived, hence the tray full of sweet and savoury pastries. Take it to him before he complains any further.”

  Aurora had never heard Carlos complain before, but there was a first time for everything. The only thing that confused her was the two cups on the tray. Surely, there should only be one? Lydia must know why, or perhaps she has absent-mindedly put two.

  She climbed up one flight of stairs, making sure not to drop anything. Balancing the tray on the one hand, she knocked on Carlos’ door.

  “Enter!”

  Butterflies circled her insides at his voice, making her pause. Why was she suddenly so nervous about seeing him? It made no sense. She turned the doorknob, keeping her head down until she was halfway into the room.

  “Your mother asked that I bring this to you.”

  She put the tray down, pushing it towards him before walking away. She didn’t meet his gaze once, feeling too nervous to do so.

  “Aurora,” he called, stopping her.

  “Yes?”

  “Will you please join me? Just a friendly cup of tea.”

  It was probably wise to say no, but what would one cup hurt? She had been thinking about getting her own cup anyway.

  “Very well. Shall I pour it?”

  “Please.”

  She had come to learn precisely how he liked his tea: two sugar cubes, a dash of cream, and it had to be robust and hot. It occurred to her that she was taking on a wife's duties without intention, but she ignored the thought. Nothing is working out as I planned. Carlos was making it difficult for her to remain angry with him, which had significantly lowered her flame of revenge. It was nothing but a candle flame, a flimsy thing that could be blown out at any minute. What is wrong with me? He is just like any other man, someone who cannot be trusted. Why do I find myself caring what he thinks?

  “Will you have a pastry as well?” he asked. “I noticed you didn’t eat much at breakfast.”

  “I wasn’t hungry.”

  “Is there something I can have made for you? Perhaps you would like a particular food we do not currently have.”

  He was so eager to please her. Why? “No, your pantry is well-stocked.”

  “Then have a pastry or two. Here.”

  He stood up, taking a side plate, and piling it high. At this rate, I’ll not be able to leave this chair.

  “That is quite enough, thank you. I do not wish to spoil my supper with too many.”