The Earl's Scandalous Wife

by Ruth Ann Nordin

  She stared at him for a long moment, wondering if she should deny him marriage to another lady—one who would deserve him.

  “Is that all right?” Perry asked.

  Blinking, she forced a smile and said, “That’s fine. And very considerate of you.”

  “You’re a lady. I wouldn’t dream of being anything but considerate. You stay here with my coachman, and I’ll get our rooms.”

  She nodded and watched as Perry entered the inn. Despite the warmth from the evening sun, she hugged herself, feeling more vulnerable than she cared to admit. The coachman offered her some water to drink, so she thanked him and took a few sips. As she did, she realized she was queasy, and as much as she told herself it was only because of the long and trying journey, she knew it was much worse than that.

  She really should run off. That, or tell Perry that this was a mistake. When she sought out a gentleman to trap into a scandal, she thought she was trapping someone who would be better than the one her brother wanted her to marry, but she never thought she’d end up with someone who was a saint. She expected the gentleman she snared would have some flaws, some traits that would make him comparable to her with her faults. But Perry was far more honorable than she anticipated.

  The sound of a cane tapping the steps directed her attention to the entrance of the inn. Perry descended the last two steps and approached her. “They have two rooms close together, so if you need anything, I won’t be far. Since you must be exhausted from the trip, I ordered a hot meal to be brought to your room.”

  As he turned to the coachman to ask him to bring her valise to her room, she pushed aside the stab of guilt that pricked at her.

  “I’ll show you to your room,” Perry added and gestured for her to join him.

  She debated whether or not to suggest he should take her back to London and let her live with the shame of her behavior, but he looked at her with those sweet blue eyes of his and she lost the words on the tip of her tongue. Tomorrow morning. Maybe after a good night’s sleep, she could tell him that she had no business marrying someone like him.

  ***

  The evening before they were due to arrive in Gretna Green, Paula picked up a quill and dipped it in the ink. She brought the candle closer to the small desk so she could see her paper better. With a deep breath, she examined the room she was staying in. Undoubtedly, Perry gave her the best room at the inn. She couldn’t recall a time when anyone had been so generous with her. And not once did he try to take liberties with her.

  Turning her attention back to the paper, she dipped the quill again and thought of the best way to write her apology for running away. Maybe she could find a new life in Scotland. She wasn’t sure what she’d do, really. She heard that the inn in the next town needed a woman to do laundry. It was far down from the life she’d lived in her brother’s home, and it wouldn’t be as comfortable as the life she could have as an earl’s wife. But it seemed necessary. She’d get rid of her brother and spare Perry the disgrace of being married to her.

  She closed her eyes and composed herself. She needed to do this. Pressing the quill to the paper, she began writing. Never have I met a gentleman as sweet and noble as you. You should have a wife who deserves you. There are things in my past, things I’m not proud of—

  The knocking on the door made her stop. “Who is it?” she called out.

  “Perry. I thought you might like a hot bath tonight. Is this a good time or should I tell them to come later?”

  She bolted to her feet, dropping the quill and paper. Quickly retrieving them, she stuffed both into the drawer of the desk and pushed the inkwell aside so he wouldn’t see it. She smoothed out the skirt of her dress which was wrinkled due to days of travel then opened the door. He stood in the hallway, his cane at his side. Behind him stood a woman who worked at the inn, holding a folded towel with a bar of soap on it.

  When Paula didn’t say anything, he asked, “Would you like a bath?”

  “Oh, yes. That would be lovely.” She quickly stepped aside so the woman could put the towel and soap in the room. “Thank you.” She looked at Perry. “I hope it’s not an inconvenience.”

  “Not at all. I’m only sorry I didn’t think of it sooner.” As the woman came back out of the room, he asked, “Will you tell the innkeeper my sister’s ready for the bath?”

  The woman nodded and hurried down the hall.

  Paula tucked a stray strand of dark hair behind her ear. “I’m afraid I’m not presentable.” If she’d thought about it, she would have at least combed her hair after she unpinned it.

  “You’re fine,” he assured her. “It’s been a long journey. I thought a bath would help relax you. I also thought you might like to wear something new.”

  “Something new?”

  “With your permission, I thought I’d take you to a dress shop not far from here.”

  “You want to buy me a new outfit?” she weakly asked, not expecting such generosity.

  “We only brought one change of clothes, and I don’t know about you but I feel like a pig who went through a slop bath.”

  Giggling at his analogy, she said, “I wouldn’t quite put it like that, but yes, I do feel a bit disgusting.”

  “Good. Then I’ll take you to the shop after your bath.”

  “That’s very kind of you.”

  “It’s not kindness. It’s practicality.”

  That was what he chose to call it, but it was very much a kindness and one he didn’t have to do. Glancing around the hallway, she stepped closer to him and lowered her voice. “Please tell me you’re not as perfect as you seem.”

  He laughed. “What?”

  “I know it seems like a strange thing to say, but you seem to be the perfect gentleman.”

  His eyebrow rose. “Isn’t that a good thing?”

  “Well, yes. But…” She paused. Just what was she supposed to say?

  He leaned on the cane as he brought his head closer to hers. “I don’t know if I should tell you this because you’re likely to think less of me when I do, but I’m not exactly the kind of gentleman who attracts ladies. I’ve talked to many. I even got engaged to one.”

  “Really? What happened?” For the life of her, she couldn’t imagine why any lady would willingly end her engagement to him.

  With a shrug, he said, “She found someone else she’d rather marry. I can’t begrudge her the right to be with someone she can love. Maybe it’s foolish, but I prefer a love match. My parents loved each other, and it made all the difference in the world. Granted, we hardly know each other and everything has happened so fast. But of all the ladies I’ve met, you’re the best one. You’re beautiful, charming, and sweet. And,” he continued with a twinkle in his eye, “I rather enjoyed your kisses.”

  Her face grew warm at the teasing tone in his voice.

  “I’m very glad it never worked with the others,” he added.

  All thoughts she had of running away and leaving him departed. She couldn’t leave. Not when he’d said the most wonderful things anyone had ever said to her. She wasn’t someone he wanted for his convenience. She wasn’t someone who’d just give him an heir or warm his bed. With him, she was a lady—one who’d be cherished and cared for all the days of her life. And she wanted that more than anything.

  “Perry,” she began, her voice soft, “you make it impossible for me to resist you.” On impulse, she gave him a kiss. She kept this one quick, mindful that someone might show up at any moment. “Thank you for everything you’ve done for me.”

  He blushed. “You’re going to be my wife. I wouldn’t treat you any other way.”

  She didn’t know how to respond to that, but a couple of women came down the hallway with a tub and some pails of steaming water. So she thanked him and went back into her room to get ready for a bath, something she had to admit she was looking forward to after the long journey.

  Chapter Six

  Perry kept expecting Paula to run off at some point or ask him to take her back
to London. In fact, when it was time to go to the anvil priest, he left her for a few minutes to reserve their room for the evening with the expectation that he’d return to an empty carriage. But she was right there waiting for him with that heartwarming smile on her beautiful face. Whatever he did to deserve such fortune, he didn’t know. But he wouldn’t question it.

  He kept pinching himself to make sure he wasn’t dreaming, sure he’d end up in his townhouse in bed. But instead, he took her to the priest and they said their vows in a small cottage. Even if the ceremony wasn’t one similar to what his ward Christopher had had, everything about it was perfect. Paula showed up and she said yes. Those were the important things. Everything else…the clothes, the wedding breakfast, and the guests weren’t really all that important in the grand scheme of things. Besides, in the years to come, he figured they would find a way to carve out special memories that would be much better than a wedding in London.

  After they were pronounced husband and wife, he wasn’t sure what the best thing to do was. Did he take her back to their room and consummate the marriage? Did he offer to take her on a carriage ride, thereby allowing her some extra time to adjust to the idea of being intimate with him? He’d never gotten this far with a lady so he didn’t know what he should do. If he’d thought about it, he would have asked Nate for advice. Even if his friend’s marriage had a difficult start, he was happy now. So he knew what to do with a lady.

  He led Paula out of the cottage and shifted his attention to their surroundings. It was a pleasant day. The air was a little cool, but the sun warmed things up enough so that it was nice to be outside. At any rate, it was better than the summer heat. Taking a deep breath, he turned to her and offered an uncertain smile. “I was thinking,” he began, unable to make eye contact with her in case she realized he wasn’t as charming as other gentlemen, “I’ve never been to Gretna Green, and it’s a beautiful day. It’s not even evening yet. Would you like to go on a carriage ride?”

  “Actually, I’m tired of the carriage,” she admitted. “Can we go for a walk?”

  “How about a horse ride? I can see if there’s a place we can borrow a couple of horses for a short time.”

  “I’d much rather walk. Stretch my legs. Move around. Doesn’t your body feel stiff after all that sitting?”

  He rubbed the back of his neck, unsure of how to proceed. With a sigh, he finally decided to tell her the truth. “I’ve never been good at walking. I was born with one leg an inch shorter than the other. It’s why I have a cane.”

  She took his hand. “That’s no reason why we can’t walk.”

  “I…my pacing is slow. I can’t go as fast as other people.”

  “I don’t mind walking slower.”

  “It’s not necessarily walking slower that’s the problem.”

  With a smile that threatened to melt his resolve, she asked, “Then what is it?”

  “I… Well, I have a cane.”

  “Yes, I know.”

  “It’s awkward.”

  “Is it? I think you manage very well with it.”

  It took a moment for him to understand what she meant. “No, it’s not awkward for me. I meant, it’s awkward for you. You’ll have to walk beside me and people will look at us.”

  She didn’t answer right away, but when she did, she squeezed his hand in reassurance. “Perry, I’m blessed to have you as my husband. The others can think whatever they want. It won’t bother me. As long as you’re content with me, that’s all that matters.”

  In all his years of searching for a wife, it never once occurred to him that when he finally married, she would lift him up on such a lofty pedestal. “Content? I’m much more than content with you. I can’t remember a time I’ve been happier.”

  Blinking back her tears, she kissed his cheek. “You are ever the gentleman. Now come and walk with me. We’ll take our time and enjoy the nice day.”

  He didn’t think anyone could talk him into taking a leisurely stroll, but she did and he suspected that she could talk him into doing anything. Relaxing, he agreed and stepped forward. She went with him, her pace matching his, and after a while, he became less aware of the way he had to use his cane to compensate for his limp.

  “Tell me more about yourself, Perry. What kind of things do you like to do?”

  “Well, I love riding horses. I usually go for a ride twice a week while in London. When I’m at Blackburn, I go once a day as long as the weather’s nice enough.”

  “Blackburn is your country estate?”

  “Yes. It’s a day’s travel to my friend Nate’s estate. You met him and his wife, Claire, at the ball. You and Claire are both kind and sweet.”

  He noted the way her cheeks grew pink and couldn’t remember when he’d seen a lovelier sight. Forcing his attention on the path in front of them lined with bushes, he added, “I also enjoy the theatre.”

  Looking up at him in interest, she asked, “Do you?”

  “I go often while in London.”

  “I haven’t been there. What’s it like?” He studied her face as if to decide whether she was telling him the truth or not, so she added, “This year has been my first in London, and some of the time has been spent taking care of my sick mother.”

  “Your mother’s ill?”

  “Was. We buried her three months ago.”

  He paused and turned to face her. “I’m sorry to hear that.”

  “She was sickly for over a year. In a way, it was a relief when she finally passed. It’s hard to watch someone you love spending all their days in pain.” She lowered her gaze. “I don’t want to dwell on the past. This is a special day for us. Will you tell me more about the theatre?”

  He nodded and obliged her. If she didn’t feel like going into more detail about her mother, he wouldn’t press her. They had the rest of their lives to learn the deeper things about each other.

  ***

  To Paula, it all seemed like a fairytale. Even if the whole thing had been done in a hurry, she was now the Lady of Clement, and that gave her freedom from her brother. Sure, he wouldn’t like losing the money the Duke of Leavenshire would have given him, but that wasn’t her problem. And if her brother tried to say anything, she was under Perry’s protection now.

  She tried to think of what Perry was getting in return for the marriage. She wasn’t as good as he was. While she could do her part to give him an heir, she couldn’t really give him anything else. She just hoped that he wouldn’t regret committing himself to her.

  When their walk came to an end, they shared a meal and got ready for bed. She fully expected him to initiate lovemaking, but he stood by the window, seeming unusually interested in whatever was outside. She remained in front of the vanity for a couple minutes, absentmindedly brushing her hair. It wasn’t until she noticed the way he twirled the cane around that she realized he was nervous.

  Of all the things she thought a gentleman might be on his wedding night, being nervous wasn’t one of them. The lady was to be nervous, and that was to be expected given how uncertain the whole thing was for her. But the gentleman? She imagined he’d be either excited or just wishing to get it over with so he could run back to his mistress.

  Maybe it was wrong, but she thought it was sweet that Perry was nervous. It was one more thing that made him different from other gentlemen. Standing up, she set the brush on the table and tightened the straps on her robe. She didn’t know how he’d react if her robe fell open in front of him, and though he wore a robe, she didn’t think he was going to take it off without some prompting.

  She headed his way, surprised when he gave a slight jerk. With a playful smile, she teased, “I promise I won’t bite.”

  Letting out an uneasy chuckle, he gripped the cane and turned his gaze back to the window. “I was just watching the horses over there.” He pointed to three steeds in a pasture not far off in the distance. “They’re graceful animals. At times, they seem to be moving in perfect unison.”

  “You enjoy look
ing at horses?”

  “They’re beautiful creatures. Have you ever watched them as they run across an open field?”

  “No, I can’t say I have.”

  “You should sometime. There’s a sense of freedom in their movements.”

  “You wish you could run swiftly like they do?”

  He looked in her direction. “When I ride one that’s in a full gallop, I feel free. It’s an exhilarating experience.”

  Even as her heartbeat picked up from an act of being so bold, she closed the gap between them and offered him a smile as she placed her hand on his chest. “You know, there is something you can do indoors that’s also exhilarating.”

  His face grew pink at her meaning. Clearing his throat, he lowered his gaze to her hands as she slipped them under his robe. Being as shy as he was, she didn’t think he’d be naked under the robe, but she felt bare flesh against her fingertips. Since he didn’t shift away from her, she spread her hands out, tracing the flat contours of his chest. He sharply inhaled but remained still as she continued her exploration of him. He had a light scattering of fine hair on his chest, which was less than she expected. She preferred him this way, though. When she brushed his nipples, he let out a slight shudder.

  She waited for him to touch her, but he didn’t. Daring a glance up at him, she noted the uncertainty in his eyes. “You’re allowed to touch me.”

  Letting out an uneasy chuckle, he said, “Yes, I know.” After a long moment passed between them, he set aside his cane and placed his hands on her shoulders.

  She slipped her arms further into his robe and wrapped them around his waist. Standing on her tiptoes, she kissed him. She’d never come across anyone so shy before. But she found it endearing, and it made her feel completely at ease with him.

  He slowly responded to her, hesitant at first but warming up to her as she continued kissing him. Soon, he pulled her into his embrace. She wanted nothing more than to melt into his arms, but recalling they were in front of the window, she ended their kiss and led him to the bed.