"A fine welcoming party." Tristan kissed Aldora's cheek. "My lady, you are as beautiful as ever."
Nicola held her sisters' hands. "We're leaving. I can't wed him."
Drew stepped toward the trio. "Miss Gordon...Nicola."
"Oh la," Aldora cried. She pressed her hand to her chest and slowly crumpled.
Drew caught her in his arms. He looked at Nicola. "You will not leave this house."
"How could you think we could leave before we know how our grandmother fares. Once the doctor has been here, you won't have the bother of our company."
The Dowager's eyes fluttered open. "Do not make a hasty decision, my child. I will be fine after I rest. The noise and confusion have overset me."
Drew looked down at the Dowager. Her eyes closed and her mouth slackened, but something about her almost serene expression made him wonder if she'd really fainted. He carried her from the room and placed her on the sofa. Bertha fetched the vinaigrette.
Drew knelt beside the sofa. Part of him believed she had staged her collapse to diffuse the confrontation with his betrothed.
Aldora coughed. "Do not glower."
"I won't be woman ruled."
"La, Drew, that could never pass. Treat Nicola gently. Remember how soon after her father's death that she came to England and remember how her father died. Caring for her sisters has kept her from grieving."
He rose and walked to the window. "There is another possibility. I fear she doesn't want to relinquish her control of their lives."
Aldora sighed. "And you would heed those dragons you brought into the house. The younger girls were growing comfortable with the changes in their lives until those women arrived."
"They came with the highest recommendations. I fear my wards were responsible for Miss Agatha's behavior. I wish to retain their services until I can observe them in action."
"Drew, think about the blows and hair-pulling. Remember the bruises I discovered when I took you from your father? Surely you can't condone the use of force."
Drew stared outside. He seldom thought about the days before he came to Aldora. "Miss Gordon can't make the decisions. She should have laid her complaints in my hands."
"You chose to stay in London."
"She could have sent a letter."
"She'd been responsible for her sisters for more than half her life."
"Then she should be willing to cede the responsibility to me. What kind of father would permit.…?” His voice trained off. The Gordon sisters never spoke of their father without love in their voices. They had shared something utterly foreign to his experience. He had no memories of a happy family life.
Aldora rose and put her hand on his arm. Tears filled her eyes. "For my sake, treat her with kindness."
Drew inhaled. He much preferred Nicola's directness to the Dowager's approach. "I'll be fair. Should I send Jem for Dr. Rodgers?"
"I am fine. The wrangling needed to be stopped lest you or my granddaughter drew a line neither of you could cross."
"That won't happen. We will wed." He kissed Aldora's cheek and left the room. Instead of going to the schoolroom for explanations, he headed to the peace of his study. He would deal with Nicola Gordon and her sisters later. And he would also caution his friends about encouraging the girls to mischief.
Chapter 8
As the Earl carried the Dowager from the room, Nicola hid a smile. Her grandmother's faint had come at a most opportune moment. Just before the Dowager's eyes had closed for the second time, Nicola had seen a flash of awareness. This time, she would let her grandmother handle the situation.
She turned from the door to survey the chaos her sisters had created. What had possessed the pair? If they had done their mischief before the Earl's arrival, the house might already be rid of a Smythe sister or two.
One of the dogs, a small spotted pup, raced toward her. Nicola grabbed the beast and strode to where her sisters stood chattering with the Earl's friends. She thrust the dog at the angelic Cairnton. "Call a footman or two to help escort these creatures of chaos from the house."
His hearty laughter warmed her. Would that the Earl were such a man. When she realized the Duke's laughter didn't touch the bleakness in his dark eyes, she wondered if the Earl had chosen friends who had demons of their own.
"Did you really dress pigs and set them loose in the chapel?" Margaret's hazel eyes danced with delight. "What a fun thing to do. In India, there are cows and monkeys in some of the temples."
Fenwick chuckled. "A cow would have caused more of a stir."
"I don't believe you when you say the Earl knew how to have fun," Elizabeth said. "He is too dour and proper."
Captain Ramsey grabbed another frog. "He has changed. Duty and responsibility, you know. How many more of these beasties did you set loose?"
"Four in all, my lord," Margaret said. "'Twas all I could catch."
"I'm not a lord, only a soldier."
Nicola cleared her throat. "Elizabeth, Margaret, I would like to speak to you."
Fenwick plucked a cat from the draperies. "Don't ring a peal over the pair. Just pray their tactics worked. Never seen a more offensive pair of women."
"If I had to look at them every day, I would've resorted to worse actions." Cairnton captured the second dog. "Though I dearly love most ladies, they were de trope."
"They were twins and the Earl hired them." Elizabeth said. "Men shouldn't be trusted to hire governesses."
"That I can believe," Fenwick said. "He must've been impressed by their references."
A short time later, Mr. Greene and three footmen arrived. "My lords, Captain. The Earl has sent us to remove the creatures. Then I'll show you to your rooms."
Once the men left, Nicola rounded on her sisters, "I am most displeased with the pair of you. Why did you choose the day the Earl arrived to try such a prank?"
"To gain his attention," Elizabeth said. "I fear he won't listen to our complaints."
"And I fear he'll send you both away to some place where the discipline is strict."
Margaret clung to Nicola's hand. "You wouldn't let him do that.”
"When we wed, he becomes your guardian. I won't be able to gainsay him."
"Then don't marry him," Margaret said. "We'll find another home and take Grandmother to live with us."
"Cousin Fergus will find us and make Nicola return to India and work with the jewels and find worse things for us," Elizabeth said.
Margaret's eyes widened. "I wouldn't like that. Nica, don't let Cousin Fergus have us."
Nicola hugged the child. "Then I must marry the Earl and you must promise to do naught else to anger him."
"Twill be hard, but I will try."
Nicola turned to Elizabeth. "The next time someone bothers you or Margaret, you must tell me. I should have known what was happening in the schoolroom."
"With Miss Agnes dogging your path?" Elizabeth flipped her braid over her shoulder. "Twould have given the pair time to invent a story. I'm sorry the animals got so out of hand, but we had to do something to show the Earl the true nature of those women."
Nicola thought back to her entrance into the room and smiled. If the Earl hadn't been so angry, the episode would have been funny. She hugged her sisters. "Now, let us clean this mess. When that is done, I want each of you to write an essay about the methods of discipline you feel I should employ and apologize to the Earl and Grandmother for the disruption you caused."
* * * *
Drew sat at his desk and rested his hands behind his head. Slowly, amusement filtered into his thoughts. He chuckled and then laughed. The vision of Niall holding a brace of frogs and the cat climbing Michael's trousers brought a roar of laughter. As he tried to gain control, the chair rocked. Would not do to let his wards know he'd been amused. He sobered quickly. The problem of his wards and their governess remained to be solved. He couldn't permit the girls to run wild. They needed to learn how to behave in society. He rose and paced to the window.
He stared
into the courtyard. Another memory flashed into his thoughts. He saw his betrothed dressed in her outlandish costume, moving with lithe grace. The rays of the rising sun had outlined her body and highlighted her legs. He'd been so close to losing control then, and again in the schoolroom. What was she doing to him?
He heard a knock on the door and braced himself for another confrontation with Nicola Gordon. Relief and regret mingled when he saw the Smythe sisters. "Come in."
"My lord, we will not stay in this house another night," Miss Agatha said.
"We wish accommodations in the village inn and immediate transportation to London," Miss Agnes demanded.
"The London coach does not leave until Sunday noon," Drew said.
"Then we will wait at the inn." Miss Agatha drew herself tall. "I will not tolerate interference in my schoolroom or questions about the kind of discipline I choose to employ or the subjects I teach."
"Do I not have a say in the matter?" Drew asked. "I am your employer."
"Of course, my lord, but I thought you were in agreement with my methods. Why else did you hire me?"
Drew didn't want to admit he'd acted in haste to solve the problem of his wards' education. He looked at Agnes Smythe. "And what is your complaint?"
"Your bride will never learn to comport herself among the ton. She refuses to heed my fashion advice and argues over hairstyles." Miss Agnes humphed. "Not to mention her other inappropriate behavior. She's a heathen just like those two dark natives who are staying at this house. Can you believe she treats them as friends?"
Drew leaned against the wall. "How do you ladies recommend I handle my wards? I won't countenance the use of physical punishment."
Miss Agatha laughed. "Pray not, my lord? Surely you were subject to the paddle at Eton?"
"My wards are not rowdy boys and I'm not sure the rod deterred many of the boys for long."
"Then in my opinion, there is nothing you can do to solve their behavior." Miss Agatha stood ramrod stiff. "In all my experience, I have never had to use the cane more than once and when my charges have accomplished a proper and meek manner, I move to another position."
Drew straightened. "Or are discharged."
"You have seen my recommendations. I've been given highest praise. Perhaps you will remember that when you write my letter."
"There will be no letter for either of you. I'll order a carriage to remove you to the inn."
Miss Agnes smiled. "There is the matter of our salaries. We contracted to you for a year. Perhaps you will add a bit to make up for the inconvenience we have suffered while in your employ. Once we reach London, I am sure there will be many who express curiosity about your betrothed and her sisters. After all, they are nothing more than merchant's chits."
"And the granddaughters of an Earl and his Countess." Drew's eyes narrowed. "Since your stay at Denmere was so short, you can't expect more than a month's salary, your custom at the inn and transportation. If I hear tales in London, you will regret your words. Presently, the Duke of Cairnton and the Marquis of Fenwick are my guests. They are not without influence." He flipped open his watchcase. "The carriage will be ready in one hour."
Miss Agnes glared. Miss Agatha turned and strode to the door. Her sister wheeled and followed. Once the pair was gone, Drew slumped in his chair. He was well rid of them, but he still needed to deal with Nicola Gordon and his wards. He had no clue as to how. He doubted his friends would either, but some time spent in their company would be a welcome escape.
Just as Drew was about to search for his friends, Nicola arrived at the door. He studied her intently. Though her dress was demure and her hair in the fashion of most of the young ladies of the ton, he felt the same surge of lust he felt every time she appeared. Her return smile sent desire through his body.
"Are matters calm in the schoolroom?"
She nodded. "My sisters are writing apologies for their behavior. Grandmother is having luncheon in her room. About the governess and the abigail --"
"They are leaving."
"Thank you, my lord. My sisters were most upset and feared we would be the ones to leave. I pray you will understand my reasons for my earlier outburst and do not think unkindly of me."
All he could think of was baring her body, cupping her full breasts and seeing her respond to his touch. He pressed his hands against the desk. This line of thought would not do. "You must learn to consider your words before you speak. Your sisters must learn to consider their actions."
She inhaled. He watched the rise of her breast and imagined her hardened nipples brushing his chest.
"My lord, our marriage is a necessity. However, I can't allow my sisters to be abused. While Margaret and Elizabeth were partly responsible for the scene, the entire fault wasn't theirs. If they had come to me and reported Miss Smythe's actions, I would have dismissed her before you returned. Before you hire another governess, I would like to interview the candidates."
"I will make the selection."
"How? You don't know my sisters or the things that interest them. Elizabeth has many talents in the arts. Her skill at the pianoforte and with paints is remarkable. Rather than a governess, she needs a music and drawing teacher."
Drew rose. "And I suppose Margaret should have a governess who climbs trees and likes frogs and snakes. Maybe she would like lessons in fencing and shooting."
Nicola laughed. "She would be in the highest alt, but I fear she would grow more wild than she is now."
He yearned to join her laughter but if he lowered one barrier, the rest would be breached. "I'll admit hiring the Smythe sisters was a mistake. I'll advertise and allow you to read the responses, but as guardian, the final choice is mine."
She moved around the desk and stopped inches from his chair. "Could we not be partners in the way my Papa and I were?"
He kept his hands on the desk. "We can hardly deal with each other as father and daughter. In a marriage, the husband makes the decisions and the wife sees they are obeyed."
"I don't think I will like that kind of marriage."
"Miss Gordon."
"My lord."
"What else were you doing when you saw my orders to your grandmother were carried out? Where are the bills for the purchases you made?"
She stared at the floor. "At first, I had to check the bills the village tradesmen submitted for things ordered months ago to see if they'd been paid. I learned several of the bills had been rendered thrice and paid twice."
"Are you sure?"
She nodded. "I spoke to those merchants of my discoveries and they were glad to see matters adjusted."
He planted his hands on the desk. "Who gave you leave to interfere?"
"Interfere?" She frowned. "I was only handling business the way I did for Papa."
"I'm not your father." He didn't understand why her words had brought a surge of anger. "And the books?"
"I set Sarad to organizing the clutter. Papa trained him as an assistant. Papa said the East India Company is falling apart and in not too many years hence, individual companies would control the trade. If you would like, I'll have Sarad explain his system."
Drew frowned. What she said about the East India Company had much merit. Why had her father used her as a confidante? She was a daughter, not a son. "I'll speak to your servant about the books. I still don't understand why there are no bills. You and the Dowager have made more than a few purchases."
"Papa always said if you have the money, you should pay the merchants for their wares. Grandmother feared to buy anything because you had left no money for expenses. We went to Oxford where I sold some gemstones Papa gave me."
"I hope you've kept an accounting of what you spent."
"'Tis in the ledgers." She turned to leave the room.
He sought a reason for her to remain. "What will you do without an abigail?"
"My sisters and I have always helped each other."
"That won't be appropriate after we are wed. I won't have giggling girls invading my chambe
rs."
"Then I'll ask Mrs. Bowen if one of the maids would like to advance."
"They have no experience. Agnes Smythe said you have much to learn before you are ready to be presented to the ton."
The flare of anger in her eyes startled him. What had he said? She had little experience in society. If someone didn't show her how to act, she would be eaten alive.
She walked to the door. "I don't care to meet the ton or be presented to the King. I would rather remain at Denmere."
Something in her voice made him doubt the truth of her words. What young woman would choose to remain buried in the country and miss the excitement and pleasure of the London season? "If I go to London, you will go with me."
She opened the door. "I can see we have much to discuss, my lord, but we must continue at another time. I have much to do today."
Instead of following, he opened the ledger containing the household accounts. Once the estates ran at a profit, he intended to replace every cent she had spent. He would not have her believe her dowry was the only reason he had agreed to marry her.
What other reason could there be? He sank back in the chair. An answer arose that he rejected.
* * * *
Eager to tell her sisters about the Earl's decision, Nicola hurried upstairs. She didn't know why he'd decided to send the Smythe sisters away, but he had. His other decisions were not to her liking. He wanted absolute and complete control of her life and even her thoughts.
She grasped the railing. Papa, why? What would he have thought if he'd met the Earl? She considered the things she knew about the man she would wed. On paper, she felt his attributes would have pleased her father. In action, his qualities were like poorly set gems.
Enough, she thought. Dwelling on his flaws made the coming wedding seem like a punishment instead of a time for joy.
She opened the door of the suite she shared with her sisters. Margaret stood at the window. Elizabeth sat on the sofa.
"Must we return to the schoolroom?" Elizabeth asked.
"I won't." Margaret put her hands on her hips.
"You will return, but I will be your teacher until another is found. The Smythe sisters leave this very day."
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