Loving the Earl: A Loveswept Historical Romance

by Cullen, Sharon

  I also regret the state of our finances and leaving you in such dire straits. I haven’t been around much to oversee our many holdings due to my obligations to His Grace. My hope is that when he receives my missive he will compensate you in some small way for my sacrifice.

  The dawn draws near, my son. My fate awaits. I walk into this with my eyes wide open, knowing full well I most likely will not survive. There is much more I want to impart to you but time is my enemy now.

  Live life to its absolute fullest, Nathan. Don’t let society and its ridiculous rules stop you from doing what makes you happy. Don’t ever settle for less than you deserve. Fight for what is right and just.

  And beyond all else, find happiness. Find someone special to walk this life’s journey with. Someone who makes you laugh, whose smile lights your day, who loves you equally in return.

  Farewell, Nathan. May God be with you.

  Your Father, Lord Blythe

  Chapter Thirty

  For long moments Nathan stared at his father’s signature until it blurred. All of his anger was naught in the face of the sacrifice his father suffered in the name of England and the king. A new anger arose at the men who did this to his father, who dared to think they were stronger than the monarchy.

  He quietly folded the two letters together. As soon as he was able, he would take Claire back to England and hand over his father’s letter to the king.

  Then …

  He stared at the closed door behind which was the woman he wanted to walk this life’s journey with. He didn’t want to become his father, married to a woman he despised while he loved one he could never fully have. He didn’t want that for himself or for Claire.

  Nathan stood, surprised to discover that his legs shook. He stared at the door, more nervous than he’d ever been before. Slowly he approached, opened it and stepped in. Gabrielle was hovering. Claire stood at the window, looking out at the dark night.

  Nathan cleared his throat. “Would you mind leaving Claire and me alone for a moment, my lady?”

  At Claire’s nod, Gabrielle left, sidling past him and quietly shutting the door behind her. Nathan leaned against the wall, his legs so unsteady that he feared they wouldn’t hold him up much longer.

  Claire lifted her gaze, her lashes sweeping upward until those bright green eyes pinned him against the wall. He found he couldn’t move, could barely breathe or think coherently.

  “I’m sorry about your father,” she said.

  “He died a hero.”

  “You should be proud of him.”

  Nathan didn’t push away from the wall, afraid that if he got too close, he would touch her, and if he did that, all would be lost. If all would be lost, they wouldn’t speak, and they really, truly needed to speak.

  “So what now?” she asked. “Do you go to the king with your letter?”

  “Yes. He needs to know and they need to be brought to justice.” He didn’t care about the money his father had hoped the king would bestow on him. He didn’t need the money anymore.

  “So what now?” He lobbed the question back at her, only this time it took on new meaning.

  Her gaze jumped to him. “What do you mean?”

  “The last time we spoke we were planning our wedding.”

  “We hadn’t exactly reached that point.”

  He shrugged. “Close enough.”

  She lifted her chin and was about to say something, but he cut her off.

  “Sebastian asked me to watch out for you before we left for France.”

  Her mouth snapped shut and she pierced him with an irritated glare. “I gathered as much.”

  “I did it because Sebastian is just about the only friend who didn’t walk away when I took up gambling. I continued to do it because when I met you, I was intrigued. Irritated, but intrigued.” He attempted a smile but it didn’t quite materialize.

  “You should have told me.”

  “I should have. But then it was too late and I didn’t know how to tell you. Not without angering you.” He took a deep breath. “I love you, Claire.”

  Her shoulders jerked. Her eyes widened.

  “I thought it best to tell you right away. I still want to marry you. If you’ll have me.” He held his breath. Waiting. Waiting while she stared at him.

  “I don’t know, Nathan. It’s all so sudden.”

  “Sudden? It’s been days, at least.” He smiled.

  “I’m afraid.”

  “I know you are. So am I.”

  She lifted a brow. “You? Afraid?”

  “Terrified. Of saying the wrong thing. Of losing you. Of living the rest of my life without you.”

  Her eyes softened and she blew out a breath. “You certainly know how to woo a lady, my lord.”

  “No wooing. Just the truth. I’m laying my hand down, revealing all my cards, Claire. You’ll never again have to wonder if I’m keeping something from you.”

  She stared at him for the longest time. “My first marriage was miserable.”

  “Because you married a miserable man.”

  “He spouted beautiful words before we wed.”

  “My words aren’t beautiful. They’re the simple truth. But I understand your trepidation. If you like we can draw up a contract that will allow you to leave whenever you wish. If you wish.” His heart rolled at the thought of giving her an out, but he knew he had to do it and trust that she loved him enough to stay.

  She looked at him incredulously. “You would do that?”

  “Absolutely.”

  She bit her lip, seemed to consider, then shook her head. Nathan’s stomach clenched and desolation washed through him. He’d laid his cards out on the table, revealed his hand, played the game of his life and still lost.

  He nodded and pushed away from the wall. He refused to remain if she didn’t want him. Refused to beg.

  “I don’t want that,” she whispered.

  “I understand.” He bowed. “I wish you well, my lady.”

  “You misunderstand, my lord. I don’t want an agreement. If we’re to marry, it will be forever.”

  He stilled, his turn to be incredulous. “Pardon?”

  “I don’t want a way out. I want this to be a real marriage. I’ve never had one of those before.”

  “Neither have I.”

  “I love you, Nathaniel Ferguson.”

  He walked up to her and cupped her cheek with his hand. She turned into his touch, pressed her lips against his palm.

  “I love you too, Claire. More than … Well, more than gambling.”

  Her smile was radiant, mischievous. “Words every woman wants to hear.”

  Nathan wrapped his arms around her and hugged her close. She fit. They fit together. He pressed his cheek against her fiery hair and closed his eyes.

  “In his letter my father told me to find happiness. I didn’t know it at the time but I found happiness the moment you nearly ran me down at the dock in Dover. He told me to find someone special to walk my life’s journey with. I don’t want to walk it with anyone but you, Claire.”

  She smiled up at him. “Your father was not only a hero, but a wise man.” Her fingers skimmed down his cheek. “I foresee many more adventures in our future, my lord.”

  He groaned in mock horror but his body was tight with need, concentrating on the fingers that were now trailing down his throat. “As long as our adventures don’t include highwaymen or blizzards or angry peasants.”

  “But think of the stories we can tell our children.”

  “God help us all if our children inherit your adventurous nature.”

  “Or your gambling propensities.” She wrapped her arms around his neck and looked at him with those bright green eyes.

  “That settles it then. We will have perfectly behaved children who do everything we tell them.”

  She kissed the tip of his nose then his chin. “How perfectly boring.”

  He laughed. Whatever road he and Claire traveled on this life’s journey, he was absolutel
y certain that it would be anything but boring.

  And that’s exactly how he wanted it.

  Photo: Pam Jones Photography

  After earning a degree in journalism from Ohio University, SHARON CULLEN found that the stories inside her head were more interesting than what was going on in the world around her. Yet it wasn’t until years later that she decided to pursue her secret dream of writing a romance novel. Since then, she’s published romantic suspense, paranormal romance, and contemporary romance novels. The Notorious Lady Anne was her first historical romance.

  Cullen’s other job descriptions include chauffer, laundress, cook, and mediator to her three very busy kids, her husband, and two dogs. She lives in southwest Ohio with her brood, although her dream is to someday retire to St. Maarten and live on the beach.

  If you’d like to find out more about Sharon Cullen and her books, you can visit her at her blog or website. She’s addicted to social networking so you can find her on Facebook and Twitter. Friend her! Like her! Follow her! She’d love to hang out with you and talk about her passion—books.

  THE EDITOR’S CORNER

  Welcome to Loveswept!

  The holidays are approaching and I’ve so many things to do, don’t you? So why is it all I want to do is cuddle up on the couch with a good book? I’ll tell you why, there are so many amazing Loveswept stories on sale this month that all you’ll want to do is read too!! For starters, LOVING THE EARL (11/11) by Sharon Cullen features our hero’s sister from THE NOTORIOUS LADY ANNE (2/11), and OMG ladies, this book is for you! Sharon writes with wit and steam a combination that keeps me reading all night long. Double your historical delight with Samantha Kane’s finale in The Saint’s Devils, DEVIL IN MY ARMS (11/26) – its Hil’s story and what a match he’s made. Then, Loveswept debut, Serena Bell releases, YOURS TO KEEP (11/11), a captivating story of a woman living on the edge—and the man who’s destined to love her (sigh).

  And there’s more!

  Ruthie Knox releases a series of short stories, Roman Holiday. Over the next weeks look for each installment: CHAINED (11/12) - book one launches the series; followed by, HITCHED (11/19); then, BLINDSIDED (11/26), plus books four and five are right around the corner, ten books in all!!

  And, you can’t miss these classics:

  Fran Baker’s, THE WIDOW AND THE WILDCATTER, the captivating story of a woman haunted by the ghosts of the past, and a daredevil who promises a future filled with love; Sandra Chastain’s, REBEL IN SILK, about an unconventional beauty who refuses to back down from a challenge—or a handsome loner with a taste for trouble; and Sandra’s classics continue with, TOO HOT TO HANDLE, and, THE SILVER BULLET AFFAIR. Look for favorite Loveswept author Iris Johansen and her re-release of, STAR-SPANGLED BRIDE. Readers have continued to adore Ruth Owen’s Loveswepts including, SORCERER, a sexy tale of an emotionally guarded computer whiz and the princess who makes virtual reality come to vivid life. And, to wrap up the month Jean Stone’s, BIRTHDAY GIRL, and Connie Brockway’s, AS YOU DESIRE, will keep you toasty on those cold winter nights.

  Holiday lovers won’t want to skip these contemporary reissues, ROOM AT THE INN by Ruthie Knox, and Molly O’Keefe’s, ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS, guaranteed to put you in the holiday spirit.

  New this winter is, HEATING UP THE HOLIDAY’S, a fabulous anthology that takes you through the seasons: New York Times bestselling author, Lisa Renee Jones, leads the lineup with, PLAY WITH ME, a Thanksgiving romance; SNOWFALL, by Mary Ann Rivers, will warm you up for Christmas; and knock off your New Years with, MIDIGHT AFFAIR, by Serena Bell – love could not be any more special!

  Be swept away with Loveswept, ’tis the season!

  Happy Holidays –

  Gina Wachtel

  Associate Publisher

  Read on for excerpts from more Loveswept titles …

  Read on for an excerpt from Sharon Cullen’s

  The Notorious Lady Anne

  Chapter One

  London, 1749

  Nicholas Addison tossed back a mouthful of flat champagne and watched the swirling mass of people on the dance floor with a jaded eye. If he didn’t have an important meeting in a few moments he would have left already. Hell, he wouldn’t have attended in the first place.

  “We’ve only just arrived. You can’t leave yet.”

  Nicholas switched his gaze from the dizzying dancers to his brother, Sebastian, Earl of Claybrook.

  Sebastian grinned but the amusement didn’t reach his tired eyes. “So what did Kenmar have to say?” he asked, referring to Nicholas’s earlier appointment with the marquess.

  Nicholas shrugged and looked around one more time. You never knew who could be lurking in the shadows. Listening. And he wasn’t taking chances. Not tonight.

  He took another swig of champagne and frowned when the alcohol hit his stomach like a round from a twenty-two-pounder. “He’s offering me a captain’s position on one of Hamilton’s ships. I haven’t given him an answer yet.”

  “So will you do it?” Sebastian asked quietly, looking around as well. If someone was lurking, Sebastian and Nicholas’s strange behavior would surely tip him off.

  Nicholas swirled another swallow of champagne around in his mouth but it didn’t wash away the indecision. The anxiety. “I’m to give him my answer in a few minutes.” He looked around for the marquess but the crush of people made it impossible to see even a few feet beyond him.

  “Don’t leave a chap in suspense, Nicholas. What will you tell him?”

  “I haven’t made my decision yet.”

  When the summons arrived to report to the marquess’s residence, Nicholas’s curiosity had been piqued. Bored, he accepted the somewhat terse invitation even though he knew he couldn’t not accept it. What Kenmar had proposed was the last thing Nicholas had expected and the one thing he wanted most—to command his own ship, to be out on the ocean where he belonged.

  But, as with anything in life that seemed too good to be true, it came with provisions. The shipping company had recently been under attack. Some suspected pirates. But not Kenmar. Kenmar suspected the owner of the company, a man named Daniel Blackwell, was purposely sabotaging the ships to gain the insurance money.

  Nicholas had inwardly winced when he read the insurance papers. The names scrawled at the bottom were some of the most highly placed noblemen in the country. A few even had the advantage of the king’s ear. If Blackwell was fleecing them of their money, the man was an imbecile.

  Nicholas leaned against the wall, desperate to escape the cloying perfume of the ladies, the boisterous boasts of the gentlemen, and the swirling couples on the dance floor. He’d never been a decent dancer, not even an adequate dancer, and with his barely healed leg, adequacy wasn’t a possibility. Not that he wanted to dance. No, what he wanted was to climb those stairs and exit the stifling house. But first he had to speak to Kenmar. First he had to make a decision.

  Sebastian slapped Nicholas on the back. “I’m certain you’ll make the right decision, brother.” He made to move away, hailing a friend across the room.

  “Sebastian.”

  His brother turned and raised a brow in inquiry. Nicholas was taken aback by the fatigue on Sebastian’s face. Small lines etched the corners of his eyes and deep grooves creased the sides of his mouth. A mouth that smiled little lately.

  “Thank you,” Nicholas said quietly.

  Sebastian smiled, erasing the serious expression that seemed to be a constant lately. “That’s what families are for, Nick.” His gaze flickered behind Nicholas. “Kenmar’s approaching.” Then he disappeared into the crowd, giving Nicholas only a few moments to prepare himself.

  “Addison.” Kenmar stopped beside him. An older gentleman who clung to the tradition of wearing a white wig in public, the man was well respected and a close acquaintance of the king.

  Nicholas nodded. “Kenmar.”

  “Have you given my proposal any thought?”

  “I have.”

  Kenmar took a sip from his glass
. “Before you give me your answer, I’ll have you know I received more information after you left this afternoon. Inside sources tell me Blackwell is launching a shipment of gold that’s to leave the colonies in a month or so. If you choose to accept this mission, I’ll need you to discover more about the gold. Where it’s headed and what it’s being used for.”

  “You don’t believe Lady Anne is behind the attacks?” According to Blackwell, the notorious female pirate, Lady Anne, was behind them.

  “I don’t believe Lady Anne exists.” Kenmar swirled the wine in his glass.

  The London papers were full of the lady pirate’s exploits. Young girls wanted to be like her. Men claimed to have bedded her. The elite whispered about her in their ballrooms and she was the major source of entertainment in what would otherwise have been an ordinary season of soirees and balls.

  Nicholas didn’t know anyone who’d actually seen Lady Anne, let alone met her. Whether she existed or not had been little concern to him. Until now.

  The prospect of the gold fascinated him. Hell, who was he kidding? The entire proposal intrigued him. He’d been away from the sea for two long years. It was time he regained his sea legs and this was the perfect opportunity.

  “I will do it,” he said. And the weight that had settled on his shoulders after his injury shifted.

  Kenmar nodded, his expression unchanging, as if he’d expected no other answer. “Be ready to sail in five days.” He put his glass on the tray of a passing waiter. “Now I’m off to the club. Have a good evening, Addison.” And he disappeared into the crowd, leaving Nicholas alone with his newfound trepidation and anxiety. But also with anticipation.

  “Do you find these things as boring as I?”

  His gaze collided with eyes the color of the sea on a clear day, a combination of blue and green. They smiled at him, those eyes. Crinkling at the corners and dancing with merriment.