What a Wicked Earl Wants

by Vicky Dreiling

  With one last deep breath, she walked downstairs, where she encountered Justin.

  “You look very pretty tonight, Mama,” he said.

  She found it endearing when he offered his arm to her. “Will Sarah be attending the party?”

  He smiled. “Yes, she will. Sarah promised to play backgammon with me if there is a board there.”

  Laura remembered the day she and Bellingham had played. He’d flustered her with the accidental brush of his fingers when he handed her the dice. It seemed like an age since that day. Justin had been so difficult during that period. Now, looking at her son’s smile, she couldn’t help but think he was a very handsome young man. Phillip would have been very proud of him.

  When Justin opened the door, Laura’s lips parted. Lady Atherton sat on the sofa with a glass of sherry, and Bellingham stood at the sideboard with a glass of brandy.

  Laura’s breath caught as she met his blue gaze. “I didn’t know you had returned to London.”

  A slow smile spread across his face, and then he regarded her with that slanted grin of his. “You are stunning,” he said.

  Lady Atherton regarded Laura with a crafty expression. “He insisted upon the escort, and I could not persuade him otherwise. You know he is quite determined when he wishes to have his way.”

  Laura suspected Lady Atherton’s hand in this arrangement, but she kept that to herself.

  “I think Justin and I shall be the most envied men this evening, as we will be escorting the two most beautiful women to the party,” Bellingham said.

  “Ha!” Lady Atherton said. “I am old and wrinkled, you scamp.”

  “You are elegant and wise,” Laura said. “And few ladies of your years have maintained their youthful figure as you have done.”

  “Lady Atherton, I have heard that you were the most sought after belle in your youth,” Bellingham said.

  “Well, I admit I was popular with the gentlemen. I never lacked for a dance partner, but I only had eyes for Alfred.”

  Laura noted the faraway look in her friend’s eyes. In spite of the difficulties, she had married the man she loved.

  Laura’s confidence waned as soon as they entered the large drawing room set up with card tables. She kept a serene smile on her face. After surveying the room, Laura did not see Lady Rentworth. That meant nothing, however, since a late arrival was considered de rigueur among the ton. Her nerves jangled as she imagined that woman glancing at her while making accusations. Laura worried that somehow the gossip would make its way back home and cause problems for her family.

  “Oh, there is my friend Mrs. Berrington,” Lady Atherton said. “I must consult with her about her dear Oscar.”

  “Is her husband ill?” Laura said.

  “Oh, no, it’s her pug. He’s off his food. Mrs. Berrington is beside herself. She dotes on Oscar, even though he has a nasty tendency to chew the legs on her furniture.”

  Laura and Bellingham exchanged amused glances.

  “May I get you a sherry or a cup of punch?” Bellingham asked.

  “Sherry, I think. Lady Atherton has persuaded me that a thimble of sherry in the afternoon is an excellent restorative.”

  He led her to the sideboard and poured her a sherry and two fingers of brandy for himself. Laura looked about the room again. She would be jumpy all evening, wondering when Lady Rentworth would appear.

  “Lady Rentworth sent late regrets,” he said.

  Laura looked at him. “How did you know?”

  He smiled a little. “I have friends and considerable influence.”

  “What specifically do you mean?” she said under her breath.

  “My allies informed Rentworth that his wife was engaged in an adulterous liaison with a younger man. He knew about it, but he only cared when others expressed concern that he was being cuckolded.”

  “I don’t know whether to be frightened or impressed,” she said.

  “Don’t feel sorry for her. She’s smeared other ladies in the past. I’ve heard she will soon be languishing in Scotland. She deserves her banishment.”

  “Why would she set out to wound others?”

  He shrugged. “Misery loves company, I suppose.”

  “It’s little wonder that George’s bad character is fixed.”

  The card party progressed well, mostly because the Duchess of Wycoff forbade Colin and Angeline to compete in any games together. Angeline did make a nuisance of herself by peering over Colin’s shoulder to see his cards.

  Laura played whist for a while, but she found it difficult to concentrate. She was a bit weary and her back ached a bit. She must have bent over too much while embroidering this afternoon. She was probably about to start her monthly cycle.

  She found a comfortable spot on a sofa and felt a bit better.

  “May I join you?” Bellingham asked.

  She nodded. “Your journey went well?”

  “Yes, I went to Devonshire to meet with the land steward. He instituted a new drainage system, and I wished to inspect it.” He smiled at her. “Did you miss me?”

  She met his gaze. “Did you miss me?”

  “Yes.” He leaned down. “Will you stay with me tonight?”

  Despite her fatigue, she was tempted, but she had to resist. Going to his bed would only make matters harder on her. “I think I had better not.” She yawned. “Oh, dear, I’m undone.”

  “You are very tired. I hope you are not ill.”

  “No, I’ll be fine after a night’s rest,” she said.

  “Allow me to take you home. I’ll ask Colin to escort Lady Atherton and your son in his carriage.”

  “You will miss the entertainment.”

  “I insist,” he said.

  She was too weary to resist any longer.

  Laura rearranged her shawl for more warmth in the carriage. Bell followed her inside and knocked his cane on the roof.

  “It’s chilly,” he said. “You must be cold.”

  “A little,” she said.

  “I’m shameless and beyond redemption,” he said. “Pretend to be outraged as you crawl onto my lap.”

  “What?” she said.

  He picked her up and sat her on his lap.

  “Bellingham.”

  “Andrew,” he said, wrapping his greatcoat around them. “Think of this as a survival measure. We’re sharing our warmth.”

  “You are ridiculous. I am pretending that one of your marauding ancestors kidnapped me. Help, help.”

  “I captured the castle, and you are my reward. By the by, that was a very weak cry for help.”

  “You got a bad bargain with this wench.”

  He laughed. “No, but I fear you did.”

  She placed her hand on his chest. What are you afraid of, Andrew? She would not voice the words. He was a man, and men almost never admitted their flaws and fears. They were supposedly the stronger sex, but only in brawn. Women discussed their flaws and fears, because by confronting them, they could understand them.

  He tightened his hold on her as the carriage rolled along. “I wish you would stay with me tonight, but I know you’re tired.”

  Even if she weren’t tired, she wouldn’t go back to his bed again, because it would only make things harder for her. She had to adjust her mind now to the fact that he meant to leave her. He had made the decision, and she had to accept it.

  “You seem preoccupied,” he said. “Is something wrong?”

  “No.” She couldn’t tell him and that made her sad. He would never know that she loved him, and it hurt to know that she was only a temporary lover. But she’d known all along that he would never offer marriage and happily-ever-after.

  “You are so quiet and seem dispirited.”

  “It’s nothing but a little fatigue. I will be myself tomorrow.” But she would never be the same, because of him. Little by little, he’d captured pieces of her heart. It hurt because she loved him, and she could never tell him, would never put that burden on him.

  She had no doubt t
hat he cared about her and Justin, but they would never see him again when the season ended. He wasn’t a cruel man; he was simply a man who would never commit beyond a season. When he pressed her head to his shoulder, she gave in to the fatigue and closed her eyes.

  Disoriented, she lifted her head and realized she was alone in the carriage. She wrapped her shawl around her and moved over on the seat when the door opened.

  “Bell,” she said, still groggy from sleep.

  He climbed inside, sat beside her, and knocked his cane on the roof.

  The carriage jerked and rolled into motion.

  “What is happening?” she said.

  He took her hands. “Montclief gained entrance to your town house. He ransacked Justin’s room and yours. Thank God neither of you were there.”

  “You think he was looking for valuables?”

  He nodded. “I’m sorry, Laura. Reed said he took a box of your jewels.”

  “I don’t care. All I want is to ensure Justin’s safety.”

  “Montclief is obviously desperate, but Reed reported he is very angry that Justin wasn’t there. I don’t want you alone in the town house tonight. We’re going back to the Duke of Wycoff’s house. I’ll send Justin with Harry and Colin to Thornhill Park in Devonshire, tonight if possible. Then I’m taking you and Lady Atherton to my town house for your protection. I instructed Reed to have the maids pack trunks for you and your son. We’ll leave at dawn.”

  “I feel hunted,” she said.

  “We’ll be safe on the roads and most especially at Thornhill Park. As long as Justin is on my property, Montclief cannot touch him.”

  Laura sat in the Duke of Wycoff’s study with Lady Atherton and the gentlemen as they made plans.

  “I’m sending outriders with you for extra security,” the duke said to Bell. “You are too important of a statesman for us to take any chances, and we must be vigilant for the ladies.”

  Bell looked at his friends. “Harry and Colin have the letter from me to show the butler. Our journey at dawn will be slower with the addition of the trunks. With good roads and hopefully decent weather, we can make the journey in three days. Is there anything I’ve forgotten?” he asked.

  “I’ll have to bring Brutus,” Harry said.

  Lady Atherton squinted at him. “Who, might I ask, is Brutus?”

  “My collie,” Harry said. “Can’t leave him all alone.”

  “The dog stays outside,” Bell said. Then he turned to Laura. “Is there anything you wish to say?”

  “Thank you,” she said.

  Bell turned to Justin and said something to him.

  Laura rose from the chair, feeling wearier than she could ever remember. Even though she had confidence in all of the plans, her spirits were depressed. Then her son wrapped his arms around her and her heart welled. “I love you,” she whispered.

  “It will be an adventure, Mama,” he said. “All will turn out well. Bellingham will see to that.”

  Bell climbed the stairs. As he passed by one of the guest chambers, he heard snoring. Then he eased the next door open to check on Laura. He’d been concerned about her, because she’d seemed unusually fatigued. She lay curled on her side with her hands beneath her cheek.

  He stood there for a moment, tempted to cross to the bed and kiss her forehead, but he didn’t want to chance waking her. She needed to rest as much as possible for their dawn departure. He pulled the door closed and continued on to his room.

  Bell reared up in bed with a gasp. His heart pounded and cold beads of sweat trickled along his temples. He shoved his hands through his damp hair. The terror still gripped him. He remained still, waiting for his harsh breathing to slow.

  “Fuck.” He hated the loss of control, the sheer stupidity of the fear when he knew it wasn’t real.

  He pushed the covers aside and stood. His skin prickled from the cold. He walked over to the ewer and poured cold water into the basin. Then he splashed cold water over his face, shivered, and fumbled for the towel. Bell walked over to the glowing coals, moved the screen, and raked them. He lit a candle and checked the clock. It was three in the morning. He held his cold hands out, seeking warmth from the fire.

  Bell was loath to get into bed again, but the nightmare had left him depleted. He crawled back into bed and stared at the canopy. The nightmares had started four years ago, after he’d left England. He never knew when they would come back, but they always did.

  He knew it was because Laura and Justin had come too close to harm tonight. If they had not been at that card party, Montclief would have taken Justin. God only knew what the man might have done to Laura.

  Bell would not rest easy until they were well away from London and out of Montclief’s reach.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Dawn

  She wanted her sewing basket.

  “I must have some occupation or I shall grow mad,” Laura said.

  Bell stood on the pavement with Laura and Lady Atherton. The servants were riding in a separate carriage with the trunks piled on the roof. “Everything is ready, Laura,” he said. “We have a long journey, and I don’t wish to delay.”

  “Please, I need something to keep me busy.”

  “Surely it won’t take more than a quarter of an hour, probably less at this ungodly hour,” Lady Atherton said.

  He sighed. “Very well.” Bell strode over to the other driver with instructions to meet them outside the square where Laura lived. Then he returned to the ladies and helped them negotiate the carriage steps.

  Bell sat with his back to the horses and knocked his cane on the roof. The carriage rolled off. The outriders would meet them at the Swan’s Inn twelve miles outside of London, where they would change horses. Bell had a pistol hidden in a secret compartment beneath the seat in the event they met up with brigands.

  When the carriage rolled to a stop, Bell turned to Laura. “I remember seeing the sewing basket near the sofa. I’ll fetch it.”

  “No, I can—”

  “Stay put. I’ll be right back.” He climbed out of the carriage and strode up the walk. He didn’t know the extent of the damage from Montclief’s thievery last night, but he didn’t want her to see it. He’d thought of having Montclief brought up on charges for thievery, but Montclief might counter by charging Bell and Laura with kidnapping. The last thing he wanted was for Laura’s name to be smeared in the papers.

  He met Reed in the foyer. “I hope Montclief won’t return. Bar the door to him. I recommend you hire a couple of brawny footmen for protection and have one of them posted in the foyer in the event Montclief comes back.” He pulled a card out of his coat pocket. “Here is my address at Thornhill Park. You may reach me there.”

  “Yes, my lord.”

  “I’m going upstairs to fetch Lady Chesfield’s sewing basket.”

  The front door opened. Laura walked into the foyer.

  Bell fisted his hands on his hips. “I asked you to remain in the carriage.”

  “I wanted to tell Reed good-bye, and while I’m at it, I will retrieve my workbox and sewing basket.”

  “What is the difference?” he asked.

  “The sewing instruments are in the workbox. The fabrics and notions are in the sewing basket.”

  “Stay here, I’ll get them.”

  “For heaven’s sake, you don’t even know what you’re looking for. She marched off, but he was close on her heels. When they reached the landing, he opened the drawing room door, and she proceeded inside. He strode ahead of her, knelt on one knee by the basket, and accidentally knocked it over. “Sorry,” he said.

  Oh, God, she didn’t want him to see the handkerchief. “Let me.”

  “I’ve got it.” He piled yarn and fabric swatches inside. She saw the handkerchief and her heart knocked against her chest. When he picked it up, she winced.

  He looked at the embroidery. She turned her head away and covered her heated cheeks. Oh, why had she not tucked it safely away? She’d never wanted him to know how she fe
lt about him. He would not welcome her feelings for him. She couldn’t look at him.

  “You made this for me?” he said.

  “Forgive me for the presumption.” She was mortified.

  “Thank you. I haven’t received a gift in a long time.”

  His words pierced her heart. She turned to face him, her embarrassment fading.

  He scowled. “Don’t look so stricken. I’m a very rich man and can afford whatever I wish to buy.”

  “I know.” He was proud and didn’t want anyone’s pity. “You have done so much for Justin and me. So I…I wanted to give you a gift.” Her voice trembled. Now she felt so foolish, because he would know that wasn’t the reason.

  He tucked the handkerchief inside an inner coat pocket, grabbed the workbox, and escorted her down the stairs. She’d been embarrassed, and he’d gotten a bit gruff after admitting he hadn’t received a gift in a long time. Now he wondered if she’d developed tender feelings for him. If it were any other woman, he’d distance himself immediately, but Laura would not expect marriage.

  She carried the basket and seemed determined not to look at him. When they reached the marble floor, he stopped, kissed her hand, and looked into her eyes. “Thank you.” I don’t mind if you’ve developed a bit of a tendre for me.

  She looked up at him from beneath her long lashes. “You’re welcome.”

  When they reached the foyer, she addressed Reed. “Thank you for your excellent service above and beyond your normal duties. You were loyal and helpful in even the most trying of circumstances. I will send word when matters are settled.”