What a Wicked Earl Wants

by Vicky Dreiling

  “I’m anxious to see the folly that Justin spoke about,” Laura said.

  “There’s a bridge that crosses the lake. It’s perfect for walking,” Bell said.

  “Is it far?” Lady Atherton said. “Perhaps I should ride Brutus.”

  Bell laughed. “By all means. Afterward, we can put Brutus in the stables with the horses.”

  “He’s terrified of their snorts,” Justin said.

  Bell frowned at Harry. “Your dog is afraid of horses and thunder.”

  “He’s afraid of baths, too,” Justin said.

  “Great dog,” Colin said.

  “If the weather holds, we should have a picnic tomorrow,” Bell said.

  “That’s an excellent idea,” Colin said. “Food always tastes better outdoors.”

  The gentlemen went to find the targets, bows, and arrows. Laura suggested that Lady Atherton join her for a walk in the garden. “The garden is beautiful,” Laura said. “I confess I’m a bit surprised that he keeps it maintained so well when he spends so little time here.”

  “I don’t believe he ever neglected it in the sense of decay,” Lady Atherton said. “It is almost as if the house is a museum, for it is never really used. I believe this may be the first time he has ever invited anybody here.”

  He’d mentioned his father and referenced his brother at the inn where they had made love. There had been many happy years at Thornhill Park. “Did you like his mother?” Laura asked.

  “Indeed I did. Beautiful woman. He gets his eyes from her. She was quite accomplished at drawing, and I already told you about the annual house party. It’s such a shame that he has no wife to carry on the tradition.”

  It sounded like an idyllic life. “His parents were happy together?”

  “Oh, yes. Bellingham’s father quite doted on Elizabeth—that was her given name. One year, they canceled the house party. I understood from others that she lost a babe. There weren’t any more children.”

  “I imagine that was difficult,” Laura said.

  “Well, if he was smart, he prevented another pregnancy. Most men are too selfish—the ones with ten or more children. Or they forget themselves in the moment.”

  Laura’s face heated at her friend’s frank words. She bent down to admire a daffodil.

  “Laura,” Lady Atherton said.

  She rose and looked at her friend.

  “I have been concerned about you,” Lady Atherton said. “You have been unusually tired and needed the necessary quite often.”

  Laura’s mouth grew dry.

  “Does he know you’re increasing?” she said gently.

  Her heart felt as if it had dropped to her stomach. She shook her head.

  “You must tell him,” Lady Atherton said. “The sooner the better.”

  Laura sat on a wrought-iron bench. “I’m terrified.”

  Lady Atherton joined her. “You needn’t be. You’re hardly the first couple to anticipate the wedding. He can get a special license and marry you posthaste.”

  Her stomach roiled. “There won’t be a wedding.”

  “What? Of course there will be a wedding. You can’t have a child out of wedlock, and frankly I think it is probably the best thing for both of you,” she said. “It is high time he settled down.”

  “It’s far more complicated than that.” She wished with all of her heart that it was not.

  Lady Atherton sat beside her. “I don’t have to tell you the consequences of being an unwed mother. And if it ever became known, you would be giving Montclief more ammunition.”

  “He will never know.” But she shivered just thinking of Montclief taking her son away.

  “In a few months, it will be obvious to anyone that you’re with child,” Lady Atherton said.

  “I’ve been thinking about what to do,” she said.

  “Good, now tell him at the first opportunity that he’s going to be a father,” Lady Atherton said.

  “You don’t understand. He has no intention of ever marrying.”

  “He will adjust to the idea,” Lady Atherton said. “This is not a choice, Laura. You have to think of the child, your son, and Bellingham. He will live up to his responsibilities, and the two of you will probably end up with half a dozen brats.”

  Laura shook her head. “He will believe I trapped him.”

  “He will make an honest woman out of you. Quite frankly, he is responsible.”

  “He is leaving for the Continent when the season ends.”

  “Laura, go to him today. I daresay he will be thrilled.”

  Laura bit her lip to keep from crying. He would not be thrilled.

  “Now, now. I know it is a bit frightening, but everything will come out right in the end.”

  Laura wished she could believe it.

  “You mustn’t make yourself ill worrying over what can’t be changed. It’s not good for you or the babe.”

  “I have a plan, but I need your help,” she said.

  “Laura, I will do anything for you, provided it is sensible, and the only sensible thing is for you and Bellingham to marry.”

  “Before my condition becomes obvious, I want to come to you in London. I cannot stay in Hampshire,” Laura said. “I will tell my family that I am spending time with you and that the two of us are helping the orphaned children. Then I will bring my own babe home and say that I took in an orphan.”

  “Laura, that will never work. Your family would be suspicious, and I know you would be heartbroken if you were apart from Justin so long. He would not understand if you leave him. More important, Bellingham has a right to know.”

  “I’m so vexed that I cannot even think straight,” she said. “I see now it was desperation that led me to such a foolish plan. He doesn’t want a wife or children. There is something broken in him. You were right about that, but unless he is able to face his demons, he should not marry.”

  Lady Atherton squeezed her hand. “Promise me that you will tell him. It is his child, too. Will you do that?”

  “Of course I will.” Her eyes welled. “I love my child, but I wish…”

  “There now, all will be well. You’ll see. Sometimes the fear is much worse than anything else. Get some rest, and do not suffer in silence. I’ll stand by you no matter what comes.”

  The next afternoon they all set out for a picnic. In deference to Lady Atherton’s age, Laura had ridden with her in a carriage to the folly. They had to transport the food at any rate, so she didn’t mind missing the walk.

  They arrived before the men, and the servants laid out blankets and cushions.

  “What?” Lady Atherton said. “Where is the table and awning?”

  Laura patted her arm. “We have the trees for the awning and a blanket for a table. It will be great fun.”

  Lady Atherton frowned. “I am to lower myself to the ground?”

  “To the blanket, dear. May I provide assistance?”

  “Absolutely not. You are with child.”

  Laura put her finger to her lips. “We must be careful.”

  “Humph. It would serve him right if he overheard. I daresay he would…well, never mind, it isn’t fit to speak of.” She gingerly knelt upon the blanket. “In my day, this would be considered uncivilized. I ought to have expected it from Bellingham. He comes from savages, you know.”

  Laura laughed. “Yes, he claims his ancestors were marauders.”

  “I don’t doubt it,” Lady Atherton said.

  After the servants set out the china and silver, Laura arranged the food on the blankets. She poured a glass of lemonade for Lady Atherton and herself.

  “Well, this is refreshing. I daresay I haven’t sat on the ground since I was a child,” Lady Atherton said. “Perhaps not even then.”

  Laura laughed. “You were probably a hoyden.”

  “I was indeed. Like you, I had brothers. Well, I do hope there’s enough food. Three grown men, your son, and one cowardly dog are about to descend on us like locusts,” Lady Atherton said. “Are you fe
eling well today?”

  “I was a little nauseous when I awoke, but sitting still helped.”

  “I’ll instruct a servant girl to send up dry toast and tea early each morning. It helps if you keep a little something in your stomach.”

  “Thank you for the advice.” Laura looked up and saw the gentlemen approaching. Harry said something to Justin. Then both of them were racing to the blanket. Justin barely beat him, and Laura clapped.

  Harry put his hands on his thighs, obviously winded.

  Colin and Bell strolled over to Harry.

  “Looks like he’s ready for the pasture,” Bell said.

  “He might live yet,” Colin said, slapping Harry on the back.

  “Harry, look at the sprig,” Colin said. “He’s still dancing around ready to have a go again. Maybe you want a rematch?”

  “Stubble it,” Harry said, straightening.

  Laura rose from the blanket. “Lady Atherton said you would descend on the food like locusts. Will you prove her wrong?”

  “Your son has already found the chicken.”

  Laura’s jaw dropped as she saw Justin walking around chewing a chicken leg. “Justin, have you forgotten your manners?”

  He swallowed. “I’m hungry.”

  “You must wait until everyone else is seated.”

  “Very well,” he grumbled.

  Everyone laughed. Laura was proud of him. Her heart gladdened to see her son in such good spirits.

  The men found places, and Bell sat next to Laura. She would give anything if things could be different.

  He leaned down. “You seem preoccupied.”

  “Forgive me. May I serve you?” she asked him.

  A sultry look came into his eyes. “Absolutely.”

  Oh, dear heavens. He’d made it sound as if…never mind.

  Lady Atherton poured lemonade for everyone and passed the glasses around. All of the men piled food upon their plates and ate with gusto. Laura ate a bit of chicken and part of a finger sandwich and salad. Then she set her cutlery aside.

  Bell looked at her plate. “You didn’t eat. You nibbled.”

  She knew she had to keep her strength up, but her vexation made eating difficult.

  He picked up a strawberry. “Eat it.”

  When she attempted to take it, he shook his head. “Open for me.”

  She bit the strawberry from the stem and ate it. He looked into her eyes, and that heady feeling rushed through her chest. Out of the corner of her eye, she spied Justin looking away. He was probably embarrassed. She lowered her lashes and picked up her fork. She moved food around on the plate to make it seem as if she were eating. When an opportunity arose, she must take Bell aside and warn him to be more cautious with the way he looked at her. Justin was observant, and Laura did not want him to be confused.

  The servants packed up all of the food and the men walked down to the stream. No doubt they were making plans for an early morning fishing expedition. Lady Atherton declared that the food had made her sleepy. Laura encouraged her to take the carriage back to the house to rest.

  When the men returned, Bell asked if she was ready to see the folly. She’d planned on walking with Justin, but Colin was whispering something that made Justin laugh. So she twirled her parasol and walked alongside Bell. “The fresh air is wonderful. I almost forgot what it was like while we were in London.”

  “How do you like the property so far?”

  How could he let it revert to the Crown? “It is beyond words, truly,” she said as they crossed over the bridge. She looked at him. “You must be very proud.”

  “I’m glad you like it.” Bell pointed. “There’s the folly.”

  It was a Grecian temple folly with tall columns and a rectangular roof.

  When they reached it, Bell took her inside. “It’s a building that has no purpose other than to be ornamental.”

  “Quite an extravagance,” she said. “But it is a lovely building and provides shade, so it is not entirely useless.”

  “Unlike you, scamp,” Bell said, messing Justin’s hair.

  Laura frowned. “Justin, your hair needs trimming.”

  “You don’t want to look like a girl,” Harry said.

  Justin chased after Harry. “I’ll get you for that,” her son called good-naturedly. Colin joined the fray and chased Justin.

  Someone walked up behind her. “I could rest my chin on your head,” Bell said.

  She inhaled fresh air and the subtle scent of sandalwood soap. “Why do grown men revert to boyhood when let out of doors?”

  “Because we’re wild beasts underneath our civil façade,” he said.

  She wondered if the child would be a boy or a girl. She turned and looked up at him. “There is something I must discuss with you soon.” As soon as she uttered the words, her mouth dried.

  “What is it?” he asked.

  She swallowed. “Not now. Later.”

  “You leave me in suspense,” he said, gazing at her hungrily.

  “We must use care around everyone else.”

  “What do you mean?” he asked.

  “At luncheon…the strawberry. Justin was watching.”

  “Laura, he’s a smart boy. He knows that I have feelings for you.”

  “What feelings?” she said.

  He shaded his hand over his hat brim. “Must we define it? I care about you, and I think you care about me.”

  “He will ask questions that I will have trouble answering.” What would she tell Justin when her condition became obvious?

  “Keep it simple,” Bell said. “Tell him that you and I care about each other.”

  It was simple and true, though there was nothing simple about their relationship. “For my sake, please be discreet.”

  “Is this what you meant to tell me later?”

  She hesitated and lost her courage. “Yes.”

  “I’ll do better,” he said. “It’s just that sometimes I look at you and I’m undone.”

  She looked away. When he said things like that, her heart leaped, but moments later, she would remember that it was all temporary. “Where did the others go?” she asked.

  He shrugged. “They’ll be back.”

  She looked at him. “You arranged it.”

  “No, but my friends know that I’m fond of you.”

  Fond. It was not enough for a lifetime, but he’d been clear about the limits. Last night, she’d fantasized that she’d told him about the child. In her fantasy, he picked her up and twirled her around. In reality, he would probably be unhappy at first and then resigned. She didn’t want to ponder what would happen if he felt he must marry her out of duty.

  “I had a letter this morning,” he said. “The investigator is on to something. I hope to get a specific report soon.”

  “I worry that Montclief will take my son.”

  “Worrying will change nothing,” Bell said. “I know it’s difficult to put it out of your mind, but the investigator is close. We will prevail.”

  “And if we do not?”

  He cupped her cheek. “Your son is safe here. He is no longer surly, and you need no longer worry that he will find trouble on the city streets. While he is here, I plan to show him the workings of the property. I’ll talk to him about the tenants and how to deal with those in his employ. I know that the circumstances are difficult now, but we have no choice except to be patient. For now, Laura, let it be. Otherwise you will make yourself ill with vexation. That won’t help your son.”

  “I will try,” she said. “It is easier said than done.”

  “I know.” He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her up on her toes. She knew she ought to resist, but she was weak where he was concerned, and she kept remembering Lady Atherton telling her that regrets were about what one didn’t do.

  He kissed her softly at first, and then with more intention. His hand slid down to her bottom, and he pressed her against him. She could feel his erection against her stomach and desire raced through her veins.
In the very near future, they would part forever and probably far sooner than she wished. So she opened her lips for him because this time was all she would have with him. As their tongues tangled, she placed her hand over his heart. I love you, but it’s not enough for both of us and my children.

  Chapter Sixteen

  That evening after an excellent dinner of roast beef, Lady Atherton rose and said, “Gentlemen, enjoy your port.”

  “Justin, you may come to the drawing room with us,” Laura said.

  He pulled a face. “I want to stay with the men. Brutus is resting next to me.”

  Bell had seen the boy feeding bits of roast beef to the dog. Brutus must be the best-fed dog in all of Britain.

  Bell ruffled Justin’s hair. “You may stay, but no port for you.” He looked at Laura. “We’ll be along shortly.” He retrieved the decanter and poured for his friends.

  “Can’t I at least try it?” Justin asked.

  “I will pour a tiny bit in a glass for you to taste.” Bell poured a very small amount. “Sniff it first and then drink.”

  Justin tasted it. “I like brandy better.”

  “If that’s a request, forget it,” Bell said.

  “You’ll acquire a taste for port,” Colin said.

  “Not until he turns twenty-one,” Bell said.

  “That’s four years,” Justin said. “That’s a long time.”

  “He has no trouble with arithmetic,” Harry said.

  “Unlike you, Harry, he will not always have pockets to let because he doesn’t calculate the costs until it is too late,” Colin said.

  “I am always low in the water,” Harry said. “It grieves me, but fortunately I have generous friends.”

  “You could marry a lady with pots of money,” Justin said.

  Harry clutched his cravat and pretended to choke.

  “I have to take a piss,” Colin said. “Where’s the pot?”

  “Not at the table,” Bell said. “I do not eat where I piss.”

  Justin burst out laughing.

  “Colin, you know where the water closet is,” Bell said. “Get off your lazy arse and walk there.”

  Colin grumbled and strode out of the dining room.

  Bell regarded Justin. “We must talk.”