Forbidden Earl

by Victoria Pinder

  Cassidy let her hand fall to her side. She whispered, “Yes. Go tell Gigi and I’ll be right in.”

  “Don’t run on me again, Cassidy,” Remington said coolly.

  Run? Was he talking about when they’d gone camping? She’d only been thirteen, and him, fourteen, with the other cousins. He’d sprinkled honey on her tent, thinking he was funny, and a black bear came in the night, to eat her tent, and her. Remington must’ve been waiting for her to scream because he’d been right there. He’d reached for her, but she’d thrown him in the lake and ran for her life, in the opposite direction. “No more practical jokes.”

  Neither one of them said anything else—though they had much to discuss, there were other priorities, such as rescinding Remington’s proposal for Chelsea and switching it for Cassidy. She rose and they walked out of the small room. Donna called, “Lady Cassidy, Lord Sky, are you all right?”

  Remington’s body straightened and it was clear he’d not talk to Blackwell’s bride. “It’s nothing for you to concern yourself with.”

  Cassidy winced. He didn’t have to be rude. Donna gave her a nod like they were friends. “Seriously, it’s okay if you walk away from one another as you both love your grandmother. For now, can you try to get along or at least ignore each other?”

  Remington glanced at her and placed his hand on her lower back. Again, she felt a jolt of awareness, but ignored the sentiment. No one usually touched or hugged her so anyone would get the same reaction. Or so she told herself. “It’s not that easy,” Remy said. “My grandmother believes that Lady Cassidy should be my wife and she made it her dying wish.”

  Donna covered her lips and stepped away.

  Perhaps this was the last chance she’d get to say anything, so she took the second and brushed her hand against Remy’s. “Look, I love Gigi and want her at peace, but Remy, we both know you and I are a bad idea.”

  His shoulders were so tight he could double for a sentinel. “I know my grandmother wants us and I must marry. Cassidy, I’m speaking to your father about this.”

  She gently shoved him toward the sunroom and Gigi.

  Cassidy walked with Donna to the blue room, eyeing the tea service and lace cookies.

  Donna turned toward the foyer. “Blackwell is taking a long time with Chelsea.”

  Chelsea was alone with the duke she’d just been jilted by? Her heart raced, and she shook her head. “They’re alone? That’s a bad idea. My sister isn’t that mature.”

  Her sister’s actions couldn’t fall on her shoulders too. Right now, Cassidy had to find her parents, tell them the change in plans and pack a bag. Her mother might help her but then again she might be so excited she’d be no help at all. Cassidy walked toward the main front door with Donna.

  A hundred years ago one of the Burkes had built the phone room to the right, where Chelsea and Blackwell now were. Donna said, “Yes, Blackwell wanted to break the contract. So he wanted to tell her first before meeting with her father today. I’m going in.”

  Her sister was twenty-two and soon, she’d have far more choices in the world than just Avce nobility, if she’d be patient. Cassidy would fund a European tour for her if that is what she wanted. Donna walked into the side room to fetch her fiancé.

  Time to go. Cassidy hurried outside into the setting sun, pulling a small weed from a pink rose bush. Gigi would want the fragrant plants cared for.

  Calmer, she returned to her car and dug out her keys. She tugged the driver’s side door open and jumped in her seat. She turned the ignition and once again the engine purred like it hadn’t given her problems all day yesterday.

  She’d pulled her hair into an elastic tie when she saw Donna run out of the house and toward the front of the car.

  Cassidy rolled her window down, hoping Donna was all right. Chelsea was not an easy foe.

  “Lady Cassidy, can I get a ride?” Donna gestured to the seat beside her where Cassidy had her empty coffee mug.

  She nodded, moved the mug to the back, and Donna jumped into the passenger seat. “Sure, though I think you’re making a mistake,” Cassidy said. “My sister wanted to be a duchess, bad.”

  “Well, she can have him. I don’t marry cheaters.”

  Great. She put the car in drive and rumbled down the road. Cassidy Bright’s two main jobs were computer programmer and family mess cleaner. At least her computer program helped people find love, because her other life certainly lacked the emotion.

  But for the ride home, she chattered with Donna and didn’t think about Remy. At the back of her mind she wasn’t sure she could be his bride, not really.

  Chapter 2

  Remington Burke IV felt like he was the fourteen-year-old boy that Cassidy had punched in the face, all over again. She drove off in that old junker as if she’d just made a deal with the devil. He didn’t remember what he’d said to her back then, they’d been camping, but he remembered her fist bloodying his nose and Grannie forcing him to apologize.

  And now his grandmother wanted him to marry her? Cassidy hated him and always would.

  However with only twenty-three days until his thirtieth birthday, he was out of options. And even if he had options, Grannie’s plea a few minutes ago trumped them.

  Somehow, he and Cassidy would have to learn to live together.

  He went and held his grandmother’s hand. “Grannie, Cassidy and I will get married this week. I want you there.”

  “Now that is something to live for.” She patted his hand though her weak grip made him uneasy. “You and Cassidy have so much going for you. Treat her right, Remington, and remember we’ve never had a divorce in the family.”

  “If I tried to divorce Lady Cassidy, I’d lose out on my entitlement which you helped me build to billions.” He leaned closer. “I’ll treat her with respect, don’t worry. Grannie, you have to regain your health—I need you.”

  “Nonsense!” She coughed and took a few deep breaths to calm down. “You never give yourself credit. You’re better at accounting than your own father, and that is the truth.”

  “It’s not about money, Grannie. I just want you, here, with me.” His grandmother’s wrinkled old face turned damp with tears. Her small hands with the strong grip that had protected him all his life now fit between his gentle grasp. He smoothed the white sheet at her chest. She’d been the only parent he’d ever had, the one person who loved him without reservation. “I’m not ready to lose you.”

  “Don’t cry. You never cry.” She reached up and wiped away a tear. “I want you and Cassidy to be happy together. Try to love her.”

  She’d always liked Cassidy Bright. He nodded. “I’ll do right by you and her, Grannie.” Footsteps shuffled in the hall.

  “Someone’s at the door.” She closed her eyes, the lids paper thin. “Give me a few minutes alone before the next person comes in to tell me how sorry they are.”

  He winked and released his hold on her cold hand. “Anything for you, Grannie.”

  She winked back, but it was an effort, and he slowly walked to the door. He knew the doctors on staff were reputable, but he hated their prognosis. Remington lived for the days she was here with him still.

  He waited at the door to give her time and heard Blackwell and Cassidy’s little sister, Chelsea. His friend didn’t sound pleased as he said, “Chelsea, I’ll be speaking to your father about this stunt.”

  Remington walked into the side room off the foyer that used to house a private telephone as Chelsea claimed, “He won’t believe you.”

  Last week he’d offered a marriage contract for Chelsea—seems he’d dodged a bullet by Lord Bright dragging his heels and waiting for Blackwell.

  His friend puffed his chest and lifted his chin. “He’s not getting a dime more from me. Now, I have to go.”

  He understood why his friend wanted to go, to retrieve Donna Smith, but this needed to be settled first. Remington tapped Blackwell on the back. If he wanted to end the contract he’d signed for Chelsea to marry the lovely Donna,
he should wait. “Lord Paston is coming over to see my grandmother now. It would be best if we could clear up any and all business as a group, Blackwell.”

  Blackwell narrowed his eyes and grimaced as if he was settling for the black plague. “Are you going to ask for Chelsea now?”

  Life had other plans for him. Remington shook his head. “Absolutely not. My contract will be for Cassidy. I need to make the arrangements as soon as possible now that Cassidy’s accepted.”

  Chelsea’s lips parted and she stared at them both like they were aliens. “My sister? Are you serious? She’s awful.”

  Cassidy wasn’t awful. She’d been mistreated by her family, but he kept his thoughts to himself. Instead, Remington crossed his arms. “And she’s about to be Lady Sky as she’s already agreed. Your family needs the money, clearly.”

  Chelsea’s face went bright red.

  Soon she’d be his sister-in-law so it was best if they stayed cordial. She stood taller like her back was now steel and crossed her arms. “What happened right here cannot be discussed with anyone else, ever. I need to marry fast.”

  A car turned off its engine, the sound coming through the front door.

  “You don’t get to dictate terms after trying to destroy my engagement,” Blackwell said, but Remington tapped him on the arm, getting his attention. He assumed that the car brought Lord Paston, her father.

  He had no idea what had just happened and considered it best to stay out of it. Remington stepped away from the two of them and opened the door, wide, so Cassidy and Chelsea’s father felt welcome.

  The moment Lord Paston walked into the room, Chelsea’s tears began to fall. “Father! These men are not nobles.”

  Now that seemed overdramatic. Where was Cassidy? She must have missed her father on the road which meant he didn’t know the change of plan. She’d be here soon—hopefully, he’d not have much to do with Chelsea.

  Blackwell adjusted his collar. “Lord Paston. Please send your daughter home. We have business to discuss.”

  Lord Paston hugged his daughter, but asked, “Where is Cassidy?”

  At least he remembered his oldest daughter, but then a gambler always knew where the money came from.

  Chelsea held onto his coat. “She went to work already, Daddy. Lord Sky wishes to marry her, but she doesn’t want to.”

  “She agreed and will tell you herself.” Remington didn’t clarify that Cassidy had already finished a full day of work and was now on her way home. Clearly Chelsea’s pout mattered more than Cassidy’s efforts.

  “I will speak to Cassidy about your proposal this evening, Lord Sky. Chelsea, please go home now,” Lord Paston instructed. “I’m here to speak to Gigi and His Grace, the Duke of Oakley.”

  She hugged her waist and said, “But-”

  “Go.” Her father walked her to the door and closed it behind her the moment she passed. He then took off his gray driving cap. “First, Lord Sky, what is this about marrying Cassidy?”

  Remington folded his hands in front of him and bowed. “It’s my grandmother’s dying wish.”

  “I understand. I’ve hoped one day Cassidy would stop working and accept her position as a lady. She’ll be more agreeable once her mother and I speak to her.” Lord Paston spoke like it was a fact.

  Remington understood that if Cassidy quit her job, her family would have no income of its own. In her own room, here, as his wife, he’d protect her. She deserved better.

  Blackwell widened his stance. “I am withdrawing my contract for Chelsea’s hand, Lord Paston. Your daughter did not take the news well.”

  The older man’s eyes softened. “Was that why she was crying?”

  Blackwell blushed and looked at his shoes. “She tried to show she was the better choice and disrobed herself as my fiancée walked in.”

  Remington wished he hadn’t heard that. Now he knew Cassidy’s sister needed to stay far away from both of them. Perhaps she’d let him send Chelsea on an extended trip.

  “Ahh.” Lord Paston said and Blackwell looked up. Bright continued, “I will go see Gigi now. It sounds like you have somewhere else to be as well, Your Grace.”

  Blackwell nodded his goodbye to both men and said, “I’ll have my courier send over the check. Thanks again.”

  He left and Remington wondered if he had Cassidy’s phone number still in his contact information. He scrolled his phone and saw her name so he texted her, ‘Your dad is here.’

  ‘He is probably dancing a jig. My mother is happy. I’ll see you soon.’

  ‘Wait till he gets home. He wants to convince you to marry me.’

  ‘Oh. Lovely. Thanks for the heads up.’

  In text Cassidy was the sweeter girl he once in a while remembered.

  His grandmother coughed, a racking sound that broke his heart, so he tucked his phone in his back pocket and rushed into the room.

  Grannie patted Lord Paston’s arm. “We’ll get the queen’s permission first thing in the morning.”

  So, they were talking about the upcoming wedding. “Cassidy agreed to move in with me tonight, so she’ll be here for dinner, Grannie. You can tell her whatever tradition you want included.”

  Lord Paston stood. “I should go talk to my daughter.”

  Yes, he should. And Cassidy needed to get away from all of her grasping, greedy family, but he held his tongue and instead said, “I’ll walk you to the door.”

  “Lord Sky, I think you’ll be a fine son-in-law and a good husband for Cassidy,” Lord Paston admitted as they left Grannie’s room.

  He winked at his grandmother, for they both knew that Cassidy would fare better, here, with him as a Burke despite her father’s words. “Thanks. We’re happy to have her in the family.”

  “All that fighting you two did, hopefully now that turns into something else.” Lord Paston put his cap back on. “She’s a lovely girl underneath it all.”

  Her hair covered her like a shield. As his wife, all he truly wanted from Cassidy was that she stop hiding her face, but he’d not press that for now. He opened the front door. “Good evening, Lord Paston.”

  “You, too.” The man left and Remington searched the road for signs of Cassidy. She had always been a sister to him, someone to tease, so he’d never considered her for marriage. He walked upstairs and told the staff to get her room ready for her arrival.

  Marrying Cassidy meant he’d keep everything he’d ever earned. While he was curious about what the royal report he ordered for the name of his true love might say, it wouldn’t change anything now.

  Grannie wanted Cassidy and that was that. True love probably didn’t exist, and Cassidy, with a haircut and possibly contacts, knew how to dress the part. She’d been raised with the same education, the same knowledge of their ancestry. He’d spend the rest of his life with someone who wouldn’t try to change anything about him. There was peace in that thought.

  Chapter 3

  Cassidy finished packing her suitcase and gathered her twelve pairs of glasses in various colors that sat on the top of her dresser. She slipped them into the color coordinated cases and tucked them carefully into her backpack that she used for work.

  Chelsea threw open her bedroom door and stormed into the bedroom, reminiscent of a fire-breathing dragon. “You’ll be the worst Countess! I can’t believe you said yes.”

  Was she supposed to have said no, so that Chelsea could have Remy? Her stomach knotted at the idea of the two of them together. Her sister needed to see this as positive for all of them. She zipped her backpack. “Well, now I can afford to send you to Paris for the year, like you wanted.”

  Chelsea rolled her eyes. “You want me gone so I don’t make trouble.”

  Well true, but Chelsea would have to be at the wedding, at least if Cassidy wanted her parents to stay calm about this whole thing. After the wedding, perhaps her sister would be more reasonable, though unlikely. Chelsea had just lost her chance to marry a duke, and now an earl. She kept her head down, her hair falling forward. “You
can’t do anything to me, sis. I know Remy almost better than I know you so there is no surprise in what I’m getting.”

  Her sister wrinkled her nose and glared at her. “Don’t you want to attract a man on your own?”

  Why bother? She’d have to pretend to care what she looked like all the time and do that stupid fake laugh her mother and sister were clearly exceptional at, but it grated on her nerves. Cassidy shook her head and tugged the bag on her back. “Not your way, Chelsea.”

  Her sister put her hand on her hip. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  An argument wouldn’t help Chelsea land another duke. Cassidy’s computer program said Chelsea’s true love was a man named Alexandre who grew wine in the South of France. Somehow, she needed to get her sister near that man’s farm, as he never left, and then Chelsea wouldn’t bother her anymore.

  She pushed her hair out of her face at the sound of the front door creaking open. Cassidy wheeled her suitcase out of her room. “Dad is home and I need to talk to him. Gotta go.”

  Chelsea didn’t bother to reach out and help. Instead she crossed her arms. “We’ll all be more peaceful when you’re not here.”

  Cassidy turned around and stared at her sister. They had nothing in common except their parents. She saluted her and said, “Right. Well, good luck with everything Chelsea.”

  Without waiting for another word, Cassidy made her way toward the elevator and lugged her suitcase inside behind her. Chelsea hadn’t followed, so the doors closed. Unfortunately, no one had fixed the light in the elevator so she rode down in the dark. Once she reached the first floor and exited the elevator, dusky light filled the room. Cassidy wheeled her bag out and found her father in the living room, with her mother.

  They must have already talked about her. Her mother wiped another tear from her face.

  Cassidy brought her bag to the door, left it and turned around to face them. “Father?”

  “You finally agreed to marry?” He held his arms wide open to hug her.

  She couldn’t remember the last time either of her parents had hugged her as an adult before today. She walked toward him and accepted the offer. They meant well. And as he hugged her, she promised herself she’d pay maintenance with her next paycheck to fix the elevator. Her current check had gone for the kitchen repairs.