What the Earl Needs Now (The Earls Next Door Book 2)

by Michelle Willingham

  Matthew stiffened, for he had not spoken of money. He had come here hoping to end the blackmail relationship and change it into one where Sarah Carlisle could have a better life of her own.

  From his pocket, he took out a bank note and handed it to her. “For the sake of my father, I am willing to help you. But the past should lie buried.”

  She took the money, her wrinkled face holding only pain. “It won’t be buried until I am.”

  Lily stared outside the coach window, thankful to be back in London and eager to see Matthew once again. When the coach came to a stop in front of their family’s townhouse, James opened the door and helped her out. But to her surprise, there was a dog waiting upon the doorstep. Lily exclaimed with joy when she saw Sebastian waiting outside. He was sniffing and circling the entrance. The moment the dog spied her, his tail wagged with delight.

  “Sebastian!” She opened her arms as she went up the stairs, and the dog crashed into her, sniffing and licking her hands. Foolish tears sprang from her eyes, but she didn’t care. “I never thought to see you again. Now what are you doing here?”

  For a moment, she wondered if Lord Davonshire had come to pay a call, but why would he? They had only just arrived home from Yorkshire, and he would not even suspect she was here. It was nearly evening, and the sky had already grown dark.

  The footman caught up to her and apologized. “I am sorry, Lady Lily. I will remove the dog if you wish it.”

  “Not at all. Bring him inside. He may be hungry or thirsty.” She had no idea how Sebastian had run away from home again, but she intended to enjoy his company for a few hours until she returned him to his owner.

  And she could hardly wait to see Matthew. Though it had only been a few weeks, she missed him terribly. She hoped to pay a call upon him at Lady Arnsbury’s residence first thing in the morning.

  James followed her inside the townhouse, handing his hat to another servant. “Why is that dog here again?”

  “I have no idea. But I will keep him for a while, at least. I’ve missed him so.” She guided the Landseer into the drawing room and sat upon the floor, letting the dog flop against her. He rolled onto his back, exposing his stomach, and she rubbed it. His tongue hung out of his mouth, and she could not help but smile at his ridiculous expression.

  Her brother shook his head with a sigh and took a seat across from her. “You’ve a soft heart, Lily.”

  “So I have.” She saw nothing wrong with that and continued cuddling Sebastian. She ran her fingers over the dog, checking to ensure that his wounds were fully healed. He continued to lick her, and her heart warmed to the affection. She supposed she would send a note to Lord Davonshire to let him know the whereabouts of his dog, but in the meantime, she would enjoy the love of this animal.

  Her brother rang for refreshments and asked the footman to bring him the collection of notes and invitations from the past few weeks. After the servant returned, he added, “And this one just arrived, my lord.” He gave him the stack of papers, and James sat at his writing desk to begin sorting through them.

  “I need a secretary,” James remarked. “This has gotten out of hand. It will take days to answer all of the notes.” He set aside a small stack and then opened the recent letter the footman had just given to him. Frowning, he tore it open. Lily paid it no heed, busy petting the dog, until James abruptly stood. He crumpled the note and shoved it into his coat pocket.

  “What’s the matter?”

  “I’m not certain.” His expression tightened, and he turned to face her. “Can you imagine any reason why Evangeline would ever send for me?”

  “Heavens, no.” Lily knew how deeply her friend despised James. “She never would. Why would you ask that?”

  “Because of the note she just sent asking me to pay a call. She says it’s urgent.”

  “That is strange.” Lily didn’t know what to think of it, but she was distracted when the footman returned with sandwiches and tea. She stood and directed him to place the tray upon a low table near the chairs. When she sat, she immediately reached for the food, feeling ravenous.

  “I’ve a mind to go just to satisfy my curiosity,” James remarked. “Perhaps she is plotting my murder.”

  “Be careful,” Lily warned with a smile. The last time she’d spoken with her friend, the young woman had decided she was through with James. Everyone thought that was the end of it.

  She finished her sandwich and offered a scrap to the dog so her brother would not see the forbidden excitement on her face. Right now, she had no qualms about urging her brother out the door. She yearned to be in Matthew’s arms and hoped he could come pay a call on her, despite the late hour.

  James took two sandwiches from the tray and lifted his hand in a wave farewell. As soon as he had gone, Lily hurried to the writing desk and scrawled out a note to Matthew, telling him of her arrival. She folded it and gave it to the footman to be delivered immediately.

  She could hardly wait to see him again.

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  Evangeline Sinclair despised embroidery, but she engaged in the necessary evil to pacify her mother and to give the illusion that she did possess a few womanly skills. Her mother Margaret sat across from her in the drawing room, sewing violet lace to a corset, while Aunt Amelia studied a sketch of a new design.

  It was such a paradox to see her impossibly proper mother adorning undergarments more befitting a courtesan than a lady. But then, it was the reason for her family’s wealth, so Evangeline could hardly complain. She let out a sigh and glanced over at the hearth where Annabelle slept beside her puppies.

  “You have a caller, Miss Sinclair,” the footman announced to Evangeline. “Lord Penford is here to see you.”

  “Now why would he be here?” her mother wondered aloud. “I thought the two of you had parted ways.” Margaret stared hard at her daughter, before a faint smile edged her mouth. “Clearly, I was wrong.”

  “Put your matchmaking thoughts out of your head, Mama,” Evangeline warned.

  “Matchmaking is such marvelous fun,” Aunt Amelia said dreamily. “I’ve already arranged a wedding for dear Lily Thornton and Cousin Matthew.”

  Evangeline stabbed the needle through the linen of her embroidery. Without looking at the footman, she remarked, “Tell Lord Penford I am not here.”

  But Amelia beamed and contradicted her. “Show him into the library, Harrison. I will send Evangeline in shortly.”

  “I have nothing to say to that man. He is horrid, and I will not be part of your scheming,” she informed her aunt. Evangeline would not allow them to make a fool of her.

  “If you do not see him in the library, I will send for him here,” her mother said. “I know Amelia and I would both like to know why he has come. Perhaps to renew his courtship?”

  She was aghast at the idea. Anger roiled up inside her, but Evangeline tossed the needlework aside and stood. “That is the very last reason why he would be here. But if you insist, I will find out and return within one minute.” She had no idea why James would dare to set foot here, but it would not take long to be rid of him.

  “Evangeline, your hair is falling from the pins,” her mother warned. “Take a moment and make yourself presentable.”

  She ignored her mother and strode out of the room. As soon as she reached the mirror in the hall, she tousled her hair even more, letting a few pins dangle from the strands. Good. Now she looked frightful.

  Evangeline took long steps toward the library, but something made her pause before she entered. Her heartbeat was unsteady, her pulse racing. Why did that man always have such an effect on her? She wished James were unattractive or portly. Instead, when she stopped in the doorway, she took a moment to gaze at him. He stood with his back to her, and his light-brown hair held glints of blond. His coat hugged his frame, outlining the lean muscles, and his trousers molded to his legs like a second skin.

  She pinched herself roughly before she walked inside. Gather control of yourself. He’s only a m
an.

  The man she had worshipped for five years, until that fateful day when he had finally noticed her.

  She bit her lip and said, “Why are you here, Penford?”

  James turned at the sound of her voice. A faint smile creased his mouth when he saw her rumpled appearance. Then his expression softened, as if he were glad to see her. Her traitorous heart leapt at the sight of him, and she tried to tamp down her emotions. From his coat pocket, he withdrew a crumpled piece of paper and held it out.

  Evangeline entered the room and took it from him, smoothing the edges. When she read the note, she frowned. “I did not send this.”

  She examined the handwriting, which was nothing like her own. The letters were large, and one of the words was misspelled. It asked Penford to come at once to meet with her. “Who would have sent this to you? And why?”

  “I don’t know.” He leaned back and sat upon her uncle’s desk. “Especially when it was delivered an hour ago, and we’ve been traveling all day. I thought it best to find out in case something was wrong.”

  “Why would you care?” she blurted out without thinking. Her cheeks burned when she realized how rude she’d been. “I apologize. That came out before I could stop myself from speaking.”

  James eyed her a moment. “You’re still angry with me.”

  She was. A rush of humiliation washed over her, and she wished he would simply leave. “You’ve seen for yourself that we are all fine. Just go back home, and we’ll leave it at that.” She started to go, but he caught her hand in his.

  The warm pressure of his palm unraveled her with confusion. He had such a strong effect upon her that she could not resist. “Regardless of what you believe, Evangeline, I am not your enemy.”

  She wasn’t certain she wanted to hear this. It was easier to hate him, to wallow in the humiliation. She had fallen beneath his spell, believing he cared for her. And every time she saw him, she was reminded of her weakness.

  And his wickedness.

  She raised her chin and regarded him. “I know that, Lord Penford. You may return home, and there’s no need to concern yourself with my welfare.”

  James studied her for a long moment before he nodded. “Still, I wonder why anyone sent that note.”

  Her face furrowed, and suddenly, she grew uncertain. “To draw you away from Lily?” She clenched her hands together. “Perhaps someone wanted you to leave her alone.”

  He stiffened and let out a low curse. “I believe you may be right. I should go back.” But before James left the library, he remarked, “I meant what I said. I don’t want to be your enemy, Evangeline.”

  Her face flushed with the memories. If she could go back and blot out those mistakes, she would do so in a single moment. But it was hard to let go of her own embarrassment and grant him a truce.

  “I will try,” she said quietly.

  He ventured a light smile, but when he departed, she felt a sense of terrible sadness. She had clung to animosity, for it protected her wounded heart. It was far easier to despise him than to forgive him.

  Because forgiving him meant letting go.

  Lily had sent off the note immediately to Matthew, hoping he would be able to see her for a short time. In the meantime, she snuggled with Sebastian, nuzzling his nose and delighting in his slobber.

  But then, abruptly, the hair stood on end upon his spine. He let out a low growl and bolted up from her lap, snarling as he reached the doorway. Lily stood, uncertain of what had bothered him, but she relaxed when she saw Lord Davonshire arriving. Sebastian’s hind quarters hit the ground, and his tail wagged as the man reached into his pocket for a treat.

  “Now how did you find your way to Lady Lily’s again?” he murmured to the dog, giving him the piece of bacon and rubbing the animal’s head. “I must apologize for Louis. He hasn’t wandered off in a long time. I suppose he must have been missing you.”

  His tone held a trace of interest, and Lily brushed it aside. “I will admit that I missed your dog as well,” she said. “Especially his kisses.” She laughed as the dog licked at her fingertips. He sat and stared at Lord Davonshire, politely begging for more bacon.

  “How is your mother?” the earl asked. “I presume she has improved, since you have returned to London.”

  Her smile grew pained. “No, I am afraid she could not come with me.” She knew that Rose would take good care of their mother at Penford, and Iain would be there from time to time.

  “I am sorry to hear that. But delighted, of course, to see you again.” He sent her a warm smile and took a seat, making it clear he intended to visit.

  Which was not at all what she’d hoped for. Matthew would come soon enough, and the last thing she wanted was a gentleman caller to interrupt.

  Something about Lord Davonshire’s visit bothered her. It was too convenient, almost as if he had been waiting for her brother to leave.

  Without knowing quite what to say, she sat down. “Would you care for tea?” It was late, but perhaps he would have a cup and then go.

  “I should be glad of spending more time in your company,” he answered. She rang the bell and ordered tea, but then decided it was time to inform him of her new circumstances.

  “Lord Davonshire, I should tell you that my fiancé is on his way here,” Lily began. “Lord Arnsbury and I are now engaged to marry.”

  At that, the earl’s face grew pained. “I know I should offer my congratulations, but I can see that you have not heard the stories circulating around London. Lord Arnsbury is involved in a terrible scandal. You may want to reconsider marrying into his family.”

  The edge of anger crept into her voice. “I care nothing for idle gossip. I have been in love with Lord Arnsbury since before he left for India.”

  The earl glanced at the door and then back again. Sebastian left his side when it was clear he would get no more bacon. He settled at Lily’s feet, resting his head upon her shoes.

  “They say he was not the Earl of Arnsbury’s son,” Davonshire continued. “Others claim that he was adopted from an unwed acquaintance. And I cannot think that you would want to marry a bastard.”

  “I could invent the same stories about you,” she countered. “I could pretend that you were a man laden with debt, that you needed to wed a wealthy woman. But it would be nothing more than a story, would it not?” She gave him a pointed look, and his gaze turned away. “I will not abandon Lord Arnsbury, regardless of what anyone says.”

  “Then you are not like other women,” he admitted.

  The tea arrived, but his demeanor had shifted into concern. “There is something else. I know that Lord Arnsbury suffered a great deal while he was away in India. The stories suggest he fell into madness. Even his servants say he became aggressive. Are you not fearful that Lord Arnsbury could be dangerous?”

  Lily distracted herself with pouring the tea. She didn’t know why he was trying to cast aspersions on Matthew, but she simply sipped at her cup and ignored him. “Thank you for your concern, but no.”

  She rather hoped that Matthew would arrive, but it was growing later, and he still had not come. At last, when Lord Davonshire finished his tea, he stood. “I suppose I should be taking Louis back with me now.” He withdrew a length of cord from his pocket and fashioned it into a leash. “I apologize for his unexpected arrival.”

  The dog let out a low growl when Lord Davonshire attempted to place the loop around his neck. With an exasperated sigh, the earl took a sandwich from the tea tray and offered it to the animal. The dog instantly quieted and waited politely while the earl put the leash around his neck. He whimpered when the man led him away, and Lily longed to snatch him back again.

  He’s not yours, she reminded herself. But she had been grateful to visit with the dog for a short time, even if he had run away.

  “I hope I will see you again, Lady Lily. And please do remember my warning about Lord Arnsbury. I should hate for anything to happen to you.”

  She stood from her chair and folded her
hands. “I will be fine, thank you.”

  After he had gone, she paced across the drawing room, feeling restless. She longed to see Matthew, but it was possible that he knew nothing of her arrival. From the window, she saw Lord Davonshire departing just as another carriage arrived. Her heartbeat quickened, and she couldn’t stop her smile when she saw Matthew disembarking.

  Lily longed to run to the door and meet him, but she forced herself to remain in the drawing room. At least she ought to maintain the pretense of being a lady. But when he finally appeared at the doorway, she tossed aside her inhibitions and threw herself into his arms. He dropped a small package on the floor and caught her, holding her in an embrace as he backed against the door to shut it.

  She lifted her mouth to his, and the kiss was that of a starving man. There was reckless joy in the embrace, and she could scarcely catch her breath.

  “I love you,” she whispered.

  “And I love you. This fortnight has been the longest of my life,” he murmured, his hands moving to her waist and pulling her close. He moved her against the wall, kissing her throat. “Why was Davonshire here? Did he bring the dog to see you?”

  Shivers erupted over her skin, and her breasts tightened at the thrill of his mouth upon her. “Sebastian ran away, and Lord Davonshire came to retrieve him.”

  Matthew’s hands moved over her bodice, and she let out a shuddering breath as his thumbs grazed her sensitive nipples. Despite the corset and layers of fabric, she could feel the pressure of his touch, and it drove her toward wildness.

  But then he stilled upon her and backed away. “How did he know the dog was here?” There was an edge in his voice, and she could not tell if it was jealousy or worry. “Davonshire lives nowhere near you. The dog would have had to travel for miles across London.”

  “I thought the same myself. It might be that he intended to pay a call upon me, and the dog got away from him.” Even so, she found the entire situation strange. It almost seemed as if Davonshire had placed the dog there for her to find, thereby giving him an excuse to retrieve him.