The Earl's New Bride (Entangled Scandalous)

by Frances Fowlkes

  The smell of sage sent her heart racing. Lifting her head, she saw the earl, a day’s worth of growth darkening his chin, his tousled hair falling forward across his eye.

  “What the very devil?” breathed her mother.

  “I need to speak with you, Henrietta.”

  Shock filtered through her limbs, her lips rendered immobile, unwilling to comply with any rational thought she might have conjured.

  Both her sisters and her mother stared at her wide-eyed, as the earl continued to hold her upright in the middle of the public inn yard.

  “I have decided to offer you Plumburn.”

  Henrietta blinked, her breath catching. “I-I-I beg your pardon?”

  “I cannot give you ownership of the house, as the entails and law forbid it, of course, but I can vacate the home. Allow you to live in it while I take up residence elsewhere.”

  “What?” She could hardly breathe. Nothing he said made any sense. That he was in the inn yard at all was an anomaly. He should be with Miss Saxton, not her. Not here. And certainly not now with her in his arms. “Th-th-that’s impossible,” she breathed. “Plumburn belongs to the Earl of Amhurst.”

  Simon nodded, his gaze intensifying. “That it does. And as the earl, I have a say as to who has access to the estate…and who does not.”

  “But, but, Plumburn is the Amhurst seat. All of the earls have lived there since the title was given. You cannot simply vacate the premises and allow me residence.” Could he? She frowned, her mind trying to wrap around the insanity of being in Simon’s arms while he offered her that which she had long hoped to have… All while an inn yard of people stood witness to their intimacy.

  “I can. Plumburn has not been my residence for the past five years, and I doubt it will mind if I continue to live elsewhere, especially if I leave her in more capable hands.”

  Her heart raced as though she had run from the west pasture to Plumburn’s doors. She squirmed in his firm grasp, but to no avail. He held her tight within the confines of his arms.

  “And what if…what if I should take a husband? He will have his own estates. He will not wish to be burdened with mine.”

  He cleared his throat and lowered his gaze to the ground. “I shall stipulate that your dowry is to be used toward Plumburn’s upkeep.”

  Henrietta’s heart stopped. “You would do that? For me?”

  His gaze lifted, his brown eye boring into hers. “For the woman I love, yes.”

  Her pulse beat loud in her ears and what air remained in her lungs left them in a swift rush. “I-I-I don’t understand.”

  He took her hand in his. “Your sister poisoned others to make certain you had your heart’s desire, Henrietta. I know how much you love the estate. And I…I also know Satterfield offered you his hand. You have a choice. I do not want Plumburn to be the deciding factor in your decision to marry. I am vain enough to be wanted for myself, and not the estates I hold.”

  She shook her head, her lips moving, but with no sounds coming out. He loved her. He loved her.

  No. She had misheard. Or worse, he was playing the role of gentleman and offering because it was expected, and not because he desired to do so. “If you are intending to press your suit after the other evening—”

  “Of course I would offer for you after the other evening, Henrietta.” Her chest heaved, her heart plummeting. “But I regret I did not offer for you before then.”

  The world spun. She could hardly believe the words she was hearing. “But what of Miss Saxton? Her reputation exceeds mine, Simon. Her elocution alone will endear you to Society.”

  “I do not doubt it would. But I think it unkind to marry the poor girl when my heart belongs to another.”

  He knelt down on one knee, his buff-colored breeches sinking to the earth-packed yard. He reached behind his head and tugged on a string. The eye patch fell to the ground and with two eyes he peered up at her. “Would you do me the honor of becoming my wife, Lady Henrietta?”

  She lowered herself to the worn earth, her vision blurring behind a fall of tears. “But your reputation, your name—”

  “Is nothing without you. It is you whom I wish to marry.”

  Henrietta let out a breath. “And I you. I care naught for Plumburn without you beside me Simon. Just you.”

  Simon pulled her into his arms and kissed her as the future Countess of Amhurst had never been kissed before.

  Epilogue

  Several months later…

  Henrietta sipped her ratafia, the sweet punch sating her thirst as the next strains of music floated over the crowd gathered in Plumburn’s ballroom. Fanning her face to disperse the unusually warm spring air, she scanned the throng of neighbors, friends, and family, for a dark swath of hair.

  “Excuse me,” a neighbor brushed past her, knocking her elbow, and sending her punch dribbling down her chin.

  And laughter erupting from her mouth.

  “Thank heavens you chose the ruby sateen,” said Albina, coming to stand beside her. “And not that lemon yellow confection you were considering.”

  “But Simon’s favorite color is yellow.” Henrietta set down the glass on a nearby table and snatched up the linen her sister held in her outstretched hand.

  “And your favorite drink would have appeared quite obvious on such a light colored gown. The ruby hides the ratafia nicely. Why, I don’t even notice the spill.”

  “That would be because your eyes are drawn to the large ruby resting on her chest,” Sarah said with a hint of laughter. “She could spill half the bowl down her dress and no one would notice.”

  Henrietta’s hand flew to the heavy gem resting between her breasts. “You think it too much?”

  “I think it a perfectly adequate gift from a doting husband. Especially one who has transformed under your administrations.”

  “You’ve noticed? I do think the salve I blended has done wonders for his scar.”

  “His scar? I was referring to his cheerful disposition and exuberant confidence. The man has not stopped smiling since the two of you entered the ballroom.”

  “Oh, nonsense.” Henrietta’s cheeks warmed. “He is simply enjoying the entertainment.”

  “And you,” said Albina. She nodded toward Henrietta’s mid-section. “How much longer before you make the announcement?”

  Henrietta instinctively rested her hand on the slight swell of her abdomen. “I did not think it was obvious.”

  “It isn’t,” said Sarah. “We simply had our suspicions. You merely confirmed them, dear.” Her cherry-red lips spread wide with a grin. Albina joined her, covering her mouth to stifle a giggle.

  Henrietta smacked Sarah on the arm with her folded fan. “Atrocious. I expected better from you,” she hissed, her own lips lifting.

  “I didn’t,” Albina said between giggles. “She is referring to the Black Earl after all. His wickedness was bound to rub off on you sooner or later.”

  Henrietta cheeks blazed. Sarah rubbed her arm and gave her a perturbed look. “We were beginning to worry his moniker was not true and we would never be gifted with a niece or nephew to spoil.”

  “He is not wicked,” Henrietta hissed. “He is…” Perfect.

  “The earl,” said Sarah. She coughed into her hand.

  “Well, yes, he is that, and—”

  “Everything you imagined, I hope,” said a deep voice behind her.

  Whirling around, Henrietta found her husband smiling down at her. She returned his affectionate gaze, her heart swelling.

  “I could not have said it better,” she breathed.

  “No, I don’t think you could have,” said Albina. “You stutter has completely disappeared. Even Lord Satterfield was remarking upon its absence at dinner.”

  “Did he?” asked Simon. “I could have sworn I heard him inquiring after you.”

  Albina’s face brightened. “Is that so? Well, I must—please excuse me.” She lifted the edge of her gown and slipped into the crush.

  Simon lifted Henriet
ta’s gloved hand and settled it on his arm. “I was just telling the Duke of Waverly about your exquisite healing teas. It seems his son has a cough and the duchess is quite beside herself with worry.”

  “You know I am not a healer,” she said, lowering her voice.

  “I know nothing of the sort. You’ve done nothing but heal me, my dear. On both the inside…and out.”

  She peered up at him, at the smooth, shiny skin of his scar, exposed for all to see. Even the red and angry indentions along his temple had faded beyond her expectations.

  Her talents had flourished under Simon’s encouragement, more so than she first believed. Perhaps her skills had advanced beyond that of a hobby…but that her cousin’s husband, the Duke of Waverly, a very busy man with an even busier schedule, should notice her administrations…was quite telling of her skills.

  She caught Simon’s gaze and offered him a small smile, her heart racing. “I will help in whatever way I can and to the best of my abilities. But I cannot promise a miracle.”

  “You already have.” He lowered his gaze to her mid-section and spun her into his arms, leading her into the first steps of the waltz…and their happily ever after.

  Acknowledgments

  This book would not have been published without the guiding, patient hand of my amazing editor, Robin. You have my eternal gratitude for your constant support and encouragement. Thank you to the moon and back.

  Heather, Laura, and Mel, thank you for reading, rereading, and triple reading my chapters. Your reassurances that I don’t totally suck are beyond appreciated.

  And lastly, all of my thanks and love to Adam, for being a shoulder to cry on when things got hard, a voice of wisdom when I got lost, and a fountain of encouragement when I wanted to quit. You are truly my better half.

  About the Author

  Frances Fowlkes lives in South Carolina with her high school sweetheart, three red-headed sons, and a spoiled standard poodle. When not writing about ardent heroes or strong-willed heroines, she enjoys spending time with her family, fangirling, and planning her next vacation.

  Sign up for our Steals & Deals newsletter and be the first to hear about 99¢ releases from Frances Fowlkes and other fantastic Entangled authors!

  Reviews help other readers find books. We appreciate all reviews, whether positive or negative. Thank you for reading!

  Are you feeling…

  SCANDALOUS?

  Our readers know that historical doesn’t mean antiquated. That’s why they choose Scandalous, Entangled Publishing’s historical category romance imprint, for love stories from eras gone by.

  Scandalous romances are bold and sexy and passionate. After all, torrid love affairs are even more illicit when forbidden by social mores. Escape to another era. There’s never been a better time to fall in love!

  Never miss a release by subscribing to our newsletter, and join us on our social media pages to keep up with our specials, giveaways, prizes, and what’s new with the Scandalous authors.

  Website | Facebook | Twitter | Newsletter

  Discover more from Frances Fowlkes…

  The Duke’s Obsession

  London, 1818

  Edward Lacey, the Duke of Waverly, finds American heiress Daphne Farrington delightful, despite her mysterious contempt towards him. He wants nothing more than to convince her that not all English lords are callous, calculating rakes. In fact, he can’t seem to let go of the notion she might be the duchess he is looking for. But when he discovers that his family figures prominently in the cause of her bitterness, will he be able to overcome her pride and prejudice?

  Miss Winters Proposes

  Lord Benjamin Colwyn never expected the spirited Juliet Winters to blackmail him into marriage—especially by kidnapping his beloved canine companion. Yet despite his yearning for peace and isolation, he finds himself wanting to help her, if only to protect her from a marriage to a disreputable scoundrel. He certainly doesn’t expect the woman who pilfered his dog to steal his heart, as well…

  Don’t miss out on more Scandalous romance…

  The Irresistible Miss Peppiwell

  a Scandalous House of Calydon novel by Stacy Reid

  Dissatisfied with his empty life, Lord Anthony Thornton seeks a deep and lasting connection… and finds himself intrigued by the Ice Maiden of the haute monde. Undaunted by Phillipa Pippiwell’s aloof nature and her distaste for the idea of matrimony, he sets out to thaw the bewitching beauty by enticing her with adventures of the most sensual type. But both Anthony and Phillipa hide secrets revealing past scandals best kept buried… and if discovered, could rip them apart.

  The Love Match

  a Sisters of Scandal novella by Lily Maxton

  Olivia Middleton prefers gothic novels to hunting for a husband. Only the charming and infuriating Mr. William Cross (a rake in the making, and certainly not a suitable husband) holds the slightest fascination for her. After watching his father die of a broken heart, William has sworn never to wed for a love match. Yet he’s intrigued by the bookish Olivia. And though he tries, staying away from her turns out to be impossible.

  Undercover with the Earl

  a Brotherhood of the Sword novel by Robyn DeHart

  The arrogant Earl of Somersby, Bennett Haile, is far more vested in protecting the Queen than finding a wife. For he has the perfect tool with which to lure out the villains…a young woman with an uncanny likeness to the queen. Under his tutelage, country girl Evelyn Marrington will have to fool the entire court that she is, in fact, the queen. But as danger threatens from every side, Bennett’s lovely little protegé isn’t just placing her life in his hands…she’s stealing his heart.

  Engaging the Earl

  an Accidental Peers novel by Diana Quincy

  England, 1819

  Vivacious Lady Katherine Granfield is the toast of the ton, but society’s most eligible miss secretly yearns for her childhood love, an untitled loner who vanished long ago after her father forbade their marriage.

  When the dark and brooding Edward Stanhope returns to England a changed man, and an Earl, he throws Kat’s perfectly arranged future into tumult. As Kat sets out to win back her first love, can the new Earl of Randolph resist the woman he’s loved for so many years?