The Earl's Perfect Match

by Kimberly Nee

  “Was this before or after they were married?”

  “Before. She loved him, but hadn’t realized it yet.”

  “Fortunately for you and your brothers she didn’t make use of that sword.”

  She laughed and nodded. “Definitely fortunate. My mother was an amazing woman and my idol. Although I’d rather brandish a sword while dressed as a lady and not as a boy, as she was wont to do.”

  “I can’t see you with a sword under any circumstances.”

  She smiled at his dry observation. “Is that so? Well, I’m quite skilled. Quite skilled, indeed.”

  “I’m sure.” He tipped his glass, drained the last of the wine. “So, will you help me?”

  She sat back in her chair and gave him a long look. Help him find a wife. How hard could that be?

  Claudia was so preoccupied with the wedding, which was only days away now, and although Elena tried her best to help any way she could, the fact was that with her own mother and father there, Claudia really had little for her to do. At least by helping the earl, Elena would have something to occupy her time. It might help her to not miss home or her sister Serena, who was home on St. Phillippe and due to deliver her second child at any moment.

  She smiled at the earl. “I’d love to.”

  Chapter Three

  “He’s asked you to do what?” Connor Sebastiano stared down at Elena as if she’d just told him she wanted to sprint stark naked through the village at noon. “You’re playing matchmaker again?”

  “What’s the problem, Conn? It’s not as if I’m doing anything else important these days. Claudia has Gabby to help her, so I’m merely underfoot there. You and Galen are always huddled together discussing something or other. All I’m doing is waiting for the next six days to come and go, and to get through this wedding with my sanity intact. When Claudia does need me for something, it’s because she wants to gush about Galen and how wonderful he is and how happy she is. I know this makes me sound like a terrible person, but I can’t help feel jealous.”

  “Easy, Lena, before you faint.” Conn caught her by the shoulders as she ran out of air and was forced into silence. “If it’s any consolation, I don’t think you’re a terrible person.”

  “Well, that makes one of us.” She looked up at him. “Truth be told, I thought that if any one of you would fall for her, it would be you.”

  “Me?” Conn’s expression looked vaguely as if he’d just swallowed his own tongue. “The devil it would.”

  “Why not? She’s certainly pretty enough for you and she knows how to put you in your place from time to time. She would have been a perfect match for you.” She broke free from his hold and crossed her room to the doors leading to a beautiful marble terrace. They were unlocked, but closed because, although it was nearly summer, it was a cold, dreary day.

  Still, she opened one and stepped out to inhale the deep, cleansing scent of oncoming rain. The air held more than a hint of the storm to come and was cool enough that she shivered. She would never get used to this sort of cold. How on earth did the English tolerate it?

  Wrapping her arms about herself, she turned to Conn. He hadn’t followed her out onto the terrace. Instead, he leaned against the low chest of drawers, his arms folded across his broad chest. For a moment, he bore a striking resemblance to their father, only his eyes looked more like polished black onyx than gleaming tiger’s-eye brown. But he was just as stern, and the same lock of black hair tumbled over his left eye, just as Papi’s hair tended to do.

  Well, he wasn’t Papi and she wasn’t doing anything wrong, so she marched back inside and closed the doors firmly behind her. “I’m waiting for your answer, you know. Why does my playing matchmaker trouble you so much?”

  “Why? Because it’s silly. You hardly know this man and yet you’re going to find his wife for him?” Conn rolled those black eyes even as his shoulders relaxed. “I suppose it should be interesting to see, if nothing else.”

  “Pish on you, Conn. You can go out and ride and hunt and fish if you so desire. I’m stuck in here all the time because Claudia is too busy to do anything not related to this wedding, and I’m not about to ask his lordship for someone to play nursemaid to me.” She leaned her head against the flocked silk wallpaper emblazoned with doves. “I’m bored, Conn. Very bored. This will keep me from wishing I were home. I miss St. Phillippe so much it actually hurts.”

  “What does this involve?”

  “I gather he thinks there are so many people arriving for the wedding that there must be a smattering of unmarried ladies in attendance. I saw several carriages arrive earlier, so perhaps those are the ladies in question. My job will be to weed out fortune hunters and lovestruck misses and any other undesirable ladies.”

  “I beg your pardon?”

  She smiled at Conn’s confused countenance. “You heard me. He’s marrying not for love, but for duty, and so doesn’t wish his wife to love him, either. And before you ask, I don’t know why, nor did I ask. That was what he told me. But he’s not a total fool, and will not waste his time on a woman seeking only to pad her coffers and relieve him of his fortune. Oh, and he must like her. Those are basically his only requirements.”

  “Sounds to me like he’s interested in only one thing.” Conn muttered, shaking his head.

  “He is. Siring an heir.”

  “Elena!”

  His horrified tone made her laugh. “What? I don’t live in a convent, you know. I’ve known where babies come from for a very long time.”

  Conn groaned and slapped his hand to his forehead. “You should’ve stayed on St. Phillippe.”

  “Why? If I had, Claudia and Galen would not be planning this monstrosity of a wedding—” As soon as the words left her mouth, hot shame rained over her. “And I didn’t mean that at all.”

  “I know you didn’t. And I know you were here to help Tia Gabby keep Claudia calm.” Although her family and Claudia’s weren’t related, they were as close as any family and therefore earned their titles out of respect and love for them.

  “Don’t forget try to keep her from getting sick. Honestly, Conn, I’ve never seen anyone turn so green before. It’s a wonder she didn’t spend the entire voyage hunched over a bucket.”

  “She didn’t?”

  She shook her head. Claudia’s seasickness was legendary in their families and no one had thought she’d survive a voyage from the West Indies all the way to England. But once they had reached the calmer waters of the open ocean, her seasickness had faded, and although she had developed no great love for sailing, at least she hadn’t spent the entire time in misery.

  “She was fine once everything calmed. I only hope she survives the journey to France after the wedding.”

  Conn shook his head. “Somehow, I don’t think Galen’s planning to let her out of their cabin much for it to matter one way or the other.”

  “Conn!”

  “What? It’s all right for you to be blunt, but not me? Besides, I thought you knew all about these things?”

  It was her turn to roll her eyes. It was one thing when she and her sister, and their sisters-in-law, giggled and gossiped over such things as what went on behind the closed doors of married (and in some cases not-so-married) couples they knew. It was quite another to have her brother touch on the subject. Conn was a score and nine and she didn’t doubt he’d long ago divested himself of his virginity, but it still gave her the shivers to think about it. Best if she never thought about, nor heard about, any of his experiences.

  “I’d rather not speak of it, if you don’t mind.”

  He flashed a devilish grin. “Did his lordship mention how many ladies will be in attendance?”

  “No, but they’ll all have chaperones, so get that look out of your eye.”

  “The married ones won’t,” he said, wiggling his eyebrows at her.

  “Conn! Behave yourself. If you cause any trouble, I’ll—”

  “I’m only joking, Lena. Calm yourself. I promise not to do anyt
hing to get us politely escorted out of here. If that happened and Galen was left to his own devices, I shudder to think what might happen. Damn fool.”

  “Oh, don’t be bitter, Conn,” she wheedled, walking over to slip her arm through his and gave it a squeeze. “Perhaps we’ll find you a special someone as well. Someone in the market for a Spanish-speaking sea captain.”

  “Bite your tongue. Thank you, but no.” Conn eased his arm free. “I rather enjoy being the last man standing. Watching our brothers fall, one by one, has only reminded me how much I enjoy that freedom.”

  As he spoke, he took on a more serious expression. “Although it wouldn’t be amiss for you to think about looking around. I know Serena promised to help you land a poor soul, but since she’s halfway around the world and has her hands full with Chris and the children, I suppose I might lend a hand. Once you’ve finished with the earl and all.”

  She managed to suppress her shudder at the notion of Conn trying to find her a suitable husband. He’d frighten off any would-be suitors and send them screaming in all directions. While women seemed charmed by his brooding countenance, most men were intimidated by it and she didn’t think any Englishman would have the backbone necessary to earn her brother’s approval. Most would probably faint dead away at just his stern glare. “Thank you, but no. I’d rather wait until we’re home. I can’t imagine living here, with nothing but rain and gloom for company. Why, we haven’t seen the sun in days. I’d go mad if those days stretched into weeks.”

  “So, why not throw your own name in as well?”

  “Me?” She gaped at him. “Why on earth would I? Didn’t you hear what I just said? I hardly belong here, and you know it. So many rules and the like. I’d go mad within the first week and most likely make the earl a bit of a laughingstock in the process. No.” She shook her head. “It’s best if I do no such thing.”

  “Are you certain that’s a wise decision? You aren’t getting any younger, you know.”

  She scowled. At five-and-twenty she certainly wasn’t, and she didn’t appreciate hearing it, either. “I thank you for that reminder.” As a gong sounded somewhere below, she exhaled heavily. “You should go. It’s time to change clothes again. How do these people get anything done, when all they seem to do is trade one outfit for another?”

  “I don’t know, but I’m looking forward to never having to wear a cravat again,” Conn remarked as he made his way to the door. “I’ll see you in a bit. Tell me, did the earl say who would be attending this wedding, seeing as how Claudia wouldn’t know any of them if she fell over them?”

  She shook her head. “I wouldn’t recognize a name if it bit me on the nose, Conn.”

  “No matter. There’s always at least one lady who’s a bit of a minx, if you know what I mean.”

  “Conn!” She burst out laughing as he wiggled his eyebrows again. “Papi would shoot you, if he heard you now.”

  “No, he wouldn’t. Scold perhaps, but not shoot. Especially since he’s found one of his own now.”

  “Don’t remind me.” Elena shook her head. “I don’t like to think about it.”

  “He’s happy and that’s a good thing.”

  “I know, but still… You don’t have to watch them moon over one another. Not like I do.”

  Conn’s smile faded. “It is a bit odd, but Mami’s been gone for four years. He deserves a bit of happiness now. Try not to be too judgmental.”

  With that, Conn took his leave and Elena waited patiently for Lily to come up. The young girl was a competent, if not imaginative, lady’s maid, and in the time since she’d arrived at Dunning Court, Elena had gotten quite used to being fussed over.

  But now, as the maid helped her into her evening gown of pale gold silk, Elena frowned at her reflection in the full-length looking glass. At the end of the previous summer, Papi had left his home on Bermuda to visit St. Phillippe. He’d brought with him a surprise in the form of a tall, slim woman with thick hair as white as an angel’s wings and blue eyes as kind as any Elena had ever seen. It was hard to dislike Elizabeth, but Elena couldn’t help but feel disloyal to Mami whenever she saw the woman with her father. True, Elizabeth clearly cared for Papi, and made him happy, but for Elena she would never replace her beloved Mami.

  “Is something the matter, Miss Sebastiano?” Lily asked as she twisted a heavy black curl up to pin away from Elena’s face. “You look upset.”

  “No. I’m fine, Lily. Thank you.”

  “His lordship doesn’t host many parties. Do you dance?”

  Elena nodded. “I’m not particularly graceful, but I do enjoy it.”

  “Mrs. Hawes told me there was once a time when balls were often held here, when the house was filled with laughter and music and dancing, before the former earl died.”

  “How long ago was this?”

  Lily’s forehead creased in thought. “Oh, this was before his lordship was born, when his mother was alive, may she rest in peace. She loved parties.”

  Elena sighed softly, returning to the bench before the elegant dressing table. “Before Lord Dunning was born?”

  Lily nodded. “Yes, Miss Sebastiano. She died right after his birth. Such a horrible time. The earl’s father nearly went out of his mind with grief, and that was the last time a party was held here for a long, long time. But now perhaps his lordship will resume the tradition and light will return to this house. It’s been so dark for so long.”

  It no doubt would be livelier once the earl married, but since she didn’t know if the servants knew about his quest, Elena thought it best if she remained silent. “Then the earl doesn’t entertain much?”

  “No. He prefers his solitude and only goes to London when he absolutely must.” Lily carefully slid a pin into Elena’s hair. “It’s usually quiet up here. Very quiet, indeed.”

  After inserting a final pin, Lily stepped away. “There you are, Miss Sebastiano. I hope you’re prepared for all of this. I don’t imagine you have weddings on quite so great a scale where you’re from.”

  Elena smiled. “No, not like this. We have them, but they don’t last for days on end, because everyone is so close to one another. It should be festive, and I think I’ll enjoy myself.”

  “Is there anything else you need, then?”

  “No. I’m fine, thank you.”

  Lily bobbed her head and took her leave, while Elena glided to the looking glass in the corner. English attire was so different from what she was used to, and she was grateful for Gabby Santa Cruz’s expertise on the matter. Although she considered herself a St. Phillippian, Gabby had been born and raised not far from Dunning Court, in the Berkshire countryside, and she knew how a lady should act and dress. Formality on this scale was unheard of at home, where they enjoyed a far more simple life. Given the choice, Elena wished she could wear one of the silk gowns awaiting her in her bedroom at home—the ones with the short, sheer sleeves and high waists that were far different from the stiff, heavier gowns of England’s taste.

  She frowned at the tight bands of lace wrapped about her upper arms, just above her elbows. It was still new and coarse, and it scratched when she moved her arms, and the colors didn’t seem as bright as the ones in her own wardrobe. Still, the pale yellow color did complement her darker skin, which would make her stand out even more among the paler English faces that were sure to be at the gathering. It was odd standing out in a way she never had before, and she wondered if she’d be seen as an object of curiosity among the wedding guests.

  Whether she was being silly or not, she was ever so glad to see Conn when he appeared at her door. He would set tongues wagging when the ladies got their first look at him, for he looked every bit the dashing gentleman pirate, dressed in elegant black breeches and frock coat, with a stark white cravat tied expertly around his neck. His hair was longer than the English considered fashionable, and the dampness of the late spring served only to make the curl more pronounced. When he smiled, his dimples gave him an almost angelic appearance. If he set his s
ights on a lady, she was as good as doomed.

  “Shall we go and whet the gossips’ appetites?” A wink accompanied his words.

  “Conn, please, behave yourself.”

  “Behave myself? Whatever for? There’s no sport in that.”

  “I mean it. We don’t wish to embarrass Lord Dunning. He is allowing Claudia to use his home for her wedding. The wedding at which he was to be the groom until his intended fell in love with another.”

  Conn didn’t reply, instead acted as if he hadn’t heard her. She frowned. “Please… I’m anxious enough about this evening. I know none of these people and I’m terrified I’ll make a fool of myself. Please, please can we behave this evening?”

  Conn relented and grinned. “Worry not, little sister. I promise you, I’ll mind my manners and try not to slurp from my soup bowl if possible.”

  “Wonderful,” she drawled. “And while you’re at it, don’t lick your fingers and don’t you dare think of doing what you did at Aidrian’s wedding! That was embarrassing enough and we knew everyone there.”

  Conn had the grace to blush. “I apologized to Aidrian and Vanessa, didn’t I? Besides, I couldn’t help it. I’d had a bit too much ale.”

  “Just a bit. And that was all it took for you to clear the room.”

  His sheepish expression faded. “It was impressive, wasn’t it?”

  “Stop it!” As they neared the dining room, she offered up a short, silent prayer that Conn would not stink up the dining room until after everyone left it.

  Chapter Four

  As they made their way down to the main hall, Conn slowly turned as he walked, taking in the priceless works of art scattered almost haphazardly throughout the corridor. “This place is more museum than home. I think I’d prefer a room in the village.”

  “Would you? And do you prefer the lice and rats as well?”

  “I hadn’t thought of that.” He shrugged and glanced around. “Well, perhaps here is a little more preferable.”

  She sighed as they glided down the ornately carved main staircase. Below, the voices of refined ladies and gentlemen reached her ears, their accents sounding much the same—upper class and elegant. The gentle swish of silk and satin accompanied those voices, and Elena’s heart lurched. “I wish we could stay above. I feel as if we’re approaching the lion’s den.”