by Amaya Evans
The Sinful Count
Amaya Evans
Translated by Paulina Isabel López Montecinos
“The Sinful Count”
Written By Amaya Evans
Copyright © 2018 Amaya Evans
All rights reserved
Distributed by Babelcube, Inc.
www.babelcube.com
Translated by Paulina Isabel López Montecinos
Edited by Annie J. Garza
“Babelcube Books” and “Babelcube” are trademarks of Babelcube Inc.
Table of Contents
Title Page
Copyright Page
Abstract
CHAPTER 1
CHAPTER 2
CHAPTER 3
CHAPTER 4
CHAPTER 5
CHAPTER 7
CHAPTER 8
CHAPTER 9
CHAPTER 10
Epilogue
Abstract
The Sinful Count
(Book 2 Hunting a Nobleman)
Angustias Walton is a beautiful girl that dresses like a crow; always wearing black or dressed in unflattering colors like a mourning widow. Even though she is only 18 years old, her old-fashioned hairstyle and hair tensely brushed to the point of pain makes her look like an old lady. Her entire life her mother has been telling her that she was born in sin and taught her an excessive love towards religion. At the same time, Angustias grew up in fear of the despicable passions that come from useless feelings like love. Because of it, she is afraid of this emotion and of anything caused by it. She doesn't want to get married but against her wishes, Angustias is sent by her uncles to London with the purpose of finding a husband. She accepts obediently despite her own desires. She leaves her hometown not knowing that she would find the source of her biggest sorrows and maybe... love.
Isaac St. John is a promiscuous count from Beaufort. He is a man known as a misogynist that has had too many women in his life. Due to his reputation, he is no longer invited by mothers to social meetings. They don’t bother to introduce their daughters to him in the hopes of marriage anymore. On an ordinary day, while Isaac was visiting his friends home, the Marquess and Marchioness of Wilmington, Isaac meets a plain looking young lady dressed with terrible taste. On top of that, she has an unpleasant way of contradicting everything he says. They disliked each other from her first spoken word, but as time passes Isaac starts to see under her horrible appearance. He begins to have feelings for her without exactly knowing how. That is when difficulties for Isaac begin. Because of his growing interest concerning Miss Walton’s wellbeing, his life will change forever.
CHAPTER 1
Angustias was visiting the home of her friend Sonia, who had recently become the Marchioness of Wilmington. They were absorbed in a discussion about Sonia’s plans. She had ideas for a project in which she would create a school for low-income people. Where they would learn basic but important subjects like reading and writing, along with a trade that would allow them to choose a different path than becoming thieves or prostitutes. The marchioness had realized that helping those people by providing them basic skills would give them the necessary tools to start a better life. Her husband Robert agreed with her idea and had given her a small piece of land that he had acquired in an auction. Now she was encouraging Angustias to take an interest and join the project.
“I love the idea. I am so bored here. I am always attending meeting after meeting or one ball after the other, but I would love to do something more productive and help people that don’t have the same opportunities that we do. I think it’s an ideal initiative, and very Christian too, as we would be helping our neighbors,” Angustias said proudly and touched the rosary that was always around her neck.
Sonia tried not to roll her eyes. “I have spoken to my dressmaker, and she has agreed to teach a few hours a week during the months she has less work. She also recommended a good friend of hers. A widow that has some need for money, who could also teach sewing. It seems that this woman sews beautifully and is interested in the salary that we can pay her.”
“Who is going to teach writing and reading?”
“That is where we come in. I wanted to ask if you are free on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday? You could help me with the reading. While I do my best with the writing until we can find someone that will do the work without charging us too much.”
“Yes, right now there is no money to pay for a qualified teacher,” Angustias replied worriedly.
A knock on the door surprised them both.
“Good afternoon, beautiful ladies,” said a voice Angustias was now used to hearing. It was the Count of Beaufort. The man had become her own personal nightmare in a short period of time. Angustias had hated him since the day they met, but couldn’t help seeing him in her dreams every night. That day he arrived elegantly dressed as always. His black hair radiated an aura of superiority. It was well-trimmed, perfumed and at the height of fashion. His grey eyes were as cold as he was. They were staring at her with disrespect and mocked her. Despite her resistance to admitting the truth to herself, the count was a handsome man. He had an oval face, hawkish nose, full lips and a strong chin.
“Oh, Isaac! I think you have read my mind. Come in, darling! It’s good to see you.” Sonia welcomed the newcomer with an extended hand. Which he took gallantly to kiss.
“You grow more beautiful every day, my lady. What is your husband’s secret?”
“He loves me and you know what they say. Love makes a woman beautiful.”
Isaac agreed and then turned towards Angustias. “Good afternoon, dear Miss Walton.”
“Lord Beaufort,” Angustias answered, looking at him like he was a disgusting cockroach when she saw his useless attempt to give her a charming smile.
“What a miracle it is to see you at the house of the marchioness.” Angustias knew that he was sarcastically addressing her frequent visits to Sonia´s house.
“I was invited by the Marchioness and I don’t usually decline the invitation of a good friend. I would never dream of showing up uninvited like other people do.” Angustias smiled sweetly.
“I imagine you would never do such a thing.” Beaufort looked her up and down. Angustias realized he was saying it because he considered her of such low importance. He couldn’t conceive that she could impose her presence anywhere.
Angustias stood up from her chair immediately. “Sonia, I think we should leave our unfinished talk for another day.”
“Oh, but why? I thought you would stay for dinner.”
“I just remembered that my uncle is arriving tonight. It would be rude to miss the occasion.”
Sonia knew she was leaving because of Isaac and gave him an annoyed look. He seemed to regret his attitude and apologized. “Miss Walton, if I have offended you in any way, I ask for your forgiveness.”
“Don’t worry my lord. You would never make me feel offended. You are not important enough.” Angustias was irritated. When she realized the impertinent answer that she gave Angustias covered her mouth. “I am sorry. I shouldn’t have said that.”
Sonia was surprised by their attitude. Maybe this display of contempt was a sign of deeper feelings between them.
“Please, don’t say anything else. It’s my fault,” Isaac said, his gaze changing for the first time. It transformed from his usual humiliating stare into a bold look.
“Please, Angustias, stay and have dinner with us. You too, Isaac. You both know I enjoy your company very much.”
Isaac bowed gallantly. “Your wish is my command.”
“Your uncle can wait to see you. Remember our plans must be ready today so we can start working.”
Angustias sighed and agreed. “All right.”
“What plans are you talking about?” Is
aac was suddenly curious.
“We are planning a school for people from the lower classes. We will teach writing, reading, and several trades.”
“I may have heard something.”
“Well, Angustias and I are acquiring help and organizing our schedules to collaborate. We will teach reading and writing.”
“A truly noble act,” commented Isaac.
“My wife is a woman with multiple virtues, Beaufort. I have no other choice but to agree with everything she asks for,” Robert said as he entered the room.
“Oh, darling. It´s so good to have you here.” Sonia rushed to welcome him. Angustias witnessed their love in the way that they looked at each other. It was obvious that the marquess adored his wife.
“I see you have hired some teachers.” Robert picked up his wife’s hand and gently kissed it.
“We have found more women than men that are willing to teach. In fact, it worries me a little. There are a lot of young men interested in becoming footmen, bakers and so on. But so far I haven’t found people to teach them.”
“I can help you with that. I know a good man that served with me in the army and lost his leg. Nowadays he is working as a baker. He is employed at the new bakery at Benton Square,” Isaac said.
“Oh yes, of course. I have been there and I love it,” Sonia exclaimed in delight “Do you think the owner may help us?”
“The owner is the uncle of my friend. I am certain he will help us if we explain what we are up to.”
“We?” wondered Angustias.
“Well, I think that if I am going to talk to my friend that makes me part of the group. No?”
Robert chuckled. “I can see you have been trapped by these two ladies.” He gestured for the count to follow him. “I have something to discuss with you. Come drink a glass of wine with me in my studio.”
“Excellent idea.” Isaac looked at the two women. “I ask for forgiveness, beautiful ladies. We will meet later.”
“Of course. I will let you know when dinner is ready. In the meantime, Angustias and I will keep talking for a while.”
*****
After dinner, they entered the parlor to have a drink. Sonia asked Angustias to play something on the piano. She knew how talented Angustias was.
“Come on, Miss Walton. Don’t force the marchioness to beg. That would be rude.” The count looked at her and raised an eyebrow. Angustias knew he was challenging her. That prompted her to stand up and walk towards the piano.
“I will play a beautiful tune. I always hear it in church.”
Everybody exchanged bored looks but nobody commented and Angustias started playing. It was a sad, melancholic melody. Angustias seemed absorbed by the music. Suddenly Isaac stood up and joined her on the piano. Without warning, he played on the keyboard beside her. Angustias eyes opened wide. She looked like she was staring into the devil’s face. “What do you think you are doing?” she exclaimed in anger.
“Do not take it the wrong way, Miss Walton. I just wanted to lighten up such sad music.”
Robert and Sonia made an effort not to laugh. Angustias stood up in outrage. “I am so sorry, Sonia. I need to go home immediately.” She looked at the marquess. “I thank you for your hospitality, Lord Wilmington.”
Angustias left the hall without waiting for Sonia or Robert to answer.
“My dear, please wait a minute.” Sonia left the room following her friend. Robert laughed so hard he could barely remain standing. His friend was in the same mood.
“Good Lord. I thought she was going to kill me.” Isaac laughed.
“You are a bastard, Isaac. Poor girl. Every time she crosses paths with you she ends up leaving in a rush. It is like her house was burning up.”
“She hates me. I have no idea why.” Isaac pretended innocence.
“You have no shame! Since the first day you met you have been picking on her. You have mocked her because of her religion, her style of dress, and even her hairstyle. Don’t you think she notices? You are the least subtle person I know.” Robert approached Isaac. “Come on,” Robert laughed. “Let´s go to my studio. Sonia will return soon to kill us with her murderous eyes.”
Later that evening both men were in the studio talking. Sonia arrived and apologized. She told them she had to take her leave, but not without first scolding Isaac for his terrible behavior towards Miss Walton. When they were alone again, sitting comfortably in armchairs and drinking, Robert observed a thoughtful look in Isaac’s eyes. He seemed a little distracted.
“Is something wrong?”
“No, nothing. Why are you asking?”
“You seem distracted. Are you interested in her?” Robert couldn’t help asking.
“Interested in who?”
“In Angustias Walton, of course.”
Isaac was surprised. “Of course not. That woman has never seen herself in a mirror.”
“It is good for you that you are not interested. She is the only woman that you do not stand a chance with.”
His words captured Isaac´s interest. “Do you really believe so?”
“I am sure of it, my friend. Angustias is a very kind, well educated, straightforward young lady and you might not think so but she is very astute. She is nothing like the women you are used to spending time with.”
“I remind you, my dear friend, that I have dated countesses, baronesses, and even a duchess.”
“That may be true, but Angustias has a firm moral conviction, unlike those other women.”
“Maybe, but that doesn’t make her impossible to catch.”
*****
Angustias arrived at her uncle’s house with her maid. The whole way back she insulted Isaac and his arrogance. When she crossed the door, her cousin rushed to welcome her. “Dear, how was your visit?”
“It was all right but the unbearable Lord Beaufort was there. He was so rude that I preferred to leave quickly.”
“That man is the worst. People say he only dates married women or widows. Any day he will be found dead because of the revenge of an insulted husband.”
“Maybe, I am not really interested. Right now my feet are hurting because of my shoes. I just want to go to bed.”
“Of course, go and rest. We will talk tomorrow.”
“Thank you.”
Angustias went upstairs to her bedroom. Her maid was waiting to help her remove her dress. As she was getting undressed, Angustias kept remembering all that had happened that day. Because of Isaac, she was having nothing but difficulty during her visits to Sonia’s house. The day they first met Angustias reasoned out why he looked at her in a certain manner. He considered her a weird kind of creature. At first, she felt intimidated by his position in the nobility and remained quiet during his sleights. It wasn’t until later that she rebelled by responding to his taunting words. Angustias had no intention of being humiliated by a rude man with bad manners. She considered him to be too arrogant, insolent, and cold-hearted. She didn’t understand why he’d shown interest in the school project. Angustias couldn’t imagine Isaac Beaufort surrounded by children, or helping someone to learn to read and write. He lacked the kindness, and the patience needed for the job.
CHAPTER 2
A few days later Angustias prepared herself to attend a ball given by the Cornwalls. She was happy. Her dress was a true piece of art. Her friend Sonia had given her some advice. Sonia had introduced her to some beauty secrets and creams that would help hide her freckles and make her look better. Sonia had also helped Angustias with her hairstyle. When Angustias looked into the mirror, she felt like crying. The image in the mirror showed a stranger. A very different woman to the young conservative lady she used to be. Her cousin was attending the ball with her. She had assured Angustias that she would be a success tonight. But she had also insisted on getting rid of that rosary that didn’t go with the dress and made her look boring. Angustias gave in, but she didn’t have a lot of expectations regarding the ball. She knew she was a little clumsy when dancing. She had f
ound this out at the balls she had previously attended. Men avoided her for her awkwardness and for her unattractiveness. Not even the dowry that her family was willing to provide was enough for men to take an interest in her. Secretly, Angustias was happy with the way things were. She didn’t want to get married. She was terrified of the whole thing: the flirting, the kissing, sleeping with a man, giving birth to children, and living with someone for the rest of her life. Angustias didn’t know if someone would treat her right or not. Her mother used to tell her that marital life was always a sin. You had to be intimate with a man and it was also necessary to have children to continue their legacy. If the wife happened to fail to provide a male descendant, she was set aside. It was the turn of the mistresses. Men were always looking to have a son to be their pride and heir. Angustias mother would never let her forget the fact that her father had abandoned them upon her birth because she’d been born a girl. He’d felt disappointed. On top of that, she was the result of an immoral act, full of sin. Labor was so hard because it was a punishment for the woman. It could even result in death. After her mother’s lessons, Angustias didn’t want to lose her soul over love.
A knock on the door reminded her of the time. “Milady, they are waiting for you downstairs.”
“Tell them I am coming, Juliette.” Angustias took a last look into the mirror. Then she stepped outside the room.
****
Inside the ballroom, everyone was dressed in their most elegant attire. Angustias looked from one side of the room to the other. It was impossible to locate the Marchioness of Wilmington in the crowded room. Angustias joined her cousin in greeting familiar people. Then she noticed that her friend Sonia was with her husband. The marchioness looked beautiful. Although, Sonia had always been pretty. The marquess and marchioness were absorbed in a conversation with a group of people when Sonia saw Angustias. Sonia’s eyes widened, and she whispered something into her husband’s ear. Then she separated from the group and walked towards Angustias.
