The Reclusive Earl

by Ruth Ann Nordin

  “May I help you, my lady?” the maid asked.

  “Yes,” Opal replied. “I’m looking for my husband. Have you seen him?”

  “I believe Lord Farewell went upstairs.”

  With a nod to thank the maid, Opal went up the staircase. When she reached Landon’s bedchamber, she knocked on the door.

  After a moment, he opened it. “You don’t have to knock.”

  “I wanted to be sure you were decent,” she said as she stepped into the room.

  “Whether I am or not, you are welcome to my room.” He shot her a wicked grin then brought her into his arms and kissed her.

  She smiled. “I thought you were going to sort through the books in the den.”

  “I am.” He led her over to the small room off to the side of his bedchamber and showed her the crate full of books resting on the small desk. Other crates full of books were on the floor, neatly set up along the wall. “I wanted to bring down my own, too. I love to read. Not the kind of reading Lord Chadwick did, but I do love it.”

  With a teasing grin, she asked, “You don’t want to know how to conquer other nations?”

  “No.” He chuckled. “You are the only thing I want to conquer.”

  Then, to show her what he meant by that, he brought her back into his arms and let his hands travel down her body until they cupped her behind.

  She was really enjoying the way he was opening up to her. When she met him, she had no idea he could be so playful. Hearing someone in the hallway, she pulled away from him and turned just in time to see the butler come into the bedchamber.

  “We’re in here,” she called out.

  As soon as the butler came into the small room, Landon gestured to the crates. “They are for the den.”

  The butler nodded, picked up one of the crates, and left the room. Landon, in turn, took the one from the desk and followed him, keeping his steps slow so that Opal could walk beside him.

  Recalling the reason she had come to see him, she asked, “Do you like the inkwell of the horse that I got for you?”

  “I do,” he replied as they started down the staircase.

  The butler was already at the bottom of the steps, affording them enough privacy so that she felt safe enough to continue with what she wanted to say.

  “Landon, if I ever get you something that you don’t like, you can tell me you don’t like it. I won’t take offense.”

  He glanced at her. “I like the inkwell.”

  She bit her lower lip, debating whether or not she should press the issue. Finally, she opted to come out and speak what was on her mind. They had a good start to their marriage, and she didn’t want to risk it by not telling him when things were bothering her.

  “Before I came up to your bedchamber,” she began, “I was in the den, and the inkwell I gave you was on the window ledge. Lord Chadwick’s inkwell was back on the desk.”

  His eyebrows furrowed. “I didn’t put your inkwell on the window ledge.”

  “You didn’t?”

  “No, I didn’t.” They reached the bottom of the steps and he paused to turn to her. “Maybe the maid put it there while cleaning.”

  “That doesn’t make any sense,” Opal replied. “Why would she switch the inkwells around?”

  He shrugged. “When we get to the den, we’ll find out.” As they went down the hall, he added, “I’ll have the butler put the old inkwell in the attic when he taketh the old bookth up.”

  She glanced at him to see if he had noticed his lisp, and sure enough, he was grimacing. Hoping to put him at ease, she asked, “Lady Chadwick doesn’t want any of the books?”

  “No. Her family might want them, but they don’t right now. I am allowed to take everything to the attic that I don’t want.”

  “Well, it is beginning to feel more like our home then, isn’t it?”

  He offered her a smile to indicate his agreement, and it was nice to know he was just as happy as she was about it.

  When they reached the den, Opal’s gaze went past the butler who was setting Landon’s books on the desk and to the inkwell near him. It was the one she had given Landon. Surprised, she went over to it and touched it to make sure she wasn’t imagining things. Turning from the desk, she looked at the window and saw Lord Chadwick’s inkwell sitting on the ledge.

  “Was this inkwell here when you came into the room?” Opal asked the butler.

  The butler glanced at the horse inkwell. “Yes, my lady.”

  She frowned. If the butler didn’t move the inkwells back around, who did?

  The butler put some of Lord Chadwick’s old books into the empty crate and carried them out of the room.

  Landon set his own crate down on the desk and looked at her. “I told you I didn’t move the inkwell you gave me.”

  “I saw Lord Chadwick’s inkwell right here.” She tapped the desk. “And this one,” she lifted the horse inkwell, “was over there.” She pointed to the window ledge.

  “Maybe you looked at them too quickly.”

  “I didn’t look at them too quickly. I looked at them for a long moment.” When she saw that he wasn’t convinced, she added, “I didn’t imagine it. Lord Chadwick’s inkwell really was here.” She tapped the desk again.

  “I didn’t move it. I told you the truth.”

  “I don’t think you’re lying to me,” she assured him. “I just don’t understand how yours was by the window when it should have been on the desk.”

  After a moment of silence, he said, “Maybe the maid changed them back after cleaning the room.”

  “Why would she do that? It’s just as easy to pick each inkwell well up and clean under them. In fact, it’s easier to do that than to switch them around.”

  “I don’t know, but we’ll find out.” He went to the cords along the wall and pulled the one that would summon the maid. “I can’t think of anyone but the maid who might know where the inkwell hath been, can you?”

  No, no she couldn’t. But it didn’t make sense that the maid would switch around two inkwells while cleaning, take a break just when Opal came into the den, and then switch them back after Opal went upstairs to Landon’s bedchamber.

  The maid came into the room and offered both a greeting before she asked, “How may I help you?”

  Landon glanced at Opal then asked the maid, “Did you move my inkwell to the window?”

  “No, no I didn’t,” the maid replied.

  “Have you been in here to clean today?” Landon asked.

  “No. I cleaned yesterday. Is there something you wish me to clean right now?”

  “No. Did anyone come in here today?”

  “Besides you, your wife, and the butler, I haven’t seen anyone come into this room.”

  Landon’s gaze went to Opal as if to ask if she had anything she wished to ask the maid, but he’d already found out what she wanted to know. Disappointed, she shook her head.

  “Thank you. You may go,” he told the maid.

  The maid gave both of them a nod and then left the den.

  After a moment, he said, “I don’t know what to tell you.”

  She set the horse inkwell back on the desk. “It doesn’t matter.”

  Maybe she didn’t really see it at the window. Maybe it’d really been on the desk the whole time. Maybe the nightmares she’d been having of her mother ever since she learned she was going to have a child were catching up to her.

  “At any rate,” Landon said as he hugged her, “it won’t happen again. The butler will take the old inkwell up to the attic, along with the bookth.”

  She glanced at the bookshelves lined with all the military books Lord Chadwick had accumulated in his lifetime. “Are you going to have them all taken to the attic?”

  “I plan on it. None of them appeal to me.”

  “Maybe I’ll lie down and rest,” she said. “When you’re done, will you come upstairs and spend some time with me?”

  “Try to keep me away,” he teased, brushing her cheek with his thumb.r />
  “I would never keep you away,” she replied.

  “Good.”

  She chuckled and kissed him. Before she left the room, she scanned it one more time, making sure everything was where it should be. And it was. Even the new paintings Landon had put in here—one with the autumn trees and the other with the horses—were in the exact places she remembered them.

  She just needed some time to rest. Maybe if she took a nap, it would make up for the sleep she’d lost over the past week because of the nightmares. Yes. A little rest, and she wouldn’t be imagining things magically being out of their proper place again. Feeling much better, she proceeded up the steps and to her bedchamber.

  ***

  Opal did feel like her old self on the evening of Iris and Warren’s dinner party. She had finally gotten some good sleep, and fortunately, there had been no more nightmares about her mother. So while she and Landon took their carriage to her brother’s townhouse, she was in a wonderful mood.

  “Did you tell them about the baby?” Landon asked.

  “No, not yet.” Giving his hand a squeeze, she added, “I wanted to wait until everyone was together. I think it’ll make the news that much more special.”

  He grinned. “Have you thought of a name yet?”

  “We need to both come up with the name. This child is a part of both of us.”

  “If I can articulate the name, I don’t care what you decide.”

  “Of course, the name will be one you can pronounce, but it’s important that we both decide on it.”

  “All right. We will pick out a name.”

  She kissed his cheek. He turned toward her, cupped her face with his hand, and kissed her on the lips. Sighing in contentment, she leaned into him and deepened the kiss. She didn’t think she ever would get tired of kissing him. Every time they were together like this, she felt safe. All of her worries seemed to retreat until they disappeared into a place where they couldn’t touch her.

  The carriage came to a stop, and it was with great reluctance that she ended the kiss. “I’m glad you’re going to be here tonight. The dinner party wouldn’t be the same without you.”

  The footman opened the door, and arm in arm, they headed up the steps of the townhouse.

  Noting how stiff he was, she asked, “Are you nervous?”

  “A little. But you’re with me. Everything will be all right.”

  “Your brother will be here, too. That should help.”

  “It will, and better yet, I’ll be going home with you.”

  He wiggled his eyebrows suggestively at her, and she felt her skin warm in pleasure. When they reached the front door, he knocked on it.

  On impulse, he leaned toward her and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. “You are beautiful. I’m very fortunate to be with you.”

  “I’m fortunate to be with you, too,” she whispered.

  The front door opened, and the footman led them to the drawing room where Iris, Warren, and Iris’ father were laughing over something Iris’ mother was saying.

  Upon noticing Opal and Landon, Iris jumped up from the settee and gave Opal a hug. “It’s so good to see you.” She pulled away from her. “This place just isn’t the same without you.”

  “I know I haven’t been here much lately.” In fact, since Opal had paid Iris a visit the day after the wedding, she hadn’t been by more than two times, and those were short visits. “I’ve been busy.”

  “You’re newly married,” Iris said. “It’s to be expected.” She paused and inspected her. “Something’s different about you, though. I can’t recall a time I’ve seen you more radiant.”

  “She is radiant,” Iris’ mother spoke up from where she sat, “and I think I know why.” With a twinkle in her eye, she added, “Opal, are you in the family way?”

  Despite the heat rising up in her cheeks, Opal said, “Maybe I should have said something sooner, but I wanted everyone to be here when I made the announcement. I was just waiting for Guy and Virginia to arrive before saying something.”

  Warren rose from the settee. “I don’t understand. How could you be with child?”

  Iris shot him an amused look. “After having two children of your own, you don’t know?”

  “I know how.” Warren glanced at Landon. “I’d like to know why this happened so quickly.”

  Eyes wide, Landon held his hands up. “I didn’t touch her until the wedding night.”

  “It only takes one time for a couple to conceive a child,” Iris told Warren. “They’ve been married for a month and a half. You do the math.”

  “Well…” Warren glanced at Landon and then turned his gaze back to his wife. “I suppose it’s possible Opal got into her condition right away.”

  Iris rolled her eyes. “Just because it took us a long time to have children, it doesn’t mean it’s that way for everyone.”

  “I suppose you’re right.” Warren turned his attention back to Landon. “My apologies. I didn’t realize it’s already been a month and a half since you two married. It seems like the wedding was only yesterday.”

  Iris’ father chuckled. “You’re starting to sound like an old gentleman, Warren. The older you get, the faster time will go. I’m still wondering what happened to my little girl who used to sit and ask me all sorts of questions about money.” He shot Iris a wistful smile. Then looking at Warren, he added, “If you think it’s hard to take the news of your sister having a child, just wait until you realize it’s time your daughter is ready for her first Season.”

  Warren sighed. “I wish things could stay as they are.”

  He rose to his feet. “Why don’t you and I take Landon to the den? There’s something I think you might be interested in, and since it involves business, we might be better off going to another room so the ladies don’t have to be bored by listening to us.”

  Opal shot Iris’ father an amused look. “Iris might be interested.”

  “Actually, I’d rather relax and enjoy the evening,” Iris said. “I can think of money tomorrow.”

  Opal’s eyes widened in surprise. Was this the same Iris she’d known for the past two years?

  As if she could read her mind, Iris’ mother said, “Having children has made my daughter more interested in lady things. Though,” she added with a chuckle, “I still can’t get her to do any shopping with me.”

  “I’ll never be interested in shopping,” Iris replied. “I’m sorry, Mother, but I consider it both a waste of time and boring.”

  Her mother gasped and glanced at Opal. “Can you believe she said that?”

  As Opal laughed, Warren gestured for Landon to follow him and Iris’ father out of the room. Opal offered a wave to Landon as he left then sat next to Iris on the settee.

  “Well, I think the news of a baby is wonderful!” Iris said. “Warren will, too, once he gets over his shock.” She smiled and gave Opal another hug. “I bet Landon is pleased.”

  “I should say so,” Iris’ mother said with a knowing gleam in her eye. “Of course, he has a lot to pleased about. You’re sweet and pretty, and now you’re going to give him a child.”

  Opal’s cheeks warmed at the compliment. “I’m pleased with him, too. He really is a kind and gentle husband. I’m also glad you both are in my life. I have so much to be thankful for. It almost makes up for what I went through while growing up.”

  Iris gave her a sympathetic smile. “Try not to think of how things used to be, Opal. You have a new life here in London. All of the things you’ve been through will never reach you here.”

  Iris was right. Opal’s past was buried in the cemetery at Warren’s estate. It was dead and cold in the grave. She would never have to deal with it again unless she allowed her thoughts to go there. She could control what she chose to spend her time dwelling on, at least when she was awake. There was so much she had to be thankful for. The worst thing she could do was let thoughts of her past ruin what she had to look forward to.

  “Thank you for inviting me and Landon he
re tonight,” Opal told Iris.

  “We wouldn’t have a dinner party without you both,” Iris said. “We’re just glad Landon agreed to it. We weren’t sure if he would come.”

  “It does help that you invited his brother and his wife,” Opal replied.

  “Warren and I would like to get better acquainted with his side of the family, and this is a good way to do that.”

  Iris’ mother nodded her agreement. “When you marry, you gain more than a husband or wife. You gain a family as well.”

  “And we’re fortunate to have Landon and his family become a part of ours,” Iris said. “Your brother is especially pleased. He was so worried when the whole scandal erupted. He feared you were going to end up with someone you wouldn’t be happy with.” She smiled. “He doesn’t seem like he’s a romantic, but, deep down, I think he is. He wanted you to be with a good gentleman, but he also wanted you to be happy.”

  The butler came into the room, and the three directed their attention to Landon’s brother and sister-in-law. “Mr. and Mrs. Tait have arrived,” the butler said. “Also, dinner is ready.”

  Iris’ mother clapped her hands and rose to her feet. “I don’t know about anyone else, but I’ve been hungry for the past half hour.”

  “We’re sorry we came so late,” Guy said as the butler left. “Believe it or not, this is the first time my wife has been away from our daughter.”

  Virginia offered an apologetic smile. “It’s true. Ever since Thalia was born I’ve been with her.”

  “I wish I had known that,” Iris said. “You could’ve brought your daughter here. I have two children of my own. We could have had the maids watch them while we ate and then returned to them.”

  “We’ll do that in the future,” Guy said, “but I think it’s good for Virginia to get a break.”

  “I don’t feel like I need one,” Virginia replied.

  He took her hand and squeezed it. “I know you don’t feel like you need one, but there’s no harm in leaving our little girl at home with your mother once in a while.”

  “Yes, I suppose you’re right,” she said.

  Opal couldn’t help but be inspired by how much Iris, Iris’ mother, and Virginia cared for their children. That was the kind of mother she wanted to be. Maybe with them as her examples, she would help her child feel safe and loved in this world.