Captivating the Earl (Lords and Ladies in Love)

by Hutton, Callie

  Heavy rain came down, and they were both wet by the time they climbed into the carriage. The driver snapped the reins to head the horses back to the estate.

  Lizzie couldn’t help herself and began to giggle at the sight of the two of them. Water dripped from Lord Hawkins’s hair, running down his aristocratic nose.

  She wiped the moisture from her cheeks with her palms. He grinned back and withdrew a handkerchief from his pocket and handed it to her.

  “Thank you.”

  She began to wipe her face and glanced down at her bodice when Lord Hawkins’s eyes grew wide. The cold rain had plastered her gown against her body, making her chemise and the tips of her breasts visible. She gasped and tried to cover herself by crossing her arms.

  “Here.” He shrugged out of his jacket, moved to sit next to her, and draped the garment around her shoulders. Instead of returning to his seat across from her, he continued to hold her. “You are shivering.”

  Her heart thumped so loudly, he must have heard it. Her reaction to his nearness frightened her. His warmth, scent, and soft breath on her cheek wreaked havoc with her breathing.

  She continued to shake, either from her emotions or the cold. Slowly, almost as if in a dream, his eyelids slid closed and he lowered his head, placing his warm lips on hers.

  Chapter Seven

  Hawk was convinced. Without a doubt. He had lost his mind. That was the only explanation for the enticing Miss Moore to be wrapped in his arms as he kissed her soft, plump lips…

  He’d tried all afternoon to resist the rising desire to crush Lizzie against him and kiss her senseless. For hours, he’d fought to remember she was his cousin’s employee. It was not only difficult to keep that thought in his head, but impossible. The woman had the bearing, attitude, charm, and manners of a lady. Although there were ladies who were forced into seeking employment as a governess or companion, Lizzie had claimed otherwise.

  She was no vicar’s daughter.

  Something was off, and he intended to learn what. However, before he could question her further, he gave in to the desire he’d been holding in check almost since he’d first laid eyes on her.

  Unbelievably, her body relaxed, and he took the opportunity to nudge her lips with his tongue. Either she understood what he wanted, or he took her by surprise. She opened, and he swept in, tasting the sweetness of her mouth, skimming his tongue over the most sensitive parts.

  She made little squeaky sounds as he pulled her closer, wrapping his arm around her waist and the other around her shoulders, so she was flush against him. Her lips were just as plump and warm as he’d hoped. He moved his mouth over hers, devouring the softness, nibbling on the plushness, then soothing with his tongue.

  He slowly released her lips and drew his head back to study her. Her face was flushed, her eyes closed, the epitome of a woman experiencing passion. Slowly, her eyes opened and grew wide as she no doubt recalled where she was and whom she was with. She shoved his chest, and he released her. Lizzie scurried to sit across from him, her breath coming in gasps, her chest heaving. “My lord! That was totally inappropriate.” She scooted so far into the corner she was practically climbing out the window. “I am fully aware of your reputation as a rake, but I am not someone to toy with. I am your cousin’s employee.”

  “I agree, Miss Moore. I am most apologetic.” He ran his hand down his face. “I never should have taken advantage of you, and that is precisely what I have done.” He might be apologizing and saying whatever was necessary to soothe her ruffled feathers, but he certainly did not regret his actions. It had been quite some time since a mere kiss had aroused him so.

  “We will not speak of it again.” She smoothed out her skirts and looked out the window. Her face was still flushed, and her breathing had not returned to normal. He could only hope his erection would ease before he was forced to stand and walk her back into the house, since she still wore his jacket.

  Whatever had he been thinking? Well, he hadn’t been thinking at all. At least not with any part of his body above his neck. He reached across the space separating them to touch her hand. She drew back as if burned, and he raised his hands. “As much as I want to, I will not kiss you again. I am merely gaining your attention to suggest you fix your hair.”

  “You may gain my attention by addressing me.” She sniffed.

  “Quite so.”

  She smoothed her hair back, re-pinning loose strands, and adjusted her bonnet, all while avoiding his eyes. What a beauty she was! All righteous anger. If he were to stay at Wycliff’s house, he must keep his hands to himself and remember it was not done to seduce a staff member of one’s host.

  Would that he had met her on a ballroom floor in London. Would she be so enticing? He’d grown quite bored with the usual ladies of the ton. Married and unmarried. He was ashamed to admit that after a while it had become hard to remember who was in bed with him, although he was certain had it been Miss Lizzie Moore, he would have no problem in that regard. The lady had him twisted in knots and was truly unforgettable.

  The rain had continued to pour by the time the carriage rolled to a stop in front of the estate. The front door of the house opened, and the butler, Monroe, hurried out, holding an umbrella.

  “You go first, Miss Moore. I have no need of the umbrella. I will make a run for it.”

  She nodded and turned as Monroe opened the carriage door. He extended his hand to help her down, and they moved quickly to the house. Once they were through the doorway, Hawk jumped down, his boots splashing in the puddles as he dashed to the front door.

  …

  “What do you know of Miss Moore?” Hawk accepted the glass of brandy from Wycliff’s hand and settled into the soft leather chair across from him. Leah had excused herself, and he and his cousin were enjoying a drink before retiring for the night.

  He’d had no further contact with the governess since she had sent word that she was feeling under the weather and asked permission to have a dinner tray in her room. Hopefully, she had not forgone dinner with them because she was uneasy around him.

  “She was referred to us by Lady Franklin, who is an old friend of Leah’s aunt, Lady Trent. A lovely woman, Lady Franklin. Very helpful. She’d known Miss Moore for some time and assured us she would make an excellent governess.”

  “Had she worked as a governess before?”

  Wycliff swirled the liquid in his glass. “No. This was her first position, but she’s done an excellent job.” He took a sip. “Why the interest in our governess?”

  Hawk leaned back, his restless knee bouncing up and down. “Something is off with Miss Moore.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I’m not quite sure. As I’ve said, I sometimes think my time with the Home Office during the war years has made me suspicious of everything and everybody.”

  “Well, don’t bring your incertitude to us. There is nothing suspicious about Miss Moore, I assure you. She’s been with us for two years, and in all that time she has conducted herself in an exemplary manner.”

  Hawk’s brows rose. “Two years? She told me a bit more than a year.”

  Wycliff shook his head. “No, she came to us on the twins’ birthday two years ago. I distinctly remember because one of the boys—don’t remember which one—leaned too far over to blow out his birthday candle and fell into the cake. Miss Moore merely laughed and scooped him up to clean him.”

  Hawk took all of that in and continued to swirl his liquor. “Has it not occurred to you that Miss Moore is uncommonly well educated for a vicar’s daughter?”

  “Not necessarily. I’ve found vicar’s children to be par excellence in their education.”

  Hawk took a sip and studied Wycliff over the rim of his glass. “In drawing room manners, sitting a horse, stitching, watercolors, pianoforte, and ballroom dancing?”

  His cousin stared at him. “Why do you think she is capable of all those things?”

  “I’m not exactly sure of all of that, actually. Her mann
ers, horsemanship, pianoforte, and general bearing tell me she is a lady. But I’m willing to wager if you asked her to paint something for you, or do some embroidery, she would be equally skilled.”

  “Why would she lie? There are several ladies who find themselves in difficult circumstances who are forced to take employment as a governess or companion. ’Tis no disgrace in it.”

  “I don’t know why she would lie. It’s what I find so intriguing.”

  “Intriguing or no, leave off, Hawk. Leah is thrilled to have such a competent and pleasant governess. If Miss Moore continues to conduct herself in the manner we’ve become accustomed to, I have no need, or desire, to investigate her further. Were she here for nefarious reasons she would have shown them by now.”

  …

  Summer was coming to an end. The rain the day before had left everything clean and sparkling in the sunlight. Hawk strode from the back of the house early the next morning to the stable, ready for his morning ride.

  He came to an abrupt halt as Miss Moore exited the stable, leading the horse she’d ridden the day before. He tipped his hat and offered a gentlemanly smile. No reason to have her believe he would attempt to ravish her every time he saw her. Although he would like to.

  “Good morning, Miss Moore. ’Tis a lovely day for a ride, is it not?” He had no idea what sort of a greeting she would give him, as he hadn’t seen her since their kiss in the carriage.

  “Yes, my lord. A truly lovely morning. I am anxious to give Magpie a good run.”

  The stable master followed behind Miss Moore, leading Bramble, already prancing and chomping at the bit. The man nodded to Hawk and led the horse to him.

  “Easy, boy. We’ll give you a good workout this morning.”

  Since Miss Moore had already been helped onto her saddle by one of the grooms, Hawk mounted Bramble and turned to his riding companion. “Ready?”

  “Yes, indeed.” She grinned at him, and his heart skipped a beat. He wasn’t sure if his reaction was relief that she’d forgiven him for his forwardness the day before, or because he was going to have another opportunity to spend time with the woman who had captivated him so.

  He waved his arm. “Lead the way.”

  She smirked. “You will follow a woman, my lord?”

  He bowed. “I would follow you anywhere, Miss Moore.” He grinned at the red flush that covered her face.

  “I believe you say that to all the women you encounter.” Her smirk brought a smile to his lips.

  “Not at all. Do you believe me to be so impudent?”

  She sniffed. “Once a rake, always a rake.”

  So, Miss Moore was aware of his reputation. More pieces of the puzzle fell into place. They brought their horses to a trot. “I take it you have recovered from your indisposition?”

  “Yes. I think I merely suffered a chill from the damp weather yesterday. But I feel quite well today.”

  “And, as always, you are looking more than quite well.”

  She rolled her eyes as they continued until they reached the open field. “Are you up for a run again?”

  The look she gave him nudged a memory. Her head cocked to one side, her raised brows and slight smile, reminded him so much of a different time and place that he was struck dumb for the moment. A ballroom. A dance. A light blue gown with a sapphire necklace against milky white skin. He knew this woman. And not in a governess capacity.

  He shook his head to clear his mind. “Of course. Let us race once again for the hedge, and the first one over will be declared the top jumper of Wycliff Manor.”

  “I’m not sure if that is quite fair, my lord, since you ride a stallion and I a mare. Also, you are settled quite comfortably in your saddle, while I, unfortunately, as a lady, am forced to ride sidesaddle.”

  Had she slipped and used the term lady accidentally? Something else to consider. “Ah, but you did acquit yourself quite well the last time we raced.” He leaned on his pommel. “I’ll tell you what. I will give you a head start.”

  She grinned. “I will take it.”

  “Conniving female.” He looked from her to the hedge. “All right, on the count of three you will take off. I will count two more numbers before I follow you.”

  She nodded and leaned over her horse.

  “One, two, three—”

  Miss Moore took off like she’d been shot out a cannon. He was so busy admiring her form as she raced away, he almost forgot to follow. Laughing, he took off after her.

  They were neck and neck and gaining the hedge. She looked over at him, her face flushed, her smile wide. He could not help the bright smile that covered his face as well. She was stunning.

  He was a few feet ahead of her as he approached the hedge. With ease, he and Bramble sailed over. The horse’s hooves had barely touched the ground when he heard a terrified scream.

  He pulled up on the horse’s reins and turned just as Magpie flew over the hedge, missing her rider, the saddle dragging underneath the animal’s body.

  Chapter Eight

  “Lizzie!” Hawk shouted as he leaped from his horse. He raced back to the other side of the hedge. Lizzie had been tossed and had rolled down an incline, lying splayed at the bottom of the ditch, not moving. With his heart in his throat, Hawk hurried down, careful not to lose his footing on the still damp grass, lest they both end up in a heap at the bottom. He kneeled next to her and turned her over. Her face was covered in dirt, and she displayed a nasty-looking bump on her forehead, but a quick check of her pulse told him she was alive.

  “Lizzie.” He gently tapped her cheek. Nothing.

  “Lizzie.” He tried again. The only sound was her soft breathing, and him gulping for air. He made a quick assessment of her limbs, and nothing seemed broken. He slid his arms underneath her and lifted. While her weight was light, the incline was steep, but digging his heels in, he made it without too much difficulty.

  Magpie stood next to the edge of the ditch, watching him, as if she knew something was wrong with her rider. Hawk laid Lizzie carefully on the grass and approached the animal. She backed up a bit, snorted, and shook her head, but with a few soft words, she allowed him to remove the saddle and place it on the ground. With a swift smack to her hindquarters, she took off in the direction of the stable.

  Hawk gathered Lizzie in his arms, and grasped the pommel on Brambles, and with his foot in the stirrup, hauled the two of them up. He swung his leg over the saddle and settled her in his lap. She still had not awakened, and concerned she might have some sort of internal injury, he dug his heels into Bramble’s sides, and they raced back to the house.

  “Wycliff,” Hawk shouted for his cousin the minute he reached the house.

  One of the footmen came barreling out the front door. His brows rose when he saw Hawk holding Lizzie in his lap. “My lord. How may I help?”

  “Here. Take Miss Moore.” Hawk held her out to the footman, who took her, looking as though he had no idea what to do. Once he was dismounted, Hawk motioned to the footman. “Give her to me and see if you can find Lady Wycliff.”

  “Yes, my lord.” The man hurried in front of them.

  Once they were in the house, Hawk decided it was better to bring her to the drawing room, since he had no idea where her bedchamber was.

  He barely got her settled on the sofa when Lord Wycliff entered the room. “Whatever happened? Charles said you asked for Leah, but she is still abed.”

  “Miss Moore took a spill from her horse. I don’t think she has broken anything, but she has a bump on her head, and hasn’t awakened yet.”

  “I will get one of the maids to assist her and send for the physician.”

  Hawk nodded and grabbed a colorful knitted shawl from the back of the sofa and covered Lizzie with it. Once again, he tapped her cheek, but there was no response. The longer she remained unconscious, the more dangerous it would be.

  “My lord, if you will follow me, I will direct you to Miss Moore’s bedchamber.” A young maid he’d seen around the house bustle
d into the room, her eyes growing wide as she took in Lizzie lying on the sofa.

  Wycliff was right behind her. “I have sent for the doctor. Carry her upstairs, and Bernice will undress her for the doctor’s examination.”

  Hawk lifted her again, trying to ignore the warmth from her body and the softness of her curves as he shifted her in his arms. They made the trek upstairs to the end of the south hallway where Miss Moore had her room.

  “Come, Hawk, let’s leave her to Bernice, and we’ll wait downstairs for the physician. I’d like to know how she came to fall from the horse, since I know Miss Moore is an excellent horsewoman.”

  Once they were settled in the breakfast room, with plates of food and cups of strong coffee in front of them, Wycliff again raised the question. “How did Miss Moore fall?”

  Hawk shook his head as he buttered a warm roll. “That is something I want to investigate. It looked like the girth on the horse snapped. If the groom did not tighten it correctly, he should be reprimanded. We still don’t know what Miss Moore’s injuries are, but a loose saddle has caused more than one death.”

  “I agree.” Wycliff took a sip of coffee. “Where is the saddle now?”

  “I removed it when I sent the horse back to the stable. I left it alongside the hedge we jumped over.”

  “That’s when she fell? During a jump?”

  “Yes. She cleared it beautifully the last time we rode. I’m sure there is not a problem with her skills.”

  They finished breakfast and were discussing the latest bills in Parliament when Charles entered the breakfast room. “My lord, the physician has arrived.”

  Wycliff pushed his chair back. “I will see to Miss Moore. Why don’t you retrieve that saddle?”

  As much as he wanted to hear what the physician had to say about Lizzie’s injuries, it would look odd had he made that request, since he had no connection to the woman. That thought annoyed him, since his feelings seemed to have become more than a passing acquaintance, but since nothing about that would be proper, it was best to keep his mouth closed.