by Rose Pearson
George Eccles sighed heavily, looking around the study. “No, I have not. But, then again, I have only taken up residence this week.”
“And I suppose I should start referring to you as Lord Warwick!” Major Ridding replied, with a hearty chuckle. “It is going to take some time for things to adjust, I suppose.”
George nodded fervently. “Indeed,” he mumbled, lifting his glass of port to his lips. “I cannot tell you how much of a struggle it was to leave my military uniform aside this morning.” He glanced down at himself, still not altogether comfortable with the attire he was wearing. It had been a few years since he had last worn such things and to no longer be in his uniform had brought him a very strange sensation. “I am not even used to being referred to as Lord Warwick!” Up until news of his brother’s death had reached him, he had been referred to as Mr Eccles, as his status befit him. However, now he was the Earl of Warwick and with that title came a great deal of responsibility. It was a weight he was not used to carrying.
Major Ridding shrugged. “You will become used to your new title, in time.”
“I am not even certain what my responsibilities are!” George exclaimed, aware of the anxiety bubbling up in his chest. “I am – I was – the second son. Being taught such things was never seen as important. My father was always with my brother. They would spend hours together in the study, going over accounts and ensuring that the land was producing a profit. I do not even know how many tenants I have, nor what the state of their homes is. There is so much to learn and I feel quite unprepared.”
“But now you hold the title and so you must learn how to live the life of an earl,” Major Ridding said, calmly. “And you will pick things up quickly. You always have been a fast learner.”
George frowned and shook his head, not feeling as assured as the Major appeared to be. Although he appreciated Ridding’s faith in him, he was not quite certain that everything would simply fall into place. This was, after all, meant to be his brother’s life. He had never intended to be the new Earl of Warwick. That had never been part of his life’s plan.
But, then again, falls from horses and broken necks had probably not been his brother’s plan either.
George closed his eyes tightly against the wave of grief that threatened to overwhelm him. He had been in Pomerania when news had come of his brother’s sudden death – as well as the information that he was, in fact, the new Earl of Warwick. His brother had never married, nor produced an heir and with no living parents to speak of, George had suddenly felt very alone in the world.
Thankfully, the letter had come at the same time as the regiment had been planning to return to England for a brief respite and so, with a heavy heart, George had decided to leave the army and take up his responsibilities as he ought. Major Ridding, of course, had tried to convince him otherwise, given that he – despite being titled – had chosen to remain in the army but the sense of responsibility would not leave George.
It was a little surprising that Major Ridding was now being as supportive as he was, given that he had disregarded his responsibilities with such ease. Apparently, a distant cousin and the Major’s steward ran things in his absence, and, at times, George had been tempted to follow a similar path – but he knew that being the only one left from his family meant that he had to push his own desires aside. That meant taking up residence at his estate and working as hard as he could to be both a responsible and hardworking earl.
However, now that he was finally living in the estate, George began to wonder if he had made the right decision. He knew nothing of being an earl, nor of how to care for his tenants, land, and property. His steward, at least, was being more than helpful but George felt like a fish thrown out of the water who was expected to live, quite happily, on land.
Then again, he had only been back at his estate a week. Perhaps that was too short a time to expect himself to be settled in. His thoughts drifted back towards Lady Jessica, recalling how much he had enjoyed dancing with her last evening. She had been a welcome relief from his otherwise difficult situation.
And, at some point, you will need to marry and produce an heir of your own, a small voice told him.
Stunned that he had thought of Lady Jessica at that very moment, George cleared his throat and rubbed one hand over his eyes. He did not need to think about matrimony so soon, surely? And certainly not consider a young lady with whom he had danced only once – even if her beautiful smile had captured his attention to the point that he could hardly get her from his mind.
“I did see you dance quite often last evening,” he began, hoping to change the subject and, mayhap, lighten his spirits. “Did your eye catch anyone of particular interest?”
Major Ridding chuckled, his eyes dancing with mischief. “There were a great many ladies, yes. Although I believe I missed one of those dances somehow.” His smile faded as he frowned. “I think I was caught up with…. a…. another matter.”
George rolled his eyes, well aware that Major Ridding liked to press his attentions on whatever pretty lady was open to receiving them.
“Yes, you missed dancing with Lady Jessica,” he said, with a grin. “Although I will say that it was a blessing to me!”
Major Ridding raised one eyebrow. “Oh?”
“I took your place,” George explained, his smile widening. “I have to say, she quite caught my attention. I was hoping to further my acquaintance with her, in fact.”
Much to his surprise, Major Ridding did not look altogether pleased. In fact, he looked downright frustrated. “I do not think Lady Jessica is a wise choice for your affections,” he said, gruffly. “I had heard that she is already spoken for.”
George felt his heart sink, the lightness immediately gone from spirits. “Oh? She did not say anything of the kind to me, although, I suppose she would have no reason to.”
“I spoke to her sisters as we danced,” Major Ridding explained, with a wave of his hand. “Said something about a suitor back in London. Apparently, they are very close to being engaged.”
“Oh.” Frowning to himself, George studied Major Ridding carefully. He could not be sure that Lady Jessica was already spoken for, surely? In addition, George was a little surprised that her sisters would be so indiscreet, for surely if there was no engagement as yet, they would not speak so freely about an attachment – especially to a man who was a brand-new acquaintance. Was there some other reason Major Ridding did not want to speak of her or the ball last evening?
“I think I might get to know the family a little better, regardless,” he continued, after a brief pause. “They seem to be a very interesting family and, given that I know Lord Northfell a little, it would be nice to further the acquaintance, especially since my estate borders his.”
“And you may have your pick of either Lady Jacintha or Lady Harmonia,” Major Ridding quipped, his smile already back in place. “For I did not hear that either of them had anyone of particular interest back in town.”
“Good, good,” George mumbled, getting out of his chair and moving to sit at his desk. The truth was, he did not think that he wanted to get to know either Lady Jacintha or Lady Harmonia, not when Lady Jessica would be present. “In fact, I think I may host a small soiree and invite the family.”
“A soiree, you say?” Major Ridding repeated, his eyes brightening. “And you will invite some of the regiment, will you not?”
“You are invited, of course,” George grinned, shaking his head. “It will not be a particularly large gathering. Some time next week, I think. That should give my staff enough time to organize things, as well as giving me something to look forward to!” The mountain of paperwork and accounts to his left caught his eye and he bit back a groan. Sometimes he longed for the wild outdoors of the army, especially when he saw just what he had to deal with here.
“A soiree, then,” Major Ridding murmured, his expression growing a little calculating. “Yes, I think that will be an excellent opportunity for both you and I to further our acquaintance with La
dy Northfell’s sisters, wouldn’t you say?”
“Indeed,” Arthur replied, trying to think of whom else to invite – and ignoring the swirl of worry that began to make its way through his veins. He did not quite like the expression on Major Ridding’s face, not quite sure what it was he was planning to do when he met the sisters again.
Chapter Four
And did you have an enjoyable time at the ball?”
Jessica saw the glint in Amelia’s eye and sighed inwardly. “Yes, I did, thank you for asking, Amelia.” She glanced over at Harmonia and Jacintha, seeing them both talking with one another and not paying in the least bit of attention to Amelia and herself. “Is there something that gave you doubt over my enjoyment of it, Amelia?”
“No, not in the least!” Amelia exclaimed. “Although I was sorry to hear that Major Ridding did not appear for his dance when he ought to have. That was very rude of him.”
Jessica shrugged. “I did not mind too much, Amelia. In fact, I was not quite sure that I liked how he went about asking for us to dance with him. He did not actually ask at all, just presumed we would all agree to it!”
Amelia frowned, her expression a little concerned. “I confess that I do not know him all that well. He is an acquaintance of Northfell’s and I have not spent much time in his company. He is a titled gentleman, you know, although he has chosen the army over his responsibilities to his estate.”
“Yes, Miss Thornley did mention that and was not at all enamored of his company,” Jessica murmured, a little confused. “How, then, does he manage his estate in his absence?” She had always believed that a gentleman with such responsibilities was required to spend a great deal of time organizing his accounts, tenants, and land.
Amelia gave a small shrug. “I believe he has a very responsible steward and distant cousin who run things for him. It is not what everyone considers to be correct, however. That is why Miss Thornley was a trifle cool towards him.”
Jessica nodded slowly, her heart caught up in the notion of throwing your responsibilities to the wind and going in search of what you truly desired. There was something to be admired in that, although she could not help but feel a little perturbed at the same time.
“I did see that another gentleman came to dance with you when Major Ridding did not appear,” Amelia continued, quietly. “Was he quite charming?”
Wincing at her sister’s probing tone, Jessica shrugged, not willing to admit just how handsome she had found him. “Yes, he was quite proper and considerate, and I was appreciative of how he stepped in. It saved me a great deal of embarrassment.”
“And I would expect nothing less from the new Earl of Warwick,” Amelia said, firmly. “I am glad you danced with him, Jessica although, again, I know very little of him.”
Jessica’s mind went quite blank as she stared at her sister, utterly confused. “I did not dance with the Earl of Warwick, Amelia,” she said, slowly, wondering if her sister was getting him mixed up with someone else. “It was a Captain Eccles that danced with me.”
Amelia laughed, her eyes dancing. “So he is still going by that name, is he?” she chuckled, shaking her head. “The poor man. He is going to have to learn that people can no longer refer to him by that name.”
Still completely confused, Jessica groaned and closed her eyes. “Whatever are you speaking of, Amelia?” she sighed, rubbing one hand down her face in frustration. “I was under the impression I danced with Captain Eccles but now you are insisting it was the Earl of Warwick?”
Amelia’s expression grew sympathetic, although still tinged with humor. “They are one and the same, Jessica,” she explained, still smiling broadly. “Captain Eccles was the second son and it was his elder brother who inherited the title. His brother passed away a few months ago and the news was sent to George Eccles that he was now the new Earl of Warwick.”
Jessica felt her heart stop in her chest, her cheeks flaming with color. “Oh,” she murmured, breathlessly. “He did not make that clear to me.”
“No, he would not,” Amelia replied, softly. “He is still coming to terms with it all, or so Arthur says. He is the one who knows him, you see. The Warwick estate is only an hour’s carriage ride away and so Arthur knew the elder brother fairly well before news of his death reached him. It was before I married Northfell, however, so I have only just been introduced to the new Earl.” She shook her head, as though aware that it was something of a difficult explanation. “Anyway, I am glad you met him and danced with him, Jessica. After all, he is both a military man and a titled gentleman!”
Jessica flushed, a twist of confusion laced with anger spiking through her. “Amelia, I am not even sure that I wish to marry! I thought you understood! I do not want to be so pressured.”
Amelia looked immediately guilt-ridden, her expression apologetic. “I did not mean to do so, Jessica,” she said, humbly. “I just thought that mayhap he might be a good match. I did not intend to put any kind of pressure on you.”
More confused and upset than ever, Jessica rose to her feet and closed her eyes for a moment. She needed to be alone, to sort out her confusing thoughts. “Do excuse me, Amelia,” she said, abruptly. “I need to be by myself for a while.”
“Jessica,” Amelia said, hurriedly, trying to reach for her. “I didn’t mean to upset you. I’m sorry.”
Jessica gave her sister a tight smile. “I know. It is just after what you revealed about the Earl, I find myself vastly confused.” Seeing the guilt and concern on Amelia’s face, she tried to calm her sister’s fears. “I just need to think, Amelia, that is all.”
Without waiting for her sister’s reply, Jessica quit the room, leaving the rest of her sisters in stunned silence. She knew that Amelia was going to have to explain to Harmonia and Jacintha about the earl and did not want to be in the same room when that happened.
Hurrying outside to the grounds, Jessica wandered aimlessly, her head pounding. So the man she had thought of as Captain Eccles was, in fact, the new Earl of Warwick. Why was she so distraught about that? It was not as though he had deliberately intended to mislead her. It was just as Amelia had said, he was still getting used to his new title and she could not be upset with him for that, surely?
She was frustrated with herself for being so drawn to him. She did not want to be so, not when she had promised herself she was simply going to enjoy her time at the Northfell estate. She had thought, in dancing with him, that he was nothing more than a Captain and, therefore, would not have her sisters suggesting him as a possible suitor, but now the exact opposite had occurred. Amelia had told her of his title with excitement in her eyes, making her aware that Captain Eccles – or the Earl of Warwick, as he truly was, would be an excellent match. It was a reaction Jessica did not want. She did not want to be pushed and prodded into a certain direction, with the mention of matrimony constantly on her sister’s lips.
Sighing heavily to herself, Jessica paused in her walk and looked out over the grounds, taking in the beauty of the plants and trees then went as far as she could see. Amelia knew now not to mention Captain Eccles in such a way again and she would make it more than evident to Harmonia and Jacintha that she was not to be questioned on any particular gentleman. When it came their turn to wed, they would understand how she felt. And then, when the time came to see the Captain again, she was quite sure that he would correct himself over his title and all would be well. She would get to know him as an acquaintance and nothing more. There was no need for her to be so confused and upset over this, she told herself, settling her shoulders and lifting her chin a notch. She already felt better, being out here by herself. This was what she needed, what she desired. A space to think and breathe and be free of all obligations. Jessica determined that she would enjoy her time at the Northfell estate and not make any particular connections, even if her stomach still swirled at the thought of the earl.
“Jessica!”
Turning around, Jessica saw Jacintha come hurrying towards her, holding a bonnet and
a cloak.
“I thought you might be cold since it is not a particularly warm day,” Jacintha said, her eyes filled with compassion. “And I wondered if you were ready for some company. Amelia is quite distraught, so I assured her I would come in search of you and ensure you were quite well. She also was not quite sure how to tell you that an invitation has arrived for a soiree at the Earl’s estate. I believe it is not too far away from here – and she has already accepted for she did not think that you would refuse.”
Jessica gave her sister a half smile and pulled on her cloak and tied her bonnet. “I am quite well, you need not worry although I am sorry for Amelia’s distress. It was not intentional on her part, and my own reaction was a little extreme. As much as I am still in turmoil, of course, I am happy to attend.”
Jacintha looped her arm through Jessica’s and together, they began to wander the gardens. “She told us about the earl,” Jacintha began, softly. “That must have come as something of a surprise.”
“Yes,” Jessica muttered, her frustration still growing. “It was a surprise, I confess. I have reacted rather badly.”
“And why is that?”
Jessica sighed, wondering if Jacintha would understand. “I do not want to be pushed towards someone simply because he is a good match,” she said, after a moment’s pause. “I would rather choose my own suitor because of how I feel about him and because I hope he will make me happy.”
“I can understand that,” Jacintha replied, softly. “And do you not think that the earl might fulfill your expectations?”
Jessica’s shoulders slumped. “He might,” she admitted. “But when he was simply Captain Eccles, there was something about him that allowed me not to even think about matrimony or my future happiness. I was simply enjoying his company. And now that I know he is a titled gentleman, I do not feel as though I can do that any longer. I feel as though I will always be wondering what my sisters think of him and what papa might think of him and whether or not he will be a secure match.” Biting back another sigh, she tried to smile. “It is confusing, I know.”
