The Dark Earl and His Runaway (The Friendship Series Book 5)

by Julia Donner

  “You, who are so practical, cannot see it. Perhaps it is your kinder nature that is unwilling to accept that sort of cold-hearted behavior from our sisters. Pause to think. If you’re ordinary, desperate to be noticed, and to marry, who would you want to stand beside at an assembly?”

  When realization came, Leticia felt her face soften. “No man in the room would look at anyone but her.”

  “Precisely. Girls avoided her like a plague.”

  “Rather sad, isn’t it?”

  “Yes, most especially when one stops to think that she’s been defined her entire life by an exterior she despises. Men continue to flock to her. They become her friends, but women hate her on sight.”

  “I don’t. Bainbridge talks about her as if she were an annoying sister. From all he’s said, when I can root anything out of him, I learned that his friendship with her salved a lonely childhood.” Leticia watched the countess stoutly defend some argument with Bainbridge and Asterly. “She’s fearless, isn’t she?”

  Lady Asterly laughed. “Oh, absolutely! She almost knocked down a hostess who insulted me. If you asked her to pick up a battle for you, she’d take it on without hesitation, friend or not. But underneath, before she married Rave, she was a lonely little girl.”

  “It’s difficult to imagine, but then we all hide our most fragile fears, don’t we?”

  As she studied the group on the other side of the room, she sensed Lady Asterly’s keen scrutiny. “May I call you Leticia?”

  Curious to what this preface meant, Leticia dropped her chin in a bow and turned on the couch seat to face her new friend. “I should be honored.”

  “It is my hope that you will consider me a friend. You already have that, whether you wish it or not, when it comes to Cassandra Ravenswold. She loves Bainbridge like a brother. Now that I’ve explained her, you might understand her devotion. For many years, he was her only friend.”

  “Yes. Tamer Hall borders a portion of Stokebrook land. They played together regularly until she was sent off to seminary and he to school. Which reminds me of something I wished to ask you. I’m curious, a friend of my husband’s once said that you felt deeply indebted to Bainbridge. May I place a strain on our new-found friendship to ask why?”

  Chapter 24

  Lady Asterly’s gaze flattened, going blank to look inward. A brief sadness flickered and fled, then like a veil, her placid mien floated back into place. “I suppose it no longer matters. It’s been some years…so I should explain that Asterly, although he started out as a sapper in the military, later he spied for his country throughout the wars. He made a great many enemies. He was kidnapped shortly after we married. I thought it was revenge for his activities. But it was an old score, quite unexpected. A disgruntled foe of my father’s, you see. Father was in banking. Ruthless at times.”

  She paused, caught by a thought, then shook her head and continued. “Asterly was held for ransom on a ship being readied for dry dock. Harry, that’s Asterly’s brother, Ravenswold, Freddy Bates and I went to rescue him. The gentlemen all agreed that Bainbridge should be made a member of the boarding party.”

  “He’s never said anything about this to me, but then, he would never divulge a confidence.”

  “No, he wouldn’t. He’s a gentle soul when it involves women, but has no sympathy for an unworthy. After we had Asterly safely off the ship, Bainbridge disposed of my husband’s captor. He never said what he did with the man. When I later questioned it, he would only say that a lady shouldn’t have to bother with refuse removal.”

  A green-gloved hand encircled Leticia’s wrist. Troubled eyes looked directly into hers. “Leticia, your husband walked into the captain’s quarters ahead of us, not knowing what he’d find, or if he’d be shot down. He never for an instant hesitated and saved my Peregrine’s life.”

  Asterly happened to glance their way. His gaze settled on his wife. He swiftly crossed the room to sit beside her and take her hand. “Anything amiss, Lizzie?”

  “Nothing really. Just telling Leticia of how marvelous her husband was when we got you back from Despard.”

  Asterly’s shoulders relaxed. He settled back on the couch, while snuggling close to his wife. “Is that all? Many waters have passed under that bridge since then. I’ll wager you neglected to tell her about your silly turn immediately afterward, and while I was invalided.”

  “Peregrine,” she warned him in a low tone.

  Not to be thwarted, Asterly leaned forward to say around his wife, who had lowered her brows in a silent, visual threat. “She ran off, Lady B. Ran off, I tell you, like a schoolgirl. My darling, and usually oh so pragmatic wife, had some maggot in her head that I’d started up an inappropriate liaison with my former instructor. Lud, I was her protégé, not her ciscebo! Mrs. Vernon is old enough to be my mother. Not that there is anything wrong with that. Some fellows actually prefer it. One only has to look at Prinny. Mrs. Fitzherbert had at least six years on him, which is nothing, really.”

  His wife issued another warning, but this time, through her teeth, “Asterly.”

  Eyes twinkling, he bit his lower lip with pretended contrition. “Oh, dear. She’s back to using the title. Sorry, Lizzie love. I shall strive to behave.”

  Leticia tried not to gape at them—two of the most dignified people in society, acting like squabbling children. Without thinking, she murmured to Lady Asterly, “You poor thing. He’s a handful, isn’t he?”

  Asterly threw back his head with a laugh, silencing the argument between the couple on the other side of the room. They stared. Ravenswold had taken a nearby chair and opened a book, never raising his head. Bainbridge gave her a searching look until Lady Ravenswold demanded his attention again with a jerk on his sleeve.

  Elizabeth Asterly murmured, “Yes. My husband positively revels in behaving like a swine. Fortunately, he usually saves it for privacy and not the discommoding of his hostess.” She sent the miscreant a squinty glare. “Behave, sir.”

  Asterly chortled and whispered something in his wife’s ear that made her cheeks color. Leticia abruptly looked away, grateful Bainbridge relegated that sort of teasing to the privacy of the bedchamber. This led to a curious study of how the six guests behaved so differently as couples.

  Beside her, the Asterlys shared a connection not seen in the ton. It was far more than being in one another’s pocket. They stayed in physical contact as much as company allowed. Lord Asterly was openly desirous of maintaining that physical connection with his wife. This sort of blatant display was not acceptable behavior in ton circles. From their recent playful exchange, Leticia realized that the Asterly’s considered her company more in the light of family than mere society or friends.

  Ravenswold never strayed far from his wife, seeming to want to live within her sphere as much as staying nearby to reel her in as needed. Lady Ravenswold acted utterly heedless. She blithely trampled over problems and annoying impediments, but when her husband spoke, she obeyed with a suppressed awe, as if a divine order from on high had plopped into her lap.

  And while Bainbridge made no outward sign of his feelings for her, Leticia felt a connection to him across the space separating them. She sensed his focus on her, even as he listened to his friend. An invisible, visceral thread attached them to each other, as tangible as if she could see the rope stretching across the room.

  Three couples. Three entirely different relationships. Every one the opposite of what one would expect. Headstrong Cassandra Ravenswold responded with immediate, smiling subservience to her husband. Rave, stoic and nearly monosyllabic, followed in his wife’s wake with the devotion of a dog, and from all she’d heard, spoiled her relentlessly.

  Tranquil and intelligent, Elizabeth Asterly exuded palpable sensuality when in physical contact with her husband. Powerful and clever, Major Lord Asterly, wartime hero and wielder of political influence, behaved like an unprincipled boy around his wife. They both behaved like children—children with wicked secrets.

  Bainbridge always
kept a physical distance, which seemed so odd when compared with his adamant claims to have been devoted to her since childhood. She pretended self-assurance when she had so little certainty about so many things. And yet, she felt his yearning from across the room, a form of desperation that seemed impossible when associated with her uncommon self. Perhaps she shouldn’t question it. Accept what she had for now and hope for their future.

  She said to the couple sitting with her. “I will presume to ask a favor.”

  They answered together, “Of course.”

  Leticia blinked. The Asterly’s waited with smiles of acceptance and expectation, until Elizabeth prompted, “We should be happy to be of service. What may we do?”

  “First, when we come to town for the season, will you help me get us established in society? Something small would be nice. I don’t think Bainbridge has a house in London.”

  Asterly answered, “No. He stays with friends or at one of the hotels.”

  “That shall have to be remedied. Your advice would be appreciated. And there is something else. I recently learned some distressing news about Bainbridge. It doesn’t bother me, other than what I can do to help with the problem, but perhaps you might be able to offer some insight into what happened at Oxford. He won’t speak of it. You were with him, my lord.”

  “I would hope you could see your way clear to call me Peregrine, or even idiot, as my wife prefers.” He sent his wife a rueful smile and wink, then looked back. “You’re speaking of his inability to read.”

  “You know?”

  “We all know. He doesn’t realize it, but should, since many of us were present when he pounded the life out of anyone taunting him about it. The sad part is that he’s so dashed bright. He breezed through any oral testing. Couldn’t pry him from a lecture. It wasn’t academics that got him sent down. There were a few fellows who thought they could get away with tormenting him. He positively mangled the source of any sort of bully.”

  “Oh, dear,” Leticia murmured. “I feared it was something of that sort.”

  “He was actually quite liked. A quiet lad. He never minded the hazing directed at him. Trivialities never bothered him. The fellows he put in their place complained to the higher-ups. A rather foolish headmaster we had at the time took…liberties. He assumed Bainbridge was too dim to understand. Not much left of the fellow when Bainbridge was done. He hasn’t a bit of control once his temper has the better of him. That’s what got him sent down.”

  “I’m curious, if it wasn’t for his educational difficulties, why was he never considered one of the Eligibles?”

  Asterly and his wife exchanged glances, before he answered, “Leticia, he was contracted to you. Harry and Freddy have been after him for years to meet you. You’re all he talked about at school.”

  She shook her head. “I never knew about the engagement. Apparently everybody under the sun knew but me. And my cousins. How can that be?”

  Asterly answered, “You said it yourself. He doesn’t say much about himself. Never puts himself forward. We didn’t know about the wedding until Lizzie found the notice in the newspapers.”

  “Yes, Carnall said he’d do that. Did you get to meet him?”

  Asterly said, “I knew of him from the clubs. Lizzie met with him when Freddy brought him around. Has a sister he wants puffed off.”

  Elizabeth squeezed her hand. “I’ll arrange for a dinner party when you come to town. Something small before a larger gathering to introduce you to London. Harry is going to be so disappointed not to have met you, but he’s been out of contact the entire summer. Freddy will hold it over his head that he got to meet you first! And here you are. The mysterious Cia, finally revealed.”

  “I am the least mysterious person I know. If anything, sadly commonplace and boring.” She looked across the room and murmured, more to herself than to her companions, “I’m not sure I’ll ever understand what he sees in me.”

  As if he heard her, or sensed her regard, Bainbridge looked her way, his gaze dark with sorrow and affection. There was a connection. She could rely on that, and would have to when he discovered what she’d done. Why hadn’t she asked him first?

  Chapter 25

  Leticia stood on the gravel drive with her new friends, Cassandra Ravenswold and Elizabeth Asterly. Carriages had lined up in wait for the gentlemen, who had gone to the stable. Peregrine had admired the Friesians and Elizabeth bought one as a surprise. He refused to depart to Tamer Hall without a last look at the mare she’d chosen for her husband.

  The morning had dawned in mist, followed by a refreshing shower. Clouds had moved off, leaving behind cooler weather and a brilliant sun. This was discussed while they waited for their spouses. Birdsong floated over the castle walls from the rejuvenated gardens, as they watched servants load the luggage.

  Leticia had questions whirling. Her friends from seminary had married and moved to various estates. She had no one her age in which to confide. Cass and Elizabeth were older, but not by so wide a margin that she considered them beyond her age group. And they were women of the world, experienced in many areas beyond her ken. She hoped they wouldn’t consider the answers she sought as too forward.

  “Cass, Elizabeth, would you mind if I ask for your advice?”

  Both immediately agreed with Cass adding, “Did you hear that, Lizzie? The gel’s asking for advice. From me!”

  Leticia quickly attempted to retract, but Cass wouldn’t have it. “Nonsense. I’m proud as punch that you’d ask. No one ever has, unless it has to do with horses and such. In what way may we be of service?”

  Gathering her courage, for it wasn’t an easy subject to speak about, even to long term friends, Leticia took a breath and blurted, “How would you, I mean, what would you do if you learned your husband…preferred the company of another woman? Such as yourselves.” When Cass and Elizabeth exchanged startled glances, Leticia felt that she should keep talking, explain the question in a clearer manner.

  “What would you do if you knew your husband had a…had a—”

  “A bit of muslin on the side?” Cass finished when Leticia floundered.

  Cass scowled and Elizabeth quickly shut her gaping mouth. Now mortified that she’d brought up a taboo subject, Leticia started to apologize, but Cass held up her gloved hand.

  “I have no doubt what I would do. I’d shoot her down and go after Rave. Might not put a shot in him, or if I did, nothing fatal. But he would never do that to me. He knows me too well, and in any event, I make sure he has no reason to stray.”

  Heat scorched her face as Leticia whispered, “ I am conscientious about doing my duty, but this is a female from before we married.”

  Elizabeth gently cleared her throat. “My advice is to try not to think of it as a duty.”

  “Oh, but I don’t! That was the only polite way I could think of phrasing it.”

  “Ah,” Elizabeth said and took a breath before continuing. “I may not be the best person to ask. My response to the suspicion that Peregrine was involved with someone else while married to me was to run away. Now I would stand my ground. I also understand that many wives of our social standing think nothing of their husbands trundling off to their mistresses. After they provide the requisite heir or two, they find their own consolation. I find it all terribly sad. I am grateful I married a man who is content with me. Forgive me for being blunt, but is that the sort of marriage you prefer?”

  Leticia hissed a scandalized “No!”

  Elizabeth paused to settle a perceptive gaze on Leticia’s still-rosy face. “Has Geoffrey given you cause to think he’ll continue the liaison?”

  Leticia looked away and answered in a small voice, “He says, and I find this so difficult to believe, that he used to imagine me while he was with her.”

  Cringing in the silence, Leticia dared to look up. Elizabeth smiled, soft and maternal, while Cass lifted her eyebrows and said. “You go ahead, Lizzie. I’d put the fear of the Countess of Ravenswold in her, and you should do the same.
You’re his wife. Make it clear.”

  Elizabeth took Leticia’s hand. “You are newly married. There will be many disagreements. Use them to learn about each other. And about the other, I think it’s charming that he thought of you, imagined he was with you. It’s almost heartbreaking. He waited so long for you. It’s time you see his side. What if he’s afraid of losing you? That you’ll become disinterested in him.”

  Cass snorted a laugh. “Doubt that. Look at her expression. You’d think you’d just suggested that she’d grown another head.”

  Leticia allowed their advice to find a comfortable place in her mind. What if they were right and she had allowed her lack of confidence to take her down the wrong track? She looked at them before saying, “I’m most grateful for your advice. Mother left for Canada before she felt it necessary to explain the more delicate aspects of marriage. My school friends are far away, and I couldn’t feel comfortable writing about such things.”

  Serious, Cass said, “As would I, and they would come to your aid if they knew you were distressed. I’d wager you were excessively popular at school.”

  Leticia blinked and stammered, “Why…perhaps I was. Never really thought about it much. School and learning were a treat for me, quite the happiest time of my life. Until recently.”

  Elizabeth murmured, “School was no delight for me. Horrid and painful.”

  Leticia touched Elizabeth’s hand. “But why?”

  A rueful smile twisted Elizabeth’s mouth. “Trade, Leticia. My father, rich beyond anything, was in trade before he became a banker.”

  Cass said, “I loathed being there. The girls either hated or feared me. The teachers ran from the room. Refused to stand their ground when I pitched their silly embroidery tambours at their heads. Made them faint when the only French I’d speak were the unpleasant words. You shouldn’t laugh, the pair of you. I was a dismal failure at seminary. And music? Pah!”

  Leticia said, “I say they were jealous, the lot of them. Furthermore, I’ll wager none of them found gentlemen as fine as ours for husbands.”