Tempting the Earl

by Wendy May Andrews

  "Yes, my lady, we are two resourceful women with a plan. We could be ready even sooner if you so wished."

  "Let's not rush; we will be exhausted before we even get there. We need to finish off any projects we might have started and so on. Two weeks, it is."

  "Excellent, I'll go write to Rose right now," concluded Emily as she suited word to action.

  The next two weeks flew by for the ladies, deep in preparations, swamped in various feminine pursuits. Lady Clara arranged for one of the grooms to take Emily's mount up to London for them. All the letters announcing their imminent arrival had been sent, Philip had been informed, and all was in readiness. Before they knew it, the ladies found themselves bundled into the carriage early one morning for the arduous journey to London.

  As was the case when they traveled from Yorkleigh to Rosemount, Emily could barely keep her nose off the glass as they commenced their journey. She finally remembered that she was supposed to be the companion and tore herself away from the passing scenery to devote herself to entertaining the countess. They passed several enjoyable hours playing games and reading aloud before Lady Clara nodded off to sleep with the swaying of the carriage. Emily exchanged an amused look with Smitty when the countess began to softly snore, and she again pressed her face to the window in her excitement over the journey. She lost herself in pleasant conjecture of all the amusements they would find in the capital.

  She was also consumed with curiosity over the monarch and worry over her own future. How would he receive her when she finally revealed herself? Would he help her with her problems, or would he condemn her for her cowardice and the trouble she had apparently caused? Worry gnawed at her mind and heart.

  Her nerves felt slightly frayed from excitement and anxiety when they finally clattered to a stop in front of the magnificent town house belonging to the Earldom of Yorkleigh late that evening. Excitement again came to the fore in her seesawing emotions as the footmen rushed to open the door and let down the stairs. Darkness had already fallen. In the glow of the lanterns she couldn't see all that much but was awed by all that her eyes touched upon in the dim light.

  Philip was in residence and was watching from an upper window, unbeknownst to Emily and Clara. He felt his gut tighten in reaction to the joy apparent on Emily's upturned face as she gazed about her in fascination. He could watch her expressive face all day, he realized. He shook his head in resignation as he let the curtain drop and turned away to go greet the countess and her companion. He hurried from the room and dashed down the stairs before he realized how undignified that was and laughed ruefully at his own foolishness.

  Lady Clara was drooping with fatigue from the long trip to town and was leaning a bit heavily on Emily as they ascended into the house. When they reached the top of the stairs, the butler stepped forward and took the countess' outstretched hand.

  "Welcome, home, my lady," the butler intoned formally but fervently. A few of the other upper servants had also waited up for their arrival and stepped forward to greet their mistress and be introduced to Miss Spencer. Smitty continued upstairs to the countess' chamber with the bags.

  Philip stepped forward to greet them, and both women started with surprise. Lady Clara was delighted to see her son, but Emily was deeply dismayed. She felt the strain of trying to keep her feelings to herself, but in her exhaustion it was difficult. She performed a deep curtsy, which wobbled at the end. Philip laughed at her for her foolishness and ordered her to bed immediately. Lady Clara excused her fatigue, explaining to Philip that it was impossible for Emily to sleep during the journey, since she was always too excited. The ladies bade each other a fond good night, and Emily was gratefully shown to her room while mother and son shared a nightcap.

  "What are you doing here, you scamp?" demanded the fond mama. "I thought you were off adventuring, searching for the missing heiress"

  "I was. Unfortunately, there is no trace of the poor damsel. Foul play is beginning to be suspected. The viscount is keeping whatever he knows to himself, and the entire staff is terrified of him. We can't get any information from anyone. One servant came forward despite her terror of Lord Edwin. She was the lady's old nurse, and her fondness for her former charge overcame her worry for herself. She said Edwin had taken the lady to Bedlam. Upon investigation, though, no trace can be found there of Lady Emmaline, so either the nurse was mistaken or the lady disappeared from there" Philip heaved a deep sigh of disappointment. "It's very disappointing. The lady would have reached the age of receiving her inheritance very soon. She would be free of Edwin and safe, if Ridley truly is the villain in this piece. His Majesty was very fond of the young lady's father and is disappointed not to be able to fulfill his wishes. I'm to keep searching, but not much hope is being held out that we'll find the young woman, since no trace can be found of her."

  Lady Clara clucked her tongue in sympathy before turning the subject. "Philip, my dear, I've been thinking," she commenced. Philip raised his eyebrows in question. She continued, "I think we should provide Emily with a dowry"

  "What? Whatever for?" demanded the earl in surprise.

  "There is clearly more to her than meets the eye," explained the countess. "She is being wasted at Rosemount as my companion. I have grown so fond of her these past months and feel this is the best thing for her. I shall surely miss her, but she will make some lord a grand lady. She was made to preside over a grand household and raise babies. I couldn't bear to see her shrivel up into an old maid alone with me" Lady Clara's tears gathered and threatened to tumble down her cheeks at the melancholy thought.

  Lord Philip, as always, could not bear the sight of tears but balked at the thought of Emily's being married off. "Let's wait and see, Mama. She is still very young. Why don't you enjoy her company for a few years, and then we will consider marrying her off?"

  "Her prospects won't be nearly as good if she has been seen for years as my paid companion. She would only be approached by widowers with a passel of brats that need raising. If we present her as our young friend and go about socializing together, she will have a better chance of finding someone who will care about her," reasoned her ladyship.

  "But we care about her," insisted Philip belligerently. He realized he was being a bit unreasonable, considering his own conflicted feelings on the matter of Miss Spencer. "Let me think about it," he capitulated.

  "Excellent. I know you will do what is right. Now I need to be abed. Sleep well" Lady Clara went off to bed happy that she had planted the idea in his head. Emily wasn't a servant anymore, and Philip needed to realize that she was a candidate for marriage. She almost rubbed her hands together in anticipation of the entertainment ahead.

  The next day dawned brightly. Emily was up and about at her usual time and regretted not finding out what the morning routine was here. She hesitated to awaken Lady Clara, knowing she had stayed up late talking with Lord Philip last night. She wasn't sure if she should go in search of a breakfast room, and she dreaded running into Philip with her nerves still feeling a bit raw. Finally her hunger won out, so she rang for a maid. The maid told her that breakfast was being served in the dining room that morning and that his lordship was already there breaking his fast. Emily was welcome to join him. The maid then informed her that Lady Clara usually had a tray brought to her room while she was in London, since they usually kept such late nights here. Emily thanked the girl politely before closing her door.

  She sat at her dressing table and contemplated her re flection. "So what are you going to do, my girl?" she asked her reflection. "Only a total coward would stay here and starve" She smiled at herself bravely before grabbing a wrap and descending the grand staircase. A footman showed her to the dining room. She took a deep breath and entered the room. Lord Philip was still at the table finishing his coffee and reading the morning paper. He stood up politely when Emily entered the room.

  "Good morning, Miss Spencer. I trust you slept well. You look much restored this morning."

  "Good morning, my lo
rd. Don't you realize it's very bad ton to comment on the fact that a lady wasn't looking quite the thing last night?" she questioned him teasingly.

  Lord Philip laughed. "You've obviously fully recovered if you're back to correcting me at every turn"

  Emily blushed profusely and turned to the sideboard to survey the morning selections. She didn't have a retort handy, and she dreaded sitting at the table with him. One of the footmen helped her to her seat and poured her a cup of coffee. She thanked him with a smile and tucked into her food. Despite her jangling nerves, she was hungry and was determined not to let his lordship's presence deter her from eating. She could sense his eyes upon her, but she valiantly ignored him until the worst of her hunger was assuaged. She then turned inquiring eyes upon him.

  "Did you wish to say something, my lord?" she asked politely.

  Philip let out a surprised chuckle before he commented on her healthy appetite. "Most ladies avoid food in an attempt to remain slim. You obviously have other secrets to staying slender, since you are not a stranger to eating."

  Emily didn't know if she should be complimented or insulted, so she just smiled serenely and continued eating, much to Philip's chagrin. He had been hoping to engage her in a lively arguement, but she refused to rise to the bait. So he let it go for the time being.

  "You and my mother seem to be quite popular. There's already a stack of notes and invitations waiting for the two of you. They are in the library, if you wish to review them"

  Emily turned a bright smile upon him. "Truly, my lord? There are notes for me as well?" she questioned eagerly.

  Philip was surprised by her enthusiasm but answered mildly, "Yes, Emily, there are notes addressed to Miss Spencer. Others are to both of you or just to Lady Clara"

  Emily jumped up, thanked the footman, and excused herself from his lordship in a rush. She then dashed into the hall, only to realize she didn't know where the library was. She asked another footman, and he directed her to the end of the hall, where she quickly stepped into the manly room. She looked around and spotted the pile of letters and invitations on a platter on the desk. She gathered them up and then began to survey the room.

  It was an impressive sight, with the ornate furniture and artwork interspersed between shelves of another exquisite collection of books. She knew she could spend countless enjoyable hours here poring over the volumes. She had the bundle of papers clutched to her chest with one hand while the other was lovingly caressing Chapman's translation of Homer's Iliad when Lord Philip entered the room and stood watching her. So absorbed was she in her perusal of the shelves that she did not even notice he was there until he spoke. She let out a little squeak and almost dropped her bundle while she blushed rosily.

  Philip laughed and repeated what he had said. "You are welcome to make yourself at home in here whenever you would like, Emily. I know how much you enjoyed the library at Yorkleigh"

  She was surprised at his kindness. "I would not want to disturb your work, my lord"

  "That's all right, Miss Spencer. Besides, I do not spend as much time in this library as I do at home. Please feel free to make use of it at any time."

  "Thank you, my lord. Of course, I don't know how much time I will have to be in here, either. The countess and I have ever so many plans. I don't know if there are enough hours in the day," she laughed. "Well, I should take these notes up to her." She excused herself and fled from his disturbing presence.

  Emily had such conflicting emotions in her heart. She felt a profound distrust of the earl, knowing he was in association with Edwin, yet she was still powerfully attracted to him. He apparently had many kind qualities, and none could deny his dashing handsomeness. It was a dilemma that she knew would take some time to sort out. She shook her head at her conflicting reasonings as she stood outside Lady Clara's door and knocked softly. She was admitted by Smitty, who was assisting the countess with her toilette.

  "My lady, look how many notes have arrived for us!" she exclaimed happily, waving the sheaf of papers in the air triumphantly. "Most are for you, or you and I combined, but there are actually a few for me," she continued wonderingly.

  "Well, of course, my dear. You did make some friends during the house party, you know," the countess laughed.

  "Yes, I guess I did," Emily realized aloud. She was filled with a renewed sense of zest for life. She had lived a rather solitary existence up until now and was amazed at the opportunities before her. She nearly bounced with delight as the two women began to open the many missives bearing their names.

  "But, milady, many of these invitations are for the same dates. What does one do in a situation like this?"

  Her question revealed her lack of experience, and the countess laughed before answering patiently, "We either pick one and send our regrets to the others, or we attend multiple gatherings in one evening. Notice, too, that some are for the afternoon, and others are for the evening. We shall be very busy, Emily. You're going to have to get used to town hours and train yourself to sleep later in the morning, since you won't be getting to bed until the wee hours most nights"

  Emily was filled with anticipation at the thought. Her cup of excitement ran over with the countess' next words. "Oh, Emily, I almost forgot to tell you, Philip has arranged for us to have a box at the theatre for the Season. So whenever you like, we may go. No doubt he has a schedule of which performances are on which evening, so we can make our plans"

  Emily's composure fractured, and she burst into tears, much to the countess' dismay. "Whatever is the matter, Emily? I thought you would be happy."

  "Oh, Lady Clara, I am happy. You're being ever so good to me. I just cannot believe I am going to enjoy a London Season. And my mother isn't here to see it," Emily sobbed.

  The countess was at a loss for words. She and Emily had never discussed her personal history in any detail, and she wasn't even sure when Emily's parents had died. It was clear Emily was still mourning her loss, and Lady Clara had not even been aware of it. She patted Emily's shoulder rather awkwardly while the girl pulled herself together.

  "I'm sorry, milady, I think I am just overwrought with the journey and all the excitement. Perhaps I will just go to my room and wash my face. I'm fine, really. Please don't worry about me. Maybe you can pick which invitations we shall accept, since I have no idea about such things. I will meet you in the salon in a few minutes" With that Emily gave the countess a wobbly smile and left the room. Lady Clara looked at Smitty and shrugged. What could she do?

  Emily escaped to her room, sobbing, her grief seemingly inconsolable. She threw herself onto her bed and wept heavily for some time. She realized she had not truly grieved the loss of her dear parents; things had been too chaotic since their death. Being here in London made it all seem so fresh, since this was what they had wanted to provide for her themselves. They would be so happy to see her here, but they would have wanted to be with her, to watch over her and protect her. Well, she had to protect herself now, with the help of Lady Clara. She went to the looking glass, and it was as though she could see her mother's face. It was a comfort, and she was able to dry her tears and wash the stains from her cheeks. She patted her face dry and felt once again ready to face the world. She left in search of the countess, determined to wring every ounce of enjoyment from this experience despite the private grief deep in her heart.

  Emily found the countess in the small salon at the front of the house going over the invitations they had received as well as the schedule Philip had provided for the theatre where they had a box. Emily dropped a brief curtsy to the countess. "I'm sorry for losing control like that, milady. I think all the excitement had finally gotten to me."

  "That is perfectly understandable, my dear. Now look, I have made a plan for us, if you will agree to it. We shall go out shopping this afternoon and visit the modiste to ensure our wardrobe is all that it should be. None of these invitations are for this evening, so what do you say to going to an opera?"

  "That sounds fantastic," Emily
enthused with a return of her usual spirits.

  "Excellent. Tomorrow afternoon we are invited for tea to the Fitzgeralds, and the Waddells are hosting a ball that evening. It gets even busier after that, but let's take each day as it comes. I have made a list of those we need to reply to, with yea or nay after each. Could you please take care of those for us?"

  "With pleasure, milady."

  "Good. We can leave for shopping in about an hour, then."

  After their shopping expedition and a short nap to refresh themselves, the countess and her companion donned their finery and set off for the opera. Lord Philip had declined their invitation to join them, but the two ladies were content with each other's company. They were very excited to see the performance. Emily had never been to the opera, and it had been quite some time since Lady Clara had enjoyed the treat. They were in high spirits as they were assisted down from the carriage by one of the footmen.

  Emily took a moment to stare in awe at the ornate edifice before her. There were fashionable lords and ladies climbing the enormous staircase toward the well-lit entrance archways. She allowed her anticipation to mount as she slowly climbed the stairs arm in arm with the countess. They were both fighting the desire to giggle like schoolgirls, so excited were they for the treat that lay before them.

  "Whom do you suppose we shall see here, Lady Clara?" asked Emily as an afterthought. She had been so excited for the performance that she had quite forgotten this could be a social occasion as well.

  "Oh, we shall see all sorts of people tonight, Emily. I know some of the royal princesses enjoy the opera, so they may be here tonight. And I am quite sure the Eastwicks have procured a box for themselves this Season, so perhaps you shall see your friend Lady Arabella"