Tempting the Earl

by Wendy May Andrews

  They did indeed see many interesting noblemen and women as they made their way to the box. The countess was quite popular and was greeting many people as they made slow progress. They were just getting settled in their seats in time for the performance to begin.

  Emily was enraptured. She understood very little, as most of the opera was in Italian, but she did not allow that to mar her enjoyment. She found the entire experience magical. From the beautiful gentry decked out in their fine clothing, to the twinkling of the myriad candles, to the achingly beautiful voice of the buxom opera singer, Emily was entranced by the entire experience, and it was a bit of a blow to come down to earth when there was a pause for intermission. She was quite startled by the rousing applause that accompanied the fall of the curtain, and she turned blinking, slightly out-of-focus eyes upon Lady Clara, who laughed with delight at her owlish appearance.

  "I take it you are having a good time, Miss Spencer," she teased.

  "This is so much better than I ever could have imagined," enthused Emily before laughing at her own naive enthusiasm. They were still chuckling together in good humor when there was a light knock on their door.

  "Enter," called the countess regally. The effect was somewhat ruined when she accompanied it with another lighthearted chuckle, but both women were delighted to see who entered.

  "Lady Arabella!" exclaimed Emily with joy as she rose to greet her friend affectionately. "However did you know where to find us?"

  "Well, my dear Miss Spencer, I saw the two of you enter your box just before the program began, and I was trying to discreetly catch your attention throughout, but you were so enthralled with the show that you were oblivious to my efforts," quietly teased the richly dressed young lady.

  "Thank you for coming to gain our attention now. How have you been since we last saw you? When did your family arrive in the city?" Emily was so happy to see her friend, she felt she was babbling.

  "We arrived almost a fortnight ago and have been busy preparing for the Season. It is always amazing to see all that is required to catch oneself a husband," trilled Lady Arabella drolly as she went on to recount all that had been occupying the Eastwick family since they had departed from Rosemount.

  "Sounds as if your mother is trying to run herself into an early grave," commented Lady Clara.

  Lady Arabella laughed at the countess' jest before continuing on a serious bent. "Mama rests while I spend a few hours at the foundling hospital, where I have been volunteering," she explained.

  "You are spending time at a foundling hospital?" questioned Emily, highly curious.

  "Oh, Miss Spencer, you should see these poor orphans. My heart just breaks for their plight. We have such a comfortable life; I feel an obligation to help those less fortunate. Perhaps you would like to come with me one day and see if you might like to help out as well"

  Given Emily's background, she was unsure if she wanted to spend any time in a hospital; however, she also felt compassion for other orphans. So, despite her misgivings, she agreed to try it out. The women realized the program was about to recommence, so the girls hurriedly agreed on a time when the countess would not require Emily's assistance and bade each other adieu.

  "It was kind of you to agree to spend some time with the orphans," commented Lady Clara. "All of us should be concerned about the plight of others. Although I am surprised Lady Eastwick is allowing her daughter to do so, considering what a stickler she is. You go ahead and give it a try. If it is something you wish to stick with, perhaps I can get involved in some fund-raising"

  The two women were happy to set their concerns aside and sit back to enjoy the rest of the opera. Emily was disappointed that it was over much too soon and found she was humming happily as she walked toward the carriage with the countess. The two women unhurriedly made their way home, discussing in minute detail all that they had enjoyed about the opera. Lady Clara was delighted by Emily's enthusiasm for their first official London outing. For, as she said, "One can shop anywhere, but only London has the opera"

  Thus began the whirl of activity that would be their lives for the Season. Emily was having a grand time. Every day they were visiting or being visited. At first it was only the ladies Lady Clara was already friends with or the girls Emily had met, but as the days went by, gentlemen began to be added to the list of visitors whenever they were "at home"

  There was never a dull moment as the two women went to teas, musicales, poetry readings, shopping-the list went on and on. Emily even found some who were interested in the museum. She enjoyed a fascinating afternoon examining Elgin's marbles, imagining what other civilizations would have been like. Realizing, though, that it was terribly unfashionable to appear to be a bluestocking, Emily kept her keen interest to herself with a great deal of effort. But the artifacts Lord Elgin was shipping back to London were inspiring her to want to do research into the lives of those who had lived in other times. It was awe-inspiring to view objects that could have been touched or used by some of the ancient writers and philosophers of whom she was so fond.

  Most of the friends from the house party had been by to visit soon after the countess and her companion arrived in town. One visit of note was when Miss Jane and Lord Sutherland dropped in with the baron's uncle, the Earl of Vale. It was clear the courting couple had the full approval of the earl as he sat in conversation with Lady Clara and Emily, watching fondly as the young couple sat and cooed to each other.

  Lady Clara had known Vale since her own coming-out ball many years previous, and it transported her back to sit and flirt with the still-handsome older man. Emily wondered if she should leave the four alone, since they had all become quite oblivious to her presence. She had never seen the countess appear so girlish as she sat and reminisced with Lord Vale. Lady Clara actually simpered as the old earl bowed low over her hand when he was taking his leave with his nephew and Miss Jane when the prescribed time had passed.

  "Perhaps we could ride out in the park one fine afternoon next week," invited Vale.

  Lady Clara blushed and almost giggled as she answered in the affirmative. Emily hugged her young friend Jane good-bye just before another group of visitors entered to take their place.

  After all their guests had dispersed that afternoon, Emily turned smilingly to her countess and declared, "Out with it, my lady. What is the history between you and the handsome old earl?"

  "He is not old," declared Clara emphatically.

  Emily burst out laughing. "That was not the point of my question, my lady," she pointed out.

  Lady Clara blushed and answered. "Before I married Philip's father, I was torn between him and Vale. The two gentlemen were both interested in me, but Yorkleigh came up to scratch first" Lady Clara gazed off into the distance, reminiscing. "I never really knew if Vale had true intentions toward me or not. I could not be sure if he was serious or merely flirting with me. I never regretted my decision to marry my husband, and we were truly happy until his death. But, oh, Emily, it does do the heart good to have a handsome man flirting with one, does it not?"

  "You are quite right, my lady. And no wonder he would want to flirt with you" The two women giggled together like girls for a moment before Emily continued. "You know, my lady, the earl never did marry. Maybe he has been keeping the candle burning for you all these years"

  "I think you have too many romantic notions in your head," concluded Clara, although she wore a pleased expression and a faint blush upon her face. "Isn't it time we start our preparations to go out this evening?" she continued, changing the subject.

  Despite the countess' nonchalance in the matter, after that afternoon visit the Earl of Vale was often present when the countess and her companion were receiving visitors, and the two aging nobles were often seen taking to the dance floor to certain slower numbers at the balls they attended. Speculation began to mount among the ton whether or not Vale was paying court to the Countess of Yorkleigh.

  Emily and Lady Clara were thrilled with the results of their vis
its to the London modiste. The gowns they had selected were appropriately beautiful. Emily gazed longingly at the richer hues of the gowns for the countess in contrast with the lighter, wispier fabrics deemed appropriate for the younger woman. Lady Clara laughed at Emily's desire for the more dramatic colors.

  "Your time will come, my dear. Enjoy being young; it does not last nearly long enough. If you are not so excited about the colors of your gowns, just be glad you can carry off these light shades. Many of the other young ladies look so washed out by the colors that are considered appropriate for those fresh from the schoolroom"

  "But, my lady, I am not actually fresh from the schoolroom, am IT reasoned Emily.

  "Maybe not, but appearances matter, Emily. You look quite lovely in that gown; enjoy it. Now let's go. We do not want to be late"

  It was still early in the Season, and they had not yet attended any of the grander parties, but Philip began to find it irksome to be constantly tripping over fashionable young ladies and gentlemen who were coming to see Miss Spencer. Besides the young folk coming to see Emily, there was an increasing number of older gentlemen who were beginning to show up to pay their respects to the countess. Philip found that highly disconcerting.

  Emily's role as companion began to evolve into that of chaperone. It turned out that Lord Vale's interest in the countess had sparked the idea in other aging potential suitors that the Countess of Yorkleigh might be on the lookout for another husband. Lady Clara was initially delighted by the male attention but then began to find it disturbing. She really doubted if she could ever replace her dear earl and thought it was too late in life to try. She discussed the matter at some length with her companion.

  "I see we have another beautiful gift from Lady Thorpe's father," teased Emily.

  "Yes," sighed Lady Clara disconsolately.

  "My dear lady, you sound quite sad about the matter. You should be in transports. Lord Brookfield is a remarkably handsome old charmer. That fan he sent over for you is quite lovely."

  "You are right, Emily. He is handsome and charming and has exquisite taste in gifts. But, unfortunately, thanks to Lord Vale's flirtation with me, I think many of the older gentlemen think I am on the lookout for another husband. I will admit that the attention was nice at first, but now I am faced with the task of refusing offers for my hand."

  Emily laughed with glee at the consternation upon the countess' face. It was vastly amusing to see that the older lady was as confused about her feelings as the young ladies making their debut. She then sobered when she realized that her dear friend was really quite distraught over the situation.

  "Is it really so bad, my lady? Have any been terribly persistent? I am sure that Lord Philip would be quite happy to look after the matter for you."

  "I don't want to involve my son. Can you imagine how awkward that would be for him? He is still grieving for his father, it seems to me. The reason this is so uncomfortable for me is that the last time I was on the Marriage Mart, everyone had to approach my father first. If I weren't interested in a particular gentleman, my father would deal with him accordingly. It was much simpler that way," declared the countess emphatically.

  "Would you like me to make an effort at discouraging the gentlemen?" Emily offered kindly, although not quite knowing how she would carry out such a task.

  Her offer had the effect of wiping the melancholy from Lady Clara's demeanor as she giggled girlishly at the thought of Miss Spencer shooing away the persistent suitors. "That is the most generous offer I have received all week" She laughed. "No, Emily, I don't think I shall have to take you up on that offer just yet. I think this is Lord Vale's fault, and he shall have to help me with it"

  "You could always become engaged to his lordship for the Season and break the engagement when it is time to return to Rosemount. That should discourage the other gentlemen from calling around so much" Emily was merely joking, but Lady Clara's reaction was quite serious.

  "What a brilliant idea. Perhaps I shall propose when next he comes for tea"

  Emily was amazed to be the center of attention at times. She was not aware that Lady Clara had put it about that she was a family friend and had a small dowry, but she was considered to be available on the Marriage Mart. Although her success was not brilliant like that of Miss Julia, who was set to inherit quite a considerable amount, Lady Clara was delighted with the attention her young friend Emily was receiving. Emily's hand was spoken for for every dance at the parties they attended, and there was a constant flow of visitors when they were at home in the early afternoons.

  Philip was put out to see the bouquets of flowers that were often being delivered for Emily and was annoyed by all the young pups hanging about his front rooms. He knew he was being unreasonable to be so annoyed, but he never got to speak with his mother or Emily himself anymore. They always slept late, and he had to breakfast alone every day.

  One day he realized he had had enough. He bumped into Emily in the hallway as she was approaching the stairs with her nose buried in a bunch of flowers that had just arrived at the door.

  "One more poor sot to add to your list of besotted suitors?" he questioned sneeringly.

  Emily was surprised at his tone. So was Philip; he realized he sounded almost jealous.

  "I do not know what you mean, my lord. Is this not the normal way of the ton during the Season?" she questioned gently.

  "Well, you do seem to be surprisingly popular," he replied grudgingly.

  "My lord, it makes your mother so happy. Please do not begrudge her the fun"

  Philip was surprised by Emily's answer. "Doesn't it make you happy, all of this attention?" he queried.

  Emily turned wise eyes upon the earl and regarded him with her head slightly cocked. "Everyone likes to be liked," she explained patiently. "But it really does seem to me that it is a bunch of foolishness. For example, the gentleman who sent me this pretty bouquet has probably also sent one to Phoebe Featherington, so one cannot take these things too seriously. The countess is so enjoying the attention I am receiving that I cannot find it in my heart to refuse her this fun. Please do not ruin it for her. She never had a daughter, and her own Season was so long ago."

  Philip realized Emily's generous heart was potentially going to get her into trouble, but he was being an ogre for begrudging the two ladies their popularity. He decided he should take a hand in the ladies' socializing and join them at some of the functions they were attending. Lady Clara was delighted to have his escort and was very proud of the picture the three of them portrayed as they attended the fashionable gatherings of the ton. Emily, too, began to forget her trepidation in Philip's company, and they returned to the comfortable banter they had enjoyed previously.

  One excursion they all greatly enjoyed was to the newly refurbished Somerset House. Near Waterloo Bridge, the House held exhibits of British painters and sculptors, many of whom were not yet well known. The earl and his mother loved to watch Emily's excitement as she speculated over which artists would gain fame and fortune as they wandered among the various collections. It had become quite fashionable of late to enjoy the arts, and there was a considerable crowd of well-dressed and coifed young lords and ladies vying for a position in front of each piece of art. After wearing themselves out, Philip treated the two women to a refreshing cup of tea at Gunther's before returning them home to prepare for whichever entertainment they were to attend that evening.

  After much careful consideration Philip had decided that he was still in search of a wife. Lady Maude had turned out to be unsuitable, but he was not going to let that make him give up. He sat down one afternoon and complied a list of qualities he considered necessary in his future countess. He decided it would be appropriate to ask his mother for her opinion and thus broached the subject with her one afternoon.

  "Mother, I have made a list of requirements for my future wife. Would you be so kind as to review my list and make some suggestions of who you think might be appropriate from the girls you have met this S
eason?"

  The countess was somewhat startled by this request. "You have made a list? That seems quite cold, Philip. Don't you think you should look around for someone you feel attracted to enough to want to spend the rest of your life with her?"

  "No. Attraction seems too transient. This way I will be able to find someone suitable, and we can grow fond of each other later." Philip knew this was not the way his parents had formed their attachment, but it was common enough in his world. It was high time he found a wife and produced an heir; this was the most practical way of going about it, to his way of thinking.

  Lady Clara was at a loss for words. She had not thought Philip had been hurt by Lady Maude, but he really did seem to be affected, if he was trying to be practical in matters of the heart. "Show me your list, and I will try to give the matter some thought"

  Philip handed her the piece of paper upon which he had drawn up his lengthy list of "requirements" and waited while his mother took a few minutes to peruse it.

  "Well, my son, it seems you have given this a lot of thought. From some of these things you have listed, I think you do not want a very young lady as wife. Levelheaded and practical-that rules out at least half of the young women making their debut on the Marriage Mart," Lady Clara declared with a chuckle. She then continued, "Actually, Philip, this list seems to be a detailed description of our Miss Spencer, don't you think?"

  "Miss Spencer?" Philip questioned in disbelief. "But she is your companion. One of the requirements on that list is that she be of good family. We do not even know where Emily is from, let alone what her family history is"

  "I will agree with you that Emily has not revealed her history to us, but one needs only to spend some time with her to know she must be from a good family, Philip. She is truly a noblewoman, even if her blood is not as blue as yours"

  Philip dismissed his mother's suggestion, firmly determined to ignore his own attraction to Miss Spencer. "You are of no help, Mother. You just think this is a foolish idea. I will find a countess on my own"