An Earl for Edith

by Tammi Lee Bird

  As he watched the rake depart, Miles knew he had to do something to correct his mistake. He had to go to London and warn Miss Wilson about Archibald Lancaster before she gave her heart to him. He would admit to his wrongdoing and tell her the truth. Then if she still wished to kiss the reprobate, it would be on her own conscious and not his own.

  Now for the hardest part of all; he needed to find Mother and tell her that he was leaving while the house was full of guests expecting to have him as their host. At least London was only a day by carriage and he would be able to get back to Avonview before the Christmas ball.

  He found Mother enjoying her afternoon tea with the Middletons and Wycliffes. He knew that his mother would not leave her guests, so he sat down and helped them finish off the clotted cream and tea cakes. Lady Ann Wycliffe quickly claimed the seat next to him and started batting her eyes at him as she talked about how hard it was to find good lace. Miles nodded and tried to listen, but every minute ticking by reminded him of how far behind Sir Archibald he would be by the time he left.

  Once tea was over Miles told Mother he needed to talk to her in private. Mother tucked her arm in his and said, “The green room is always nice and quiet, and the doors are thick enough to block out listening ears.”

  “Perfect”

  Once ensconced in the green room, Miles had a hard time beginning his explanation. He didn’t wish to worry Mother, yet he needed to give her some reason for leaving while they were hosting a house full of guests. “I have some urgent business in London that must be dealt with swiftly. I cannot say the exact nature of the issue, but my honor will not allow me to ignore this. It should only take four days, and I promise to return before the ball.”

  “But what of our guests?” Mother asked. “What shall I tell them when they ask why you are gone?”

  “Whatever you want, or nothing at all. George can step up and hold the fort down while I’m away.”

  “I invited several lovely single ladies. They will be disappointed, and I’m afraid George will not be enough to smooth over their ruffled feathers. That being said, I know you would not ask this of me if it wasn’t important. If you promise to consider the girls I’ve brought this year as potential wives, then I will take care of everything and smooth over any hurt feelings.”

  “I’ll dance with them, and I’ll even try to listen to them when they talk, but I won’t promise you more than that,” Miles offered. For the last few years, he’d refused to dance more than twice on Christmas. He would dance with his mother and with one other woman of her choosing. This year he’d have to take the dance floor with every eligible woman and a few of their mothers, but it was a reasonable punishment for his foolishness with Lancaster and Miss Wilson.

  “I will keep you to that.” Mother stepped closer and kissed his cheek. “All I want is for you to be happy, and a grandson. I don’t think that is too much to ask for. It has been seven years since Louisa passed. You need to move forward and leave the past behind you.”

  “I understand your point of view, Mother, but I don’t believe I’ll ever be able to open my heart again. A grandson is possible, but my happiness died long before Louisa did. I’ll write to you when I reach London.”

  “You aren’t thinking about leaving tonight, are you?”

  “Yes, as soon as possible,” Miles replied.

  “No, you are not. It will be well past dark when you arrive. I lost your father to a carriage accident due to a dark stormy road, I won’t lose you as well. You will depart in the morning.” Miles tried to disagree, but Mother held firm. She would not budge and he gave in to her demands.

  That night, after dinner, Miles confessed all to his cousin George over a glass of port. Instead of sympathizing, his cousin laughed. He laughed so hard Miles was torn between a desire to hit him or join him in his mirth. It was, after all, a ridiculous situation he found himself in.

  One sleepless night and an eight-hour carriage ride later, Miles arrived in London. Somewhere along the way, he’d realized he had no clue where to find Miss Wilson as he didn’t know who she was staying with or which events she would be at. So the first house he called on was his sister’s townhome in Grosvenor Square. The butler quickly fetched Rose, and he was happy to see a healthy glow on her cheeks and a twinkle of surprise in her hazel eyes. He was intelligent enough not to tell his sister, Lady Rose Weston, that he was searching for a lady. Instead, he told a white lie, saying he was looking for a friend who was courting a young woman.

  “As I have been away from London for some time, I have no idea where I should look for my friend. What events will he most likely be at this evening?”

  “No ‘how are you, Rose’? I am crushed by your lack of interest in me. You haven’t come to visit in almost a year, and the first thing you want to know is what parties are tonight? I’m disappointed.”

  “You were the one who refused to come to Avonview for Christmas. We could have chatted for hours if you were willing to come.”

  His sister put her hand over her round and swollen stomach. “You know perfectly well why I am not able to travel at present, and I’ll tell you where to find this ‘friend’ of yours so long as you stay with us until you return home.”

  Miles didn’t want to intrude on his sister, but she seemed eager to have him. “I would love to spend some time with you, Rosie. Once my little niece or nephew is born, I’ll bring Grace to come and visit.”

  Rose smiled and said, “You’ve been away from society for far too long if you have forgotten that on Wednesday nights Almack is the place to be. No one plans a fete on a Wednesday for fear of competing with or offending the Almack’s patronesses. The only other thing to do would be a ride in Hyde Park or the Vauxhall gardens.”

  Miles left his sister a few minutes later in search of a voucher that would permit him entry to the most exclusive event in London. He had no doubt he would be allowed in, but getting permission on such late notice was bound to be an ordeal.

  Chapter 6

  Edith clutched her reticule; inside was the precious voucher that would gain her entry into Almacks. As they exited the carriage and made their way up to the impressive building, Edith felt the need to write down all of her experiences that night when she returned. For tonight would be a night she would want to remember for the rest of her life.

  Once inside she was in awe; not of the decorations, but of the jewels and silks covering the peers. Aunt Margaret introduced her to several couples and a few single gentlemen. One even asked her to dance, and she gladly accepted. Her first set was with the portly but genial Mr. Smith. He danced well and only tread upon her foot once.

  Afterward, she was thirsty and ready for the famous lack-luster lemonade when she bumped into the most handsome man she’d ever seen. His blond hair and piercing blue eyes accentuated his square jaw, and when he smiled two perfect dimples graced his face.

  “I beg your pardon, Miss....”

  “Wilson,” she managed to whisper loud enough for him to hear. His eyes twinkled and a look of anticipation passed over his face.

  “It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Wilson. May I have the next dance?”

  “You may, if you give me your name in return.” Edith gave her best smile and stared into his eyes. She wasn’t very good at flirting, but she was going to try her best.

  The gentleman took her hand in his and brought it to his lips. The warmth of his kiss passed through her glove and brought heat to both her hands and face. She flushed and her heart fluttered when he said, “I am Sir Archibald Lancaster, Baronet, at your pleasure.”

  A girlish giggle almost escaped her throat, and she quickly bit down on her lip to stop the silly sound. The music changed and she floated like a cloud as he escorted her onto the dance floor. He was witty and eloquent and too perfect to be true. Edith knew a hopeless flirt when she saw one, and Sir Archibald laughed with the ease of a man who had been praised and teased by many young women. Edith knew better than to think that such a paragon would be intereste
d in her romantically, yet she also refused to be pessimistic. This minuet was lovely and the moment was hers. She would enjoy his attention while it lasted. Every time their hands came together as they danced a tingle of pleasure zipped up her arm. Edith had never loved the minuet, but after tonight she was sure to remember it more fondly.

  When the song ended, Sir Archibald brought her back to where they’d met. “I’d love to stay and learn more about you, Miss Wilson, but I am needed across the room. I promised the next dance to another. Perhaps you will allow me the pleasure of the quadrille?”

  The quadrille was only a few dances away, and while Edith would love to join him on the dance floor again, she knew better than to make such a cake of herself on her first night in Almacks. “I have other plans for the quadrille,” she said. “You had better hurry. The next dance is about to begin, and I wouldn’t want to make you late.”

  Archibald Lancaster gave her one last parting smile and turned away. Edith sighed partially because she would miss seeing his heavenly features and partially because she felt much more at ease now that he was gone. She made her way through the throng of people back to where she’d last seen her aunt. Thankfully, Margaret was still in the same seat, and Edith was able to sit down next to her and rest her tired feet.

  “I saw you dancing with Sir Archibald.” Margaret frowned disdainfully. “Who introduced him to you?”

  Edith thought back to their first encounter and realized her mistake. “He just sort of introduced himself,” she whispered to her aunt, not wanting others to know about her lapse in protocol. “I forgot my manners and accepted.”

  A frown replaced the smile on her aunt’s face. “As long as no one else knows, it shall be fine, but I don’t want you dancing with him again. He is the worst sort of rake. I don’t know why they let him inside, for he’s been married twice.” Margaret lowered her voice, “His second wife was shot by highwaymen within two months of their wedding day.”

  Edith was shocked. “He must have been devastated!”

  “Some say he hired the killing out. Why only a few weeks after her death he was seen flirting with lightskirts and betting on boxing matches, and once his mourning period was over he never wore black again.”

  “Not everyone mourns in the same manner, Aunt Margaret. He is a heartbreaker for sure, but that does not mean he didn’t love his wife.” Edith couldn’t help defending the man. She hardly knew him well enough to judge him. He was too handsome for her to trust with her heart, but there had been something genuine about him. He exuded a sense of joie de vivre that had been contagious.

  They moved on to other topics of conversation, and Edith was finally able to ask for a glass of lemonade when a kind older gentleman by the name of Johnson offered to get her some before they danced. The man was almost twice her age, but Edith didn’t mind. He was easy to talk to and his attention was flattering. He made it quite obvious that he enjoyed her company, and Edith had just accepted his invitation for a ride in Hyde Park on Friday when she heard a hush come over the crowd. So many heads turned to the entryway that Edith’s curiosity was piqued. She turned to see what the commotion was about. Lord Camden was behind her to the left. His attire was spotless and his dark blonde hair was slicked back.

  Wasn’t he supposed to be at Avonview hosting a party? Edith quickly turned away, hoping he hadn’t noticed her. She couldn’t help remembering how awfully she’d behaved at his hunting lodge. Or the way his simple compliment still warmed her heart with his sincerity and kindness.

  Edith didn’t realize she was staring at a potted plant until her aunt touched her shoulder. “Are you feeling alright, Edith?” Margaret asked. “I said your name at least three times and you didn’t respond.” Her aunt’s voice was concerned, so Edith fortified her heart and smiled.

  “I am just a little tired, perhaps we could leave early.”

  “It would be a shame to leave too soon. The Earl of Camden just appeared for the first time in years. Tonight will be the talk of London.”

  Why had the earl been absent from society for so long? He was young, ruggedly good looking, and rich. “How long has it been since Lord Camden’s last visit?” Edith couldn’t help asking.

  “Hmm, I’m not sure exactly. I think it has been about eight years. The last time I remember seeing him was the year he was married to Miss Louisa Allister. Now, there was a diamond that sparkled for all who beheld her. Louisa was one of the most beautiful girls I’ve ever seen. She died during childbirth, and it is rumored that he took her passing poorly.”

  Edith thought back to her conversations with the man and realized there had been a somber sort of look in his green eyes. They held a sadness that was ever looming in the background of his heart. It was a good thing she hadn’t continued with Mama’s desire to trap the man. She would never have been able to compete with the memory of his first wife.

  An old friend of her aunt came over to talk to her and Edith was content to listen to the music as they reminisced, her foot tapping to the beat. A rustle of skirts to her left made her turn to see Lady Cowper and Lord Camden walking in her direction. Edith stood up to leave, but she was too late.

  “Lady Thackeray, Miss Wilson,” Lady Cowper trilled. “Are you acquainted with my good friend, the Earl of Camden?”

  “I’ve had the pleasure of meeting him years ago,” Aunt Margaret said. “My dear niece has not been so fortunate.”

  Edith couldn’t bring herself to contradict her aunt. So despite her desire to run away, Edith straightened her shoulders and forced herself to look Lord Camden in the eyes. “It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Lord Camden.” Edith bowed her head slightly as she curtsied.

  He nodded solemnly, his hooded lids hiding his piercing blue-green eyes. “It is nice to meet you, Miss Wilson. Are you free for the next dance?”

  His question surprised her. Why would he want to dance with her of all people? Edith glanced behind him, trying to find a way to escape, but all she saw were eyes staring at her. People were already talking, and they hadn’t even danced yet. She racked her brain for any way out and came across one thought. “I’m afraid the next dance is a cotillion, and I have yet to dance it without stepping on my partner’s toes.”

  Aunt Margaret hit her gently in the arm with her fan. “She’s too modest. Edith is an excellent dancer, besides a wrong step never killed anyone.”

  “I promise not to complain. Feel free to do your worst, my shoes are quite sturdy,” Lord Camden replied.

  With no other reason to object, Edith resigned herself and said, “Then I would love to dance.” Lord Camden held out his arm and she took it gently.

  “Enjoy yourselves.” Lady Cowper said as they slowly made their way to the floor. The music was still playing for the current quadrille and they awkwardly stood next to each other waiting.

  “Are you enjoying your long awaited season?” Lord Camden asked.

  “Yes, though I must say that it has been quite different than how I imagined it to be,” Edith admitted.

  “How so?”

  “I have to talk to more strangers than I am comfortable with, and my schedule is constantly busy. I’ve rarely had a moment to myself since I left Sherborn.”

  “That is one of the many reasons why I try to stay away from London as often as possible.” The music stopped and they took their place on the dance floor. Edith put her gloved hand in his and joined the other three couples in their set.

  The music began and she let the familiar music lead her steps. She twirled with Lord Camden then switched partners and returned. Just as she was starting to feel comfortable, he leaned a little closer and whispered, “I need to talk to you in private, Miss Wilson. Will you go riding with me tomorrow?”

  The handsome Sir Archibald had made her heart flutter, but Lord Camden’s breath on her neck made her heart beat so furiously she was momentarily concerned that she might be seriously ill, but when he put a little more distance between them her pulse became less erratic. “I’m dread
fully scared of horses. Don’t you remember?” Edith perpetuated her mother’s lie.

  The dance momentarily split them apart as the men and women separated. When he returned their conversation continued. “Yes, you did seem rather skittish around them. How about a nice carriage ride instead?” he asked.

  “If I am your first dance partner tonight and am seen in your company tomorrow, tongues will wag. Why don’t you just tell me whatever it is that you need to say now?”

  Their hands clasped behind their backs as they stepped in time to the music.“It is a rather long and personal topic I need to broach with you. I fear my whispering in your ear again will cause more gossip than one carriage ride.” He smiled and the laugh lines around his eyes crinkled wonderfully.

  He stared at her with those pale green-blue eyes, and Edith realized she had already formed a tendre for the dratted man. “You may pick me up at three after our visitors are gone.”

  He nodded and the dance was over a moment later. She missed the contact of his hands when they left her, but at least her heart was beating at a more normal rate. Lord Camden handed her back to her aunt, bowed, and left.

  The rest of the night passed in a blur of activity as Edith’s dance card filled. She twirled and hopped around on the arm of so many gentlemen that she was quite sure she wouldn’t remember half of their names the next day. Most of the men wanted to ask her about the earl or for an introduction to him. Apparently, one dance was enough to make Edith a hit. At least Lord Camden had the presence of mind to ask several other young ladies to dance; otherwise, every woman in the room would be giving her dagger eyes instead of the cold lofty ones she was now receiving.

  When they returned to her aunt’s townhouse, Edith quietly informed her that Lord Camden would be driving her around the park the next day. Margaret’s eyes widened in surprise. “Are you sure it was Lord Camden and not some other gentleman?”

  “Yes, I am positive. Though, you shouldn’t think too much of it. He has no interest in me as a life partner, I can assure you.”