An Earl for Edith

by Tammi Lee Bird

  “Once the sun comes out and makes an appearance, I would love to go outside and play with Gracie. She’ll be thrilled”

  They sat in silence for a few minutes with nothing to talk about. Edith yawned and realized she was close to falling asleep, which wouldn’t do. They needed their faculties about them in order to find an acceptable way out of here. “You said I could ask anything.” She paused, waiting for him to respond. He nodded and she said, “Then tell me your most embarrassing childhood memory.”

  He thought for a moment and Edith happily watched his expressive eyes. “I was eight or nine at the time. My younger sister, Rose, and I were exploring the woods around Avonview when we got lost. As her elder brother, it was my responsibility to keep her safe and I was scared, so I started yelling for help. No one came and I was sure that wild animals were going to get us, so I made us both roll in a mud puddle until we blended in with the environment. My father found us an hour or two later. Not only were we a mess, but we were so close to the house that if I’d thought to climb a tree I would have known where we were.”

  “That’s it? That doesn’t sound too bad.”

  “My father told that story to everyone who came to visit for the next year. Everyone laughed at me.”

  “Well speaking of climbing trees, I have a story,” Edith admitted.

  “Do tell.”

  “I loved cats as a child, and one day I found one stuck in a tree. Instead of going for help, I took matters into my own hands and climbed up the tree to rescue it. The moment I got close it decided it was more scared of me than heights and leaped down. I started to descend only to have a branch break under my foot. I didn’t fall. I was holding on with my hands while my feet dangled. I too yelled for help. Guess what happened next.”

  “Someone found you.”

  “No. A cow came walking by and stared up at me. I think it was wondering what exactly I was doing. I convinced myself that if I could get the cow to come below me, I could drop onto it and it would break my fall. I sang to it and wiggled my feet trying to entice it over. It didn’t move and my muscles were tired. I couldn’t hang there forever, so I swung back and forth and tried to aim for it as I let go of the branch I was holding.”

  “I doubt this is going to end well.”

  “Shh, don’t interrupt. I was just getting to the good part. I didn’t hit the cow, but I did land in a fresh pile of cow dung.”

  Lord Camden laughed. “Didn’t you see if from where you were?”

  “I don’t remember, but the cow mooed at me and wandered away, and I slunk home with a broken arm.”

  They shared stories back and forth, each trying to surpass the other in the level of ridiculousness. They laughed and joked, and Edith couldn’t help imagining a future where they could talk the night away like this whenever they wanted.

  Footsteps from the corridor alerted her that someone was nearby. “Do you hear that?” she whispered. Miles nodded, and Edith came up with a slap-dash plan. “You go to the door and ask for someone to let you out. I’ll hide behind the chairs and wait until you leave to make my way back to my room. As long as no one sees me here, then all is well.”

  Miles made a shooing motion, and Edith hopped out of her chair and ran around to hide behind it as Lord Camden went to the door and started knocking on it asking, “Is anyone out there? I need to be let out.”

  Edith heard the murmur of a voice behind the door, but wasn’t close enough to distinguish what was being said. She crouched as low to the ground as possible and prayed to escape this debacle without harming either of their reputations. She wanted Miles to love her now more than ever. He’d been through so much with his first wife. He deserved a happy second chance at love.

  The voices stopped for a moment then she heard the beautiful sound of a door squeaking open. She tried to slow her breathing; the last thing she needed now was to be discovered hiding. Now that the door was open, she could hear a maid apologizing to Miles for the inconvenience of being shut in the library. He was kind to the girl and said that no one would be punished since there was no harm done. Footsteps sounded and faded away. Was she alone now?

  Edith counted to two-hundred before sneaking out from behind the high leather-back chair. Miles had left her the candles so she wasn’t alone in the dark, which she appreciated. She blew out the extra ones and took one back up to her room. She’d tell Mama she never went downstairs to look for her book, but that she’d asked a servant to get it for her.

  Her bed was soft, warm, and welcoming. Yet Edith still had a hard time falling asleep. She wanted to know what Miles was doing. Was he sleeping? Reading? Thinking about her? She missed his company and knew the next day would come faster if she could get some rest. Anxiety won over logic, and Edith experienced a very long night tossing and turning in her bed.

  Chapter 13

  Grace shrieked as a snowball hit her shoulder. Edith ran away as quickly as she could, sure that retaliation was going to be swift, cold, and wet. Running in the snow was difficult. It had been years since she’d last tried, and while her two pairs of wool stockings and a sturdy pair of leather boots kept her feet warm, they didn’t prevent her from tripping on a tree root hidden beneath the snow and falling flat on her face.

  Little Gracie came running to help her and offered her a hand up. Sweet as the offer was, it didn’t make getting onto her feet any easier. Miles, on the other hand, was standing beneath a large oak tree laughing at her. She half suspected that he had two snowballs waiting for her and Grace once she was off the ground.

  Thud, splunk. Two well packed snowballs hit them as they stood. She looked down at Grace and smiled. Gracie nodded, and their coordinated attack on Lord Camden began. Six snowballs later the earl waved his hands in the air and admitted defeat.

  They all went up to the nursery where hot chocolate and cake was waiting for them along with a pile of blankets. Edith wrapped several layers over Grace and was about to pour her a cup of chocolate when Gracie frowned and said, “This is my nursery, Miss Wilson. Therefore, you are to sit down, get warm, and wait for me to serve refreshments.” Gracie almost sounded like a mature hostess. If only she didn’t have a hard time pronouncing her TH’s. Which was understandable, since the little minx had lost a tooth the night before. The dark gap next to her front teeth added an air of mischievousness to her angelic features that made Edith want to pinch her cheeks. Her miniature hostess poured her a very full cup of scalding chocolate and in small steps walked it over to where she sat, each one almost spilling the beverage.

  Edith released a sigh of relief the moment her refreshments arrived safely. Grace was also quite generous in cutting the cake. She cut it into three pieces and made sure everyone had a slice. It was so big that it was spilling over the edges of the dessert plate. Edith wasn’t sure if she would be able to finish her portion, but tucked into it with enthusiasm.

  “I know what kind of mother I want now,” Gracie exclaimed, bits of cake flying out of her mouth as she spoke.

  “A lady waits until she has swallowed her food before speaking,” Edith explained. “That way they don’t get crumbs all over.”

  “I know.” Grace stomped her foot dramatically. Edith held her tongue and didn’t give another lesson on etiquette. “I want a mother who plays with me, who teaches me, and gives excellent hugs. I guess that makes Edee the best candidate so far. What do you think, Papa?”

  “I think this is a discussion that we should have when Miss Wilson is not present. How would she feel if I said something negative about her?”

  “Bad, obviously.” Grace turned to Edith and whispered, “I think he likes you too.”

  Edith had nothing to say to that, and while she was sure Miles had overheard, he also remained silent for a few minutes. They sat and listened as Grace chattered away about her friends and toys. Before long it was time to leave Gracie to her studies as they went downstairs to the musicale that was planned to start at 3 pm. All of the females were expected to perform at least one mu
sical number. Edith had brought some sheet music with her but hadn’t practiced the piano in ages. The music room was pink and blue with a floral theme. Blue roses were beautifully painted on the walls while pink lace at the windows tinted the room a rosy hue.

  Edith still hadn’t confronted her mother about the library incident. She didn’t want to talk to her right now, so she took a seat next to Lady Camden. Lady Ann performed first, a Christmas carol with a lively beat. It was a lovely rendition that everyone enjoyed. Miss Trimble was next; her Mozart was emotional and flawless. Lady Camden had tears in her eyes when Miss Trimble finished. Lady Camden invited Edith to go next. She couldn’t refuse, but she wanted to. Now she had to follow one of the best performers she’d ever heard.

  She placed her music on the piano. The other girls had their pieces memorized, and Edith knew she should play from memory as well, but experience had taught her that she forgot things quickly when she was in front of an audience. Lord Camden offered to help her turn the pages and she gratefully accepted his aid. She’d chosen a slow and easy holiday song. Her fingers shook as she placed them over the keys. Her heart was pounding in her ears; she hated playing in front of others.

  The first few notes went well. However, it only took one mistake to cause her to tremble with anxiety, and by the end of her song she’d counted six errors. The others applauded her half-heartedly and she sat back down next to Countess Camden. Edith hardly heard the next few performances, as she focused on calming herself.

  When the musicale finally finished, Edith was ready for a little alone time. She stood up and walked out of the door but not fast enough. As she was leaving she heard Georgina Green say, “I don’t know why she didn’t decline in advance. She has no talent on the piano.”

  Even though Miss Green was speaking quietly to Lady Ann, they had to know that she could hear them. Ann replied, “I don’t know how she got Lord Camden to turn her pages for her. He’s been paying her attention lately, but for the life of me I cannot figure out why. She’s flat as a board in the front and her skin has an unhealthy yellow sheen.”

  “I’ve never seen anyone with such thin, stringy hair. No man would ever pay her court. I bet Lord Camden and Sir Archibald are playing with her feelings. There is no other rational explanation.”

  Miles stepped out from behind the two ladies. His face was dark and threatening. Edith had never seen him so upset. Before he could say something to the two catty women, Edith called out to him, “Ah, Lord Camden. I’ve just heard the most interesting bit of gossip. Would you like to know what certain ladies have been saying about you?” Miss Green turned around and covered her mouth in shock while Lady Ann bit down on her lip. Before Miles could answer her question, she cut him off, “Of course you wouldn’t. It would be rude to spread unfounded gossip.”

  Edith turned and walked out of the room, hoping the earl would follow her. She didn’t need anyone else standing up for her when she was perfectly capable of squashing ridicule from her peers. She’d been doing that since she was a child.

  She walked through the lovely hall without looking where she was going. Despite her bravado and brave comeback, she felt horrible. The worst part was that she had no real rebuttal. She was flat, and ugly, and the only reason Sir Archibald and Lord Camden paid her any attention was due to a trap and a bet. A tear leaked from her treacherous eye and she wiped it away furiously. Why should she cry over the truth?

  A hand on her shoulder stopped her forward progression. Miles was there. Another tear escaped and he wiped it away for her. He took her hand and pulled her into the nearest room. She wasn’t sure what purpose the room served, as the only thing she noticed before he pulled her into a huge hug was that the walls were green. Then the world went dark as she tucked her head into his arms and cried. He rubbed her back. His large hands moving up and down sending tingles shooting through her body. It didn’t take her long to move from self-pity to attraction. She’d never been held like this before. She was safe and protected in his embrace. Edith lifted her face and looked at him. There was a furrow in his eyebrow; she couldn’t tell if he was sad or angry, but either way he was there for her.

  “It’s not true,” he said. “You are willowy, with just enough curves. You bring light and happiness wherever you go. There is nothing wrong with you, the problem lies with their jealousy.”

  “That is kind of you, but even you cannot say I’m beautiful. They were harsh and mean, but not wrong.”

  “There is more than one kind of beauty.” He leaned down and kissed her forehead. “Your skin is warm and buttery soft.” He reached out and twirled a curl of her hair in his fingers. “Your hair is smooth like satin. It shimmers in the light and reminds me of sunshine on leather.”

  He moved in even closer and Edith couldn’t breathe. She had no idea what he was going to do next, but her heart was sure it would be amazing. He cupped her face in his enormous hands and rubbed the remaining tears away from her cheeks before leaning in and placing a kiss on the tip of her nose. Did people kiss noses? Was it supposed to feel good? At least it was better than having him smash a door in her face.

  “And you should already know my opinion of your eyes. They show your every emotion and shine like silk. I adore your eyes.” Edith smiled. Of all his compliments, that one meant the most. It reminded her of the day they met. Their eyes locked and she couldn’t look away from him. He was so close she could see small flecks of yellow and brown around the iris of his eyes.

  With her heart beating furiously in her chest, she inched forward and whispered into his ear, “I wish I could kiss you, Miles Stirling.” She’d tried to sound flirtatious, but the words came out breathy. She looked at his lips; they were pink and round without being too full.

  “I distinctly remember telling you there is more than one way to work around such a small restraint.” He turned his face and kissed her cheek.

  He trailed kisses along her jaw. Butterflies flew in her stomach as cool fire burned wherever he touched. She pulled away; it wasn’t fair that he was the only one taking initiative. “Stand still, Lord Camden, and close your eyes.”

  He did as she asked. He was willing to listen to her. She put her hands on both sides of his face and pressed her lips to his cheek. The same place she’d kissed him at his hunting lodge. He didn’t move and his eyes stayed closed. He trusted her. His mouth was only a few inches away, and with one move she could win his silly bet. Instead, she stared at the laugh lines around his eyes. She wanted to add to those lines. To see him smile every day. His eyebrows were darker than his hair. She traced them softly with her fingers. His eyes snapped open and he grabbed her hand. “If I’m to keep my promise to you, then we need to separate. You are far more tempting than you know,” he whispered. “Goodnight, Edith.”

  “Sleep well, Miles,” she replied in a voice so low and husky it hardly sounded like it came from her. She watched him walk away. Once he was gone the room came into focus. She’d just had a romantic moment with the Earl of Camden in the breakfast nook adjacent to the dining room.

  Chapter 14

  Miles slept fitfully. His mind was trapped in the breakfast room with Edith. She smelled of lavender and rosemary. He could still feel the press of her delicate fingers on his face. He remembered being frustrated after kissing Louisa when they were courting, but it hadn’t been this bad. He’d never dreamt of holding her in his arms. His unquenched desire was most likely due to the fact he couldn’t actually kiss Edith’s delectable mouth.

  The long night was finally broken by a few rays of sunlight, and Miles took that as his cue to get out of bed. His hair was a mess from having tossed and turned for hours. His eyes looked sunken, but at least the sunrise was exceptionally beautiful. He would have missed it if he’d been sleeping. It was a lovely start to the day before Christmas.

  His stomach wasn’t ready for food, and he knew Grace was so excited to decorate the house today. He walked up to his daughter’s room. She was lying in bed, her dark hair curled around her
head. She was perfect. He sat down next to her and woke her up with a kiss on her forehead. “Merry Christmas Eve.”

  Her eyes opened wide and a smile spread across her sleepy face. “We’re going caroling today, and we’ll cover the house in boughs of evergreen.” She sat up in bed and yawned. “Edith will come too, won’t she? I had so much fun with her yesterday.”

  “Yes she will, lambkin. Don’t forget to wear extra layers when we go outside. You wouldn’t want to catch a cold on the day before Christmas.” Miles smiled at his daughter before leaving her to her morning ablutions.

  His stomach was starting to growl, yet he was a little nervous going down to breakfast. The room still held strong memories of being with Edith the night before. He needed to clear his head. Even though it was not good weather for horseback riding, he could still go to the stables and visit with his favorite animals.

  No one else was eating yet, so he had the room to himself. He filled his plate with meat, cheese, and bread and quickly scarfed it down. An hour with Amadeus brought peace to his mind. He hadn’t thought of romance or been close enough to a woman to embrace in over eight years. There was a logical reason behind his desire for Edith, and it wasn’t love. It was the natural man that hungered for the touch of a woman, any woman. Amadeus understood. Miles had seen his steed prancing in front of the mares. His dreams had made him worry he was falling for Edith, but now in the light of day, he was able to calm his troubled mind. He’d determined at some point last night that if he started caring for Miss Wilson then he’d have to step away from her and choose a different bride. He was relieved he could still pursue her.

  When he returned to the house, the servants were busy getting ready for a day of cheer and decorations. The twelve days of Christmas were about to begin. His mother was already up, busily ordering her squadron of servants on the long list of things they needed to do, while simultaneously making sure the help had time to enjoy the day as well. She’d given them shifts so that they could spend time with their own families throughout the next week.