“Please, my lovers call me Archi,” he said with a devilish smile.
“Goodnight, Sir Archibald.” She shook her head at his ridiculousness and left the library. Papa was in his room. He was reading. Ever since she was a child she’d seen him read before bed. It was his favorite pastime that they had shared as she grew. Edith had never let Mama know how many books she read. Mama didn’t think reading was ladylike.
He put on a dressing gown and they sat down and talked. “What is your opinion of Sir Archibald?” she asked.
“He is all wrong for you, Edee. I won’t approve of such a rogue, so stay away from him. I thought you were interested in Lord Camden.”
“I thought you might say something like that. I am here tonight to warn you that I will be spending a lot of time with Sir Archibald over the next few days, and to assure you that I am not interested in him at all. I am using him to make Lord Camden jealous.”
“I like that you are making bold plans, but your reputation can be ruined by even the hint of a connection to such a rake. Why don’t you try another scheme?”
“What? I am out of ideas and worried that I will remain on the shelf forever. I need to do something, and I promise that I won’t cross any lines. I will not see him alone or run away with him. I just need people to think that I am smitten. Will that really ruin me?”
If he forbade it, she didn’t know what she would do. She didn’t mind risking her future on this bet, but if the scandal was far reaching, even Lucy would have a hard time finding a beau.
“I suppose it will be alright so long as you are careful. But you must promise to stop your charade if I notice anything going amiss.”
“I promise.” Edith hugged Papa. “If he proposes you’ll say no, then? I don’t actually want to marry Sir Archibald.”
“Refuse will seem like a gentle word when I am done with him. If Lord Camden doesn’t come to scratch after this, he doesn’t deserve you. Though I am happy at how much you’ve come out of your shell over the last few weeks. You are more confident than I’ve ever seen you before.”
She had changed. She was no longer willing to settle for friendship or convenience. I even feel beautiful and valuable and bold. I am not a wallflower, and I will do whatever it takes to make Miles tell me how he really feels.
Chapter 18
Miles woke with a headache. He opened his eyes and winced at the light coming in through the window. Why was his head pounding? Because he’d drunk himself to sleep last night trying to get rid of the image of Edith with swollen lips and eyes that beg him to hold her forever. He closed his eyes and turned over. He wouldn’t have to see her if he slept all day.
His brain, however, wouldn’t let him return to the mercy of slumber. He just kept reliving their kiss. Every touch and sound echoed through his mind as he tossed and turned trying to get comfortable. He was ready to give up and get dressed for the day when something landed on his bed with a thud that shook the mattress. “Gotcha!” Gracie yelled as she tickled his side.
“What are you doing here, lambkin. Shouldn’t you be studying?”
“Grandma told me to wake you. She says it's not good to stay in bed all day and that you need to mind your manners even if you’re sad.”
Miles groaned. Of course Mother knew he was upset. She’d always been able to read him like a book. She probably even knew why. Hopefully, she wouldn’t do anything silly to try and get him to confess his feelings to Edith.
“You do sound sad.” Gracie felt his forehead, checking his temperature. “You feel fine, are you hurt?” He nodded and she patted his back. If only his heartache would go away as quickly as a fever. Then in a few days the worst would be over, and he would forget all about the woman who’d snuck into his life and turned it around from a sweet drunken peck on the cheek to a passionate embrace in the nursery.
“Now I feel much better, Gracie. Tell your grandmother to mind her own business, then it’s time for you to study.”
Gracie hopped off of his bed. “Were you sad because Edee is leaving? I’m going to miss her too. Unless you make her my mother. Then she’ll never leave.”
“Did your grandmother tell you to say that?” he asked.
Grace giggled and ran out the door. It was going to be a long two days until Edith left. He slunk over to his closet and rang for his valet. Today he was going to need to appear flawless so that no one could tell how horrible he felt.
Once he was pronounced ready he left the safety of his room and went downstairs to see if breakfast was still out. It was. He wasn’t alone in taking a late morning meal. Sir Archibald and Edith were eating together. They looked like they’d been together a while as their plates were empty yet they were still talking.
She was smiling up at Sir Archibald, staring into his eyes as though she hadn’t even noticed him enter the room. It was their breakfast nook. She was only supposed to look at him like that. Miles cleared his throat, and she slowly turned to acknowledge his presence.
He quickly filled his plate before sitting down between the two of them. Where was her chaperone? Why was she all alone with a rake? He shoved a piece of ham in his mouth and chewed loudly. He didn’t have to talk to them to ruin their tête-à-tête.
“You sound quite hungry this morning,” Sir Archibald said. Miles nodded and put more food in his mouth, that way it would be impolite to respond.
“Sir Archibald was just telling me he loves children.” Edith turned away from him and twinkled her eyes up at the baronet. Was there something in her eye? No, she was fluttering her eyelashes awkwardly. “If you married again, how many children would you like to have?”
“Five or six. I was an only child and always wanted a large family.”
Miles choked on his boiled egg. Surely a woman would be put off by such a large number. He looked at Edith carefully, but she seemed pleased with Sir Archibald’s response. What was going on? Had her heart changed in the course of a day? Surely there was a more reasonable explanation for why she was hanging on the man’s every word.
“Why don’t you double-check my stables to see if you are sure of your decision. Then we can meet in my study in about an hour. Does that sound good to you?” Miles asked.
“It sounds delightful.” The rake stood and bowed to Miss Wilson. As he turned to leave, Miles caught the man winking at her. Edith blushed and waved goodbye.
Once the baronet was out of earshot, Miles asked, “What is going on with you? I thought you loved me, if that’s the case why are making mooncalf eyes at Sir Archibald?”
Her face turned serious. “Do you love me back?”
His heart beat faster. He wanted to blurt out that he did, but he stopped himself. “I cannot say that I do.”
“Then I need to find someone, anyone, to marry me. My heart belongs to you, but you do not want it. I’m not going to pine away my whole life as a lonely spinster. He needs an heir, and I want to be married. So unless you change your mind about me, I’m going to pursue him.” Edith stood up and left the room. Not giving him time to come up with a good reason why she should find someone better than Sir Archibald.
Once she was gone he set aside his mostly full plate. He didn’t feel like eating anymore. He made his way to his study and started drafting a bill of sale for Mozart. Once that was finished, he sat down and read through his correspondence.
A knock at the door startled him, but he wasn’t surprised when Archibald Lancaster came waltzing into his study. “I am as sure of my choice today as I was yesterday. Miss Wilson has a fine eye for horseflesh. This little house party has been a successful trip for me. I fully plan on coming away not only richer but also with a complimentary bride. She said she wouldn’t even mind if I kept a few mistresses as long as I was discreet. She’ll make me a good wife and help me finally produce heirs. There’s nothing like an ugly wife. She’ll be easy to please, and any small compliment will keep her happy.”
She’s too beautiful for a cad like you. Miles clenched his fist. Now wasn’t th
e time for punching, but for convincing this animal he’d be better off with someone other than Edith. “Miss Wilson is very opinionated and well read. I doubt she would be a compliant wife. Lady Ann, on the other hand, is smitten with your good looks and she has money.” How had he come to this? Giving marriage advice to a reprobate.
“The money is half the problem. I’ve married rich before and they feel entitled to more than their due. Plus their fathers don’t like you gambling their daughter’s fortunes away. I almost died taking that route. No, Edith Wilson is the right match for me. Thank you for helping me make up my mind. I’ll ask her father for her hand tomorrow before she leaves.”
Tomorrow! How could he make such an important decision so quickly? “Don’t you think you should give it a little more time? You hardly know the girl.”
“Life is short. You realize a thing or two when you lose two wives in a row. There is no time like the present, and I am not going to waste my time dithering. It’s not like I love the woman.” Sir Archibald searched the papers on his desk and picked up the bill of sale. “Thanks for the horse, Lord Camden. I enjoyed our little wager. Feel free to call on me again if you run into any more overenthusiastic women. I’ll take them off of your hands.” He winked and left the room.
Miles needed a drink. A strong liquor to quench the fire building in his gut. Was his future peace of mind worth this aggravation? He thought back to the four years he’d been married before. Years of suffering with no relief in sight. He was better off without love, but he couldn’t stand to see Edith chained to such a man. She deserved better than Sir Archibald. He poured himself a tall glass of blue ruin and started making a list of all the men he knew that would be good enough for Edith.
He thought about all of his school chums, acquaintances, and relatives, but each had at least one flaw that made them unsuitable. He almost wrote down George’s name, but stopped before the quill touched the paper. His cousin was still in love with his first wife and had wrapped himself in his grief for so long that he wouldn’t be able to make Edith happy. Miles crumpled the blank paper up into a ball and threw it away. He needed a better plan.
Edith pushed a curl away from her eyes and laughed. She was using afternoon tea as a chance to show her newfound interest in Sir Archibald. It seemed to be working too, because every time she chuckled Miles scowled in her direction. With every passing minute, Edith became more sure of her place in his heart. He was acting out of character and behaving recklessly.
If all else failed then perhaps he’d relent when Sir Archibald went to ask her Papa for her hand. Across the room Miles was talking to Miss Trimble about the danger of spending time with disreputable men. He was obviously trying to warn her away from Sir Archibald, and she had to hide the satisfied smile that crept up the corner of her mouth.
After tea was over Countess Camden waved her over to where she was sitting in front of the tea service. “Come and sit down, dear. We haven’t been able to talk privately since you arrived, and I would like to know how you are doing.”
Everyone else had already left the room and with a nod of her head, the countess somehow signaled the servants to close the doors. What exactly did the Countess want to say to her? “I’ve had a wonderful time here. Avonview is both grand and cozy, which has made me feel at home.”
“Good. I’m glad of that because up until today I had a feeling that you might be staying here on a more permanent basis.”
Edith swallowed. The Countess didn’t mince words. Did she want Edith to marry her son, or did she think her son could do better? Either way, she didn’t want Miles’ mother to dislike her. The true her, the one she’d hidden away for years. She was going to mimic the countess and tell the truth. “I admit to having feelings for your son. He, on the other hand, wants nothing to do with me.”
“That may be what he is saying, but I know my boy. He likes you very much. I hope you won’t break his heart. It’s been hurt enough already.”
“I know. I can’t believe Louisa told him she was going to take other lovers.”
“She did what?” the countess exclaimed. Her eyes wide.
“I’m sorry, I thought you knew. Louisa only married him for his money and never loved him. Isn’t that why you said he’d been hurt enough?”
“I knew they weren’t a happy couple, but I didn’t know what the source of the problem was. No wonder he’s been wary of women since she passed.”
“I think he returns my feelings but is scared to open up to love. I have a plan, and I want to share it with you so that you don’t get the wrong idea about me.” Butterflies squirmed in her stomach. What if her wild ideas made the countess dislike her? “I have asked Sir Archibald to feign interest in me in order to make Lord Camden jealous.”
Countess Camden smiled and her worries disappeared. “Tell me more, I want to know everything.”
Edith laid out her two step plot that started with flirtation and ended with a proposal. “If that isn’t enough, then I don’t know what to do next. It’s not like I can run away to Gretna Green with a rake. I have more than my own reputation to protect. I can’t let Lucy suffer for my mistakes.”
“Of course not. Reputations are not to be meddled with. However, I do have an idea, should it be needed, that wouldn't harm anyone. I could always make my son believe that you are running away when in reality you are traveling somewhere with your family. Yes, that could work. Keep me informed of your progress, and let me know if you need any help. Because you are exactly what Miles needs. I love your take charge attitude and honesty.”
Edith felt a weight leave her shoulders. She had no doubt that if she married Miles she would get along well with his mother. “Of course. Even if he doesn’t care for me, I appreciate your support.”
The Countess stood up and gave Edith a tight hug. “Now go and teach my boy a lesson.”
Edith wished the Countess a good afternoon and floated back to her room. She could picture her life here at Avonview with a loving family around her. She looked through her wardrobe and picked out her most flattering dinner dress. Tonight she was going to look her best and put on a show to remember.
Chapter 19
Miles' appearance was impeccable, but his mind was chaotic. A knock on his door interrupted his thoughts. He turned the knob and invited George inside. “What did you need to say to me before dinner?” Miles asked, curious about the reason for his visit.
“I overheard Sir Archibald talking about Edith Wilson. It sounds like he’s serious about the girl, and the last time I talked to you, you seemed interested in making her your wife. What’s going on?”
Miles looked at his pocket watch to see if they had enough time to have a conversation before they were needed downstairs. They had ten minutes, which might just be enough. “Come on in and sit down.” Miles led George over to his sitting room that held several books and two gray armchairs. He sat in his favorite spot and wondered how much he should say. It might help to talk about his feelings, and he’d always confided in his cousin in the past.
“I suppose I could use your advice. As you already know, Edith confessed to me the other day. Then she overheard our conversation when I said some unflattering things and in retribution, I suppose, she let Sir Archibald win the bet.” Miles' temper flared at the thought of them kissing.
“Which horse did he pick?” George smirked. He seemed to be enjoying this conversation.
“Mozart,” Miles replied. “Afterwards I was angry, not because I was losing a fine horse, but because I didn’t like the thought of the two of them together. I still don’t. I might have fallen for Edith, and I don’t know what to do. I was fine marrying her as a friend. She makes me laugh and is fun to be around, but I never thought I would be attracted to her. I can’t get her out of my mind, so I made the choice to stop courting her.”
George laughed. Not a small chuckle but a full bellied laugh that echoed through the chamber. “What in tarnation is so funny?” Miles exclaimed.
George wiped
tears from his eyes and said, “For over a decade I’ve heard you bellyache about love and how much you hate it, but you’ve been a romantic since you were a boy. I wondered what kind of lass would finally knock you down a peg, but I never pictured her. She’s great, really. I’m not making fun of Miss Wilson. You fell for Louisa based on physical attraction, but it is the opposite with Miss Wilson. You fell for her pluck and personality. Don’t tell me you're still trying to get rid of her?”
Miles nodded. “I don’t think my heart can be mended twice.”
“Bollocks! If I had even the smallest chance of being with Anna again, I’d take that chance a million times over. Don’t miss out on a lifetime of happiness for the fear of failure. Besides, the Ton have invented hundreds of ways of ignoring an unpleasant wife. If all else fails, give her some money and let her run wild in London while you stay here. But don’t give up.”
“Says the man who stays away from his own home and children because they remind him of his dead wife. You’re still a wreck and it has been years.”
“Yes, it’s still painful. I doubt I’ll ever find another like her, but she was worth it. How would you feel if Edith marries someone else?”
“Depends on the man. Sir Archibald doesn’t deserve her. He’s a cad who doesn’t care about her, he just wants to use her.”
“So if I wanted to pursue her, that would be alright with you?”
George was tall, handsome, and kind. He ought to be perfect. Miles bit down on the angry retort that almost left his mouth. “I don’t think you would do that.”
“Then who is good enough for her? How about Lucien? He’s a good chap,” George asked. Their old school chum was still single and had a healthy fortune.
An Earl for Edith Page 17
