“He thinks too much of himself. He wouldn’t put her needs above his own.”
“Well, give it some thought, Miles. Because you won’t have very long to decide, and she is a sweet girl who doesn’t deserve to be hurt by you. I think we need to head down to dinner now.”
They walked down together, and the first thing Miles noticed was that Edith was sitting across from Sir Archibald. How had that happened? The second thing to catch his attention was how lovely she looked. Her dress clung to her curves and was cut low in the front. He took his place next to Mother and Lord Wycliffe, while his cousin sat down next to Miss Wilson’s younger sister.
Sir Archibald was staring at Edith’s décolletage indecently. Why wasn’t anyone telling him to watch where he was looking? “Don’t you agree, Miles?” Mother asked.
He had no clue what she’d said before. “Could you repeat the question? I’m afraid my attention was elsewhere.”
“I said, Miss Wilson looks nice this evening. It's good to see Sir Archibald paying court to her. Wouldn’t it be fun to let people know they met here at our house, if they married?”
“Are you sure you want your name connected to his, even in such a manner? You ought to warn Miss Wilson to stay away.”
“Nonsense. A man like that doesn’t pursue a woman like Miss Wilson with ill intent. Now if he was speaking to her sister, Miss Lucy, I might be concerned about his intentions. Besides, a reformed rake can make a wonderful husband.”
Couldn't Mother find something else to talk about? He was already having a hard time paying attention to the food on his plate. What was he eating? Potatoes and carrots were covered in gravy next to a partially eaten slice of beef. He needed to change the topic of conversation.
Miles turned to Lord Wycliffe and asked, “What was the largest fish you’ve ever caught?”
The avid angler took that as permission to go off on a thirty-minute story about an epic battle he won against an enormous catfish. Miles listened halfheartedly to his tale while also trying to catch the conversation happening around Edith.
Was Sir Archibald quoting poetry? Miles leaned closer to the other end of the table, and sure enough a verse of Shakespeare was being dramatically read. He needed to speak to Edith again. He had to convince her not to settle for less than a love match.
Edith ignored Miles after dinner, until he walked by her and whispered, “We need to talk.”
“Have you changed your mind?” she asked.
His silence was enlightening, yet his eyes were sad, like a puppy in need of care. But if she went to him now, nothing would be resolved. She turned away and walked next to Sir Archibald. Edith forced a smile on her face and didn’t let herself look at Miles again. He needed to give in or give up. She wanted more than a wedding band. She wanted his whole heart.
As Edith was walking back to her room, a maid stopped her in the corridor, handed her a note, then curtsied and left. Edith couldn’t wait to read her message. She flipped it open and saw that it was from Countess Camden, inviting her to tea tomorrow at 9:30 in the morning. An odd time; surely the Countess had something important to relay and the tea was just a ruse.
Edith opened the door to her room and placed the note next to her bed. She wasn’t ready to retire for the night, though. She had one more important scene to play out. Thankfully Gretchen was in her dressing room quietly mending gloves. “I need you to chat with the other servants and find out where Lord Camden is at present.”
“Why do you need to know that?”
“Because it’s very hard to make a man jealous when he isn’t present.”
Gretchen smiled, and said, “Now that I know the importance of the mission, I shall make haste.”
Edith shook her head at her friend and did what she could to freshen up on her own as she waited for her maid to return. It took a quarter of an hour, but Gretchen was able to relay that Miles retired to his study after dinner.
“Now I need you to accompany me as I meet Sir Archibald and act out a farce. Don’t believe a word I say over the next hour.” Edith rang for one of the Avonview maids and sent a note to Sir Archibald asking him to meet her outside of Lord Camden’s study.
He arrived quickly, but there was a hint of annoyance in Sir Archibald’s expressive eyes. “Are you ready to propose?” Edith whispered.
He nodded. “This is the last of your little charade that I will follow along with. After tonight, I’m through. So you better hope this works.”
They stepped closer to Miles’ study and Edith took a calming breath. “Are you sure you’re ready to speak with my father?” she proclaimed loudly. “This is happening so very fast.”
Sir Archibald whispered, “Don’t forget to give me your jewelry when he proposes.” Louder, practically yelling he said, “Yes, but the heart wants what the heart wants. You will be the mother of my children and the center of my home. I’ll make sure you want for nothing. Will you marry me?”
“Yes. Yes, I will. You’re a good man, and I think we’ll get along companionably.”
“Wish me luck with your father. I don’t know how he’ll feel about me. I have been married twice before.”
“As long as I am happy, I’m sure he’ll consent.”
She heard something coming from the earl’s den but couldn’t tell what it was. She nodded to Sir Archibald and they left to speak with Papa. Who very adamantly turned Sir Archibald away. Papa did such a convincing job of yelling at Sir Archibald that Edith could see the servants whispering amongst themselves. She had no doubt word of Papa’s rejection would quickly spread to Miles. Edith felt as though she was living in one of her gothic novels. Her heart raced with hope and desperation, and sleeping was practically impossible.
The next morning Edith’s eyes were dark and puffy from lack of sleep. She placed warm tea bags on them for a quarter of an hour, which helped but didn’t entirely resolve the problem. She dressed with care, hoping to look her best in case Miles came to speak with her. She made her way to the breakfast nook where there was plenty of food, but no Miles. She loaded her plate then ate slowly in order to give him time to find her.
Lucy found her instead. “You’re so lucky to be wooed by a rake. The most mysterious and handsome of men. I nearly fainted when he started quoting Shakespeare.”
“Sir Archibald is very easy on the eyes, but…” Edith checked her surroundings. Only a maid stood by the food keeping everything neat and tidy. She lowered her voice dramatically and said, “I am only using him to make Lord Camden jealous. I told him how I felt and he ran away. I only have one more day to convince him, and I’m afraid he’s too scared to admit how he really feels.”
“I never thought you liked Sir Archibald, silly. I’m not blind. I just think it so exciting to be able to witness you come out of your shell and flirt. Is there anything I can do to help?”
Edith thought about her sister’s question. “If you see Lord Camden, tell him I’ve been pleading with Papa, asking him to accept Sir Archibald’s suit.”
Lucy bit into her toast and nodded enthusiastically. It was well after nine and Edith didn’t want to be late for her appointment. “I need to go and visit with the countess. Enjoy your breakfast.”
Edith strolled through the wide corridors and up the stairs. She turned left then opened the third door on the right. The countess was waiting in the green salon, but she wasn’t alone. Sitting across from her on a striped green and gold divan was Mr. Stirling and Papa. Edith greeted them with a curtsy then sat down on the stuffed leather chair next to Lady Camden.
“Now that everyone is here, you are probably wondering why I gathered you today,” the Countess said with a gentle smile. “Last night my son asked me to remind Miss Wilson and Mr. Wilson of Sir Archibald’s character.”
Mr. Stirling coughed, “I would also like to add that I was in his study with him last night when you were so loudly proposed to, Miss Wilson. And while I have some doubts about the authenticity of your speedy romance with Sir Archibald, Miles seemed rather convinced
that you might do something drastic. He drank himself into a stupor, and I had to help him to bed.”
“Which is why I think we need to strike while the iron is hot. I asked George if he would be willing to invite your family to his house in Stroud, which is directly North of Avonview. The same direction a couple fleeing to Gretna Green would take. If my son doesn’t admit to his feelings today, then tomorrow morning I will give him some misinformation that will hopefully push him in the right direction.”
They spent an hour fully fleshing out all of the details of the Countess’s plans, and while Edith hoped that Miles would give in today, it was nice knowing that she had one last chance to win him should he remain fearful. Yet at the same time, her heart ached with worry. If he didn’t speak with her today or chase after her tomorrow, then it was over.
Chapter 20
Miles had a headache and a plan. He was going to tell Edith how he felt. He’d heard Sir Archibald propose last night, and his heart had sunk into his chest. He felt worse than when Louisa showed her true colors. Even brandy didn’t make him feel any better. He felt horrible without Edith, and he needed her for the world to feel right again. His stomach was queasy, not just because of the alcohol. He was nervous at the thought of losing Edith. She might actually like Sir Archibald and he didn’t want to give her up.
He rehearsed his speech in his head. Edith, I know I treated you harshly and you have every right to despise me, but I can no longer deny my feelings. I love you. Wait, should he say love? Yes. It’s past time for being passive. He was not a coward!
Miles went down for a late breakfast. Edith wasn’t there, but her sister was just finishing her meal. Miles filled his plate and sat down next to Miss Lucy. “How are you this morning?” he asked.
“I’m worried. My sister is being pursued by the most handsome man in England, and there’s no way she’ll escape with her heart intact. She’s not as callous as I am. Papa is refusing him for now, but he’s a pushover. If Edith really likes Sir Archibald, then he’ll give in eventually, and my sister’s future will be ruined.”
“Do you know where Miss Wilson is this morning?” Miles asked. His throat dry.
“I believe she went to speak with your mother.” Lucy finished her last piece of cake and stood up. “I need to go. I hope to see you again this afternoon.”
Miles nodded and looked down at his plate. His stomach wasn’t interested in eating. He didn’t like to waste food, but the thought of even one more bite made him nauseous. He needed to find Edith and say his peace. His heart and stomach needed to rest. Whether she accepted him or not, he needed to tell the truth and hope for the best. At least once that happened he’d have done all he could.
Miles left the majority of his breakfast on the table and went to find Edith. She wasn’t in Mother’s room, so he went to the green salon. Mother enjoyed that room. He went to the door and was about to knock when Mother’s voice came from behind the wood. “We are all agreed then? We shall help Edith in her escape and make sure she gets safely to her destination without ruining her reputation. It will be a fun adventure.”
What were they planning? Why would Edith’s reputation be in danger? “You’re sure that no one will actually think I’m eloping?” Edith’s voice softly carried to his ear. His heart beat erratically, and he couldn’t help but put his ear to the door in order to hear more clearly.
“No one but poor Miles,” George said. What was George conspiring with Mother and Edith? “It’s too bad I won’t be able to see his face tomorrow morning when you tell him Miss Wilson and Sir Archibald have run off to Gretna Green. You’ll have to describe his reaction to me in detail.”
“Oh, hush. You’ll fall in love soon enough, George. Once I have my son settled, it will free up time for me to find you a wife. Don’t forget to get your carriage ready to take Miss Wilson and her family to Rockhaven before dawn. He must think she is gone by the time I wake him. Otherwise, it won’t seem real.”
Edith’s father joined the conversation. He said, “My wife is going to have many questions about why we are leaving so early. But I am confident that I can explain all of her concerns away without telling her the truth. I love my wife, but she is far from being the soul of discretion.”
The scuff of shoes on the floor alerted Miles. They were moving, and he didn’t want to be caught spying. All of his closest friends and relatives were ready to trick him into confessing his feelings for Edith. The corner of his mouth lifted. Tomorrow would be much too fun to miss. He could wait one more day to propose. After all, it would make a wonderful story to tell their future children.
“Good morning, Mama,” Edith said brightly. She’d hardly slept and her nerves were on edge.
“It is far too early to be morning,” Mama grumbled, “I don’t see why we have to leave before the sun has even come up. I know your father is excited to do some hunting at Mr. Stirlings’, but why is he dragging all of us along with him, is what I want to know.”
“Let Papa have his fun. You can sleep in the carriage.”
“You know I can’t sleep while traveling. The roads are full of potholes that constantly jostle everyone to and fro. I suppose I could nap when we arrive. It’s not like I’ll be hunting.”
Despite Mama’s words, a few minutes later as the sun turned the sky pink and yellow, a high-pitched snore was emanating from Mama’s beautiful nose. Lucy was too excited to sleep. Edith had confided in her the night before, and her sister had kindly predicted that this would be the most extraordinary trip of their lives.
Edith leaned her head against the door and watched the scenery as they passed by. It was a lovely morning with only a few wispy clouds. The moon was still out, and she studied the intricate shapes and patterns on its surface. She was but a small speck from the perspective of space. As the hours wore on, Edith clutched to her pelisse and prayed for a happy conclusion to her little play. It helped that Lucy had a constant stream of conversation to distract her from her worries.
Chapter 21
“Wake up.” Mother’s voice cut through the fog of his slumber. “Get out of bed, there is trouble.”
He opened his eyes to see his mother standing over his bed with a candle in her hand. It took his brain a moment to remember why she was in his room looking terrified in her night rail. “What’s wrong?” he asked.
“It’s Miss Wilson and Sir Archibald. They’ve run away together. She even left a note telling her father she was eloping. Think of the scandal. No one will ever come to our yearly Christmas parties if they think we allow rakes to steal women out from under our noses.”
Miles had to remind himself to act hurt; Mother didn’t know that he’d heard her plans the day before. “I can’t believe it. Surely she wasn’t silly enough to run away with Sir Archibald.”
“He asked for her hand and her father, quite rightfully, refused. They’re probably headed for Gretna Green as we speak in order to marry without her father’s blessing.” Mother paced back and forth in a flurry of anxiety. She was quite the actress, and even knowing that it was a plot, his heart raced a little at the picture she evoked.
Miles sat up in bed. “Does her father know?” he asked. Still pretending not to know the truth.
“Yes, he was the one who alerted me. He didn’t want me asking questions, and he was hoping I could help him hide the fact that she is missing. Really, Miles, the girl is incorrigible. She tied her sheets together and used them to climb out a window. There’s no way she will escape this with her reputation intact. Even if I don’t say anything, the servants are bound to talk.”
“Then let him take care of the situation. After all it is none of our concern. Let the girl marry whomever she wishes.” He lay back down in bed, pulled the covers up, and closed his eyes. It was too bad he couldn’t see her reaction.
“Get up and go after her, Miles. I know you like her.” Mother’s voice was still confident.
He opened his eyes and looked directly at his mother. “I have never once said that
I care for Miss Wilson. You are mistaken.”
She stepped back and sighed. “Oh, dear. The poor girl. I was so sure this would work, I got her hopes up for nothing.” Mother sat on the nearest chair and shook her head. “It’s all my fault. I’ll have to go myself and apologize.”
“What did you do?”
“I convinced Edith that you would run after her if you thought she was going to marry Sir Archibald. Right now she’s in a carriage with her family waiting for you, hoping you’ll come.”
Miles got out of bed and kissed his mother. She was the sweetest, kindest person he knew and he couldn’t make her suffer any longer. “Then it is a good thing that I do love Edith Wilson. In fact, I was set on proposing to her yesterday when I happened to hear my Mother and cousin conspiring against me.”
Mother beamed up at him with joy. It had been too long since he’d last seen her smile so brightly. “Oh, Miles. We only did that for your own good.”
“I know. Which is why I’m off to sweep my lady off her feet and bring her home. Wish me luck.”
Mother stood up and kissed his cheek. “I doubt you’ll need it, but I wish you all the luck and happiness in the world. You deserve it. Now hurry up and don’t keep her waiting.”
“How long has she been gone?”
“Only a half-hour. They took a carriage, so you should be able to catch them if you hurry.”
His mother left and he dressed quickly and rushed to the stables. A stablehand readied his horse, and he swiftly mounted Amadeus. But an idea struck him when he saw Mozart in his stall. The colt was too young for him to ride and would just get in his way on his journey, but now he knew what he could say to tease Edith. Once he was finally on the road it felt good to be moving forward. He couldn’t wait to tell Edith how he felt and he was finally ready to propose. She was his future, and no one else would do.
An Earl for Edith Page 18
