Frowning thoughtfully, she had to discover what was going on between her father and lord Brown. Sometime today she would have to snoop in her father’s study, if there were any arrangements or contract made between the two men it would have been written down. She glanced up at the clock on the mantle, another hour and her fiancé would be arriving. Or would he? she wondered. Her stomach knotted in apprehension and as the minutes ticked by, she grew fretful. Only when she knew who would arrive could she decide what she was going to do and start making plans.
***
On the stroke of ten, Garth followed the butler down the hallway and into the study. He smiled grimly when he saw the look of horror on the man’s face. “Lord Wilson I have come to discuss my betrothal to your daughter.” Without waiting for an invitation, he sat down and withdrew the documents from his pocket. “I have the contract here. As you can see it’s very generous and I’m certain you’ll find nothing amiss.” He placed the papers on the desk in front of the man, then leaned back in his chair and waited.
The moment his visitor was shown into the room, David knew that lord Brown’s mother had failed to convince the rogue to withdraw his offer. Reluctantly he picked up the contract and started reading. As he read each page his rage intensified, he was about to lose everything and be destitute. Homeless and without a penny to his name. Yet unless he was willing to ruin his name and honor it, there was nothing he could do, but agree. He scowled thoughtfully for a few minutes before he lifted his gaze to the other man. “To protect my daughter’s inheritance I must insist there be a clause in here that says you’ll give up all rights to have any claim on it and as her father I will be allowed to continue seeing to her financial affairs.”
“You must have missed the part where it says that everything she owns will be kept in her name, but as her husband it’s my duty now to protect not only her properties, but also her wealth and advise her when necessary. As for continuing being in charge of her inheritance the answer is, no. There’s not need to trouble yourself any further. I’m certain she’ll be willing to let you live here or the one you occupy in the country.” Garth had been expecting the man to make the request and he could see that his answer only infuriated Wilson. “I’m sure you realize if you’re not willing to agree to everything not only will you be ruined, but so will you daughter. Once I blacken your name ever door in the city will be slammed in your face. Everyone will be scandalized that you refused to save your daughters honor by not signing the contract. Even if my cousin did marry her, your reputation would still be in shreds.”
“Damn you.” David picked up the pen and signed his name. At least he and his sister would still have a roof over their heads. He would even demand his daughter pay the bills and give them a healthy allowance.
Accepting the documents, Garth checked them to make certain everything was as it should be. Satisfied he folded them and placing them in his pocket, rose to his feet. “Very wise. Now I intend to see my fiancé and take her for a stroll. We have a wedding date to set as I’m sure you understand.” With a curt nod, he sauntered out of the room, when he reached the foyer, he asked the butler where he could find her. Stepping into the breakfast room, he found her seated at the table. “Good morning.” He grinned when her head whipped around so fast it was a wonder it didn’t tumble from her shoulders.
“Heaven’s you frightened me.” Laura shot out of her chair. “Have you seen my father?”
“Yes. Reluctant though he was, he signed the contract.” He was surprised to see the relief on her face. “I’m glad to see that you’re no longer against the marriage.”
“I am and I’m not. If I don’t marry you I’ll be forced to wed your cousin.” She said in disgust.
“Ah, I take it I’m the better option. Well, at least that’s something I suppose. Why don’t you run along and fetch your maid and whatever else you need and we’ll go for a stroll.” He eyed her with amusement when she bristled.
“I wouldn’t say you were the better option. In fact neither of you are suitable. Fine I’ll be right back.” With a sniff of annoyance, she marched out of the room.
What a little firebrand, she was certainly easy to rile. He wandered out to meet her in the foyer and as he stood waiting, he wondered what her father and his cousin were going to be plotting next. He was certain by the end of the day that they were both going to have a plan to try to stop him from marrying the chit. Two desperate men wanting to get their hands on her fortune weren’t going to let it slip through their fingers without trying something. He looked up when he heard a sound and saw his bride and maid come down the staircase.
“Why, miss he’s even better looking up close.” Jenny whispered loudly.
“Hush, he’ll hear you.” Laura hissed at the maid, but the wide, smug grin he wore confirmed he’d already heard.
“Why thank you for the complement.” He teased when both women reached him. He clasped his fiancé’s arm threaded it through his own as they stepped outside. Going down the steps, they strolled along the pavement. “I gather my cousin paid a call this morning. Unpleasant chap, hope he didn’t ruin your day.”
“Yes, bright and early this morning. And unpleasant is putting it mildly. He was most adamant we were still going to be married and then he and his horrid mother were going to teach me to be silent, witless and biddable.” She didn’t care if he heard the loathing or disgust in her voice.
It didn’t surprise him that his aunt intended to destroy the woman’s personality. “My aunt’s been trying to do it to me for years. She despises anyone who enjoys life.” He looked his fiancé up and down. “Don’t you have anything decent to wear? Why do you dress so frumpy?”
Insulted she stopped walking. “Why you pompous scoundrel. I can’t help the way I’m forced to dress. My aunt insists on choosing my clothing for me. I don’t have any say in what I wear.”
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to offend you. Once we’re married you’ll have the chance to choose what you wear.” Under his breath, Garth cursed himself for being so thoughtless.
Satisfied with his apology, she continued walking. “Speaking of marriage. I thought at first to have a long engagement perhaps six or eight months. But after this morning I’m not certain it would be wise. I have a feeling that if we don’t marry quickly I’ll find myself married to your cousin against my will.”
When she mentioned six or eight months, he’d been irritated, but it quickly disappeared when she voiced her concerns. “Mmm, you might be right. I wouldn’t trust Brown not to force you to be his wife. So you want a short engagement, just how short?”
“Before we set a date I need to know a few things.” When he nodded, she continued. “First I want your word of honor you will not dishonor your wedding vows or be unfaithful to me. If you have a mistress I insist you end all contact with her.”
Trying not to laugh, Garth coughed and nodded. “On my word of honor I’ll be faithful and keep my wedding vows. As for a mistress, I don’t have one. Never kept one, didn’t see the point.”
“Oh well, that’s nice to know I suppose.” She shrugged dismissively before she continued with her other demands. “I would also like you to promise that we become better acquainted until we… ah, consummate our marriage.” She blushed and shifted her gaze from his dark, sinful gaze.
Lord help him the chit was not only demanding, but humorous as well. “I’ll agree to just as long as you don’t expect me to wait forever. Now when would you like to be married if you have no other requests?”
She shot him a look of suspicion, she was certain she’d heard amusement in his voice, but he didn’t look as if he was laughing at her. “By the end of the week if it’s possible. I don’t dare risk waiting any longer.”
Hearing the fear in her tone, he was immediately concerned. “I’ll arrange for a special license today. I suggest you tell your father and aunt we’ll be marrying in several months. Just make up a suitable date that will satisfy them. Can your maid be trusted?” When she
nodded, he smiled. “Good. Let’s get you home and I can see about the marriage license. I’ll call for you again tonight.” Walking her back home, he watched her enter the house, when she disappeared he stopped her maid and after speaking to her, he let her go inside. Instead of going to his own townhouse, he went to the most exclusive dress shop in London. After ordering a few gowns for his bride, he went to pay a visit on one of his father’s old friends who just happened to be a judge.
Chapter Four
Pleased and relieved the lord Brookes agreed to all her demands, she was feeling a little less anxious about her marriage. Yet she wasn’t totally resigned to the fact that she was about to be forced to wed a complete stranger, but what choice did she have, none. It was either him or his odious cousin. With a miserable shake of her head, she wondered not for the first time in the last several hours how this horrendous thing was happening to her. She cursed under her breath, she sat up straight and groaned, she’d completely forgot about her friend’s diary. When she saw him tonight she would demand that he return it.
When she heard that reprobate, lord Steven’s was blackmailing her friend into marriage, she offered to help. She’d promised Lisa that she would try and find the diary for her. Thankfully she had succeeded and she would demand that her fiancé return it at once. When she was in possession of it, she would return it to the rightful owner.
With a heavy, wretched sigh, she grimaced as she pondered the last few months. When her father and aunt told her they were taking her to London to find her a husband, she never imagined she would find most of the men dishonest and scoundrels. Oh, there was no denying there were plenty of handsome ones.
Yet she had thought she would meet an honest, kind gentleman. One she could admire and respect. One she could grow to care for and perhaps love. After her first week in town, she had not only been disappointed but disillusioned. Now because of some twisted fate she was about to wed a man she barely knew.
Though lord Brookes gave his word and promised to keep his vows and he would be faithful, she didn’t completely trust him. After all, he was a well-known rake. Her thoughts were interrupted when the butler entered the parlor leading a grey hair, elderly gentleman. Rising to her feet, she smiled in welcome.
“My Lady, a gentleman to see you.” Rolf said then bowed and left the room.
“Sorry to disturb you, Lady Wilson, but my firm was informed of your betrothal to the Earl of Brookside, lord Brookes. We represented your dear mother when she was alive and as her only heir, we have been acting on your behalf until you turned twenty-five or married. My name is Ronald Peabody and I hope your will continue to retain my services as your solicitor.”
“Oh, I never knew. Please be seated, Mister Peabody. I’d like you to explain what exactly my inheritance entails.” After he was seated, she sat down and listened carefully to every word the man said.
After taking out a folder from his leather case, he opened it and started reading. “You are the owner of several properties. This townhouse and another. You have an estate in Somerset, one in Devon and Sussex. Your also have three factories.” He glanced up and smiled. “You are quite a very wealthy young lady.”
“Really, I never knew. I’m confused though. Neither my father nor aunt ever mentioned anything to me. Who’s been seeing to everything? Since my father doesn’t own the homes we live in and the ones we don’t, what exactly does he own?”
“Ah, for many years I’ve been afraid of this. Every time I called to see you, your father wouldn’t permit me to speak to you or made up some excuse that you were unavailable. I’m sorry to inform you, but your father was a scallywag and conned your poor mother. He was a pauper when they wed and she didn’t find out until it was too late. When she did though, she made a will protecting everything and you. He and your aunt have been living off you for years I afraid.” Ronald could see he’d shocked the young woman, but he was glad she knew the truth now.
For a long time she was quiet as she digested the stunning news. All those years of suffering ridicule and being insulted by her father and aunt now made sense. She shook her head sadly. “It explains so much. I wonder if it’s why he’s trying to force me to wed lord Brown, lord Brookes’ cousin.”
“I don’t think I understand.” Ronald was puzzled.
“When my father found out lord Brookes proposed he was outraged and wanted me to accept lord Brown’s offer instead. I wouldn’t though. I detest the man.” She was surprised when Mister Peabody growled.
Furious, Ronald reached out and pattered the young ladies hand. “I am relieved you didn’t agree. I’m certain both lord Brown and I’m sorry to say your father intend to steal your wealth. The scoundrel is another man in desperate need of funds. One of the many loathsome fortune hunters I’m afraid. ”
“I see. Excuse me for asking, but I’m curious. Just how did you find out so quickly I was engaged to lord Brookes?” She couldn’t help smile back when the elder mister Peabody grinned.
“Our firm represents the earl and he asked us to draw up the marriage contract. I’m sure you’ll be pleased to learn that he has no intension of claiming any of your inheritance.” He informed her and chuckled when her lovely eyes lit up in surprise.”
“Really, at least I know he’s not marrying me for money. I’ll have to speak to my fiancé tonight when I see him. I hope he might have some suggestion what I should do about my father and aunt. I can’t turn them out on the street though it is tempting.” Though she’d like nothing better to kick them out and let them fend for themselves, it would be callous of her.
“Might I suggest that you let them live in the small dower house on your property in Sussex with a stipend to live on. I can see by your gown if you won’t take offense, that your money has not been spent on your attire and they have taken advantage of you. They have selfishly lived very comfortable off your money.” Ronald was relieved when she wasn’t insulted.
Laughing, Laura nodded. “My dress is appalling I agree. My dearest aunt chose all my gowns and I think your suggestion is a good one, but I’d prefer they didn’t live on any of my property’s. Perhaps if I purchase a small cottage somewhere else would be better. I prefer never have to see them again.”
“If you like I’ll look into it immediately. I’m sure you’ll like me to find something that isn’t to lavish.” He was liking and respecting the young lady the more he spoke to her.
With a nod, she rose to her feet. “Just something basic and large enough to house a servant. I’ll leave it you to find someone who can both cook and clean for them. I’ll also leave it in your capable hands to work out an amount of money that would be suitable for their modest living and draw up the necessary papers for me to sign.”
Ronald rose to his feet when the lady Wilson did and quickly put away the file. “Of course. I hope our firm can retain your account and I can continue to represent you.”
“I wouldn’t have it any other way, Mister Peabody. I have no intentions of replacing you or your firm. Thank you for coming to see me.” She reached out and shook the man’s hand.
“Thank you, my Lady you won’t regret it. If your father had refused to let me see you I would have camped on the doorstep until I spoke with you.” Bowing, Ronald strode out of the room, more than well pleased with the outcome.
After the solicitor left, Laura collapsed back down on the sofa. She was still reeling over all that she’d just discovered. It answered so many questions, she was not only furious at her father’s and aunt’s deception, she was also determined that they would never squander any more of her money.
It was unbelievable though that they had managed to hide the truth from her all these years. She intended to keep the knowledge to herself though until she was legally wed. Then and only then, she would have the pleasure her father and aunt of informing them they could not loner reside under any of her roofs.
Now she knew why they were so insistent that she’d marry the man of their choice. She did wonder though what arrangeme
nts they made between them to divvy up her inheritance. Her father certainly wouldn’t be willing to hand it all over. No, he’d make certain he retained a substantial portion for himself.
With a snort of unmitigated disgust, she shot to her feet and left the parlor. She would have to try to find something decent to wear before this evening. Now she was engaged to such a devastating, handsome man he would be embarrassed to be seen with her in her dowdy gowns.
***
After acquiring a special license to be married, returning home, Garth had just taken a seat behind his desk when his aunt stormed into the room looking like wrath itself. Leaning back in his chair, he smirked. “Well, this certainly is no surprise. I was certain Walter would run straight home to his mama whining and I was right.”
“Don’t you dare take that smug, belligerent tone with me, you despicable scoundrel. How dare you steal that woman out from under my son’s nose? You had no right to do it and you know it.” Jane slapped her hand down on the desk in outrage before she straightened up and glared daggers at her nephew.
For a few moments he let the old bat stew before he spoke. “She wasn’t his to begin with. Lady Laura hadn’t agreed to wed your son nor did she know he was going to ask for her hand. And to ease your mind, I didn’t even know Walter was seeing her. You know you really should treat me with more respect, after all you rely on my money to support you.”
Her chest heaved in fury. “Are you threatening me? You wouldn’t dare cut off our allowance. My brother knew we needed support and agreed that you would provide for us. This threat is nothing more than proving you think you’re superior to us and to humiliate me.”
Cupid's Arrow Book One Bewitching The Earl Page 3
