When Love Sneaks In (The Montgomery Family & Friends Book 2)

by Vikki Vaught

  They left for London the next morning. Again, the weather remained fair so they were soon back in London. When they arrived at Lady Helton’s house, Helen quickly perused the invitations they had received and selected Lady Molson’s ball.

  That evening, she dressed with care, making sure she looked her best. She was going to her first ball with the intent of looking for a husband. Her new ball gown had arrived from Madame Devy’s. Made of aqua blue chiffon with a silver underskirt, it was even lovelier than she’d expected. Small, glittering stars were sewn on the silk lining, so when she moved she sparkled. She added her diamond tiara and matching necklace, the set Henry had given her for her twenty-first birthday. Sally wove a matching ribbon through her curls. At last, she was ready to find a husband.

  She descended the stairs, and Lady Helton beamed. “You look so lovely. You will turn every man’s head. I’ll talk to my friends and see if any of them know of a nice widower. Someone who’s young enough to give you the children you desire.”

  “Thank you, Aunt Miriam,” she replied. “Remember, I do not want anyone who will fall in love with me. It would not be fair, since I shall never love him.”

  The ball was well underway when they arrived. Between the heat from the beeswax candles and the odor of so many heavily perfumed, unwashed bodies, Helen found it difficult to breathe, but she was determined to achieve her goal. She would find a husband, and preferably tonight. Unfortunately, the men crowding around her were fortune hunters or young men still wet behind their ears.

  Halfway through the night, Helen noticed a tall, elegantly dressed gentleman with sandy brown hair streaked with gold, watching her. His eyes were a penetrating bright green, and he had a strong jaw with the most sensual mouth she’d ever seen. He could very well be one of the most attractive men she’d ever seen. The way he watched her made her think he might be a bit of a rake. He reached up and adjusted his snowy white cravat, then approached Aunt Miriam who stood with Lady Molson.

  A few minutes later, Lady Helton and the gentleman approached, and an odd sensation started in the pit of her belly as she met the man’s green-eyed gaze. “Lady Helen. The Earl of Collingswood has requested an introduction. He’s newly arrived in town.”

  The man bent low over her hand and raised it to his lips. “Your servant, ma’am,” his smooth baritone voice murmured as he straightened.

  She boldly met his admiring gaze. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, my lord. I recognize a slight accent. From what part of the country do you reside?” Chills ran through her as Lord Collingswood looked directly into her eyes.

  “Devonshire,” he replied. “It’s beautiful country, and my estate is on the coast so I have my own personal beach. From where do you hail?”

  Helen could not understand her reaction to this man. It was as if she had a premonition regarding this tall, well-built man. “I’m from Cranleigh in South Surrey. I’ve never been to the sea, so that sounds fascinating. Are you planning to stay in town long, my lord?”

  Lord Collingswood looked at her and smiled sardonically. “Only as long as it takes to find a wife. My daughters are five years old and need a mother. And, of course, I need an heir. Excuse me for my bluntness, but I do not have time to play games. Would you have a dance available?”

  The man’s straightforward attitude suited her plans perfectly. “I do. In fact, I have the upcoming waltz free.”

  Lord Collingswood took her hand and led her out to the dance floor, and they began to move to the music. He was not the most accomplished partner she’d had, although he did have a certain grace. While he guided her around the floor, she realized he was quite a bit taller than she’d originally thought. Her head barely came to his strong, chiseled jaw.

  He stared intently at her the entire time they were dancing and finally she asked, “Do I have something on my nose? You’re watching me so closely I wondered if I had dirt on my face.”

  Lord Collingswood threw back his head and laughed. “No, you don’t have dirt on your face. It’s just that you have the most startling blue eyes.” He brushed against her as another couple stumbled into them. The brief contact sent electricity shooting through her. She’d never reacted to another man in such a manner, not even the duke.

  Several minutes later, he asked, “Do you travel to London each year for the season?”

  “Not every year.” She looked at him and met his gaze. “If you’re trying to discover my age, I’ll be three and twenty on the tenth of June. How old are you, since we’re getting personal?”

  “I didn’t mean to offend,” he replied. “I tend to be blunt. To give you some information, I’m seven and twenty. I married young, to a woman of my father’s choosing. She died giving birth to my daughters, and I inherited my title when my father passed away last spring.”

  “I’m sorry for your loss. I lost my father several years ago. It’s hard to lose a parent.”

  “It is.” He guided her to the right to avoid running into another couple, and they danced for a few minutes without conversing. “Do you ride, Lady Helen? If you do, would you consider meeting me at nine tomorrow? I would prefer to avoid the fashionable set. I understand Hyde Park is usually quiet in the morning.”

  “It would be my pleasure.” She deliberately gave him a saucy grin. “I warn you, I’m an excellent horsewoman, and I love a rousing gallop. So, don’t be surprised if I leave you in my dust.”

  Lord Collingswood grinned. “I do believe you have challenged me. I’ve never been one to pass up a challenge, so I shall see you at nine, and I’ll be prepared.”

  The dance ended, and Lord Collingswood escorted her back to Aunt Miriam, bowed, and left the ballroom. Helen watched him as he strode from the room. She was pleased he’d asked her to go riding the next day.

  He just might be the answer.

  Of course, time will tell.

  Aunt Miriam turned to her. “Did you enjoy your dance?”

  “Very much, actually. He asked me to go riding in the morning, and I agreed. He’s a very interesting man. He’s certainly straightforward, and I found that refreshing. I got the impression that while he’s looking for a wife, he doesn’t want a love match, so he may suit my purposes perfectly.”

  We shall see…Yes, we shall see.

  CHAPTER 3

  May 1820

  Sunlight streamed in through the crack in the curtains, Helen crawled from bed and hurried to the window, pushing the curtains apart. She gazed upon a sky filled with white fluffy clouds, unusual for London. It would be a wonderful day for a ride, and she could not wait for the earl’s arrival.

  After completing her morning ablutions with haste, she made her way to breakfast with a bounce in her step. Famished, she filled her plate with coddled eggs, bacon, and kippers, along with toast slathered with butter.

  As Helen devoured her meal, Kathryn came in, filled her plate, joined her at the table and asked, “Who was the attractive man you danced with last night? I don’t believe I’ve ever seen him before.”

  “Lord Collingswood,” she told her, “he’s in town to find a wife, and…he’s a widower with twin daughters. He’s from Devonshire. He’s just what I’m looking for in a husband. He’s taking me riding this morning at nine.” After finishing her food, she stood. “I need to get my riding gloves and hat if I’m going to be ready in time.”

  “I hope you have a nice ride, and that he’s the right one for you. Of course, you only met him last night.” Her sister narrowed her eyes. “I do hope you will at least make sure you’re compatible before you decide to marry someone.”

  Helen flounced from the room. Kathryn meant well, but she was shy and reserved around men. Her only interest was in her art. She’d stated on more than one occasion that she had no desire to marry.

  Helen was already waiting downstairs in the drawing room when Lord Collingswood arrived. She suspected he valued promptness. Bradford announced him, and he entered the room. Lord Collingswood raised her hand and air-kissed her fingers in a courtly ma
nner. “Are you ready for our ride?”

  “I am, my lord. My horse is waiting outside.” Goodness, he was even more handsome than she remembered.

  Lord Collingswood grinned, showing even, white teeth. Her skin tingled in a most unusual way. “Excellent. Apollo is always restless when he knows he’s going for a run.”

  “My mare, Ginny, is the same way. Shall we be off?” He offered her his arm, and they made their way outside.

  Once they had mounted, they turned toward Hyde Park. They rode along in silence, since the streets were crowded with dozens of carriages and vendors pushing carts with wares to sell. The smell of baked bread and sausages filled her senses. It was a good thing she’d eaten or she would have started drooling. Eventually they made it through the traffic and entered the park.

  Once they reached the area known as Rotten Row, he pulled on his reins and Apollo came to a halt. She did the same. Devilment danced in his eyes. “Shall we let them have a good run? They can use up some of their excess energy. We’ll slow them down when we reach the end of the row.”

  “Excellent.” Laughing, she took off. She loved the wind blowing across her face, her arms straining to keep Ginny under control. It was one of the most exhilarating feelings in the world. The earl’s mount kept up and they were in a dead heat as they reached the end of the row. She pulled on the reins and drew Ginny to a halt. The wind had tousled Lord Collingswood’s hair, and a lock had fallen across his brow, making him appear younger than his years.

  He grinned at her. “You’re right, you are an expert horsewoman. If you enjoy this, you would love racing along the shore. When I’m at Collingswood Hall, I ride every morning just as dawn is breaking, and the view over the sea is one you do not want to miss.”

  Helen retied the ribbons on her bonnet that had come loose. “It sounds incredible. I’m sure I would enjoy that ever so much. When I’m at Sanderford Park, I ride for miles each morning. You mentioned you have twin daughters. I have several nieces and nephews, and I adore children. What are their names?”

  “Christina and Catherine.” Lord Collingswood sighed. “To be honest, I’m at my wit’s end. Now that they’ve turned five, they’re getting into mischief, and I’ve already replaced their nursemaid several times.”

  “They may be misbehaving to gain your attention,” she explained. “I’ve seen my niece do that.”

  “Possibly,” he answered, his tone sounding skeptical. “The reason I’ve decided to take a wife is for my daughters. I also promised my father before he died I would wed. I have need of an heir to carry on the line.”

  Lord Collingswood may well be the answer to my prayers. “I imagine it’s difficult raising daughters on your own. I can see that a wife would be helpful.”

  He cocked an eyebrow. “I hope I’m not scaring you off with talk of marriage? I know we only met last night, but unfortunately, I don’t have the time, or inclination, to court someone in the customary fashion. I can’t afford to spend a month getting to know someone only to discover they’re not like-minded.”

  She wanted to clap her hands in glee, but contained her delight. “I appreciate your honesty. Actually, it’s refreshing. I’m not interested in a long, drawn-out courtship either. This past spring, I decided to find a husband because I’m ready for motherhood. I’m not interested in a love match. I want someone who is pleasant, who will be a good companion, and a good friend.”

  “That’s what I’m looking for as well.” He met her gaze. “Shall we agree to spend time with each other for the next two weeks, to make sure we’re compatible? At the end of the two weeks, we’ll either decide we want to wed or not. If we discover we aren’t compatible, we’ll part company with no hurt feelings. Are you in agreement?”

  A shiver of anticipation shot through at the thought of spending time with him. “Definitely. Two weeks should be ample time to find out if we will suit.”

  “I’m glad you agree. Oh, by the way, my name is Matthew. Under the circumstances, calling each other by our given names is acceptable when we’re alone.”

  “All right, and you may call me Helen.” She grinned. “Shall we have another race?” Not giving him a chance to reply, she turned around and took off, leaving him in her dust.

  When they arrived at Lady Helton’s house, he helped her dismount and offered his hand. “I know it’s not customary for men and women to shake on it, but since this is a very unorthodox approach to courtship, shall we?”

  She laughed, delighted with their arrangement. “This will be an interesting two weeks.”

  After he escorted her inside and departed, she spent the rest of her morning receiving callers with Lady Helton and contemplating her agreement with Matthew. Two weeks should be enough time for her to decide if they would suit. Her main concern was making sure emotion did not play a part in any decision she made regarding marriage. Perhaps most individuals would think it was a cold-blooded way to find a husband, but this was right for her.

  Over the next fortnight, they went riding each morning and spent them laughing and riding hell-for-leather. Then they saw one another in the evening at one of the parties or balls they both attended.

  Helen liked the fact that he did not take life too seriously. Matthew had an engaging sense of humor, and she found him vastly entertaining, not to mention physically attractive. After all, that was a good thing if she planned to have children with the man, and she did. She had mind up her mind to say yes, if he proposed now that their two weeks would be up on the morrow.

  The next morning, she eagerly greeted her day. She jumped out of bed, went to the window, and pulled back the curtains to see another delightful day. She hurried through her ablutions in anticipation of the earl’s arrival. One of the footmen came to her door to inform her Lord Collingswood had arrived and had asked to have a word with her before they their ride.

  Please, God, I pray he has decided we will suit.

  Inhaling to steady her racing heart, she made her way downstairs. When she entered the drawing room, she kept her clasped hands in front of her, to still their trembling. “Good morning.”

  His green eyes shone with admiration. “You look lovely today.”

  “Thank you.” She stiffened her shoulders. “By my calculations, our two weeks are up, are they not? I have decided we’re compatible. Would you not agree?”

  He gave her a knowing smile. “Indeed, I do. So…will you do me the great honor of becoming my wife?”

  “I will.” Speaking briskly, she told him, “You need to speak with my brother now that we have come to an agreement. I’m quite the heiress, so you should be pleasantly surprised by what I shall bring to our union. When can you go see him?”

  He chuckled. “Helen, one of the things I admire most is your directness. I shall travel to Surrey first thing in the morning.” He asked, “Should I expect to meet your mother as well?”

  “My mother no longer lives at Sanderford Park. She resides in Bath,” she informed him. “Although we are not close, she will definitely attend our wedding. Be prepared. She’s terribly high in the instep, so I have little in common with her. No doubt she’ll approve of you since you’re an earl.”

  “Ah, so I see. I shall look forward to meeting her at our wedding.” He grinned. “If all goes well with your brother, shall we attend the opera tomorrow evening? You mentioned you enjoy it.”

  “That would be delightful. Now, can we please take our ride?” Matthew threw her a devil-may-care smile, then offered his arm and escorted her outside.

  After her intended returned her to the house, she asked the butler for Lady Helton’s direction. She could not wait to share her good news. Helen wanted to twirl around the foyer and laugh out loud, but she managed to contain her excitement.

  She entered the morning room. “Good morning, Aunt. Lord Collingswood has asked for my hand in marriage, and I have accepted. I hope you will wish me happy.”

  Surprise flashed across the woman’s face. “Darling, of course I wish you the best. I ha
d hoped you would spend more time getting to know each other before you rushed into a marriage. While Lord Collingswood seems to be a fine gentleman, two weeks is a terribly short time.”

  Helen folded her arms under her breasts. “This is what I want, and there’s no need to wait. Lord Collingswood is going to see Henry tomorrow. When he returns we shall set the date, but I want to wed within the month. I care not for a large society wedding. I prefer to wed at St. Nicolas, my parish church in Cranleigh. Have you seen Kathryn? I want to share my good news with her.”

  Kathryn appeared in the doorway, “What good news?”

  “Lord Collingswood has asked me to become his wife, and I’ve accepted,” Helen informed her.

  Kathryn’s jaw tightened. “You’ve only known each other for two weeks. I like Lord Collingswood, but please tell me you plan to have a long engagement.”

  “I plan to wed as soon as possible. Please wish me happy. I promise this is what is best for me. The sooner I’m wed, the sooner I can have children. You know that’s my fondest desire. We’ve seen a great deal of each other over the last two weeks. You would be surprised how well you can come to know someone in that amount of time.”

  Kathryn sighed. “All right, congratulations. Your mind is obviously made up. I shall pray this union fulfills your dreams.”

  Helen stalked from the room. While she could understand why they were not overly enthused by her decision, she wished they would be more accepting of her wishes. How would Henry react? Albeit, her brother might already know what she had planned, she suspected he had hoped she would change her mind. Oh, well, she would pray Matthew used his considerable charm to convince her brother they would suit.

  Too happy to worry over something she could not control, she spent the rest of the day daydreaming of her life as the mother to his twin daughters.

  Ah, yes, I shall accomplish motherhood much sooner than I expected.

  CHAPTER 4

  Matthew arose the following morning as dawn broke across the sky. When he made his way to the mews, he noticed dark, angry clouds above. He hoped the storm would stay away, at least until he made it to Helen’s home. Hoping for the best, he mounted Apollo and turned south toward Surrey.