by Lynne, Karen
Isabella giggled happily. A solution had been found. Now if only aunt Mary will agree.
“Let’s take a ride to the house in the morning and present her with our proposal,” Colton suggested.
Isabella untangle her legs and slipped on her shoes. “Yes, after breakfast.” She stood. The sooner, the better Isabella thought.
Colton walked her to the door, and she stepped out into the hall, waiting. Her husband leaned down. She raised her face to his. “See you in the morning,” he placed a light kiss on her cheek and retreated to his study.
What was wrong with her? An unpleasant thought forming in her mind as she returned to her room.
* * *
Colton closed the door behind him holding his breath, he leaned against the doorjamb, waiting until he heard his wife retreat down the hall before he relaxed.
He must have been mad thinking he could pull this marriage in name only off. He’d only offered this arrangement because he thought Isabella would refuse otherwise. They had only known each other for a few weeks when he asked her to marry him. It seemed like a good idea at the time. He just hadn’t counted on falling in love with his wife.
The next morning Lisabet and Annalynn breakfasted in their rooms to put his aunt in a better mood. Aunt Mary agreed to go for a ride after the morning meal. The overgrown lane would need repair Colton thought as he maneuvered the carriage down the half-mile to the dowager house.
Workers had cleared a path earlier that morning, making it easier for his aunt to get to the front door. The architect had already done a cursory inspection of the foundation, and it looked promising.
Aunt Mary watched intently as Colton unlocked the door before retrieving her and helping her up the walk. She had remained unusually quiet during the ride. They entered the dark space. Colton lit a taper and circled the room, lighting the candles that remained in their sconces. He would need to have the lighting updated with oil lamps.
Aunt Mary walked over and picked up a candle holder knocking cobwebs out of the way with her cane, while she inspected the house. Covers protected the furnishings, he wasn’t sure if they stood the passing of time.
“My grandmother lived here until she passed. Isabella and I would like to offer this house as a place for you to live. We can hire a crew, and you may decorate the way you want.” Colton waited.
“It would be away from the noise of the main house, a place of your own,” Isabella said.
Aunt Mary looked into the rooms lifting the coverings to inspect pieces of furniture, then retracing her steps out through the front door, she tapped her cane against the stone foundation.
She turned to Colton. “Yes, it will do. When can we start?”
He opened his mouth then closed it again, his brow furrowed he looked to Isabella who shrugged her shoulders.
“I guess we can start today if you wish. I’ll talk to the architect, and you can confer with Mildred about any staff you’ll need.”
Aunt Mary nodded and started toward the carriage.
* * *
Isabella wondered at the change in aunt Mary. Over the next week, her personality completely reversed. She spent her days at the dowager house, directing the workers after an army of servants cleaned the house top to bottom that first week, revealing little damage that new paint couldn’t rectify.
With aunt Mary busy on her own project, Isabella had more time as the household settled into a prescribed routine. The repairs were on schedule, and next week she and Mildred would start on the west wing. Isabella had decided to make it a place for guests when Colton wanted to entertain, so she could keep the east wing for the family.
The family…would there ever be more than Lisabet and Annalynn? Colton had made himself scarcer, busy with the new steward, only showing up for dinner, and sometimes even than he sent word that he would not be home.
Her fears were true. He had a mistress.
Chapter Twenty
That was why Colton had suggested this marriage of convenience. He had promised his mistress to be faithful to her, and now that the household was running smoothly, he was spending more time with her, she must be tucked away in some grand house nearby. Was that why her husband was so generous? He had a guilty conscience? She could feel her cheeks grow hot as she galloped across the field.
Isabella had sent a note to Eliza, she would be there for tea, it was urgent, she needed Eliza’s advice. Isabella refused to live like this, she had hoped it would change after they were married.
He had kissed her. Her eyes stung as her vision blurred. She wanted more from her marriage, her heart was involved, yes, she could see it now, she had fallen in love with her husband.
A groom took the reins of her mare, and the butler walked Isabella through the house to Eliza's favorite morning room, tucked away deep in the house.
Eliza and Abby sat on a comfortable couch, a maid was laying tea and pastries on a table in front of them when she was announced.
“Lady Egerton, my lady.”
Isabella removed her gloves, sliding them into her bag as she waited for the maid to leave.
“Isabella, what is the matter,” Eliza asked as the door closed behind the help.
“Colton has a mistress!” Isabella blurted.
All the pent-up emotion over the last few months spilled out as the tears began to flow. Eliza and Abby rushed to her side and guided her to the couch, sitting her down between them. Abby placed a handkerchief into her hand.
Isabella wiped her cheeks as her tears dried up.
Abby poured a cup of tea and placed it into her hands. “Drink this. It will make you feel better.”
“Isabella, do you have proof that your husband has a mistress?” Eliza asked.
“No… it's just a feeling. He was so attentive at first, but since aunt Mary moved to the dowager house, it’s like he’s avoiding being alone with me.”
“Attentive, what do you mean?” Abby asked.
“When we are in company, he stands close, holds by hand, kissing my palm but then suddenly backs away. When we go riding, he turns his back when I adjust my skirts, over the saddle. It’s just little things.”
“Isabella, I promise Colton does not have a mistress.” Eliza squeezed her hand.
“Ever since Colton became ward to his nieces, James and William have been encouraging him to take a wife. The night before he proposed to you, Susan had invited him to one of our dances at the assembly rooms to meet some ladies.”
“She did?” Isabella’s eyes widened.
“Yes, and the very next day, he asked for your hand,” Eliza explained.
“Isabella, Colton wanted to marry you.”
Abby sighed. “That is so romantic.”
Isabella giggled. Abby was so dramatic. “Then why tell me I don’t need to perform…” Isabella fluttered her hand.
“He may have thought you would refuse his request; you had only just met.” Eliza reminded her.
“Well, he is taking it very seriously for I am still alone at night. Do you know on our wedding night he locked the connecting door to our rooms and handed me the key?” Isabella sipped her tea frustration building again.
Eliza and Abby looked at each other, smiles spread across their faces.
“Don’t you see? Isabella, Colton is telling you it’s up to you.” Eliza explained. “You will have to make the first move.”
“I do? How do I do that?” Hope fluttered within Isabella’s heart. Was it possible that she had been the answer all along?
Abby giggled with excitement. They enjoyed tea and the delicious pastries Eliza’s cook had prepared while Eliza explained what Isabella was to do.
“But what if it doesn’t work?” Isabella worried.
“Oh, it will work.” Abby rubbed her hands together.
“Besides, if it does not, you will be no worse off than you are now,” Eliza replied.
Isabella relaxed and finished her visit, talking about Abby’s wedding.
“We have decided to wed a
t the end of November. That will give us time to ready for the holidays. Andrew has promised we may spend Christmas here close to our friends. It will be our last gathering before we leave for America.” Abby explained.
Isabella was going to be one of Abby’s attendants along with Susan and Eliza. She had missed Eliza's marriage to William due to her mother’s meanness, for Eliza’s aunt Mrs. Notley, had offered to bring her. Now that Isabella was married, it might be safe for Benjamin to come. Abby could send him an invitation.
* * *
It had been a long day. Colton splashed water on his face again, frustration had not receded as he had avoided being alone with his wife. He thought it would be easier if he avoided her company. Aunt Mary was happily ensconced in the dowager house, which gave the family more private moments, only increasing the temptation to break his promise. He had given his wife the key to the door, separating them, hoping when he did so she would eventually come to trust and love him.
Tonight at dinner Isabella looked ravishingly beautiful. She had smiled and carried on a pleasant conversation about her tea with her friends. The girls were spending more time outside, riding their ponies. They were getting quite proficient at their young age.
Isabella had brushed beside him as she left for her nightly routine reading to the girls. She had squeezed his arm, wishing him goodnight. Maybe he would slip upstairs and peek in on his nieces, watch her read like he had before.
Colton tightened his belt around his night coat. “That will be all for tonight Digby.”
“My Lord.” Digby cocked his lip in a half-smile and picked up a silver tray from the dresser Colton hadn’t noticed before. “Her ladyship asked that I give you this before you retired.” His valet lifted the plate before him.
A single key sat on its shiny surface. Colton picked it up, rubbing it between his fingers. Digby still wore that silly smile as he retreated.
“Have a good night, my lord.”
Colton turned and walked to the connecting door, turning the knob, it opened into Isabella’s empty room. She was still with the girls. Colton dropped the key into his dressing gown pocket and stepped into his slippers before taking the stairs two at a time up to the nursery.
He turned the doorknob slowly, peeking inside. Isabella was just kissing the girl’s goodnight as she tucked the covers up under their heads. Her soft silk night robe clung to her figure, causing his heartbeat to increase as a warm glow filled his chest.
Isabella smiled as she walked toward him a finger to her lips. She stepped into the hall closing the door softly
“They just fell asleep.” She whispered, slipping her arm in his, she pulled him close and walked with him down to the floor below.
He liked having Isabella close to him as he inhaled the fresh scent of heather. He missed touching her. All Colton wanted to do was to pull her into his arms and repeat the kiss he’s stolen at the altar, but he resisted, content to follow her lead.
She stopped at her bedchamber door, stepping closer, she ran her hand along Colton’s silk collar, and up to his face. Cupping his chin, feeling the day's growth with her fingers, she giggled, her eyes shiny.
“I loved it when you nuzzled me.”
His heart pounded in his chest. She wound her arms around his neck and pulled him closer meeting his lips, his body responded. He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her closer, molding their bodies as one.
Coming up for air, she smiled and stepped back leaning against her door, giving them room to breathe. Colton reached into his pocket and brought out the key.
“You gave me this?” He dangled it between his fingers.
“Yes,” She reached for his hand. “It seems I no longer need it. You see, I have fallen in love with my husband.” Her eyes twinkled.
She reached behind her, opening the door and invited him into her room.
Chapter Twenty-One
Abby and Sir Andrew stood before vicar Grant reciting their vows, reminding Isabella of her wedding day. In just a few months she had become Lady Egerton, mistress of a large estate, mother to two adorable, precocious girls and had fallen in love with her husband.
What more could she wish for?
A flutter tickled her abdomen as Isabella placed her hand over the spot and held her breath. Yes, there it was again.
Susan and Eliza sat next to Isabella on the front pew, attending Abby on her special day. Abby positively glowed as Sir Andrew place a ring on her finger.
“You may now kiss your bride.” The vicar declared.
Abby boldly entwined her arms around her husband’s neck and delivered a passionate kiss of which Sir Andrew joined in.
Isabella’s hand flew to her mouth, blushing for Abby, memories of Colton’s last kiss came flooding back. Her head turned to glimpse her husband watching her across the aisle, a cocky smile spread ear to ear on his handsome face.
“You may congratulate Sir Andrew and his new wife Lady Abigale in the courtyard after the register is signed.” Vicar Grant announced.
Isabella waited with her friends while the church emptied of its occupants. Colton and William followed the couple as witnesses to the vicar's office. Isabella and Eliza joined Susan and James outside talking to Charles Rutley.
She wrapped her shawl tighter against the chilly fall air. She had worn a light pelisse and was thankful Ellie had slipped the wrap to her before they left for the church.
James was having an interesting discussion about matrimony when Colton returned and drew close to Isabella’s side, sliding his arm around her waist, he pulled her near. Isabella welcomed his warmth and searched the crowd for her brother.
James slapped Charles on the back. “Colton, I have been telling Charles of the virtues of marriage. I have offered him the help of Lady Susan and Eliza. Can you give him a recommendation?”
Isabella felt her face grow warm as Colton tightened his grip. “Yes, I can. It has been perfect for us.” Colton gazed at Isabella.
“Gentlemen, Gentlemen.” Charles laughed. “I thank you for your concern, but I am capable of finding my own wife when the time comes. Thank you.”
The vicar stepped from the church door. “The couple will be out soon,” he announced.
Vicar Grant stepped alongside Charles. “Pardon me. Captain Rutley, I have just received word that Lord Moore has taken ill. I must go to him, and he has asked to see you as well.”
Charles sobered, concern crossed his face. “William, I must go. Please give Abby and Sir Andrew, my best wishes. I am not sure I will be back today.”
“Go man, I will give my sister your wishes. I hope it is not serious.” William encouraged his friend.
Charles left quickly as Abby, and Sir Andrew emerged from the church to a cheering crowd. Her brother Benjamin followed behind, and Isabella waved as he made his way to her side.
“You came.”
“Of course. Father was thrilled at a chance for me to make further acquaintance with Sir George’s family.” He gave Isabella a wink. “Besides, I had to come. I was the reason the happy couple came together.” He turned to view Abby and Sir Andrew.
“Oh, Benjamin.” Isabella giggled. “That is not the way I heard it.”
“Either way, they are happy now, and you are positively glowing.” Her brother took in her full view.
“Benjamin, I’d like to introduce my husband, Lord Egerton. My brother Benjamin Dalton.”
“Mr. Dalton. It’s good to meet you, I am told I have you to thank for my marriage. Isabella tells me that without your help, she would be wed to an old man by now.” Colton offered his hand.
“Well.” Her brother's brow rose. “I am glad you have made her happy.” He gave Isabella a wink.
“Benjamin, how long will you stay?”
“I am sorry, I have to leave on tomorrow's coach. Father has a shipment coming from India in a few days, and I must be there. It will be the last shipment till spring.” Benjamin apologized. “But I should like to come for the holidays if you’ll hav
e me?”
Isabella brightened. “Of course, we will have you. I shall have a special room waiting, and you may stay as long as you wish and get to know your nieces.”
“I am an uncle?” Benjamin smiled.
“An uncle my marriage at least,” Isabella assured him.
* * *
“It was an impressive wedding party. Sir George must have fed the whole county.” Isabella yawned, laying her head on Colton’s shoulder. The swaying carriage rocked, making her sleepy. She had been more tired the past few weeks, thinking it was because of the long hours spent on the estate, she moved her hand to her abdomen, otherwise she felt fine.
“Sir George’s family has lived here for generations, and he is well respected.” Colton kissed her temple, delighting her.
Isabella would never get tired of her husband’s kisses, lifting her face, she cupped his chin and rubbed the stubble she loved so much. Colton bent, capturing her lips and tightened his hold as she responded. Signing, he released her, and she placed her head back on his shoulder.
“Abby has promised to visit in December for the holidays. The family will not be sailing for America until spring when the seas calm. I can’t believe she will be gone for a year.”
“Will you miss her?” Colton lifted her hand and brushed his lips across her knuckles.
“Just a little, she promised to write of her adventures.”
Isabella took Colton’s hand and placed it on her abdomen. “I think we will be busy adding to our family,” Isabella replied.
She watched his face as understanding dawned. “Are you sure?”
“I think so.” She whispered.
He drew her into his arms. His voice husky “I love you, Lady Egerton.” He kissed her tenderly.
