A Viscount's Heart for Christmas (Book 5, Age of Innocence)

by Debra Elizabeth

  Courtney threw her arms around Wetherby’s neck. “Oh, Camden. I was so scared, but Hannah was amazing. I only did what she told me to do.”

  Edgerton stood. “Son? Hannah has delivered so soon? I thought the child wasn’t due for a fortnight?”

  Wetherby released Courtney and turned toward his friend. “As did I, but apparently babies come on their own timetable.”

  Edgerton extended his hand. “Congratulations to both you and Hannah. The child is healthy then?”

  Wetherby nodded. “He’s small, but other than that, he’s perfectly healthy.”

  “Would you like tea, Camden?”

  Wetherby nodded, and Courtney prepared his tea and a plate of refreshments.

  “Thank you. A hot cup of tea is perfect after such a difficult ride.”

  After another quarter hour of polite conversation, Wetherby stood. “My son and heir is cause for celebration. At least something stronger than tea, don’t you agree?” he asked Edgerton.

  “Indeed. I wholeheartedly agree.”

  “Come to my office. I’ve thought of something else I wish to discuss with you as we toast my son and his beautiful mother.”

  Edgerton stood and turned to Courtney. “Thank you for the tea, Lady Courtney,” he said with a quick bow.

  Courtney stood as well. “You are most welcome, my lord.”

  Edgerton flashed her another smile before following Wetherby out of the parlor.

  Chapter 4

  COURTNEY PLOPPED DOWN ON THE sofa once the gentlemen left the parlor, reliving the last fifteen minutes of Lord Edgerton’s company. She poured herself another cup of tea and thought about what a pleasant evening they would have tonight, now that Lord Edgerton had come for a visit.

  A few hours later, she found it hard to sit still while her maid, Nell, dressed her hair for dinner. Much to her disappointment, Lord Edgerton had spent the rest of the afternoon ensconced in Wetherby’s office.

  “Sit still, my lady. I cannot get the pins to stay if you squirm overmuch,” Nell said.

  Courtney sat up straight. “Of course.”

  “Do you wish the blue or green silk this evening?”

  “I think the blue will suit me well.”

  Courtney tried not to fidget with impatience as Nell finished dressing her. She hoped she’d have a few stolen moments alone with Lord Edgerton before Wetherby came down for dinner. Hannah would not be joining them this evening. It was too soon after the birth.

  She hurried down the stairs and entered the parlor, only to find she was alone. She smoothed her dress as she tried to quell her nerves. She’d enjoyed her visit with Lord Edgerton earlier and couldn’t wait to see him again and learn more about him. There was something special about him, and Courtney longed to spend as much time as possible enjoying his company. When would he appear? She hoped he didn’t appear at the same time as her brother.

  A rich baritone voice floated into the room. “Good evening, Lady Courtney.”

  Courtney turned and inhaled sharply as Lord Edgerton walked into the parlor, smartly dressed in evening attire. His black superfine jacket fit snugly over broad shoulders, and an elegantly tied snow-white cravat complemented his silver waistcoat. An angel walking on earth could not have rivaled him. His beauty took her breath away.

  He walked to her and bowed over her hand. “You look lovely this evening, my lady.”

  “Thank you, my lord. Would you care for a glass of sherry?”

  “That would be most welcome.”

  Courtney went to the sideboard and poured two glasses of sherry and handed one to Edgerton. She felt at a disadvantage trying to keep up a lively conversation. With only her mother and the staff at their country estate for company, there wasn’t much opportunity to interact with young men. What did they like to converse about? She’d often wished she had a best friend she could talk to about gentlemen as well as share her opinions and desires with. Unfortunately, none of the other families in the area had daughters her age. She certainly couldn’t talk to her mother about such issues. However, she’d seen a few London entertainments and hoped Lord Edgerton would help carry the conversation.

  “Do you enjoy the theatre, my lord?”

  “I do, although I prefer comedies to the more dour dramatic productions. Have you been yet?”

  “Yes. Camden took us last month, and it was most enjoyable.”

  “Have you been to the British Museum yet?”

  Courtney shook her head. “No. My mother has no interest in going.”

  “Perhaps I can scout up a party for an outing. Would you do me the honor of accompanying me?”

  Courtney’s insides fluttered. She very much wanted to spend more time with Lord Edgerton but was afraid her mother wouldn’t let her attend.

  “And where are you thinking of going?” Wetherby asked, strolling into the parlor.

  Courtney turned toward her brother. “Lord Edgerton asked if I would like to go to the British Museum, but I fear Mother won’t allow it. She’s told me she has no interest in seeing it.” Courtney stared at her brother, pleading with her eyes for him to allow her to go on the outing.

  “I’ll be happy to accompany you, dear sister. Edgerton, who would you like to include?”

  “I was thinking perhaps this would be a good opportunity for Lady Courtney to meet my sisters.”

  “Your mother and sisters are coming to London?” Wetherby asked.

  Edgerton nodded. “Yes. I received a note while I was dressing for dinner that they would make the journey, although it will be a week or more before they can start out.”

  “I thought they were spending Christmas at your country seat?” Wetherby asked.

  “As did I, but it seems my mother would prefer we all be together for the holiday. Seeing as I must stay in London, she has decided she and my sisters shall join me instead.”

  “Oh, how lovely. I would very much love to meet your sisters. How many do you have?” Courtney said.

  “Three. Miss Violet will be coming out in the spring as well, and I’m sure you’ll both get on well. I imagine each of you will enjoy having a friend standing by your side. Emma is quite shy and a year younger. Then there’s Julia, who is fifteen and already talking about her coming out.”

  “You’ll have your hands full when she comes of age,” Wetherby said with a chuckle.

  A grimace passed over Edgerton’s face. “I fear you are correct, and I’m not looking forward to it.”

  “I can’t wait to meet them,” Courtney gushed. “To have a friend to enjoy the Season with will be an absolute delight.” She sighed in relief that she would not have to attend events with only her mother as company. She didn’t have much experience making friends, so meeting Lord Edgerton’s sisters would make attending events much less stressful.

  “Good. Then it’s settled,” Wetherby said. He looked at Courtney. “Don’t worry about informing Mother about the excursion. I’ll tell her myself when she returns.”

  “You’re the best of brothers,” Courtney said with a wide smile that lit up her face.

  The butler announced dinner, and Edgerton held out his arm. “May I take you into dinner, Lady Courtney?”

  Courtney placed her fingers on his arm. “Thank you. I would be delighted.”

  Wetherby sat at the head of the table with Courtney on the right and Edgerton on his left. Dinner wasn’t an elaborate affair, and the men kept their conversation light. Courtney could hardly keep her eyes from Lord Edgerton as she picked at her food.

  When the meal was finished, Wetherby stood. “Lady Courtney, would you be agreeable to entertaining us for a bit?”

  “I would be delighted.”

  Edgerton stood. “Allow me to escort you.”

  “Thank you, my lord,” she said, relishing the opportunity to lay her hand on his arm again as they walked to the parl
or and she took a seat at the pianoforte.

  EDGERTON TOOK A SEAT on the sofa and was soon mesmerized, listening to the sweet angel singing along to her performance on the pianoforte. Having spent years in London, he’d been to more musicales than he could count and never heard a sweeter voice. Too many of those events had hurt his ears and ended with him sneaking out early. But Lady Courtney’s singing and playing were exceptional, and he could listen to her all evening.

  “Bravo,” he said, clapping after her first piece. “I’d love to hear more.”

  Courtney gave him a shy smile and turned her attention back to the pianoforte. “It would be my pleasure, my lord.”

  Edgerton glanced over at Wetherby. “She’s quite talented. I’ve never heard a sweeter voice.”

  Wetherby nodded. “I agree.”

  Edgerton settled back into the sofa, content to let his mind relax while Courtney entertained them. He was surprised how much interest he felt for the young beauty. He’d said many times that he had no intention of marrying yet, but perhaps he shouldn’t rule it out completely.

  He wondered if Wetherby would entertain him as a serious suitor, especially now that he was the regional spymaster. Wetherby had handed over the reins when he married Hannah, but that was a different situation. His friend had still been working as an active spy, as well as handling the duties of spymaster. It had been a chaotic and demanding time. Spies were being randomly killed, and the Home Office was rushing to uncover the killer quickly, before Wetherby lost any more men. It was a harrowing time. By the time they realized the danger, two spies had already perished and Edgerton had nearly become the third victim. It was only Hannah’s fast thinking that had saved him. He never wanted to experience that again and didn’t want to remember how difficult it had been to recover his health.

  Things were calmer now, but did he have enough time to devote to a wife? Though he didn’t go out on missions personally anymore, there were numerous times he needed to be away from home to meet with his spies and informants. It was something he needed to think seriously about before he decided to take a wife, especially one as innocent and sweet as Lady Courtney. In the meantime, he would enjoy whatever time he could spend with her.

  After playing for thirty minutes, Courtney rose from the pianoforte. Edgerton stood and clapped again. “Bravo, my lady. I enjoyed that immensely. Thank you for playing for us.”

  “It was my pleasure, my lord.”

  Wetherby walked over to her. “Well done,” he said, kissing her forehead.

  Courtney smiled. “Thank you, Camden. And now, I’ll leave you gentlemen to your brandy. Good evening to you both,” she said with a quick curtsy.

  Edgerton bowed over her hand and watched her leave.

  “Well, my friend, I’ll take my leave of you as well and go visit my wife.”

  Edgerton’s attention snapped to Wetherby. “Of course. Give my best to Hannah. I’ll see you in the morning.”

  Wetherby strode from the room, and Edgerton wondered if his friend could already guess his interest in Lady Courtney. He didn’t know if he wanted to marry now, but spending time with her would certainly be a pleasure. One he planned to enjoy as much as possible.

  Chapter 5

  AS COURTNEY ENTERED HER BEDCHAMBER, she couldn’t stop smiling. Lord Edgerton had enthusiastically clapped after her performance. It sent a thrill coursing through her to see his approval clearly written on his face. When she’d said good evening, she thought there was an added sparkle in his beautiful blue eyes as he bowed over her hand. Did that mean he was interested in her? She had no idea. He could have merely been being polite. She was unofficially on the marriage mart until her official come-out in the spring. She believed Lord Edgerton had shown more enthusiasm than just a polite houseguest. At least she hoped he was interested, because her heart hadn’t stopped thudding in her chest yet. When he’d bowed over her hand, the most delightful shivers had traveled up her arm. Had he felt the same?

  Nell was in her bedchamber when Courtney entered. “Hi Nell.”

  “Did you have a pleasant evening, my lady?”

  “Oh Nell, it was so lovely. After dinner, I played the pianoforte, and Lord Edgerton clapped most enthusiastically and told me he enjoyed my playing.”

  “Did he now?” Nell began to undo the buttons on the back of her dress while Courtney prattled on about the evening.

  “Yes. He also told us his mother and sisters would be joining him within the next sennight.”

  “That’s lovely.”

  “The best news is Miss Violet will be making her come-out in the spring as well. It would be so wonderful to have a friend to talk to and enjoy activities with. I can hardly wait to spend more time with Lord Edgerton and his sisters.” Courtney stepped out of her gown, and Nell made short work of her petticoat and stays.

  “When will your lady mother return?”

  Courtney shook her head, her good mood dampening a little. “I’m not sure. Perhaps tomorrow afternoon.” She wondered what her mother would think about the very attractive Lord Edgerton visiting with them.

  Nell helped her into her night rail. “Shall I brush your hair?” she asked, taking out the pins holding Courtney’s elaborate hairstyle and putting them on the vanity.

  “No, thank you,” Courtney said, picking up her brush. “I shall take care of it tonight.”

  “Very good. Good night, my lady,” Nell said, gathering up Courtney’s dress and quitting the room.

  “Good night, Nell.” Courtney began pulling the brush through her sable-colored hair, which fell halfway down her back in gentle curls. She couldn’t stop thinking about Lord Edgerton and his praise of her playing. Was it only the dream of a foolish young woman that someone so handsome and worldly would be interested in her? She didn’t know, but for now, she was content to remember his smile and the beautiful blue eyes that filled her with delight.

  After one hundred strokes, she braided her hair and tied it with a ribbon before slipping in between the cool sheets. Thoughts of Lord Edgerton filled her mind, and a smile graced her lips. It was long into the night before she fell asleep, dreaming of the handsome lord.

  The next morning, Courtney awoke early, eager to spend more time with Lord Edgerton. She slipped out of bed and chose a morning gown that could be put on without help from her maid, then brushed her hair and styled it in a simple chignon. With one last glance in the mirror, she made her way out of her room and down to the dining room.

  Was Lord Edgerton an early riser? She hoped so. She doubted Camden would be downstairs at this hour, preferring to break his fast with Hannah. She planned on visiting Hannah and the baby today to see how they were faring. If anything were amiss, Camden would surely have told her. She didn’t want to intrude on their special time together with their son.

  Smiling, she entered the room. Much to her delight, Lord Edgerton was already seated at the table.

  He rose from his chair when he spotted her. “Good morning, Lady Courtney,” he said with a slight bow.

  She curtsied. “Good morning, my lord.” She sat opposite him, and the footman poured her a cup of tea. She plopped in a lump of sugar and a touch of milk, then sipped her tea while stealing glances at Lord Edgerton. “I hope you slept well.”

  Intense blue eyes gazed at her. “Yes, thank you.”

  Courtney’s insides fluttered, and a blush stole up her neck and stained her cheeks pink. One glance, and her body felt flushed. She stood and moved to the sideboard, hoping he hadn’t seen her blush. The delicious smell of eggs and bacon made her stomach grumble, and she filled her plate before returning to the table.

  “I thought I’d be the only one awake at this hour,” Edgerton said.

  She took her seat again and gazed into his blue eyes. It seemed unfair somehow that so much beauty should be bestowed on a man, and it momentarily rendered her speechless. It was another moment be
fore she answered him. “I’m an early riser most mornings. Such a peaceful time of day, don’t you agree?”

  “I do indeed. I would usually be enjoying a morning ride, but this snow has put a damper on that activity. My stallion, Vulcan, showed his displeasure as he slogged through the snow yesterday. I wouldn’t want to subject him to that again. Do you ride, my lady?”

  This was a topic she could talk about endlessly, and she nodded. “Oh, yes. I ride almost every day while in the country. I love the feel of the breeze on my face as my horse races across the estate. It’s the best part of the day.”

  “Perhaps when the weather clears, you’ll agree to accompany me for a ride in Hyde Park?”

  Courtney nearly choked on her eggs at Lord Edgerton’s invitation. She took a sip of tea. “I would love that. Thank you.”

  “Good. It will be my pleasure.”

  “Do your sisters enjoy riding as well?”

  “They do, Violet most of all.”

  “That’s wonderful. I’m so looking forward to meeting Miss Violet and, of course, your other sisters.”

  Edgerton smiled. “They will enjoy meeting you as well.” He wiped his mouth with the napkin and stood. “If you’ll excuse me, I have some pressing paperwork I must attend to. Until later,” he said with a quick bow.

  “Good day, my lord.” When he exited the room, Courtney took several steadying breaths. She was still reeling from his invitation to ride in the park. It most definitely seemed a sign he was interested in her. Or perhaps he was merely being polite as a guest of her brother. She replayed the scene over and over in her mind as she nibbled on her toast. It had been worth rising an hour earlier than usual to have the opportunity to spend time in his company.

  “More tea, my lady?” the footman asked.

  Courtney shook off her thoughts of Lord Edgerton. “Yes. Thank you.”

  After breaking her fast, she headed to the drawing room and looked out the window. The bright sun reflected off the new-fallen snow, even where the wheel tracks now tamped it down in the street. She had no doubt her mother would be able to return later that day. She didn’t know how she would react to Lord Edgerton’s presence. At the very least, Katherine would glue herself to Courtney’s side with such a handsome gentlemen staying in the house. She hoped her mother would be so happy about the new heir, she’d pay little attention to her, at least for a while.