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

by Debra Elizabeth

  “Congratulations on the birth of your son,” Edgerton said.

  “Thank you. We’re so very pleased he’s a healthy boy.”

  “I look forward to meeting him.”

  Katherine walked into the parlor.

  Edgerton bowed. “Your Grace.”

  “Lord Edgerton, a pleasure to see you again,” Katherine said.

  Before Courtney had an opportunity to speak with Lord Edgerton again, Hester announced dinner.

  Wetherby escorted Hannah, Edgerton escorted Katherine, and Courtney followed them to the dining room. She was disappointed when her mother was seated next to the handsome lord. There would be no intimate dinner conversations with her mother around. She would have to content herself with sneaking looks at him whenever he wasn’t looking her way.

  Chapter 7

  THE NEXT AFTERNOON, EDGERTON SAT in Wetherby’s office discussing the next steps in Red Knight’s mission. “I’ve thought through all the ramifications for this action. Do you think it will suffice?”

  “It’s the best solution. We had to identify the leaders to stop the riots.”

  “The people are suffering and feel helpless to feed their families, especially now that the landowners are enclosing the common land. Too many families depended on those extra crops to survive. And the Game Laws have certainly exacerbated food shortages. I can understand their frustrations, but nonetheless, order had to be restored,” Edgerton said.

  “We should be thankful that the army wasn’t needed to restore order.”

  “Will the leaders be transported?”

  Camden shook his head. “Maybe the ringleader, but I believe the rest of the sentences will be commuted to a jail term. Of course, the best-case scenario would be if all the charges were reduced to a jail sentence. That way, no family is left to starve.”

  “I’ve recalled Red Knight back to London before his identity is compromised. He’s not happy that he couldn’t prevent that last riot. He received information about it only when it was about to happen.”

  “Red Knight is a good agent. Nothing more can be accomplished there, and I would not like to see his identity known. Are there any other missions in jeopardy?”

  “Not at the moment, but I’ll keep a close eye on them.”

  Camden stood, walked to the sideboard, and poured them each a splash of brandy. He handed one to Edgerton before taking his seat again. “I salute you. You’ve made all the best decisions available to you. When are you meeting with Jeffries?”

  “Later today.”

  “At the very least, the mission was as successful as can be expected. No one was injured or killed. Be sure to emphasize that to him,” Camden said. “He’ll most likely be gruff, despite your having achieved the best outcome possible.”

  “I will,” Edgerton said, sipping his brandy. Having Wetherby’s praise and confidence in his leadership as spymaster meant the world to him. He’d been surprised when his friend suddenly stepped aside last year, but Wetherby explained he wanted to spend his time and attention on his new wife. Having met Hannah, Edgerton couldn’t blame him. She was an absolute delight with a quick wit, as well as being a strong and confident young woman. If it hadn’t been for her quick thinking when he’d been stabbed last year while confronting the spy killer, he might not be here today. Hannah had acted immediately by putting pressure on his wound, which kept him from bleeding to death. He would be forever grateful for her quick actions. “It was good to see Hannah last evening. She’s looking well and hasn’t lost any of her wit and charm.”

  “You know my wife. When she’s determined to do something, there’s no stopping her.”

  Edgerton chuckled. “That’s so true.” While they were talking about Wetherby’s family, he was tempted to broach the subject of his interest in Lady Courtney, but he’d only known her for a short while, and he wanted to gauge if the young lady had any interest in him. He finished off his brandy and stood. “I’ll take my leave now.”

  “Will you return for dinner?”

  Edgerton shook his head. “No. I should get home to make sure all is prepared for my mother and sisters. You know how Mother can be when everything isn’t just so.”

  Wetherby stood and extended his hand. “Of course. See you soon.”

  Edgerton grasped Wetherby’s hand in a firm handshake. “I’ll send a note around when I’m prepared to make the arrangements for the British Museum visit.”

  COURTNEY WAS SITTING IN the parlor with her embroidery in her lap woolgathering when Lord Edgerton walked in.

  She set her embroidery aside, stood, and curtsied. “Good afternoon, my lord. I missed you at breakfast.”

  Edgerton bowed. “My apologies. I was closeted with Wetherby. I’ve come to bid you goodbye for now.”

  Panic clawed up her throat. She’d not had a chance to speak with him alone today. “You’re leaving?” Just when she was finally marshalling her nerves and craved more time with him, he would be gone.

  He reached for her hand. “I have some business to attend to and then must see to the arrangements for my family’s arrival.”

  The warmth of his hand soothed her. She didn’t want to let it go. It felt so right.

  He brought her hand to his lips for a kiss before releasing it. “I told Wetherby I’d send a note around about the museum visit.”

  Courtney felt the loss of him as soon as he released her hand. “I look forward to it, my lord.”

  “As do I,” Edgerton said with a slight bow before exiting the room.

  When she couldn’t hear his footsteps any longer, she plopped down on the sofa. He was looking forward to seeing her again? Could it be true? She placed her hand over her belly to quell the intense fluttering. Every moment she spent in his company, her feelings became stronger. Did he perhaps share her feelings? This was all so new to her. Did gentlemen even get fluttering? She wasn’t sure, but she would be counting the days until she could see him again.

  KATHERINE KNOCKED ON WETHERBY’S office door and waited.

  “Enter.”

  Katherine walked in and came to stand in front of Wetherby’s large oak desk. “Camden, I wish to speak with you about Courtney.”

  Wetherby looked up and inwardly groaned at the determined look on his mother’s face. He did not look forward to arguing with her, but there was nothing to be done except get it over with.

  “Mother, won’t you have a seat?”

  Katherine settled into one of the chairs in front of his desk. “You’ve been too lenient with Courtney, and I don’t approve. I’ve kept a tight rein on her to prevent her from making any foolish mistakes that could cause a scandal and tarnish the family name. It’s why I didn’t want to come to London early.”

  “Mother, you must stop treating her so harshly. She’s no longer a child, and has done nothing that could possibly be viewed as a misstep by society.”

  “I specifically told her no visit would be allowed to the British Museum. I return home only to find out that you have sanctioned the visit.”

  “I did. Edgerton’s sisters will be joining us as well. It’s time Courtney saw a bit more of London and got the chance to form new friendships. Miss Violet Bainbridge is Courtney’s age, and I believe they could become great friends. Perhaps it would be a good opportunity for you to visit with Lady Edgerton, if you don’t care to accompany us. I know you haven’t seen her of late.”

  Katherine knew when she’d lost, and there was nothing to do but graciously accept Camden’s decision. She knew better than to cross the duke. Even a mother could only push so far. “Very well. Perhaps you’re right. Courtney will be in the company of Edgerton’s sisters, so it should be fine. I own I’m looking forward to seeing Lady Edgerton again. I’ve not seen her in a good long while.”

  “I’m sure you’ll have a lovely visit. Is there anything else, Mother?”

  Kathe
rine wasn’t sure if she should voice her suspicions about Courtney’s seeming infatuation with Edgerton. “Yes, but perhaps it is not as I feared.”

  “Oh? What are you talking about?”

  “Has Lord Edgerton mentioned any interest in Courtney?”

  “No. Why do you ask?”

  “I watched them last night at dinner and feel Courtney may be developing a tendre for him.”

  “They’ve only just met and I’m sure that’s not the case. Edgerton hasn’t mentioned anything to me, but even if there is interest, you must let Courtney explore her feelings. Besides, Edgerton is a well-respected viscount and would be an acceptable suitor.”

  Katherine nodded. “Perhaps it was nothing at all,” she said, rising from her seat. “I’ll see you at tea.” She left the office and hoped by voicing her opinion about Lord Edgerton it would put Camden on guard. She had no objections regarding Lord Edgerton. Camden was correct—he was well respected among the ton and his wealth was rumored to be considerable, but Courtney was a duke’s daughter and should seek to marry a marquis or earl at the least. Once the Season started, Katherine would make sure Courtney was introduced to the peers she deemed suitable to marry her daughter.

  She had to admit, her daughter was a lovely young woman who would make any lord proud to call her his wife. She’d made sure Courtney was schooled in how to run a household and all that entailed. She was an accomplished pianist with a lovely voice and had such a sweet nature. No, it wouldn’t be long before she captured the attention of a particular lord. Though Courtney wanted a love match, Katherine didn’t think love was necessary for a successful marriage. What was most important in a marriage was the production of heirs. Courtney could focus all her love on her children. That was the way it was for Katherine, and she didn’t see any reason Courtney should be different.

  If on the other hand, Courtney fell in love with an approved suitor, Katherine be happy that her daughter was happy. When her daughter married, it would be the first time in her life that she’d be alone. It wasn’t something she was looking forward to. Where would she go—to the dower house on the grounds of their country seat? Or perhaps she would stay in London and have Camden buy her a small comfortable home. It was a decision she wasn’t looking forward to making anytime soon. She took a deep breath and went in search of her daughter.

  She found Courtney in the parlor. “Hello, my dear.”

  Courtney looked up from her embroidery. “Hello, Mama. What do you think?” she asked, holding up the blue baby blanket.

  Katherine reached for the blanket, admiring the baby’s initials embroidered in the corner. “It’s lovely. You should be very proud. Your stitches are neat and precise.”

  Courtney beamed at her mother’s compliment. “Thank you. I plan to give it to Hannah for Christmas. Do you think she’ll like it?”

  Katherine nodded and handed the blanket back to her daughter. “I’m sure she’ll love it.” She sat on the sofa next to Courtney and gave her a hug. “Well done.”

  Courtney leaned into her, and she relished their closeness.

  “I saw the baby yesterday, and he looks to be thriving,” Courtney said.

  “Yes, he is. I’m happy that Hannah is recovering well. Childbirth can be a dangerous time for any woman. I’m sorry I wasn’t home to assist her.”

  “She was so brave and told me exactly what to do.”

  “You did very well, my darling.”

  “Thank you, Mama.”

  “Now let’s keep going on our knitting projects for the foundling home,” Katherine said. “The children will need warm scarves and mittens, especially since winter has announced itself so early this year.”

  Courtney put the blanket in her knitting basket and took up her needles. “Do you know how many children need scarves?”

  “I don’t know the exact number. Let’s keep working on scarves and mittens, and I’ll write to Mrs. Hastings and get a count of the number of boys and girls and their ages.”

  Courtney nodded. “Do you think they’ll like this blue?” she asked, holding up a skein of wool.

  “I believe they’ll be grateful for whatever we can make, although I agree that color will be lovely.”

  “I’d also like to sew some dolls for the younger girls, in addition to their scarves and mittens. I could use some of the brown wool for their hair, but will need some muslin. What do you think?”

  “That’s a wonderful idea. I’ll send Bethany to purchase the muslin and Joseph to purchase a few tin soldiers for the little boys as well.”

  “I hope this Christmas will bring joy to all the children,” Courtney said. “They have so little to call their own.”

  “We will do our best, my dear.”

  The rest of the afternoon, Katherine spent in her daughter’s company and listening to her enthusiasm for helping the children. She wasn’t surprised by Courtney’s generous spirit. Even as a little girl, she’d shown such empathy and generosity to all she met. Katherine would miss these times—working together on projects for the needy. She sighed at the changes sure to come.

  Courtney looked up from her knitting. “Is something amiss?”

  Katherine smiled. “Nothing at all, darling. Just enjoying our time together.”

  “As am I, Mama.”

  “I spoke with Camden earlier, and I might have been too harsh with you.”

  “Does that mean you’ll sanction the visit to the museum?”

  “Yes. You may go. I’m looking forward to visiting with Lady Edgerton while you’re out. It will be good to see her again.”

  Courtney hugged her. “Thank you, Mama.”

  Chapter 8

  EDGERTON PACED OUTSIDE JEFFRIES’ OFFICE. He didn’t relish hearing the director’s opinion on Red Knight’s latest mission. His instructions had been to quell the riots, and they’d accomplished most of that objective, but there were now five men’s lives that would be forever changed. He wanted to argue for leniency for the men and hoped Jeffries agreed. He couldn’t fault them for trying to feed their families, but the last riot had done too much property damage to be ignored.

  The door to Jeffries’ office opened, and the clerk motioned for Edgerton to enter, then stepped aside to allow him entry and closed the door behind him.

  William Jeffries, the Home Office Director, was in his mid-fifties, with a shock of white hair and an equally white mustache, but his lean, athletic build made him seem younger. His head was bent over a report. He didn’t acknowledge Edgerton at first. Edgerton waited just inside the door, his clenching and unclenching his fists the only sign of his agitation. He knew from past appointments that it was best to wait until Jeffries invited him to sit in one of the chairs in front of the director’s large desk. There were so many papers littering the desktop, he wondered how Jeffries kept all the information sorted in his mind.

  “Edgerton, sit,” Jeffries barked.

  “Sir, I came to—”

  Jeffries speared him with a glare. “I know why you’ve come. It’s not exactly the best outcome for Red Knight’s mission, now is it?”

  Edgerton took a deep breath. He’d known this was going to be a difficult meeting, but he hadn’t expected to be interrupted before he had a chance to explain what happened in the north. Things weren’t as black and white as they seemed. “It was the best outcome under the circumstances, sir. Red Knight reported that there was intense chatter about further rioting. We had to move in quickly to quell that and arrest the leaders so the community would calm down. Law and order was restored quickly.”

  “This was supposed to be handled quietly. Now we’ve got a spectacle on our hands, and I like it not.”

  “I know, and believe me, it could not be helped. I have a suggestion and possible solution concerning those who were arrested.”

  Jeffries sat back in his chair, his steel-gray eyes boring into Edgerton.
“Go on.”

  For the next half-hour, Edgerton explained what he thought would be the best solution, with the least amount of fanfare and absolutely no evidence that the Home Office was ever involved. “What do you think?” he asked when he was done.

  It was several minutes before Jeffries answered, his glare never wavering from Edgerton’s face. “That might work. Without any hangings, the people should not be incited to riot again, correctly realizing that leniency would not be the outcome a second time if the riots continued.”

  “My thoughts exactly, sir. I wouldn’t like to see the worst case scenario of able-bodied men transported or hung, leaving their families to starve. That will only incite more unrest.”

  “I agree.”

  “Leaving the men in jail for a month and the leader incarcerated for two should be enough to dampen their enthusiasm for future riots and should not impact their families overmuch.”

  “Agreed. Make it happen.”

  Edgerton stood. He knew the meeting was over and Jeffries wouldn’t have anything more to say, especially when the director took up another report to read. “Good day, sir.”

  Edgerton strode out of the Home Office with a sigh of relief. He hadn’t been sure if Jeffries would agree to his solution, and sweat had trickled down his back while he waited for approval to enact his plan. Once outside, he tipped the boy holding his stallion, vaulted into the saddle, and rode to the mews behind his townhome. A groom came out to meet him.

  “Rub him down well and give him a bag of oats.”

  The groom nodded, taking Vulcan’s reins. “Yes, my lord.”

  Edgerton slipped into his townhome through the kitchen. Cook looked up from the table, where she was chopping vegetables with the kitchen maid. “My lord, do you require something?”

  Edgerton shook his head. “Nothing at the moment, Mrs. Spencer.”

  He continued to his study, where he’d be spending the afternoon closeted, writing a letter to the local magistrate about the approved jail sentences. He was relieved none of the men would hang. He understood their frustration at trying to feed their families, but destroying property was not the way to go about voicing it. So many people throughout England were struggling, especially with the bad harvest last year. He would need to send more letters to the local gentry as well. He knew it would be an uphill battle trying to convince them to take down the fences and relinquish some of the common land for the farmers’ use once again. He would argue it was either release the land or watch their properties be destroyed by starving commoners. It should be an easy choice to make. He would also remind them of what happened to the nobility during the recent French Revolution. Did they want to see that kind of anarchy in England?