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

by Debra Elizabeth

  When the dinner ended, the ladies retired to the parlor while the gentlemen stayed behind. Brandy and whiskey were passed around. They talked about the issues before Parliament before joining the ladies.

  “Wetherby, a moment please,” Edgerton said.

  Wetherby stayed behind, waiting for the other gentlemen to leave the dining room. “Is something wrong? I noticed you scowling at Carlisle at dinner. Do you have a history with the man? I admit, I don’t know much about him myself.”

  Edgerton paced, surprisingly nervous about talking to Wetherby. “No, nothing is wrong, but I wanted to discuss a personal matter with you regarding your sister.”

  “Oh?”

  “Yes, well…the more time I spend in her company, I find…I’m…what I mean to say is, I would like to court her and ask your blessing.”

  “Have you reason to believe my sister returns your affections?”

  “I suspect so, but I wanted your consent before I approached her.”

  “Courtney is young and looking forward to her first Season. I would not like to deny her that experience. She will only debut once.”

  “Neither would I wish her to regret anything. However, I would like every gentleman to know of my interest in her.” Edgerton held his breath, waiting for Wetherby’s answer. He was his best friend and hoped that would be a mark in his favor, although Wetherby might be reluctant because of his work as spymaster.

  “What of your responsibilities to the Home Office? Have you thought about how you would handle both those and a wife?”

  “I understand your concern, but I believe I’ll be able to handle both. Courtney has told me she adores London, and being in residence will certainly help me as I juggle any missions going forward. If I find I cannot effectively do both, I will resign as spymaster.”

  “You would do that for my sister?”

  “I would indeed. Your sister’s well-being and happiness are of paramount importance to me.”

  Wetherby nodded. “I can see that. Well then, you have my blessing to court her. She has a mind of her own, and once she’s exposed to all the entertainments in the spring, she’ll have a better understanding of herself. Will you give her the time to discover her heart, even if it is not you she chooses as her husband?”

  “I will, although I do hope she chooses me.”

  Wetherby chuckled. “So do I, my friend; so do I.”

  Edgerton slapped Wetherby on the back. “You’ve relieved my mind. I’m glad you trust me with your sister’s happiness,” he said before they went to join everyone in the parlor. Edgerton walked over to his sister, who was sitting on the sofa with Courtney. “Violet, would you entertain us on the pianoforte?”

  Violet nodded. “I would be happy to.” She walked to the pianoforte, and Courtney followed her.

  “I’ll turn the pages for you,” Courtney said.

  “Thank you. I know Lord Welles was going to offer, and I wouldn’t have been able to play well with him staring at me.”

  After playing three pieces, Violet turned to the group. “Lady Courtney is more accomplished than I. Perhaps she’ll agree to play for you.”

  Courtney smiled at Violet and nodded. “Stay with me,” she whispered as the young women traded places.

  Courtney’s singing was exquisite, and Edgerton spent the rest of the evening with a smile on his face. He had Wetherby’s permission to court the young lady, and he would do everything in his power to be the victor of her heart.

  He glanced at Carlisle while Courtney played. He seemed very interested in Courtney as well, and Edgerton liked it not. Carlisle was an earl and such a lofty title could turn a young lady’s head. He hoped that would not be the case with Lady Courtney.

  When Courtney finished playing, Carlisle clapped and walked to her. “Your singing is exquisite, Lady Courtney.”

  Courtney smiled. “Thank you, my lord.”

  “Will you take a turn around the room with me?”

  “I would be delighted,” she said, placing her hand on his outstretched arm.

  Edgerton watched as Carlisle made his interest in Courtney known. He nodded to the footmen, who moved the furniture to the sides of the room for dancing. Violet returned to the pianoforte to supply the music.

  Carlisle had returned Courtney to her mother. “I hope you will do me the honor of a dance this evening?”

  “Of course, my lord.”

  Edgerton walked over to Courtney and her mother. He wanted to be the first to dance with her. “Lady Courtney, may I have this dance?”

  Courtney nodded and let Edgerton lead her onto the floor. Baron Wells lined up with Lady Arabella, and Wetherby and Hannah rounded out the couples. Violet began to play the music for a country dance.

  Edgerton would have preferred to waltz with Courtney, holding her in his arms, but he was at least content to be in her company.

  When the dance ended, Camden and Hannah sat down. He then partnered with Lady Arabella and Carlisle danced with Courtney. With such a small party in attendance, dancing didn’t last long. Soon it was time to say their goodbyes. Carlisle, Lady Arabella and Wells were the first to leave.

  “Good evening, Your Graces,” Edgerton said with a quick bow. He lifted Courtney’s hand and kissed her knuckles. “Good evening, my lady. I hope you enjoyed yourself this evening.”

  “I did indeed. Good evening, my lord.”

  Chapter 14

  THE DAY AFTER THE EDGERTON dinner, Courtney was in the parlor with her mother, where they were “at home” for morning calls. One of her mother’s friends had already stopped by, and Courtney was about to excuse herself, as the time for morning calls was almost over, when Hester announced, “Lord Carlisle to see Lady Courtney.”

  She was surprised to see him again so soon. Although she’d enjoyed her conversation and dance with the handsome lord, he hadn’t mentioned wanting to see her again. She stood and curtsied. “Good day, my lord. I hadn’t expected to see you again so soon.”

  Carlisle strode into the room, first bowing to Katherine with a polite, “Your Grace.” He then took Courtney’s hand and kissed the air above her knuckles. “My lady, I do hope it’s a pleasant surprise. These are for you,” he said, handing her a bouquet of pink roses.

  Katherine stepped into the conversation when Courtney did not respond immediately. “Lord Carlisle, you’re most welcome in this house.”

  “Thank you, Your Grace.”

  Courtney stared at the handsome lord a moment before finding her voice. “My lord, the flowers are quite beautiful.”

  “They do not compare to you,” Carlisle said, flashing her a smile.

  “Would you care for tea?”

  “That would be most welcome,” Carlisle took a seat in the chair opposite the sofa.

  Before Courtney could reach for the bell pull to order fresh tea, Sally brought in a tea tray and put it on the low table in front of the sofa. “Will there be anything else, my lady?”

  “Your timing is impeccable,” Courtney said, handing the flowers to Sally. “Please put these in water.”

  “Of course, my lady,” Sally said with a curtsy before she left the room.

  “How do you like your tea, my lord?”

  “One lump of sugar.”

  Courtney prepared the tea for Lord Carlisle and her mother before preparing her own and taking a seat on the sofa next to her mother.

  “I enjoyed our dinner conversation last night. I had no idea you were such an accomplished horsewoman,” Carlisle said.

  A smile lit Courtney’s face. “I love to ride. I used to ride almost every day when we lived in the country.”

  “Perhaps you’d like to join me for a ride in Hyde Park? The bitter cold has abated somewhat these past few days.”

  “Thank you, my lord. I would love to join you.”

  “Perfect. I shall call fo
r you tomorrow at five. Will that suit?”

  Courtney looked at her mother, who nodded her approval. “That will be lovely. I look forward to it.”

  Carlisle stayed for another ten minutes, chatting amicably, before taking his leave.

  “You seem to have caught the attention of the Earl of Carlisle,” Katherine said when Carlisle had departed. “He’s well respected by the ton and rumored to be quite wealthy. He would be a worthy suitor for your hand.”

  “I was quite surprised to see him today. Our conversation last evening was most reserved.”

  Katherine nodded. “It’s not unheard of for a gentleman to be quite reserved, as you say, in the beginning of a courtship. Not many men wear their hearts on their sleeve. You should be aware of that and not discount his interest in you.”

  “I’m flattered by his attention, of course.”

  Her mother frowned. “I want you to encourage his attentions. You have a duty to the family to marry well. Your training has prepared you well to be the wife of an earl. It would be an excellent match.”

  Courtney shook her head. “But what of love? I wish to be in love when I marry.”

  Katherine’s eyes narrowed. “A childish notion. Marriages in the ton are brokered for connections and prestige. You’re the daughter and sister of a duke, and you would do well to remember that. Besides, you could easily grow to love Lord Carlisle. He seems a decent fellow. Do you understand your responsibility to make the best match possible?”

  “Yes, Mama.”

  Courtney was leering of telling her mother of her interest in Lord Edgerton, which was ever so much stronger than anything she felt for Carlisle. While she’d enjoyed her dance with the Earl of Carlisle last evening, it didn’t compare in the least to how she’d felt dancing with Lord Edgerton. She felt warm and protected in his arms. Whenever she saw Edgerton, she wished the contact would never end. She felt no such fluttering when she was in Lord Carlisle’s company, although he seemed a decent enough gentleman. Perhaps her mother was correct and some relationships started off more slowly than others before turning into a love match.

  The next day, Lord Carlisle called for her promptly at five o’clock. The groom had her mare saddled and waiting out in front of the townhouse and helped her into the saddle before he climbed into the saddle of his own mount. The trio slowly made their way to the park. It was the fashionable hour, but the December chill had kept many at home in front of a warm fire.

  “I find a ride in this weather invigorating,” Carlisle said. “Are you comfortable, Lady Courtney? You must tell me if you’re chilled.”

  “I’m well. Thank you, my lord, for your consideration.” A few moments of silence followed before Courtney asked, “What’s your country seat like?” She was eager to know more about him so she could fully understand her feelings toward a possible marriage between them. She didn’t want to disappoint her mother or Camden and was resolved to give Lord Carlisle her full attention.

  “Meridian Manor is quite the oasis from the chaos of London. It sits along the coast, but it’s hard to describe the style of the manor house, with so many generations of earls either adding wings to it or renovating it. I must confess, I’m especially fond of the view from the green parlor. When I gaze at the gardens beyond the French doors, it reminds me of my mother and a happy childhood. She was especially fond of it.and I miss her.”

  “I’m sorry for your loss, but what a lovely reminder of her. Do you go to the country often?” She was curious to know his preference because being stuck in the country again was the last thing she wanted in her life. After being in London these past few months, she knew she’d rather live here.

  “Good day, Lady Courtney.”

  Courtney knew that deep baritone voice and looked up to see Lord Edgerton and Violet heading toward them. “Lord Edgerton, Miss Violet, what a lovely surprise.”

  “Good day, Lord Carlisle, Lady Courtney,” Violet said.

  “Miss Violet, a pleasure,” Carlisle said with a nod. “Edgerton.”

  “Carlisle.”

  The two men didn’t seem to be overly friendly, but Courtney had little experience in how men greeted each other in London. “Would you care to join us?” she asked.

  “Sadly, no. We’re heading back to the townhouse,” Edgerton said. “Perhaps another time. Enjoy the rest of your ride.” He kicked his heels in the sides of his stallion, and Violet had no choice but to do the same and follow her brother.

  Courtney was disappointed that they hadn’t joined them. As much as she willed herself to devote her full attention to Lord Carlisle, as her mother had requested, she couldn’t help but think about the handsome viscount who’d just crossed their path.

  BY THE TIME EDGERTON and his sister reached the mews behind the townhouse, he was seething but not surprised at Carlisle’s interest in Courtney. She was a duke’s sister and had been raised to become the wife of a peer. She was elegant, poised, and beautiful. With all her charms, all manner of gentlemen would be vying for her hand. Edgerton had no need of her substantial dowry, but that was not the case for many in the ton.

  “Charles, what’s the matter?” Violet asked. “You’ve not said a word since we started back.”

  Edgerton looked at his sister. “Nothing, my dear. I’ve a lot on my mind, that’s all. I do apologize if I’ve been ignoring you. That was not my intention at all.” He dismounted, helped his sister down, and the groom took the reins of the horses. “Rub them down well,” he said. “They’ve had quite a workout today.”

  “Yes, my lord,” the groom said, leading the horses away.

  Edgerton escorted Violet into the house. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I must change for a pressing appointment.”

  Violet kissed her brother’s cheek. “Thank you for the ride today. I’ve missed our time together.”

  “I as well, dear sister.”

  Akers intercepted Edgerton as he went into the hallway. “A letter has arrived for you, my lord.”

  Edgerton took the letter, bounded up the stairs two at a time, and made his way to his bedchamber. He knew the handwriting on the letter, and it didn’t bode well that Red Knight had sent another missive. Once in the room, he broke the seal and read the contents. “Damn. Edwards!” he called.

  Edgerton’s valet, a man in his early forties, peeked out of the dressing room. “My lord, did you enjoy your ride?”

  “Yes. I would like a bath drawn, and I must dress quickly. I have an urgent appointment to attend to.”

  “Of course, my lord.”

  An hour later, Edgerton was donning his greatcoat and hat before climbing into his carriage.

  “Where to, my lord?” the driver asked.

  “The Duke of Wetherby’s townhouse.”

  “Very good,” he said, flicking the reins to get the horses moving.

  Inside the carriage, Edgerton tried to make sense of the missive he’d received from Red Knight. Evidently, the magistrate had not taken kindly to being threatened by the Home Office and had sentenced all the rioters to twleve months in prison. This was not what they’d agreed upon, and Edgerton wanted to talk to Wetherby before taking any further steps. This was the most complicated mission during his tenure as spymaster. That man needed to be taught a lesson, but how severe it should be, he wasn’t sure yet. Within a few moments, he arrived at the duke’s home, jumped out of the carriage, and bounded up the steps. Hester opened the door before he had a chance to knock. “Lord Edgerton, how may I assist you?”

  “Is Wetherby in? I need to speak with him.”

  Hester stepped back and allowed Edgerton to enter before taking his coat and hat. “His Grace is in the study.”

  Edgerton nodded and strode down the hall, knocking once before entering Wetherby’s study.

  The duke looked up from his correspondence. “Edgerton, did we have a meeting today?”

  “No,
and you’re not going to like what I’m here to tell you.”

  “Pour us some brandy and have a seat. From your agitation, I can only assume this is about Red Knight’s mission.”

  Edgerton moved to the sideboard and poured two splashes of brandy. He handed one to Wetherby and downed his in one gulp. “You’re correct. That magistrate has gone rogue and sentenced all the men to twelve months.”

  “What? That is most unusual. What actions have you taken?”

  “Nothing yet. I’m leaning toward advising Jeffreies to have the magistrate removed. The local vicar is sympathetic to the men’s plight and will plead clemency for time served when a new magistrate is installed. The current magistrate needs to feel the full wrath of the Home Office.”

  Wetherby took a moment before answering, “I must confess I’ve never had this particular problem before. I agree that is a good plan. Pitch is to Jeffries although he won’t like this new twist.”

  Edgerton nodded and left the study. He collected his outerwear from the butler, and once outside the townhouse, he said. “The Home Office, John,” before jumping into the carriage.

  “Yes, my lord.”

  He knew Jeffries would be furious about this latest development, and he couldn’t blame him. Red Knight’s mission had been fraught with problems since the beginning. Edgerton found it hard to understand the magistrate’s determination to punish the men so harshly. Was there more going on than he knew?

  The carriage stopped at the Home Office, and Edgerton jumped out and hurried up the stairs. The clerk outside the director’s office was startled when Edgerton barged in.

  “I must see Jeffries now!”

  “My lord, the director is—”

  Edgerton didn’t wait for the clerk to finish and burst into Jeffries’ office.

  “Bloody hell, Edgerton. What’s the meaning of this?”

  Edgerton took a minute to calm his breathing before informing Jeffries of the latest developments and his proposed actions.

  Jeffries took a moment to absorb the information before he replied. “Don’t bring him here. If he wishes to hand down his own punishments instead of what he’s been told to do, then let him do so in lawless America. Find the next ship leaving for Boston and make sure he’s on it. Inform the captain that he’s not to be let out of his cabin until they’re well out to sea. Is that clear?”