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

by Debra Elizabeth

  “Yes, sir.” Edgerton turned on his heel and left the director’s office, heading for home. Jeffries’ solution was perfect. He’d send off a missive to Red Knight immediately by a fast messenger to dispatch the current magistrate to the London docks. He’d also write to Vicar Richards to work with the new magistrate—one that knew his place and was loyal to the Home Office—on the actions needed to release the men from prison. Time served would suffice to end this fiasco. He would also write a letter to the rogue magistrate for Red Knight to put in his pocket, informing him that he’d been stripped of his English citizenship and all his possessions. In addition, if he ever returned to English soil, he would be hanged as a traitor to the Crown. There were dire consequences for defying the Home Office, but because he wasn’t a total monster, Edgerton would also enclose two pounds with the missive. Let the man figure out his future in Boston with a mere pittance.

  He could well understand now why Wetherby had resigned as spymaster when he married Hannah. Red Knight’s latest mission was taking up an inordinate amount of his time and attention and kept him from dancing attendance on Courtney as he desired. He hoped this was not a precursor of things to come.

  Chapter 15

  IT WAS THE WEEK OF Christmas, and Courtney, Hannah, Katherine and Violet had plans to visit the foundling home. Courtney could hardly wait to see the faces of the children when they delivered their gifts. While she paced in the parlor, waiting for Hannah and her mother to come downstairs and Violet to come around, she thought about her feelings about Lord Edgerton and Lord Carlisle. Both men had shown interest in her, and while her heart beat frantically whenever Lord Edgerton was near, her mother clearly preferred Lord Carlisle. She’d never gone against her mother’s wishes before, had always been a dutiful daughter, but she wanted a love match, even though it wasn’t common amongst the ton. She understood that a lot of marriages were business deals between the families involved. Her own parents’ marriage had been one of mutual respect, but she’d never seen them even kiss. She longed to ask her mother if she’d ever loved her father, but her mother wasn’t one to discuss such intimate details with her. Could Courtney be live with only the respect of her husband and not his heart?

  She tried to envision what life would be like if she married Carlisle. His country seat sounded quite beautiful and he clearly loved it, but could she be satisfied relegated to the country once again? Knowing what London had to offer, she felt she would quickly grow discontented in the country. She also didn’t think she’d be happy with only respect from her future husband, especially after seeing how much in love Camden and Hannah were. It would be difficult to live without that kind of love in her life.

  She adored living in London and wanted to be there most of the time. Lord Edgerton did not go often to his country manor, according to Violet. They hadn’t seen him for months before they came to London for Christmas. Courtney remembered the sparkle in Edgerton’s eyes whenever he talked with her. Their dance together had been magical, and she enjoyed every moment in his company. Could Lord Edgerton possibly have feelings for her? She wondered if his heart raced erratically whenever she was near, like hers did when he was with her.

  Violet interrupted her musing. “My goodness, you look serious. Are you troubled about something?”

  Courtney greeted her friend with a hug. “Not at all.” She didn’t feel comfortable yet telling Violet of her interest in her brother, especially since Edgerton had given her no indication about where his affections lay. Mama had told her that gentlemen generally didn’t discuss their feelings, but she longed to hear that Edgerton was interested in pursuing a match with her.

  “Would it have anything to do with the handsome Lord Carlisle?”

  Courtney’s eyes widened. “Why do you say that?”

  “He’s clearly showing interest in you. I was most surprised to see you riding in the park with him.”

  “Oh, Violet. I don’t yet know how I feel. Mama said I should encourage his suit, but should I know my feelings for him so soon after meeting him?”

  Violet shook her head. “I honestly don’t know, having no experience myself. I only know which gentleman is definitely not the match for me.”

  Courtney chuckled. “You must be referring to Lord Welles. I agree; I do not care for the way he leers at us. He’s most unsuitable.”

  “I agree.”

  Courtney was near to bursting with the urge to tell Violet of her feelings toward her brother. How wonderful it would be to be officially sisters. She opened her mouth but quickly closed it when her mother walked into the parlor with Hannah by her side.

  “Violet, you look lovely today. That shade of blue is quite becoming on you.”

  “I most heartily agree,” Hannah said. “You look beautiful. As do you, Courtney, my dear.”

  Violet curtsied. “Thank you, Your Graces.”

  “Shall we go? I’m anxious to see the children again,” Hannah said.

  The women walked to the foyer, where they donned cloaks, scarves, gloves, and bonnets before being handed up into the ducal carriage by Thomas. There were hot bricks inside to keep their feet warm on the ride to the foundling house.

  “Violet, has your mother received a dinner invitation from Lady Tisbury?”

  Violet nodded. “Yes, Your Grace. I’m looking forward to it, as I’ve heard how beautiful her townhome and gardens are.”

  Hannah smiled as she remembered her first meeting with Wetherby at her Aunt Mary’s home. “They are indeed. I miss my aunt greatly. I’ve not seen her since before I gave birth. I was thrilled when she sent around the invitation. I didn’t know she’d come up to Town already.”

  After fighting through the London traffic of carriages, vendor carts, and people darting across the streets, they finally arrived at the foundling home. Thomas lowered the steps and handed each lady down, then gathered the large basket tied at the back of the carriage and followed the women into the foyer.

  “Good day, Your Graces, Lady Courtney, Miss Violet. The children are most anxious to see you all today,” Mrs. Hastings said.

  “We’re happy to see them as well,” Hannah said. “Let’s not keep them waiting any longer.”

  Mrs. Hastings led the way to the largest room in the home. All the children were lined up next to each other, anticipation clearly written on their faces. The younger children were fidgeting, although the older children held tightly to their hands.

  “Children, how do we greet our guests?” Mrs. Hastings asked.

  The girls curtsied and the boys bowed. Charlotte, a bright-eyed four-year-old, tore her hand free, causing her to nearly topple over. Courtney was quick to catch the little girl and return her to her space in line.

  “Your Graces and ladies, it’s a pleasure to see you,” dozens of voices chorused.

  “And we’re most happy to see all of you,” Hannah said.

  “Won’t you have a seat?” Mrs. Hastings said, pointing to the chairs at the front of the room.

  The ladies took their seats, and Thomas placed the basket in front of Hannah before standing off to the side.

  “Well now, let us not stand on ceremony. Who’d like a present today?” Hannah asked.

  All the children raised their hands and enthusiastically nodded.

  Hannah passed the presents for the younger girls to Courtney and Violet to hand out while she and Katherine gave out the older children’s presents. There were many “oohs” and “aahs,” as well as squeals of joy, as each child opened their gifts.

  “I cannot thank you enough for such generosity,” Mrs. Hastings said with tears in her eyes. “You’ve all been most generous and made for a happy Christmas for the children.”

  “It’s our pleasure,” Hannah said. “It is thanks enough to see such joy on the children’s faces.”

  “Mrs. Hastings, will you have the girls come forward again?” Courtney asked.


  “Of course, Lady Courtney.” She turned toward the children. “Children, listen please. All the girls come forward and line up.”

  Courtney and Violet shared a secret smile and pulled a bundle of ribbons from their reticules. As the girls stood before them, they asked each one what their favorite color was. They had ribbons in a rainbow of colors, so each girl from the oldest to the youngest was able to choose the one they wanted most.

  Hannah turned and whispered to Katherine. “Did you know about the ribbons?”

  Katherine shook her head. “I did not, but I’m not surprised. Both Courtney and Violet have such giving natures.”

  After the presents were handed out, Mrs. Hastings and her teachers served tea and cakes. The cake was a special treat for the children and did not stay long on their plates.

  “Again, I can’t thank you enough for your generosity,” Mrs. Hastings said.

  “It’s our pleasure,” Hannah and Katherine told her.

  After many hugs from the children, the women took their leave. Thomas collected the empty basket, and the ladies followed him out to the coach. Once inside, Katherine spoke, looking between the two young women. “Courtney, Violet, when did you decide to give out ribbons?”

  Courtney smiled. “We discussed it the last time we were together and thought it would be a lovely addition for the girls. We’re blessed to have so many and we wanted to share. What girl doesn’t like ribbons?”

  “They were clearly enamored of them,” Hannah said. “Well done, my dears.”

  When the coach reached the Edgerton residence, Violet squeezed Courtney’s hand. “I’ll see you tomorrow night at the Tisbury dinner.”

  “Indeed. Goodbye, Violet.”

  EDGERTON SAT AT HIS desk and picked up the dinner invitation from Lady Tisbury. He was glad for another opportunity to spend time with Courtney. He dashed off a quick note asking to be seated next to her. By the time he finished his correspondence, it was time to pay an afternoon call on Courtney.

  Hester opened the door before he had a chance to knock. “Lord Edgerton, how may I help you?”

  Edgerton chuckled to himself. No matter how many times he came to the Wetherby townhome—and there had been countless visits over the years—Hester always treated him as if it was his first time. “Is Lady Courtney receiving visitors?”

  Hester stepped back and opened the door wider for Edgerton to enter. He took his greatcoat and hat. “Lady Courtney is in the family parlor, my lord.”

  “No need to announce me. I know the way,” Edgerton said, bounding up the stairs. He stopped at the doorway of the cozy parlor and gazed at Lady Courtney. He was known as a great charmer amongst women, but it was Courtney, with her sweet nature, who was charming him. Every time he saw her, his heart did a little flip. It was something new for him, but he found he liked it quite well.

  “Good day, Lady Courtney.” He watched her head snap up.

  She put her knitting aside and stood to curtsy. “Lord Edgerton, I wasn’t expecting you today.”

  Edgerton nodded. “I realize that, but my desire to see you again became overwhelming, and here I am.”

  Lady Courtney smiled at the compliment. “I’m ever so glad you’ve come for a visit. Would you care for some tea?”

  Edgerton shook his head. “No, thank you. May I sit with you?”

  “Oh, of course, please do.”

  Edgerton sat on the sofa next to Courtney. The parlor door was open, and he left enough space between them to prevent her mother from accusing him of impropriety. He gently brought her hand to his lips. Her skin was as soft as silk, and her rose water scent filled his senses. “I do hope my visit is welcome.”

  “It is indeed,” Courtney said, lowering her lashes.

  “I’m so pleased to hear that. I would like to talk—”

  “Lord Edgerton, this is a surprise,” Katherine said, walking into the room.

  Edgerton dropped Courtney’s hand and rose. “Your Grace, it’s a pleasure to see you,” he said, bowing to the dowager duchess. Her lips were a thin line and she didn’t look pleased, glancing between him and Courtney and no doubt wondering what he’d been saying to her.

  “Will we see you at the Tisbury dinner tomorrow evening?” Courtney asked, rescuing him from the duchess’s displeasure.

  “Yes. I’ll be escorting my mother and sister. I look forward to seeing you both there. Now, if you’ll excuse me ladies, I have another appointment I must attend to.”

  Courtney stood and curtsied. “Good day, my lord.”

  “Good day to you, Lord Edgerton,” Katherine said.

  Edgerton went down the stairs, accepted his greatcoat and hat from Hester, and left the townhouse, disappointed that the dowager duchess had interrupted his visit with Courtney. He’d been hoping to discover what her feelings were toward him. At least the Tisbury dinner tomorrow night would be another opportunity to speak with her… if he could get her away from her mother for a few stolen moments. Did she share his feelings or should he put the brakes on his growing ardor for the lady?

  The crisp December air felt invigorating as he walked to his club. Once inside, he handed off his outerwear to the footman. His mood soured when he saw Carlisle was there as well. After nodding to his rival, he saw Wetherby sitting in his usual corner and ambled over.

  Wetherby looked up from the newspaper he’d been reading. “Edgerton, join me.”

  Edgerton nodded to the footman who was standing nearby.

  “My lord, how may I help you?” the footman asked, coming to stand by his chair.

  “Brandy.” He looked at Wetherby, who nodded. “Two glasses.”

  “Very good, my lord,” the footman said, hurrying away to get the drinks.

  “Edgerton, you look vexed. Is something amiss?”

  “Only that your mother seems to appear out of thin air at the most inopportune times.”

  Wetherby chuckled. “She does that to me as well. Can I assume she interrupted your visit with Courtney?”

  “She did indeed. I’ll need your help at the Tisbury dinner so I may have a few minutes alone with your sister. If she doesn’t favor me, I’d like to know sooner rather than later.”

  “I shall endeavor to do my best.”

  The footman returned and put the glasses down before melting into the background.

  Edgerton looked around the room. Carlisle was having a lively discussion with two other lords who were unknown to him. “Has Carlisle been round to see you?”

  Wetherby shook his head. “I’ll be surprised if he approaches me before the start of the Season. He doesn’t have a reputation for moving quickly and I assume that would apply to his hunt for a wife.”

  “I hope to make a visit from him unnecessary.” Edgerton looked around to see if anyone had wandered near them. He picked up his brandy and leaned forward. “The situation in the north has been resolved,” he whispered.

  Wetherby nodded. “Good. Have you recalled Red Knight?”

  “I have. He should arrive tomorrow afternoon. I’ve arranged an invitation for him to the Tisbury dinner. Also, I have another matter to discuss with you.”

  Wetherby sipped his brandy. “Yes?”

  “This business with that rogue magistrate has made me painfully aware I need to extend my presence in the area. It bothers me why he would totally disregard the Home Office orders. Red Knight’s going to see if there’s any further chatter about that issue before he returns to London. I’d like to be able to anticipate further problems sooner, rather than trying to rectify any situation after the fact.”

  “I understand. What do you have in mind?”

  “I propose a joint purchase for you and I. The local mill is facing financial ruin, and the owner may be open to selling and resettling his family elsewhere. There’s also a small estate in the area falling into disrepair that I will add to
my holdings. I plan to make the estate’s common lands open to the locals for farming. That will help them and also allow me keep an eye on the local gentry to see if they’ve compiled with my requests. With an estate and the mill under our control, I’d have greater leverage in the future should any more trouble pop up in the area.”

  “Do you wish me to be a silent partner in this venture?”

  “Only the mill purchase. It will be common knowledge that I’ve purchased the estate. Unless, of course, you wish your involvement in the mill purchase known?”

  Wetherby shook his head. “No, it’s best to keep the details to ourselves. Ducal purchases tend to attract attention. Send me the details when you have them.”

  “I’ve sent my man of business on the task. He should return in a day or two.”

  “Good.”

  Edgerton continued to sip his brandy while keeping an eye on Carlisle. By the time he left the club he’d decided to delve into his background to see if there were any scandals in his past. If Carlisle was intent on pursuing Courtney, he wanted to at least make sure the earl deserved her.

  Chapter 16

  THAT EVENING, COURTNEY DISMISSED NELL before slipping between the cool bed sheets, wondering once again what Lord Edgerton had wanted to talk to her about. How she wished her mother had not interrupted them. When he kissed her hand, her skin was on fire and intense shivers traveled throughout her body from her fingers to her toes. She’d only known him for a short time, but he was becoming more and more dear to her. Unfortunately, her mother’s voice continued to echo in her mind—encourage Lord Carlisle, it’s your duty to marry well. She didn’t want to encourage Lord Carlisle, but how could she defy her mother? She’d always behaved as her mother wished and didn’t want to disappoint her now that they were in London. However, she knew she didn’t want the usual ton marriage, consisting of merely respect and then abandonment in the country once she was with child. She feared that would be her life if she were to marry Lord Carlisle. She didn’t know him well. Did he keep a mistress in Town? How would she deal with that? She wanted to give herself to a man who would be hers and hers alone. Was that too much to ask?