The Earl's Inconvenient Wife (Marriage By Scandal Book 1)

by Ruth Ann Nordin

  Before she could respond, he grabbed the basin, decanter and glass and hurried out of the room so he wouldn’t give into the temptation to join her.

  Chapter Six

  Claire stirred in bed. Her first thought was that it’d all been a horrible dream and that she hadn’t married Roderick after all. She thought she’d wake up in her parents’ house and laugh the whole thing off, and Lilly would applaud her for aspiring to marry a gentleman with a title. And after they laughed it off, she’d get ready for a ball in hopes of finding a husband.

  She opened her eyes and winced at the bright light streaming in through the window. She closed her eyes and rubbed her temples. Then she remembered the previous day. The wedding with a very bitter Roderick, the fight she’d had with him when they arrived at his townhouse, the awkward dinner where neither of them spoke, and then… And then…

  Forcing her eyes open, she rolled onto her side where a warm cup of tea was on the table by her bed. She saw Marion come over to her side of the bed and pick up all of her clothes from the floor. She never put her clothes on the floor like that. She made it a habit of putting them in a chair. Rubbing her head, she realized her hair was unkempt. That wasn’t right either since she liked to brush her hair and weave it together so it wasn’t tangled in the morning.

  Everything was off about this morning, and that could only mean one thing: she had been with her husband last night. The problem was, she didn’t feel any different. She didn’t know if she was supposed to, though. She tried to remember what happened the previous night to get a better idea of what she should be experiencing right now.

  She recalled being unable to eat her dinner and leaving for her room, dragging her feet along the way, dreading what was to come. Marion had left the decanter of sherry as she promised. Unsure of how much to drink, she decided Marion knew the right amount she’d need and drank everything in the decanter. From there, things were blurred together. She distinctly recalled Roderick being in the room. Some of the images coming back to her didn’t make much sense, like why he’d been wiping something off the rug or why she thought she saw a porcupine when one couldn’t have been in the room. But she did remember kissing him and him leading her to the bed.

  “How do you feel, my lady?” Marion whispered.

  Turning her gaze in the lady maid’s direction, she tried to speak but realized her throat was as dry as cotton.

  “Here. Let me help.” Marion helped her sit up in the bed and handed her the cup of tea. “This will ease the pain in your head. I made it myself with my herbs.”

  Claire nodded her thanks and sipped it. After another few sips, she realized she could finally speak and said, “I feel awful.”

  She let out a sympathetic chuckle. “When I came in, the decanter was gone and he left you something for a headache, so I assume your husband took the decanter when he left.”

  Probably. Claire took another drink, soothed by the warm liquid. “I don’t remember anything.”

  “He must have been in here if the decanter’s gone.”

  “Yes, he was. I remember he was here, but I don’t remember—” she shrugged—“being in bed with him.”

  “Not every lady can say she’s had a memorable wedding night. At least it’s over and you don’t have to worry about the discomfort of the first time anymore.”

  Yes, that was true. She could now relax and enjoy it as Marion said.

  Marion walked over to the wardrobe and opened the door. “What would you like to wear today?”

  Thankful Marion kept her voice low so she didn’t aggravate her headache, Claire looked at the clothes she’d taken from home. Her father had taken pride in the fact that he could afford the finer dresses, sure that they would suit his daughters when they married. While she had to admit they were lovely, she wondered if it was worth being married to a gentleman who thought she’d tricked him into marriage.

  Their strained dinner didn’t give her any hope to think she’d ever be anything but someone to give him an heir. She should probably just be grateful he’d been gentle with her last night so she wasn’t sore this morning.

  Realizing Marion waited for her response, Claire cleared her throat and said, “I’d like the purple dress today.”

  Marion retrieved it and draped it on a chair by the screen. “Is there anything you’d like to do today, my lady?”

  Claire sighed and studied the tea in her cup. “I don’t suppose Lord Roderick wants to see me?” Not that she had any idea what she’d say to him if she saw him. It just seemed after they’d been intimate, it was only fitting that they do something together today.

  “I saw Lord Roderick leave right before I came up here.”

  “Oh.”

  Claire admonished herself for being disappointed. Their wedding had been a disaster, she’d argued with him when they got here, she hadn’t said anything to him at dinner, and she had to get drunk to consummate the marriage. What else could she expect?

  “Should I get word to your sister that you’d like to spend the day with her?”

  Claire looked up from her cup and nodded. “Yes.”

  “Then I’ll do that after you dress for your morning meal.”

  While Marion finished getting her things ready for the day, Claire drank the rest of the tea, her head feeling a bit better before she got out of bed. Marion helped her dress and decorated her hair with ribbons and pearls.

  “I don’t see what the fuss is all about,” Claire said as she studied her reflection in the mirror. It wasn’t like her husband would be there to see her.

  “You’re a countess now. You should look your best.” Marion patted her shoulder. “Besides, you’re beautiful. Why hide it?”

  Claire smiled at her. “You’ve always been good to me.”

  “I think of you as a daughter.” She picked up her jewelry and slipped them on her. “How do you feel?” she asked as she clasped the necklace on.

  It took Claire a moment to realize Marion meant her head. “Oh, I feel better. There’s a slight ache, but it’s manageable.”

  “Good. I’m glad the old remedy worked. Do you feel like eating downstairs or should I bring something up here?”

  Claire stood up. “I’ll go downstairs.”

  Marion nodded and turned to leave but then spun on her heel and motioned to the table by her bed. “Lord Roderick left you a note.”

  Claire waited for Marion to leave before she went to the note and read it. In it, he said he opened an account for her at a clothing store. She glanced at her wardrobe. She couldn’t think of anything she needed, except for maybe a nice bonnet.

  She put the note down and had breakfast. Afterwards, she went to the drawing room, hoping Lilly could spend the day with her. She didn’t see any reason why her sister wouldn’t. Since she had nothing else to do, she decided to write about the past few days, pouring her worries and frustrations onto paper so she wouldn’t have to keep them bottled up inside.

  When she was done, she went upstairs to change into another dress while she waited for her sister to arrive. Once she heard her sister arrive, she hurried downstairs. When she reached the drawing room, she called out to her sister who was staring out the window.

  Lilly turned toward her and smiled in excitement. “What a wonderful townhouse! I bet you can’t wait to see Lord Roderick’s estate.”

  Claire glanced uneasily at the butler, hoping her husband wouldn’t hear about this because if he did, he’d surely be upset. This would only confirm what he thought about her. Hoping to change the topic, she walked over to her sister and asked, “Is there anything you’d like to do today?”

  “I wouldn’t mind shopping.”

  Claire had been thinking of doing something scenic, but by the hopeful expression in her sister’s eyes, she figured they would do what she wanted. “All right.”

  Lilly clasped her hands excitedly. “Oh good! I was hoping you’d say yes.”

  Claire shot the butler another look. The butler wouldn’t feel it neces
sary to talk to her husband about her sister’s excitement over shopping, would he? She tried to think of something she might say so it didn’t look like her sister came over to spend his money. After a moment of watching Lilly examine the fabric on the curtains, she ventured, “Did Father give you spending money?”

  Lilly’s eyebrows furrowed. “Did Father give me spending money?” She laughed and shook her head. “Why would he do that?”

  Claire sighed in disappointment. No matter how things proceeded from here, it wouldn’t look good. Her husband already assumed the worst, and her sister suggesting they shop with her money only supported what he thought. Before Lilly could say anything else to make her look bad, she motioned to the door. “All right, but it must be something small and inexpensive.”

  “Of course! You don’t need to tell me twice.”

  Unable to make eye contact with the butler, Claire followed her sister out of the room. At the front door, she took the hat the butler handed her, still avoiding eye contact with him. She muttered a weak thank you before slipping out of the house with her sister. The footman opened the carriage door and helped them into it. She informed the footman where her husband had told her to shop. With a nod, he shut the door.

  Thankful to get a reprieve from Lord Roderick’s townhouse, even if it was for a couple of hours, she collapsed in her seat. She hadn’t realized she felt as if she was on pins and needles while in that house.

  Lilly wiggled with excitement and clasped her hands together in her lap. “This is wonderful, Claire! That townhouse you live in is gorgeous. There are servants everywhere. And you can buy whatever you want!”

  “I can’t buy my husband’s affections, Lilly.”

  She waved her hand, dismissing the comment. “Affections won’t put food on the table or a roof over your head. You have an ideal setup. Don’t worry about things you can’t see or touch. Emotions are fleeting. Here one day, gone the next. What you need to do is focus on what’ll last. Your husband will pass on his title to your son, and if he dies, you’ll still be provided for. Even better, you’ll be provided for in style. I hear Lord Roderick manages money very well.”

  “I’d rather not talk about his money.”

  “You’re right. Why talk about it when you can use it?”

  Claire watched as her sister twirled her blonde hair around her fingers. She didn’t know what to say to that except, “I hope you don’t think I can spend a lot of his money. He opened an account for me, but he told me to be careful with how much I spend.”

  “You know me better than that. Truly, I don’t want much. Just a new pair of gloves and a hat. I also wanted to spend the day with you. You know that, don’t you?”

  She smiled. “Yes, I know.”

  “I’m happy for you. You’ve done so well. I hope by now you’re no longer worried about your new role as Lady Roderick.”

  “Well, no…” She didn’t recall being worried about the actual role she needed to play, minus the part that involved giving her husband an heir but it seemed there was nothing to it, at least if sherry was involved.

  “Good. Managing a house isn’t that difficult. You just need to look good and smile.”

  Claire thought to remind her sister that there was more to being a wife than what she assumed but knew the words would fall on deaf ears. How many times had she suggested her sister give serious consideration to Mister Morris? Opting to keep her thoughts to herself, she looked out the window as they approached the shops.

  Lilly leaned close to Claire and whispered, “So, what was the wedding night like?”

  Startled by the change in topic, Claire wasn’t sure how to respond.

  “I didn’t dare ask in the house in case the servants talked, but I’ve been dying to know what you think. Was it good?”

  She studied her sister’s wide eyes. She couldn’t blame Lilly for being curious, but she had no idea what to tell her.

  “Well?”

  Claire shrugged. “I don’t know.”

  “You don’t know?”

  “No, I don’t. I drank a lot of sherry last night, and all I remember is that he came to my bedchamber.”

  Lilly nodded her encouragement for Claire to continue.

  “I can’t tell you anything else. I was drunk. I vaguely remember kissing him and him taking me to bed. I don’t remember anything else.”

  “Oh.” She sighed in disappointment. “That’s not very informative.”

  “I can’t tell you anything else. I would if I remembered.”

  “But you don’t remember anything that happened once you were in bed?”

  “No.”

  “Are you sure you two consummated the marriage?”

  Claire’s cheeks warmed. “Yes!”

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you.”

  Lowering her voice, she said, “Forgive me, Lilly. It’s hard not to remember something this important.”

  “There’s no need to apologize to me. I should’ve understood this is a personal matter between you and your husband. I had no right to intrude.”

  “We’re sisters. More than sisters. We’re friends.”

  “Despite our many quarrels as we grew up?”

  Chuckling, Claire reached out and held her hand. “The best friends are those you can argue with but love anyway.”

  “That’s true. They see you at your worst and don’t run away. If someone can handle you at your worst, they’ll stick around for your best.” The carriage came to a stop and Lilly glanced out the window. “I hope you’ll buy something while we’re out. Shopping is more fun when we do it together.”

  “I was thinking of buying a bonnet. It’s a small item.”

  Lilly giggled and winked. “Jewelry is small.”

  “No. I’m just getting a bonnet.”

  With a shake of her head, she said, “You have to start thinking like a countess and enjoy yourself. There’s no sense in being frugal.”

  “I don’t need anything else.”

  “Good heavens, Claire. In your situation, you don’t shop because you need something. You shop on a whim. If you see something that you fancy, credit it to your husband’s account. Don’t limit yourself.”

  “Only if I want it,” she said so her sister would ease up on insisting she buy something she didn’t need.

  Not that she was actually going to buy more than a bonnet. There was no way she’d take her sister’s advice. All she needed was to get into an argument with Roderick because she wasted his money. She followed her sister out of the carriage, praying that the footman and butler didn’t make her shopping excursion sound more than it really was.

  ***

  Two hours later, Claire watched as her sister handed the footman another bag of items she’d bought at the store. Her husband was going to kill her. There was no way the footman would be quiet about the amount of clothes and accessories her sister “needed”. Claire clutched her stomach, grateful she hadn’t eaten much that morning because if she had, she’d be vomiting right about now.

  While the footman put the bag next to the others in the carriage, Claire grabbed her sister’s hand and led her away from the store entrance so no one mingling about would hear them. “Lilly, you need to return most of those items.”

  “But I need all of these things.” Lilly patted her cheek and grinned. “These things will make me so desirable the titled gentlemen won’t be able to resist me. I’m famished. Let’s take my things to the townhouse and have a bite to eat before you return home?”

  Claire glanced at the stack of boxes and bags in the carriage. Her stomach tightened. There was no way she could eat anything. Not while knowing her husband would most surely confront her about this. Her sister might be enjoying this spending spree, but it was going to give her a heart attack…if Roderick didn’t strangle her first.

  Lilly wrapped her hand around Claire’s arm and pulled her toward the carriage. “Mother and Father would like to see you.”

  Claire considered her sister’s
words and decided if she was going to see their parents, she might as well do it today. “All right.” She got into the carriage, glad they wouldn’t be spending any more money.

  Lilly squeezed in next to her and waited for the footman to close the door before she clucked her tongue. “One would swear you married a commoner by the way you’re acting. You can’t tell me your husband doesn’t have the money. Word around the Ton is that he’s got more than enough. All the gifts you’ve so kindly bestowed upon me make him look good. A couple of notable ladies saw what he got me today.”

  Claire groaned.

  With a sigh, she said, “Your husband has more than enough. He’s better off than some titled gentleman are. I mean, who would you have married instead of him if given the chance?”

  “I thought Lord Clement was nice.”

  Her sister stared at her for a moment and then laughed. “The one with the limp? Granted, he has a lot of money, but he’s hardly suitable for marriage.”

  “That’s a terrible thing to say.”

  “I’m only voicing what other ladies are saying.” Lilly leaned forward and inspected one of her ankle boots. “Do you think we have time to see if a cobbler can fix my sole?”

  “I can’t believe you, Lilly.”

  “What? It’s starting to come off. You know how dreadful finding a comfortable boot can be, and these are my best pair.”

  “No, it’s not that. It’s about Lord Clement. He was very nice, and I believe he’d make a good husband.”

  “But you’re married to Lord Roderick.”

  Exasperated, she rolled her eyes. “Because I fell and he was helping me up. You and Father came out and told everyone the worst was happening. I had no intention of marrying him.” Just how many times did she have to keep saying that?

  “Regardless of the circumstances, you are married to him and marriage is permanent. Oh! Unless you plan to be discreet in your affair with Lord Clement once you give Lord Roderick an heir? You can trust me. I won’t tell anyone if that’s your plan, and it’s not a bad one either. Considering Lord Clement’s handicap is hereditary, you’re smart to avoid passing it on to a child. I just hope you remember to cover his…whatever you call it…with a sheath when you enjoy intimacies.”