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

by Ruth Ann Nordin

  He collapsed in her arms, out of breath and lightheaded. After a minute passed, he lifted his head and kissed her. “How do you feel?” he whispered, brushing back a strand of her hair from her cheek.

  She smiled. “Wonderful.”

  Relieved, he returned her smile. “Good.”

  He kissed her again, this time letting his lips linger on hers. Afterwards, he settled next to her and gathered her into his arms. She let out a sigh of contentment. Pleased, he kissed the top of her head and fell asleep.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Three days later, Claire pulled aside the curtain in the drawing room. London looked much better when she wasn’t miserable. It’d been a full day since she and Nate arrived in town, and the first thing she did was send a missive to her family. Now as she scanned the busy streets, she wondered how long it’d take to get their response.

  Not seeing anyone walk up the front steps to deliver a letter, she let the curtain fall back into place and returned to the writing desk. She wasn’t in the mood to draw or write, but she wasn’t sure what else she could do. Nate went to White’s to see if Perry was there so he could tell him about his ward.

  She glanced at the blank paper in front of her. Maybe she could draw Weston. Even if it turned out to look like a lopsided rectangle with more lopsided shapes around it, at least she’d be drawing something she was interested in, even if no one else knew what it was.

  Just as she picked up her graphite pencil, the door opened and the butler gave a bow. Thankful for the reprieve, she stood up and walked over to him.

  “Lady Roderick, a Mister Morris has asked to speak with you.”

  “Mister Morris?” She hadn’t seen him since the night of the ball. Curious as to why he’d come to see her, she nodded. “Bring him in.”

  The butler hastened to obey, and when he returned, a nervous Mister Morris entered the drawing room with him.

  Mister Morris bowed, and she curtsied. “Forgive me, Lady Roderick,” he began. “I saw your husband in town today and thought you might be here. I should have requested an invitation to meet with you, but…”

  It dawned on her why he was urgent to talk to her. “There’s no need to apologize, Mister Morris.” Turning to the butler, she asked, “Will you bring us some tea?” As the butler left the room, she motioned to the chair. “Will you please sit?”

  “Thank you, Lady Roderick,” he replied.

  She sat on the settee and waited for him to sit before she said, “I take it you heard about my sister and Lord Hedwrett.”

  “Yes. In fact, I wanted to seek your help. She didn’t accept my proposal last year. I’m not foolish enough to believe she’ll ever marry me. I have money but no title.”

  The butler entered the room and set the tray set on the table between them. After he left, she poured the tea in the cups and handed one to Mister Morris.

  “What would you like me to do?” she asked as she picked up her cup.

  “I thought you might talk to her. If she won’t marry me, then so be it, but I want to see her married to a gentleman who’ll be good to her.”

  “Exactly what do you want me to say?”

  “I’m not sure. If I tell her Lord Hedwrett’s been known for engaging in undesired behaviors, I think she’ll assume I’m lying because I don’t want to see her with another gentleman.”

  “Mister Morris, if I knew what those undesired behaviors were, I’d be in a better position to tell her to avoid him.” Nate hadn’t been forthcoming with the information, and while she appreciated the fact that he and Mister Morris wished to protect her from the more ungentlemanly actions of men, she didn’t know how she could get her sister to take her seriously. When she saw the hesitation in his face, she added, “Do you want her to end up with Lord Hedwrett because I couldn’t adequately explain how horrible he is for her?”

  “You’re right. As much as I hate to do it, it’d be worse to see her married to him.” He took a deep breath. “Lord Hedwrett’s passion is money. One of the most efficient ways he acquires it is to give out loans, and he’s been known to charge up to thirty percent in interest. This often puts the person who took the loan at a disadvantage. If he can’t pay the money, Lord Hedwrett’s been known to take possession of valuable objects or require personal favors.”

  “Why would anyone ask him for a loan if he demands so much in interest?” she asked, baffled that anyone would agree to an outrageous interest rate of thirty percent.

  “Desperate gentlemen do desperate things, and most don’t read the contract before they sign it. Lord Hedwrett has been known to lie, and unless a gentleman is careful, he can get trapped.”

  Remembering the cup in her lap, she lifted it and drank some of the tea. She wasn’t sure if she wanted to know more but ventured, “Is there anything else I should tell my sister about him?”

  “He seeks alliances with those in influential positions and has been known to use people to accomplish those goals. And to put it delicately, there’s nothing he won’t do. He,” he shifted uncomfortably in his chair and cleared his throat, “let a duke be with his sister in a compromising situation. I’m sorry, my lady, but I dare not say more than that. I wouldn’t put it past him to use your sister in a similar fashion.”

  The color drained from her face. “I don’t understand. Shouldn’t gentlemen refuse to do business with him for his…actions?”

  “He has money, influence, and he’s discrete. Some of us are aware of what he does, but since he’s careful to not do this in public, the ton can look the other way.”

  “I understand.” She placed the cup on the tray, unable to finish any more tea. “I’ll tell my sister next time I see her.”

  “Thank you,” he replied, relaxing. “If your sister desires a titled gentleman, there are a couple who are unmarried and will treat her well. Lord Clement and Lord Lewis are admirable. Perhaps suggesting them will lead her in the right direction.”

  She sighed, wishing once again that her sister would take the time to understand how much he loved her. “I have the highest amount of respect for you, Mister Morris.”

  “Thank you.” He rose to his feet and bowed. “I hope she’ll listen to you.”

  She nodded, wondering if her sister would. If Lilly hadn’t been so enamored with a gentleman’s title, she could be very happy with Mister Morris. After he left the room, she spent a few minutes contemplating what she’d say to her sister before she got ready to leave the house. She didn’t know if talking to her sister would do any good. Her sister hadn’t made it a habit of listening to her before when it came to the affairs of the heart, but it was worth a chance. Knowing what she did about Lord Hedwrett, she’d always regret it if she didn’t tell her sister everything she knew.

  ***

  Nate found his friend at White’s, reading a book. Stepping in front of him, Nate shook his head and clucked his tongue. “I can’t believe what I’m seeing. I took your ward off your hands so you could spend time in London seeking a wife, and this is what I find you doing? If you were going to come to this establishment, the least you could do is talk to fathers who are eager to see their daughters married off.”

  Perry looked up from his book and chuckled. “You can’t be upset with me for wanting to read a good book.”

  “I can when you have more important things to do.” He sat next to him and checked the title of the book. “You’re not even reading nonfiction.”

  “Not all reading has to be spent learning something, Nate.” He closed the book and studied his friend. “Are you here to pay the rest of your steward’s lenders?”

  “I already paid them, but I just got a letter from Lord Hedwrett. He’s demanding I see him again. He seems to think he wasn’t properly paid.”

  “That’s not surprising. He’s known for demanding more from those who owe him money. Too bad your steward is in prison or else he could handle the ridiculous haggling process you’re about to endure.”

  “If he thinks he’s getting more money fro
m me, he’s sorely mistaken. He’s fortunate I decided to make good on the debts.”

  Perry grinned. “I’m sure you’ll put him in his place.”

  “I will. And after I do, I’ll be free to spend more time with my wife.” When Perry didn’t respond, he turned his attention back to him and saw the bewildered expression on his face. Laughing, he added, “Yes, I’ve discovered that Lady Roderick isn’t as bad as I feared.”

  “It took you two months of being at Weston to figure that out?”

  “To be fair, I’ve had some accounts to settle. I wasn’t there the entire time.”

  “I don’t envy the work you had to go through. At least it’s almost over.” After a moment of silence, he drummed his fingers on the armrest and gave a tentative look in Nate’s direction. “I almost hate to ask, but is my ward a responsible young gentleman yet?”

  “Not yet, but I haven’t given up hope.”

  “What did he do?”

  “He convinced my wife to dress up as a stableboy so she could run off to London to visit her family.”

  “He didn’t.”

  “He did. Fortunately, I caught her before she headed off to London by herself.”

  “Did anyone see her?”

  “Just the butler and stable master, and I gave them a little financial incentive to keep the matter quiet.”

  “I’m sorry my ward is so difficult, Nate.”

  Nate grinned. “Don’t be. He’s cleaning chamber pots now.”

  His jaw dropped. “You didn’t!”

  “He’ll continue doing that until he either learns how to be responsible or he no longer needs a guardian.”

  Perry winced but nodded. “I wouldn’t have had the courage to do that to him, but I see the wisdom in your actions.”

  “You’re much too nice, Perry. Your ward knew that and took advantage of it.”

  “I wish I could disagree with you, but I can’t.”

  Shifting in his chair, Nate asked, “Did you pay any ladies a call while I was away?”

  “A couple, but I don’t think any were interested.”

  “Why not?”

  He motioned to his cane.

  Nate groaned and rolled his eyes. “You can’t still be using that as an excuse.”

  “To be fair, you can’t be using my time spent disciplining my ward as an excuse why I can’t find a wife either.”

  “Your ward had a part of it, and I realize some ladies don’t like the idea of marrying a gentleman with a cane. However, you’re using both of those reasons as excuses for the real reason.”

  “And what is the real reason?”

  “Maybe you worry she won’t like you once she gets to know you. Maybe you don’t think you have anything interesting to say.”

  Perry shrugged.

  Recalling Perry’s words to him a month earlier, he quipped, “I thought your advice was to pick a lady who was nice to look at instead of worrying about getting along with her.”

  Perry grinned. “No. That was my advice to you since you were sure that you’d never be happy as a married gentleman. Fortunately for you, marriage has been good to you. I can’t recall the last time you smiled without being threatened to do it.”

  He motioned to the chessboard not too far from them. “Why don’t we play a game?”

  With a nod, Perry retrieved his cane and rose to his feet. “Losers before winners,” he teased, gesturing for Nate to go first.

  “Don’t be so sure you’ll win, Perry. I have a feeling your luck has taken a turn for the worse.”

  “We’ll see about that.”

  Amused, Nate led the way to the chessboard.

  ***

  Her parents’ butler opened the door and greeted Claire with a smile. “Lady Roderick, it’s a pleasure to see you doing so well.”

  “Thank you,” she replied as she entered the townhouse.

  She followed him into the drawing room, hardly believing she’d been staying in this townhouse just over two months ago. Back then, she’d felt a mixture of hope and apprehension at the task of finding a husband. Fortunately, things had turned out better than she’d hoped with Nate. With any luck, her sister would have a good marriage. She clenched her hands together and wondered if her sister would even listen to her.

  She turned to face the door when she heard footsteps coming down the hallway. A smile crossed her face when she saw her parents.

  “Claire, my dear,” her father softly spoke, a warm smile on his face.

  She hurried across the room so she could hug him and then her mother. “I missed you.”

  “We missed you, too,” her mother whispered, holding her close. “But we’re glad you married so well.”

  When she pulled away from her mother, she sighed. “Marriage is more than about having a gentleman with title and money.”

  “You misunderstand your mother,” her father replied. “We can tell you’re happy with your husband.”

  Her eyebrows furrowed. “You can?”

  “Certainly,” her mother said. “It’s in your face. You’re glowing.”

  “I knew Lord Roderick would be good to you,” her father added with a wide smile. “A gentleman’s reputation precedes him.”

  The butler came into the room with their tea.

  “We should sit and talk,” her father said, directing her to a chair.

  Claire sat and waited for them to sit across from her. After she picked up her cup and drank some tea, she looked at the doorway. It wasn’t unusual for her sister to take her time coming to the drawing room, but she should have been here by now. “Where’s Lilly?”

  Her mother glanced at her father. “She’s at the museum with Lord Hedwrett. Your aunt agreed to act as chaperone.”

  “You don’t sound happy about that,” Claire noted, and though she was disappointed her sister wasn’t there, she saw this as the perfect opportunity to learn what her parents thought about him.

  Her father finished drinking his tea and set his cup on the tray which rested on the table between them. “We’re not happy about it.”

  “Then why did you permit her to go with him to the museum?” she asked.

  “You know Lilly’s always been a willful girl. If I tell her she can’t see him, she’d find a way to be with him. God forbid she should run off to Gretna Green. You know how stubborn she can be. She wants to do what she’s been advised not to do. What your mother and I are hoping to do is help her find a more suitable match. I’ve invited a viscount over tomorrow. Perhaps she might find him to her liking.”

  Claire sipped her tea and studied her parents’ expressions. “What about Mister Morris?”

  “Mister Morris is a fine gentleman. He’d treat her well,” her father said.

  “He has no title,” her mother commented. “Your father and I hoped you both would find husbands with a title.”

  “But is a title that important?” She took another sip from her tea before setting the cup down. Leaning forward, she continued, “To what extent does a title matter if she’s with someone like Lord Hedwrett?”

  “I understand what you’re saying, Claire,” her mother replied. “And I don’t want her with Lord Hedwrett.”

  Claire shot her a pointed look, and her father rested his hand on her mother’s arm. “Claire, titles are important. They are a legacy. Your firstborn son will one day be an earl. We wanted something similar for your sister. But,” he squeezed her mother’s arm, “a gentleman with money and no title who treats Lilly well is better than a titled gentleman who won’t.”

  Her mother nodded. “Yes, I know, and you’re right. However, she also wants to be with a titled gentleman. You know how she is, Claire. She wants the finer things in life and to be referred to as a lady. She refused Mister Morris’ suit by choice. Your father and I might have hoped you two would marry titled gentlemen, but she hopes for it, too.”

  “Yes, she does,” she acknowledged. And that was the tricky part. It was what prevented Lilly from marrying Mister Morris last year. M
arriage isn’t about love, Lilly had told Claire. It’s about being practical and using wise judgment. Except her sister wasn’t showing wise judgment, and perhaps that was why she needed to warn her sister about the type of person Lord Hedwrett was. Maybe she would listen, given the facts. She rose to her feet. “I must return home. My husband will be due back soon, but before I leave, I hope you and Lilly will come to my home for dinner tomorrow.”

  They stood up, and her father nodded. “We’d be delighted.”

  After exchanging their good-byes, Claire left the house. She glanced back one time as she reached the carriage. Her parents smiled and waved from the doorway, and she returned the gesture before getting into her seat. As the coachman closed the carriage door, she took a good look at the townhouse they rented. It had to cost her father a pretty penny to linger in London in hopes of finding her sister well married. At least they all agreed Lord Hedwrett wasn’t the right choice. She took comfort in knowing that they wouldn’t agree to such a match, but she knew they were right. Her sister could be impulsive and headstrong when she wanted something badly enough. The problem was, how was she going to convince Lilly that she wanted Mister Morris more than a titled gentleman?

  Chapter Nineteen

  When Claire stepped through the entryway of her townhouse, she hardly had time to greet the butler when her gaze went to her husband who came out of the library and headed in her direction.

  “I’m glad you’re home,” Nate said with an excited grin on his face.