by Fanny Finch
But she had scarcely noticed his entering and the Earl watched as her body, casually draped over the chair with one leg swinging, lazily relaxed. Her eyes remained on the page, taking in the words.
“My dear?” he finally asked, startling her.
“Oh goodness! Yes? What is it, Mr. Collingridge?” she asked, trying to gather herself into a more presentable position.
The Earl laughed.
“You are quite stunning when you read, have I ever told you that?” he inquired.
“I think not,” she replied with an eyebrow arched, a teasing pout on her face.
“Well, perhaps I ought not to. You might from now on pose in such a way just to garner attention,” he remarked as a joke. He knew well that his wife was never the sort to fake anything for attention. She was entirely beyond that. It was one of the things he loved most about her.
“Now, do you think that perhaps we could make our way downstairs? The young woman has arrived and I wish for you to greet her. She needs to know your face,” the Earl remarked then.
The teasing pout on his wife’s face gave way to a genuine one. He knew that she disapproved of this, but he had to insist anyway. Grace needed a governess. A proper one. She could not be taught by her mother, a former governess. It was not appropriate for society and it made her out to be a servant rather than a wife. The Earl did not want this in particular.
“Please, my dear. It is important,” he said, adding a bit of firmness to his voice.
“Yes, I suppose so. You know I do not approve. But if you wish it, and if you entirely insist, then I suppose I have little more to say on the matter,” she conceded.
“It is not I, my dear, but our culture which determines these things,” he reminded her.
“Yes, but it is not the culture that I wish to raise Grace in. I wish to act as her mother and as such, I feel I ought to spend time with her,” the Countess pointed out.
“And you shall. But for her studies, she requires a governess. It is a formal education for a young lady. And this what I wish for Grace to be. A young lady. A woman of proper breeding,” he reminded her.
His wife nodded, giving in to the reality of the situation.
Not only had she been more willing to accept the demands of these things on herself, but the Earl had changed as well. His wife had noted just the previous evening that he had grown far more sociable.
And it was true, he could not deny it. Where he had once detested having company of any sort around him, the Earl now enjoyed the open communication with others and the interactions he was able to have with them. He enjoyed that he was able to see friends and know that he could entertain them.
Being married once more had given the Earl a new confidence and it had changed a great deal of who he was. He was now stronger, braver, and more inclined to speak to those who he had previously dreaded.
There had been no news from the Baron, who had been particularly silent and reclusive from society.
The Earl had heard it rumored that the man had traveled abroad, which would have been a wise thing to do after all that had occurred between the two of them.
Taking some time away from England was just what the Baron might have needed to give the Earl and his new bride the rest from him that they so desired.
And while the Earl knew that his wife was still, at times, anxious that he might come after them, he was certain that no such thing would happen. He was certain that they were safe.
The Earl would remind his wife of this and she would ease into relaxation and trust. It was only when strange things would happen or small accidents would occur that she would then become frightened again and he would comfort her once more.
But the Countess had settled into her role quite nicely, the Earl thought. She wore the clothing well, to be sure. She was always ready to be social, even when she knew that there was criticism from many in the room.
For a man to marry so far below his station was hardly normal, but the Earl did not mind. He loved his wife and that was the only thing which mattered to him at all.
If society would not accept her, then he would do away with society.
As they descended the stairs and entered the parlor, the Earl saw the young woman seated neatly on the couch, sipping her tea. She put the cup down quickly and stood to greet them.
“Miss Camden, I presume?” the Earl greeted, allowing the young woman to curtsey in reply.
“My lord,” she said. “And my lady,” she added, curtseying again for his wife.
Mrs. Collingridge looked at him, and he saw that she was pleased by the first impression. This gave him some relief. At least she was not cringing openly as he had initially feared she might.
“We are delighted to make your acquaintance,” the Countess said, pleased by the young woman who had come to present herself.
“I thank you,” she replied.
“Please, have a seat,” the Earl gestured.
All three sat and drank their tea as they got to know one another. Miss Camden seemed to be a delightful young woman and the Earl felt confident that his wife would agree.
It was no question that Mrs. Collingridge was the ideal candidate for Grace’s studies. But as she could no longer be in charge of them, Miss Camden would have to do.
Once all were satisfied, and the conversation had come to an end, Grace was brought in to meet her new governess.
She looked at the new Countess first, as if seeking permission. The Earl’s wife nodded in reply, and then Grace turned to greet her new governess.
It was clear that the two would get along well.
Later that afternoon, the Earl was surprised when his wife knocked on the door of his study.
“Yes, my dear?” he asked, uncertain of her purpose.
“Would you possibly mind joining me outside for a walk?” she asked him.
He was surprised, not having anticipated it so late in the day when the sun was just beginning to descend. But the Earl also thought that it might be an ideal time. After all, the sky would be beautiful at this point and why should he not wish to see it?
“That sounds lovely, my dear,” he replied.
The Earl took his wife’s arm and looped it through his own, and they walked out the doors, turning to the left to make their way towards the gardens.
The sky was just beginning to fade from the bright light of the sun, and the most majestic colors were striking against it. The Earl was glad that his wife had chosen to come out at this point of the evening.
“It is beautiful, is it not?” he asked.
“Quite,” she smiled in answer.
Soon they were among the smells and colors of the flowers. with that sky of pink and orange coming towards them with every moment that passed.
“Mr. Collingridge, how are you?” his wife asked, to his surprise.
“Why, my dear, I am very well. And you?” he asked in reply, unsure as to where this conversation was going. He had never had such a slow and considered question from her since their marriage had begun.
“Well, as of today, we have been married four whole months,” she reminded him. “I am very well. I am thrilled to be your wife.”
“And I am thrilled to be your husband,” he said to her in a tone that begged to know why she had entered this line of questioning.
“I am glad to hear it. And you also do love being a father to Grace, do you not?” she inquired.
The Earl smiled at that thought. Once upon a time he had not been such a good father, but it had been Miss Caulfield who changed that. She was the one who made him love his daughter as he previously had not.
“You know that I enjoy it deeply,” he answered her.
“Well then, I must ask you something,” she said very slowly.
“Oh?” he asked, nervous about her strange behavior.
“How should you like to be a father all over again?” his wife finally managed to say.
It dawned on the Earl that his wife was asking if they might try for a
child very soon. She wanted to know if he was ready to have another baby in the home.
The Earl could barely contain himself at that thought. He had hoped for them to have a child soon since they had wed but hadn’t wished for his wife to feel the immediate urge as he knew that some women were unable to produce immediately.
“My dear, I should love that a great deal. I should be thrilled by the thought of us trying for another child very soon. Right away, even. If you think that you are ready for it and that all will be well, then we must,” he said, his joy growing.
“Darling…” she said in a flat tone.
“What is it?” he asked, turning form the sky to look at her directly.
“I am not asking you if we might try for a child,” she said, giving him a look as though he might be a fool.
“Oh?” he asked, the disappointment registering in his voice.
His wife grinned, a look of understanding passing over her own face as he still waited for her explanation.
“Mr. Collingridge, I am trying to tell you that I am with child already. We are going to have a baby,” she finally announced.
The Earl felt his skin rise in goosebumps of excitement.
“Truly?” he asked, his voice raising an octave.
“Truly, my love. I am with child. We shall have our next child in a matter of seven months,” she told him.
The Earl considered the wonder of this. He was going to be a father all over again. The excitement of that was more than he had ever fathomed it would be. In response, he could no longer contain himself.
The Earl leaned in towards his wife and brushed his nose against hers before allowing their lips to meet. The kiss was tender and sweet, loving and kind.
His wife had already managed to be ready for another child. And the look of thrill on her face echoed his own and made him certain that they were ready to raise another. They were ready to make Grace a sister.
And it had been a very good thing that they had hired a new governess.
The Earl could not help himself. He placed a hand on his wife’s stomach, as if he might already be able to feel something there.
She laughed in reply, and he pulled his hand away slowly, but still with such happiness on his face and in his heart. The two continued to gaze at the sunset, ready for the year ahead. They were ready for the entire world ahead. There was much to come and they knew it, but nothing could stop them now. They were together and they were happy.
And soon, their family was to grow.
The Extended Epilogue
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A Fiery Love for the Reluctant Duchess - Preview
Chapter 1
“Bye, Papa. Be safe!” Thea Caulfield called after her father, having given him a soft kiss on the cheek as his farewell. He was on his way to a meeting that he was certain would prove fruitful. The morning was cool, and a slight breeze wafted through the door as her father exited.
Thea watched him go, aware that he was always hoping for fruitful meetings, always doing his best to trade with the wealthy, with the nobility. As a merchant, a man without a title, he had to work harder for his reputation, but Thea was proud of him for having done so well for himself. He had truly proven his mettle and was constantly making his way up.
For a merchant, he was surprisingly respected in the community and had a good name for providing quality materials. Additionally, he sold them at a price that managed to show the quality without that stench of thievery that wreaked upon the wares of so many merchants out there. Of course, those merchants were desperate to sell products for more than they were worth.
But still, despite his reputation, their home showed little of his hard work. They were making it well enough but remained people of no large wealth, and yet, Thea was proud of him and proud to know that she would always be at home to care for him.
“Did Papa leave already?” her sister Delia asked, coming up behind her.
“Yes,” Thea replied with a hopeful sigh.
“I didn’t have a chance to wish him luck,” Delia complained.
“He knows. He knows we are all hoping for his success today,” Thea reminded her. “He doesn’t have to hear it to know it is true.”
“Still. I would have liked to kiss him on the cheek and give him a hug,” Delia said.
In reply, Thea put her own arm around her sister’s shoulders. Delia was only two years younger than Thea, with hopes and dreams of her own. The two were fairly close, but Thea knew that Delia’s goals would take her away from them all.
“Any news from the man you had written to about finding work as a governess?” Thea asked as she heard the sound of Georgette complaining at their mother for telling her that it was time to start her lessons.
“Not yet. Perhaps I should write to another? I truly thought that by now he would have found me a position. If I cannot teach, then what am I to do with my life?” Delia asked, the notes of sadness in her voice seeming desperate.
Thea gave her a wan smile. “You could always stay here with me and find work nearby and look after Papa,” she reminded her.
“I shall leave that to you and Μother,” Delia replied with a gentle warning in her voice.
“I know. But the little ones. You could teach them,” Thea added, referencing their three youngest siblings.
“Really, now, Thea! Mother teaches Georgette as she taught you and I. And the boys are at their boarding school in Brighton. Who exactly am I to teach?” Delia prodded defensively.
Thea gave up, knowing the argument was of no use. “I suppose you are right…”
Delia turned to her, reflecting the same green eyes and similar nose, but with a far lighter shade of brown in her hair and a smaller mouth. It was clear that the two were sisters.
“Georgette and Christopher are nearly sixteen. While he is off and away at school, Georgette has you and I to show her what is possible with her life. Do you not wish for more than simply staying at home, being a burden on Mother and Father until Papa is no more and Thomas has to take us in?
“He is nearly finished with his schooling and fancies himself to be more than a merchant’s son. Even if he does become a tradesman, does that mean he can support all of us?” Delia asked sensibly.
“You know I’m right. Father does not need three of us and Μother to take care of him here in this home when he is old. And Georgette has the same prospects for marriage that you and I have, seeing as how we have no single male relatives of an appropriate age.
“So she can stay here hoping to be useful along with you and Μother or she can consider that perhaps she can work and provide for herself.”
Thea was quiet. She knew that Delia was right. Thomas, a year younger than Delia, was on his way to university within the year. Most likely, Christopher would not be able to attend unless the family’s fortunes took a turn for the better. And unless the girls somehow managed to find husbands, the possibility of becoming burdens to their brothers was looking more and more likely.
“I suppose you are right. But it
does not mean that I should like to consider it. Can you not teach somewhere closer? Why must you go all the way to London? It is such a… such an awful place! Wouldn’t you rather be in a place where you could breathe fresh air, Delia?” Thea urged, inciting her sister to remain.
“Of course I shall miss fresh air. But I am needed in London. There are children there living on the streets and there are benefactors of church-run schooling programs for them. Why should I not teach those children who have even less than we?” Delia pointed out.