“I think I will have some, too,” Allan said, and at that moment, the footman behind him sprang into action.
“What has been happening, Wiltshire?” Oliver asked him, as he took a glass of wine from the footman.
Allan, too, took a glass as it was presented to him. “Well now,” he said, followed by a sip, “I am trying to remember where we last left off with the continuing saga of my life.” He chuckled.
Oliver laughed, and then said, “The last time we talked you were talking about courting Lady Esther Nott and your cousin, Edward, was holding a ball.”
Allan nodded. “Then I have a lot to tell you.”
Allan began to rehash what happened at the ball, and how he had danced with Esther two times. At this, Oliver was surprised a bit, but seemed happy for him.
“However, after the ball, and after my wonderful time with Esther, something happened,” Allan explained.
“Oh?” asked Oliver.
“Bridget Crampton came here,” Allan said.
“She came here?” Oliver said, sitting up straight in his seat. He looked surprised. “To your home?”
Allan nodded. “She did.”
“What did she want?” Oliver asked.
“She came to tell me that she had a child…and that the child was mine,” Allan said.
“What?” Oliver stuttered. “No!”
Allan nodded. “For awhile, I even believed it.”
“Wait,” Oliver said looking stunned. “So, it’s not true.”
Allan shook his head. “It is not true. She later admitted it. Thankfully, Edward helped me get to the bottom of it.”
“Whose child is it?” Oliver asked. “Why would she do this?”
“I don’t know whose child she is,” Allan admitted. “As for why Bridget did it, she was hoping that I would support her and her child and she would get a better life.”
Oliver gasped. “Just as you thought!”
“Yes,” Allan said, nodding. “But it wasn’t only her behind this.”
“What?” Oliver asked. “This is insanity!”
Allan nodded again. “Yes, it is,” he agreed. “Edward was able to get that much out of her. Someone has a vendetta against me, it seems, and wanted to destroy my reputation.”
“Who would do such a thing?” Oliver said.
Allan shook his head. “We don’t know. Bridget refuses to speak.”
“And what of Esther?” Oliver asked. “Where does she fall into all of this now?”
“Well,” Allan said. “For a while, she and I stopped talking. She wasn’t willing to accept that I had a bastard child, and I certainly cannot blame her for that. After the truth came out, though, we have since reconnected.”
“Oh?” Oliver said. “Tell me more.”
“I have just today sent my lawyer to meet with her father’s lawyer to create the marriage settlement,” Allan responded with a large smile on his face.
Oliver stood up quickly. “Wiltshire!” he shouted. “Congratulations! This deserves a toast. To you and your future wife, may you live long and have much success.”
Allan stood and toasted Oliver. He was happier than he had ever been in his life, and he couldn’t imagine a better outcome.
“Thank you, my friend,” Allan said. “Of course I would like you to be at the wedding as a representative of my family. Edward and Harry will be there, of course, but I want you there.”
“I wouldn’t think of missing it, Wiltshire,” Oliver said.
“Good,” replied Allan with a chuckle. “Because thanks to you, I will be alive to attend my own wedding.”
Chapter 26
“I cannot believe that you are going to see Allan in only a couple of minutes!” Ruth said, as their carriage pulled up in front of Edward and Mary’s home. “Can you imagine how excited he is to see you, too?”
Esther was extremely excited to see Allan, but she also had butterflies in her stomach. She assumed that these feelings were normal, especially because this was the first time since she and Allan had gotten close that her entire family would be together with him, including her parents.
“I hope he is as excited as I am,” Esther said. She looked out of the window as her parents, who were in the carriage ahead of them, exited and greeted Edward and Mary.
“He isn’t standing with Edward and Mary,” Ruth observed. “Perhaps he isn’t here yet.”
“It is possible,” Esther said. “I have to be honest, though. I’m very happy not to see Harry.”
“I am, too,” Ruth agreed. “He is so depressing when he’s around. All he seems to do is brood.”
“Yes,” said Esther. She looked at Ruth. “How does my hair look?”
Rose had done extra curls in her hair today, as she knew that Esther would be seeing Allan. She tried, for the entire carriage ride, to not move her hair much, as she didn’t want the curls to fall out.
Ruth looked at her and smiled. “It looks absolutely beautiful,” she said. “Rose always does such a wonderful job on your hair.”
Esther nodded. “Yes, she does, and thank you!” She felt the carriage began to move again. It only moved a few feet, and then came to a stop.
The coachman came around to the side of the carriage, and opened the door. He extended his hand, which Esther took, and she stepped out. Bolt, the butler, was showing her parents inside, so she waited for Ruth, and then the two of them walked towards Edward and Mary.
As Esther got close to them, she could see that they were beaming. Mary immediately held her arms out to embrace her older sister, who then said, “Esther, you look so beautiful. Allan will not know what to think when he sees you.”
She hugged Mary, and then said, “Is he here yet?”
Mary shook her head. “No, but we are expecting him soon. He sent word that he had to finish up business dealings this morning.”
“Oh,” Esther said. She felt a bit disappointed.
“Don’t worry, though,” Edward said, breaking into the conversation. “This way, he won’t be distracted this weekend.” He smiled widely.
Esther nodded and said, “That is an excellent point!” She then embraced Edward while Ruth and Mary greeted each other.
“As soon as Bolt returns, he can take you up to your normal rooms,” Edward said. “I have asked your father to join me in the drawing room, and I believe Mary wants to meet with the two of you and your mother for tea on the veranda.”
“Yes, that is correct,” Mary said. “Please settle in, and meet me there in about an hour?”
“That sounds excellent,” Esther said.
“We wouldn’t miss it,” Ruth replied.
“Ahh,” Edward said. “Here’s Bolt now.”
Bolt walked out with a smile, and said “Good afternoon, My Ladies. Please, follow me.”
Esther and Ruth waved to Mary and Edward and followed Bolt. Their staff followed with their luggage.
Esther turned around as she was walking in and saw a carriage in the distance. She hoped, with all of her heart, that it was Allan.
* * *
“No Harry?” Allan asked Edward as they greeted each other.
Edward shook his head. “He has made himself very scarce recently,” Edward explained. “He barely speaks to me, and then, only due to necessity.”
Mary nodded sadly. “It’s a shame,” she said. “I believe this relationship between you and Esther hit him hard.”
“I understand, of course,” Allan said. “I thought he would have moved past that by now.”
“Me, too,” Edward said. “But, if anything, it is getting worse. He doesn’t even join us for meals anymore.”
“I told Edward that Esther would never have chosen him, even if you were never part of her life,” Mary said. “I almost wonder if Harry believes that you stole her from him or something?”
Allan nodded. “Of course, that is not what happened,” he said. “But Harry has never had a practical mind.”
“I agree,” said Edward. “I’m hoping that he
comes around. After you are married, he will have to.”
“I hope he does,” Allan said.
“Speaking of marriage,” Edward asked with a smile. “Will you make it official today?”
Allan returned his smile, and said, “Yes, of course. I couldn’t be happier.”
“Excellent. The family is here,” Edward said. “Mary is meeting with her sisters and mother on the veranda for tea, and when you get settled in, I hope you will join me and the Duke of Aishling in the drawing room.”
Allan’s stomach flipped. Though he believed that the Duke liked him, meeting with a future father-in-law was always a bit nerve-racking.
“That will be wonderful,” Allan said.
Edward must have been able to sense his nervousness. “Don’t worry, Cousin,” he said with a smile. “I’ll be there to support you.”
Allan chuckled. “I appreciate it.”
“Are you ready, My Lord?”
Bolt was waiting to escort him into the house to settle in. “I’m as ready as I will ever be,” Allan replied.
* * *
There was a light breeze flowing over Esther’s face. It felt good and seemed to calm her. Mary had informed her that Allan had arrived when she came to meet them for tea, and as the tea was poured, Mary explained that Allan was meeting with Edward and their father.
“Who knows what they are talking about in there,” Mary said. “I have to admit that I am happier to be out here.”
“Oh, me too,” their mother replied. “I believe this is a much nicer setting, plus, we don’t have to listen to talk of business, money, nor politics. I suggest you all remember that as you grow and develop in your relationships.”
All three sisters laughed. Mary turned to Ruth and said, “How are your wedding preparations?”
“Oh, very well,” Ruth replied. “Mother, Esther and I were just in London to buy the material for my gown. It is gorgeous, and I cannot wait to see the final outcome.”
“I’m sure it will be lovely, Ruth,” Mary said. “It is hard to imagine anything not looking good on you.”
“Oh, Mary,” Ruth replied. “That’s so nice of you to say.”
Mary smiled, and then turned to Esther. “I can say the same about our oldest sister.”
Esther felt herself blush. “Thank you, Mary.” She took a sip of tea. “Though I don’t know if I would ever look as beautiful as you did on your wedding day.”
Mary and Ruth both laughed. “All of you were and will be stunning,” their mother said. “Your father and I are very blessed to have three lovely daughters.”
Mary then turned towards Esther. “Are you looking forward to seeing Allan?”
“Oh, very much so,” Esther replied. She couldn’t contain her smile. “Just knowing he is here is making me happy.”
Mary laughed. “Of course, it is! You are in love!”
Esther blushed again and nodded. “Yes,” she said. “I am.”
Both of her sisters and her mother were beaming.
“I can’t wait to get to know him better,” her mother said. “I have heard much about him from Mary, of course, but I want to get to know him, too.”
“Oh, you will, Mother,” Esther replied. “I just know you will adore him as much as I do.”
Her mother nodded, and then took a sip of tea.
“Esther,” Ruth said with surprise in her voice.
“What?” Esther replied.
“Turn around,” Ruth said.
Esther turned in her seat and gasped. Allan was walking towards her. Her heart immediately started beating wildly, and she couldn’t control the smile that had spread across her face. It took all that she could to not run into his arms.
She could see him smiling as he got closer, and he waved. She lifted her hand and waved back. She noticed that he was walking fast, almost galloping towards her.
“Esther!” he said loudly so that she could hear. He waved again.
He was so close to her now that she could see the small details of his face and the chiseled look of his body.
“Hello,” he said, looking directly into her eyes.
“Hello, Allan,” she said.
“It’s so nice to see you,” he replied. She had forgotten how green his eyes were. He then turned towards her mother and said, “Your Grace, it is wonderful to see you.”
“And you,” her mother replied. He then greeted Ruth and Mary, before again turning towards Esther.
“I couldn’t wait to see you, Esther,” he said. She could hear his voice quivering, so she knew that he was nervous. “There is something I want to ask you, and I figured the sooner I do it, the closer we will be to our future. Will you be my wife?”
The tears filled her eyes quickly, and Esther nodded. She was trembling. “Yes, Allan,” she said. “Yes, I will be your wife.”
* * *
“I hear we have two weddings to plan now,” Esther’s father said when she walked into the drawing room before dinner. Allan watched as he opened his arms to embrace her, and she fell into them. He saw them talking amongst themselves, and she looked so happy. He was ecstatic that he could do that for her.
Now that they were engaged, it was true, there was a wedding for Esther to plan. But he knew that there were other plans in motion, including dealing with Mr. Smith. Edward said he had some news about it, but he also said he wanted to make sure that Esther and Allan had a moment to celebrate their engagement.
Esther was walking towards him, and Allan thought how lucky he was. Not only was she a phenomenal person, but she was incredibly attractive, and now that he knew she would be his wife, she was even more appealing to him, as he knew that he would have the chance to fully explore her body and run his hands around every curve. The thought was arousing to him and he felt his body respond.
“I didn’t think this was possible,” Allan said. “But you look even more ravishing this evening than you did during tea.”
Esther smiled, and Allan wanted to take her in his arms, but he had to resist. “Thank you, Allan,” she said. “That is so very nice of you.”
Allan nodded. “Now that everything is official, we need to choose a date for the wedding,” he said. “Unless, of course, you wish to go to Gretna Green.” He smirked.
Esther laughed, and then she said, “No, I don’t want to go to Gretna Green, but I also don’t want to have a large wedding. I would prefer you, me, our family, and a vicar.”
“Of course, Dearest,” he said. He had never called her anything but Esther, so he even surprised himself. “I am happy with anything that makes you happy.”
She beamed. “I simply want to be with you. Isn’t it obvious?”
Allan nodded. “Yes,” he said with a smile. “I, too, only want the same. Let’s set the wedding date for a month from now.”
“That is perfect, Allan,” Esther said. “I will inform my family.”
“Fine, you love birds,” Edward said as he approached them. He had a smile on his face. “Esther, my wife has asked for you to come join them for a drink before dinner, and I need to speak with my cousin.”
“Of course,” Esther said. She turned to Allan and grinned at him.
“I will speak to you soon,” he said to her.
He watched as she walked away, paying close attention to her backside, which was perfectly round like a sweet plum. Thinking of her body led him to think of bedding her, and the vision in Allan’s head was scandalous, at best, yet it excited him greatly.
“I remember being where you are now,” Edward said with a laugh. His comment made Allan jump, as he was lost in thought about being in bed with Esther. “It is well worth it when the time comes.”
“I was trying to be less obvious,” Allan said jokingly.
“It wasn’t very obvious,” Edward replied. “Probably only to me because I was just there not long ago.”
Allan nodded and laughed. Edward’s face, however, got more serious.
“I hate to change the subject, but I want to talk to
you about Mr. Smith, Allan,” he said. Allan could tell by the look on his cousin’s face that things were not going as smoothly as they had hoped.
“First,” Edward said, “The good news. Mr. Smith has agreed to part with Julia.”
“Great,” said Allan. “That is wonderful news, right?”
Lusting For The Broken Earl (Steamy Historical Regency) Page 24