The Unaffected Earl

by Suzanna Medeiros

  She was cast adrift with nothing to anchor her in place. The same thing had happened when her father had confessed to treason and turned their world upside down. She’d had her friendship with Catherine then, whose family had accepted her into their home when she hadn’t wanted to leave London with her mother. She’d also come to consider Lord Kerrick a friend.

  But now she was alone in Lord Brantford’s town house. She hadn’t thought to ask if Ellen would be staying with them. In her guise as Mrs. Blackwell, she was a widow. If that was true for Ellen as well, it was possible she had her own home.

  She’d known Ellen wouldn’t be pretending to be her maid forever, but at least Brantford’s sister knew what was happening and Rose could speak freely to her. The same wasn’t true of her new maid, a young woman who, unless Rose was mistaken, was scarce older than her own eighteen years.

  And then there was Brantford.

  It didn’t seem real that they were married. She stared at the copy of the marriage lines the bishop had given her for a full minute, trying to convince herself she hadn’t dreamed the events of that morning, while her new maid bustled about her room.

  Given the reason behind their need to wed, she had no idea what to expect from her new husband. During the season, he’d never shown any indication that he’d noticed her, much as she’d wanted him to. It had taken a family scandal before he’d even had occasion to glance her way.

  They were married now, but how would they proceed? It wasn’t outside the realm of possibility that theirs would be a normal union. Brantford was an earl, after all. He needed to continue the family line. He wouldn’t have wasted his only opportunity to secure an heir on someone he planned to keep locked up safe, but separate from him.

  Much as she wanted to avoid the awkwardness of such a conversation, she needed to speak to him.

  She didn’t bother changing her dress. After depositing the paper that proved she was married on her dressing table, she left the maid to unpack her trunk and went in search of her husband. She wasn’t surprised to find him in his study, an alarming amount of paper spread about him.

  It appeared her new husband hadn’t had any difficulty at all in putting her from his mind and continuing with his normal activities. A spark of annoyance flared within her.

  He’d looked up from his reading when she entered the room. “Was there something you needed?” he asked, rising from his chair.

  “Yes. I need to speak to you.”

  He lifted one brow, throwing a glance down at the papers strewn about his desk before meeting her gaze again. “Can this wait?”

  “No.”

  He stared at her for several seconds, his expression impassive. The man who’d shown a hint of sympathy for her was nowhere in sight. With a casual wave of his arm, he indicated she should be seated.

  “Not here,” Rose said, holding on to her temper, “where your attentions are clearly divided.”

  “No one has ever accused me of being distracted before. And I can assure you, it is not one of my failings. When I choose to speak to someone, they have my full attention.”

  The way he was looking at her, the weight of his gaze boring through her, left her in no doubt about that fact. It seemed as though he could see straight through to her soul.

  “Very well,” she said, taking the seat he’d indicated. There was no point in starting this discussion with an argument. It was already difficult enough.

  He lowered himself into his seat and rested his hands on the arms of his chair, his gaze unwavering. “You needed to speak to me?”

  Rose let out a soft sigh. “I know that nothing ever bothers you, but I find it more than a little uncomfortable having this conversation with you.”

  “We don’t have to do this now. Take some time. Things have been changing at a rapid pace for you. I imagine your emotions are in turmoil.”

  The corners of Rose’s lips lifted in a semblance of a smile she was far from feeling. “What are your feelings on… what’s been happening?” She cringed slightly, hating how cowardly the question sounded. “What are your thoughts on our marriage?”

  He didn’t move a muscle, nor did he answer, leaving Rose to guess what he was thinking.

  “Surely you’ll agree that we need to discuss this.”

  “Not necessarily. You needed someone to protect you, and I am well suited to that task. We get along well together. Many marriages have been based on much less.”

  This time Rose couldn’t bring herself to feign cordiality. “That is all?”

  He raised that infernal brow again. “What more did you expect?”

  She rose, but before she could begin to pace, she glared at Brantford. “Do not stand. The next forty or so years are going to be insufferable if you continue to treat me with polite indifference.”

  He hesitated, then relaxed back into his seat. “You don’t wish me to treat you with respect?”

  “Ugh,” she said, moving toward the door to leave. She changed her mind and returned, but she didn’t sit. Instead, she placed her hands on the desk and leaned forward, glaring at the smooth, unruffled stranger across the paperwork that littered its surface. “You are intolerable. Has anyone ever told you that?”

  “I believe it may have come up once or twice.” His mouth twitched briefly, then smoothed back into place.

  She pointed a finger at him. “That was a smile.”

  “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

  “I’ve seen you smile before now, although I’ll admit it’s a rare occurrence, but always when you’re trying to reassure me. But that was a smile of amusement in response to something I said.”

  “You’re mistaken.”

  They stared at one another for several seconds before Rose blushed and looked away, suddenly doubting herself. No, she told herself, straightening to her full height and meeting Brantford’s gaze again. She wouldn’t start second-guessing herself now. There was something between them—there had to be. Brantford wouldn’t have married her if she was just some woman who needed protection. The fact that he’d done so must speak to his feelings, or to the fact that he at least thought they had a chance to have a successful marriage. She had to believe that.

  It was still to be determined what kind of marriage that would be.

  “Will I see you later?”

  “I’d planned to join you for dinner, yes. If you’re bored before that, I’m sure Mrs. Warwick would be happy to give you a tour of the house. And I believe Ellen is around somewhere. Unfortunately, I have my hands full here.”

  She inclined her head. “Of course, my lord. And… after that?”

  “After what?”

  She forced herself to press on. “After dinner. Should I expect you tonight? We are newly wed, after all.”

  He broke his gaze briefly, but in that moment, she noticed the way his jaw flexed. Her question had surprised him.

  “I think you’ve had enough to deal with recently.”

  Rose nodded. “For now? Or forever?”

  “Let us get to know one another first.”

  Rose nodded again, content that he hadn’t denied theirs would be a real marriage. Without another word, she left Brantford to his work.

  Chapter 13

  Rose wasn’t sure she’d be able to fall asleep that night, but after getting so little rest the night before, she settled into a dreamless sleep almost as soon as she retired.

  When she woke, it took her several moments to remember where she was. She considered turning over and going back to sleep, but the morning sun was already streaming through her window. She was married now—to Brantford, impossible as that still was to believe—and she needed to begin as she meant to proceed. She wouldn’t hide. In fact, she hoped they would grow closer. Certainly close enough that they’d become husband and wife in more than just name.

  Pushing aside her disappointment that Brantford had coolly taken his leave of her after dinner the evening before while murmuring something about having more reports t
o look through, she threw off her blankets and summoned her maid. She’d already forgotten the girl’s name, something for which she chided herself. She was normally very good with names, but she hadn’t been herself the previous day. She needed to take control of her wandering thoughts since engaging in woolgathering wasn’t going to accomplish anything.

  When she finally entered the breakfast room half an hour later, she was happy to see Ellen there. She’d been too distracted the day before by thoughts of her upcoming wedding to speak to Ellen properly when she’d helped Rose to dress, and she took the opportunity to remedy that oversight.

  “You look incredible,” Rose said, rushing to the other woman and taking a seat next to her at the table. Her eyes roamed over Ellen’s face. “I still can’t believe how skilled you are with makeup. If I hadn’t expected it yesterday morning, I wouldn’t have recognized you. You scarce look older than I.”

  Ellen laughed, tiny lines crinkling at the corners of her eyes, betraying her true age. “You flatter me unduly. I think it is just the shock. I assure you, I am most definitely your senior.”

  “Why didn’t you join us for dinner last night? I was afraid you were going to disappear on me and I’d never see you again.”

  Ellen looked at her intently, and heat began to rise in her cheeks. Which was silly, really, because there was nothing for her to be embarrassed about. Unfortunately.

  “I thought you and my brother needed some time alone together.”

  Rose stood then, going to the sideboard to take a plate. Her gaze moved over the alarming amount of food, but she took only some scrambled eggs and a slice of toast. Until her nerves settled, she wasn’t sure she’d be able to keep down more than that.

  “Speaking of my new husband, where is he?” she asked when she returned to the table.

  “He’s already eaten and has gone out. Said he had a few meetings to attend.”

  Of course he did, Rose thought, trying to hold back her disappointment. “I’m sure he’s a very busy man. I remember whenever I spotted him at a ball or event, he had almost as many admirers as I! Both men and women. They seemed to surround him like bees to honey.”

  Ellen smiled around the sip of tea she was taking. “You noticed him, did you?”

  Rose laughed. “Of course I did. Everyone does. For all the good it did me. It was clear he didn’t want anything to do with the people who claimed his attention, and I think because of that they sought it all the more.”

  “You’re very astute,” Ellen said. “That’s how he operates. He sets himself apart, acting as though he doesn’t care at all for anyone or anything that is happening around him, and so everyone jumps to seek his favor.” Ellen shook her head. “I don’t know how he does it, actually. I’ve tried mimicking that behavior and it earned me nothing. I became invisible.”

  “I doubt that very much,” Rose said. “Unless you are trying to look older and matronly, I’m sure you attract attention everywhere you go.”

  Ellen laughed. “Have I mentioned how much I like you? You’re very good for the ego.”

  Rose figured now was as good a time as any to try to glean a little additional information. “Would you care to answer a few questions for me?”

  Ellen let out a soft breath. “I figured you’d want answers. Just let me fortify myself,” she said, taking another sip of tea. When she was done, she placed her hands in her lap and faced Rose fully. “I’ll answer what questions I can. But I’m afraid that if you want details concerning my brother, you’ll have to ask him.”

  Rose frowned. “No, actually. I wanted to know more about you. I know nothing except that your name is Ellen Blackwell, and I don’t even know if that is your real name. Or if you’re married.”

  Ellen looked away for a moment. “That is my name, technically. It’s actually Lady Laughton. Blackwell was Lord Laughton’s family name.”

  Rose racked her brain, trying to remember whether she’d met Ellen’s husband. “I don’t recall meeting Lord Laughton. How does he feel about your posing as a maid?”

  “You wouldn’t have met him. I’m now the Dowager Viscountess Laughton. The new viscount doesn’t like balls and tends to act the hermit.”

  “Oh, I’m so sorry,” Rose said. “If it would help, I’m here if you ever need to talk about it or about what happened. I’m hardly in a position to spread gossip, not that I ever did before my family was ruined.”

  Ellen looked away again. “Maybe one day I will. It’s no secret that my husband was killed in a hunting accident two years ago. To fill my time since his passing, I occasionally help my brother when he needs someone to get close to another woman.” Ellen shrugged and turned to face her again. “My brother does it to keep me out of trouble.”

  Rose’s interest was sparked by that cryptic comment. “Now I’m dying to know all the details.”

  “Yes, I imagine you are. But right now that’s all I’m going to share.”

  “I understand,” Rose said, turning back to her breakfast and finishing her toast. She looked at her eggs but didn’t think she could eat them after all.

  “I know you have a lot on your mind,” Ellen said. “Other than divulging all my darkest secrets—which, if we’re both being truthful, you’ll no doubt discover sooner rather than later—I wish I knew what to say to ease your mind.”

  Rose gave her a sidelong glance before taking a sip of her own tea. “Just having you here is helping me tremendously. And I assume I can ask Catherine to visit from time to time?”

  “Of course. She’s more than welcome here. This is your home now. You don’t need to ask my permission for anything.”

  “But I should ask Brantford?”

  Ellen scrunched her nose. “Not for everything, no. I’m sure it will be an adjustment for him having you here. It’s been a few years since I lived here, after all, but he won’t begrudge you your friends.”

  Ellen’s eyes narrowed, and Rose got the distinct impression that her new sister-in-law was holding something back.

  “You may as well tell me now,” Rose said.

  Ellen shook her head. “It amazes me how observant you are for one so young.”

  Rose bristled a little at that comment but said nothing since it wasn’t untrue. She’d come out that year, but she couldn’t help but feel that perhaps she was a little too young for her husband. She wasn’t sure how old he was, but he had to be at least thirty. She wondered how much older Ellen was than her brother.

  “My brother can be a difficult man to get to know, so I’m going to stick my nose in where it doesn’t belong right now,” Ellen said, interrupting her thoughts.

  Rose waved her hand. “You might as well. I could use some advice when it comes to my husband.”

  “Brantford has always felt as though he had to prove himself. Father was very difficult on him. On both of us, really. Our parents weren’t exactly the type to show affection, but they were harder on him since he was the heir.”

  Rose didn’t say anything, but it wasn’t as though such an upbringing was uncommon.

  “My brother has an unidentifiable quality, a type of charisma that draws people to him. But—and if you tell him I told you this, I’ll deny it to my dying breath—he’s always been shy. He hated the way people hovered around him when, most of the time, he just wanted to be left alone.”

  “Really? Brantford is shy?”

  “Perhaps not anymore,” Ellen said with a shrug, “but he definitely was as a child and a youth. He’s learned to turn that around though and to use his charisma to his own advantage. People want to please him, and it’s amazing what they will do to gain his approval.”

  Rose frowned as a horrible thought occurred to her. It would certainly explain why her husband hadn’t come to her the previous night though. She wasn’t sure she wanted to know the answer to her question.

  She took a deep breath and asked, “Does Brantford have a mistress?”

  Ellen looked surprised at the question. “No… I mean, I don’t know for sur
e, but I don’t think so.”

  “What makes you say that?”

  “It’s not as though he’d ever discuss such a thing with me, so I can only guess. But I don’t think he’d have such a long-standing arrangement with one woman.”

  “He married me, which I’m sure came as a shock to you. To myself as well. It’s possible you don’t know him as well as you think.” The thought depressed her.

  Ellen tilted her head and considered her statement. “My brother loves his secrets, and he’s always going out to meet people at odd hours of the day and night. I’m sure he’s had liaisons, but a mistress that he’s set up and sees on a regular basis? I very much doubt it.”

  Rose looked away, not wanting to discuss the matter further. She hoped that Ellen was correct, but how much would the other woman know about her brother’s private life?

  “You can’t give up on him, Rose.”

  Ellen’s statement brought her out of her reverie, and she turned to meet the older woman’s gaze.

  “Let me guess, you haven’t consummated your marriage yet.”

  If she were able, Rose would disappear through the floor. The sympathy on Ellen’s face was almost too much to bear.

  “I’m not sure how it happened, but you’re different. My brother cares for you. He wouldn’t have married you if he didn’t.”

  “He wanted to keep me safe—”

  “I can’t even count the number of times he’s asked me to get close to a woman to gain information for him, or to aid in keeping her safe if she was in danger. And there have been at least two occasions where those women almost died from the threats they faced. But you’re the only one he allowed to get this close.”

  Rose shook her head. “I want to believe that, but… I don’t know what to do. How can I find out when he’s keeping me at a distance?”

  “He feels guilty, I’m sure. Feels as though he’d be taking advantage of you.”

  “That’s absurd.”