How the Earl Fell for His Countess (Matchmaking Madness Book 2)

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How the Earl Fell for His Countess (Matchmaking Madness Book 2) Page 10

by Laura A. Barnes


  Reese growled at his guests and family, furious they had chosen to ignore his tirade. Perhaps he needed to make himself clearer. “I have decided to accept your gift. Please, leave the paperwork for ownership before you leave this evening.”

  Reese threw his napkin on his chair and stalked to the door. Before he could leave, Charlotte stopped him in his tracks.

  “Evelyn already holds the paperwork.”

  Reese turned, gritting his teeth. “Now, why would my wife hold possession of those?”

  Charlotte gave him an innocent look. “Why? Because she is the owner of Cobalt.”

  Reese frowned, not in the mood to play games. “Do you not mean to imply that Evelyn and I are the owners?”

  “No, you heard me correctly. Evelyn is the sole owner of the colt,” Charlotte answered.

  “You gave a gift to a woman who is spooked to death of horses? Why the very act of riding one puts her into hysterics.” Reese scoffed.

  “You appeared compassionate to my fear when we left the cottage,” said Evelyn.

  “An act, my dear wife. Was I very convincing? If so, I played the part well of a considerate husband protecting his wife from her fears. It does not sit well when deceived, does it?”

  “I believed that you finally cared. Even though I had my doubts, I pushed them to the side to give us a chance at happiness.” Evelyn threw her napkin on the table.

  “A false reality. It was my plan to deceive you and trick you into believing I was somebody I was not. An act you and your sister know only so well. How does it feel to have a person you care for fool you into believing a false sense of security?”

  “So our last few weeks spent as husband and wife were a means for revenge?” asked Evelyn.

  “Exactly.”

  “You are a bastard, Worthington. You do not deserve Evelyn,” snarled Charlotte.

  “Nevertheless, you are aware that since Evelyn is my wife, anything she owns is now mine?” Reese directed his question at Charlotte.

  “I am aware of the marriage laws. But under special circumstances, a lady can own property that her husband cannot control. Uncle Theo helped to write an iron-clad proof of ownership for this very reason.”

  “So, Colebourne thinks he can still control the strings?” Reese sneered.

  “I suppose if you wish to state it in those terms. Yes, he does.” Charlotte confirmed with a nod.

  “Sinclair?” Reese asked since Sinclair had won the duke’s bet.

  “I agree with Charlotte and Colebourne on this matter. Also, I have no grounds to refute.”

  “But you won the ridiculous bet that Colebourne dangled in front of us.”

  “Yes, but I refused the horse. Winning Charlie’s love was the only prize I desired.” Sinclair kissed Charlotte’s hand.

  Noel sighed. “Oh, is that not the most romantic declaration you have ever heard?”

  “Fool,” muttered Worthington.

  “A fool in love. But I am not a fool regarding the care of my sister-in-law. You have crossed the line with your disrespect toward Evelyn. I will not stand for your abuse, and I know Colebourne will stand firm in whatever decision I make on removing Evelyn from your care,” declared Sinclair.

  “No bother, you can have her. If you refuse to leave my home, then I will remove myself. I leave for London this evening.”

  “Then you will not mind if I see to Evelyn’s care?” asked Graham. Graham stood and came to Evelyn’s side, positioning himself as her protector. He placed a hand on her shoulder, showing Evelyn his support.

  Reese gritted his teeth. “I told you to stay away from my wife.”

  “A threat I choose to ignore,” baited Graham.

  “Take your hand off of my wife,” Reese growled.

  Evelyn rose, squeezing Graham’s hand. Then she lifted it off her shoulder and stepped forward until she reached Reese. “Shall I inform the servants of your departure?”

  Reese narrowed his gaze and took in Evelyn’s stance. No longer the dull miss, but a strong, defiant wife stood before him. He thought his deception would have destroyed her, but instead, she appeared stronger than ever. Were they even? If so, what now? His plan had backfired, and now his world was spinning out of control.

  He looked around the table and saw how his deception caused them to view him. To Evelyn’s family, he was an arrogant bastard. To his own, he had lost their love and respect if the disappointment in their gazes were anything to go by. He wanted to roar his injustice and place the blame on Evelyn. However, he was the one at fault. Evelyn had confessed her misdeeds and owned up to them. What had he done? He’d acted like a child seeking revenge.

  Still, it was his fault he held onto his anger. It kept him from facing the emotions Evelyn stirred in him. He wanted to lash out with his frustrations. When Graham came behind Evelyn to wrap his arm around her waist, staking his claim, Reese chose his brother to take the burden.

  Reese swung his fist back and punched Graham across the face for ignoring his threat. Brother or not, no man would ever touch Evelyn but him.

  Graham might have laughed at the punch, but it didn’t stop him from lunging at Reese. With another punch to Graham’s middle that landed him on his knees, Reese shook out his fingers.

  “I will inform them myself,” Reese answered before stalking away.

  EVELYN WATCHED HER husband leave, conflicted with herself. Should she run after him or should she stay and help Graham? What had come over Reese? He was a contradiction. One minute, he’d spouted off to the room on how he’d played her false, then turned possessive when Graham had laid his hand on her.

  She knew Graham only pretended interest in her to provoke Reese into admitting his feelings. Evelyn had overheard Graham and her mother-in-law conspiring to make Reese jealous. She had wanted to confront them, to tell them that their attempts were useless. But were they?

  Graham jumped to his feet and laughed. Evelyn swung her head toward him. When she saw the twinkle in his eyes, she knew that he’d provoked Reese on purpose. She shook her head in disappointment, but that only made Graham’s smile widen.

  “Evelyn, you need to gather your belongings. We also leave for London tonight. I will not allow you to spend another minute under this roof. I promised Colebourne I would look after your welfare,” said Sinclair.

  Evelyn shook her head. “No. I will remain here. Worthington Hall is my home now.”

  Charlotte huffed in frustration. “You must see reason.”

  “I have seen reason since I followed Reese to his bed all those weeks ago. And I continue to live with it each day I am married to him.”

  “How? He deliberately hurt you,” said Charlotte.

  “No more than we deliberately deceived him when we switched identities.”

  Charlotte shook her head. “They are not the same.”

  “Are they not?” Evelyn arched an eyebrow.

  “No, he deceived you for revenge. You deceived him for love,” stated Charlotte.

  “If you will please excuse me, I must see to my husband’s departure.”

  “Evelyn, you need to stay scarce until Reese leaves.” Graham stepped in front of Evelyn.

  “Thank you for your concern. However, I am not afraid of Reese or the emotions he stirs in me.”

  “Evelyn?” Charlotte asked.

  Evelyn sighed and addressed her sister. “Charlie, you need to understand that I love him. I explained to you before this crazy mess started how Reese made me feel and you offered your support. I need you to understand and continue supporting me. The road my marriage is traveling on is full of bumps and ruts. But it will only be until we find a smoother road to journey upon. It may take many wrong turns before we reach it, but those trials will only strengthen our marriage. And our love.”

  Evelyn didn’t wait for any more interruptions. She needed to see Reese before he disappeared to London. She must show him her forgiveness and that she would continue to fight for their marriage. She knew he wouldn’t accept her faith, but on
e day he would.

  Evelyn stood outside Reese’s bedroom door, listening to him give orders to his valet. The sharp tone of her husband’s voice betrayed his firmly held temper.

  His valet rushed from the room carrying a pair of boots, and he cringed when he spotted Evelyn lingering near the door. “My lady?”

  “It is all right, Kemp.”

  The valet nodded before hustling to do his master’s bidding. Evelyn slipped in between the door and closed it behind her. When the door squeaked shut, her husband lifted his head and glared, then resumed throwing items into his valise, ignoring Evelyn.

  “Reese?”

  He raised his head and arched his eyebrow at her familiarity. She stood tall, not letting his regard intimidate her. They were on even ground now. They had both betrayed each other. Now they could leave it all behind and start fresh. Instead of lies, they would now have the truth between them.

  Evelyn started toward him and repeated herself. “Reese?”

  “Madam, I see no need for your presence in my bedroom. Not only were you not invited, but if I am not mistaken, I have not given you leave to address me by my God-given name. For the remaining days of our marriage, you are to address me as Worthington.”

  Reese strode past Evelyn without another glance. However, he wouldn’t even reach the door before his wife threw down a gauntlet.

  “Does this order also stand when I whisper, moan, and scream my pleasure while you are buried deep inside me? Or can I be familiar then?”

  Reese swung around, dropping his valise on the floor. He strode to Evelyn and towered over her. His anger swelled around them, wrapping them in a cloak of the forbidden. Her taunting words hung in the air. When she didn’t cower from his stance and instead slid her hands down his chest, Reese growled.

  “Worthington,” Evelyn whispered.

  Reese grabbed Evelyn around her arms, squeezing tightly, and brought her against his chest, trapping her hands. His eyes clouded with a storm that only she provoked in him. He bent his head and took her lips in a punishing kiss to frighten her away. He gave her no mercy as his mouth possessed her, displaying the fury he had barely contained at dinner.

  With one arm wrapped around her, he pulled her head back and ravaged her mouth, each kiss becoming more demanding than the last. Evelyn didn’t so much as whimper, but he felt her body tremble against his. She didn’t tremble out of fear, but of a passion that spun out of control.

  He’d lied to her belowstairs. But he must never let her know the depth of his feelings. It would give Evelyn too much power.

  “Reese,” Evelyn whispered.

  At hearing his name on her lips, he threw her away from him. The sweet taste of her remained on his lips, tempting him with the idea of taking her before he left. He wanted to stake his claim on Evelyn and show her how little she affected him. Even though she already meant the world to him.

  But he wasn’t his father. He wouldn’t use her, no matter how much he wanted her. He had to leave for London now. To put distance between them until he understood the pull of connection between them and decide how he would proceed with his marriage.

  While in London, he would call on his mistresses and the Duke of Colebourne. He would demand his settlement and then maybe, just maybe, he might return home and make their marriage a joyful union. But until then, she needed to understand he wouldn’t be biddable to her uncle. Her family thought they could play games with him. She could keep the damn horse in her name. His business in London would prove to be profitable if the information he had gained held correct.

  “Worthington,” he growled before striding away again.

  Evelyn sighed. She thought the passion in that kiss was enough to stop Reese from leaving. The desire simmering between them had been ready to explode. Each time, it only grew stronger. Even in anger, their passion unleashed itself. He may have grabbed her in anger, but she knew that was only a thinly held façade he clung to. The day when Reese no longer denied the strength of their bond would come soon. And on that day, Evelyn would stand waiting for him with open arms. She would let him go for now, but only for a short while.

  She would accept Sinclair’s offer to travel to London. Evelyn planned to stake a claim on her husband’s heart. Reese could run, but she wouldn’t be far behind. Evelyn smiled, watching her husband leave his bedroom.

  Evelyn let her gaze travel around the spacious area. She had spent many nights over the course of the last few weeks lying in his arms in this bedroom. Their lovemaking, whether intense or slow, only deepened her love for Reese. He may have always carried her back to her bed while she slept, but he no longer would on his return. With a little help from her mother-in-law, there would be a change upon her husband’s return. Never would she sleep alone again. They would share a bedroom, whether or not Reese approved.

  Chapter Eleven

  Evelyn walked into breakfast the next morning with a spring in her step and a smile to brighten the room. She woke feeling refreshed and ready to pursue her husband.

  Upon her arrival, the room fell into a hush of whispers before trailing away. All eyes were upon Evelyn, regarding her with pity. However, Evelyn would have none of that. She sat in her regular seat, spooned sugar into her tea, and took a sip. Still, the room remained quiet, each person judging her, waiting to offer any sort of sympathy toward Reese’s behavior the evening before.

  “Good morning, family.”

  Each person murmured a greeting, then pretended to find interest in their food.

  Evelyn smiled while buttering a scone. “I miss our morning ritual.”

  Charlie stared curiously at Evelyn’s joyous manner. “I do too. On some mornings, I ride over and join them.”

  “Mmm, perhaps I will make a visit in the early morning hours during my trip to London.”

  “Then you agree to allow me to take you away from here?” asked Sinclair.

  “No. You may provide me with transportation to London. Once we arrive, I shall join my husband at his residence. He has a residence, does he not?” Evelyn turned toward Graham.

  “He does.” Graham smiled.

  “Excellent. When do you wish to depart?”

  “How soon do you wish to join your husband?” asked Sinclair.

  “Well, I wish to join him as soon as possible. But with the snit he was in, perhaps I will give him two days to settle his temper.” Evelyn bit into the scone.

  “Three,” Eden coughed behind her napkin.

  “Three?” Evelyn raised her eyebrows.

  Every member of Reese’s family nodded in agreement.

  “Then three days from now we shall depart. I have a few changes I need to put in motion before I leave. So, the extra day will fall in perfectly with my plans. Since Reese took off without seeing to the care of Cobalt, Graham, can you please confer with Sinclair and the stable master on the horse’s care?”

  “Yes. And if the Sinclair’s would not mind another passenger, I would love to travel to London with your party. That way, I can help you settle into your London residence,” said Graham.

  “An excellent idea. We’d love your company,” answered Evelyn.

  Soon, the table erupted in mindless chatter about Evelyn’s trip to London. Reese’s family seemed relieved that Evelyn hadn’t sunk into a depression from Reese’s unpredictable behavior. Instead, Evelyn couldn’t be happier. Her plan had come together easier than she thought. She had hoped that Graham would offer to accompany them to London. A devious smile lit her face.

  When her gaze landed on Charlie, her sister narrowed her eyes at Evelyn. Evelyn smiled innocently at Charlie, but that didn’t fool her sister. No, Charlie knew Evelyn better than Evelyn knew herself, if not better. Charlie mouthed, “We will talk,” and Evelyn continued smiling with a quick nod.

  Eden, Noel, and Maggie left breakfast to take up their studies in the library. Charlie rose with Sinclair and Graham to make arrangements for Cobalt’s care. Evelyn promised Charlie a walk in the gardens later. That left Evelyn alone
with Lady Worthington at the table.

  “My dear, there is much I wish to apologize to you for, but I do not know where to begin.” Lady Worthington sighed heavily. “My son’s behavior was deplorable. Ever since his father died, his control has slipped from his grasp, leaving you with the burden of his outlandish behavior. If you desire to return to your uncle’s home, no one in this family would lay the blame at your feet.”

  Evelyn reached across the table for her mother-in-law’s hand. “Mama, I have no intention of ever leaving Reese.” Evelyn smiled wickedly.

  Lady Worthington’s expression grew warm at Evelyn’s endearment. Evelyn spoke the truth when she called Lady Worthington “Mama.” Ever since her arrival, the lady had made her a part of their family, never once judging Evelyn for her past actions, nor had the lady portrayed any sign of reluctance on passing the countess duties over to Evelyn.

  Evelyn hadn’t changed how the household ran. She only added soft touches to make it her own. She respected Lady Worthington too much to hurt her feelings, not when she loved the lady as she would have loved her own mother. Evelyn missed the gentle guidance of an older woman. While Aunt Susanna had been a comfort over the years and embraced all the girls as her own, she hadn’t been a constant companion.

  Lady Worthington sighed her relief and squeezed Evelyn’s hand. “Do you know how comforting your words are?”

  “I am the one who seeks your forgiveness. I now understand the depth of my deception with your son. In time, I only hope he will forgive me. I will not give up on him. In fact, I plan to pursue your son and seduce him into submission.” Evelyn laughed.

  Lady Worthington joined Evelyn’s laughter. “How may I be of assistance?”

  “While I am away in London, I need your help in moving my belongings into Reese’s bedroom. I will no longer stand for a marriage of convenience or separation. Reese will no longer use me to his advantage whenever he feels the urge. On our return from London, our marriage will be a loving union.”

  Lady Worthington inclined her head. “It will be my pleasure.”

 

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