A Wicked Earl's Widow

by Aubrey Wynne

  “A cup of tea does sound very good. I’m not sure if I could eat.”

  “Let’s find out, shall we? Cook makes an excellent biscuit with a crispy top and fluffy middle. I’d have run away from home several times as a boy if it weren’t for those biscuits.” He warmed at the sound of her laughter. “Hannah cannot wait for Grace to arrive. We had a particularly wicked winter with little socializing. If she has her way, it will be a week-long house party.”

  “Hannah is lovely. Why has she not had a season yet?” Nate’s pulse kicked up as she placed her hand on his arm. Moving down the hall, he considered how to answer that. How much did she know of his family’s history? “Mother insisted she wait until eighteen. She was in a hurry to lose her only daughter.”

  “I can understand that,” Lady Eliza agreed softly. “Hannah will be snapped up at the first ball.”

  “Not until I have interviewed and thoroughly terrified every suitor.” He winked. “Only the strongest and most eligible will survive.”

  She gave a throaty chuckle as they entered the morning room. “How wonderful it must be to have an older brother.”

  “Hmph! I beg to differ,” said Hannah from the dining table, brown eyes sparkling with mischief. “His motives aren’t as altruistic as you think. He’s afraid Mother will make him escort her to afternoon teas and join him when the neighboring ladies visit.”

  Nate gave an exaggerated shudder. “Run me through now and save me from such a fate.”

  “I’ll send you off to a worse one, you impudent boy.” Lady Pendleton waved a butter knife at him. “Lady Eliza, good morning to you. Please ignore my son’s waggling tongue. Men, as you know, never mature in some aspects.”

  With a hand over his heart, Nate bowed. “I give in as I am outnumbered.”

  He pulled out a chair for Lady Eliza and watched her backside settle on the embroidered cushion. Hannah smirked at him. Sending her a warning glare, he proceeded to the side table and filled his plate with a rasher of bacon, eggs, and several biscuits.

  “Would you like to try one?” He offered her the plate of biscuits.

  “After your marvelous recommendation, how could I not?” She took one and slathered one half with creamy white butter. “Oh, my. These are delicious.”

  “Here, put some marmalade on it,” he said around a mouthful. “If these aren’t in heaven…” He stopped chewing as he watched her pile on the sweet preserves and lick off a chunk as it dropped onto her thumb. A throbbing began low in his belly.

  What the hell is wrong with me?

  “I wonder how Grace is coming on the repairs to the rest of the castle? The living quarters and main hall are so tastefully done.” Lady Pendleton poured more tea and added a dollop of cream. “The place was in shambles when they moved in. I don’t know how she did it.”

  “My cousin is very organized and industrious.” Her lips turned up. “In other words, she can’t stand to be idle.”

  “She always has a plan. Been that way since childhood. We never played a game or organized a party without a second scheme, in case something went awry.” Nate snorted.

  “It’s saved our skins more than once. Remember the picnic by the stream?” asked Hannah. “The wind blew up a terrible storm, and we only had time to make it to that old woodcutter’s cabin.”

  “On my property, and I didn’t even it know it existed,” continued Nate, “but there it was with blankets and a pile of wood and books!”

  “Books?” Lady Pendleton stopped the last bite of biscuit midway to her mouth. “She’d stocked an old hut with books?”

  “It seems Grace likes to read when she’s stranded somewhere. So I made a fire, we spread a dusty but dry blanket on the floor, and Hannah read to us. One of those terrible romance novels females seem to adore.” Nate rolled his eyes. “How can a flesh and blood male compare to the heroes in those books?”

  “Quite impossible,” agreed Lady Eliza. “When I was a young girl, they were my only escape. I used to…” The smile faded from her lips along with her voice. She sipped her tea, suddenly fascinated with the lace pattern of the table cloth.

  He studied her. What had caused that abrupt withdrawal? Yesterday an avenging angel and today a wounded doe. An unexpected urge to protect this woman rose in his chest. He hastened to cover the silence and his mother and sister’s curious looks. “Between the fictional gallants and her own father, Lord Boldon was surprised any man passed muster with his daughter.”

  “Lord Sunderland is not just any man,” she almost whispered.

  “No, indeed he is not,” agreed Nate. Something about her demeanor, the wistfulness in her tone roused him, and he found himself wanting to be “not just any man” in her eyes.

  After a final cup of tea, coffee for Nathaniel, the ladies dispersed. He stopped Lady Eliza in the hall, not ready to leave her side yet. “What are your plans for the rest of the morning?”

  “I’m joining Mrs. Watkins and Althea for a walk in the gardens. If you don’t mind, that is.” Lady Eliza smoothed an invisible wrinkle from her lilac dress, not meeting his eyes. “The sun has come out, and it’s such a lovely day.

  “I don’t mind under one condition.” He put on his most charming smile and was rewarded with the arch of one blonde brow. “You allow me to accompany such a lovely trio.”

  “We’d be delighted.” She picked up her skirts and hurried up the stairs.

  Nate rubbed his jaw as he watched her go, something about her behavior niggling the back of his brain. She was perplexing, but he no longer wondered about her sanity. He had a few questions for Sunderland—and hoped he was wrong about the answers.

  Chapter Seven

  Pendle Place

  County Durham

  Eliza hugged herself as the carriage approached. She could hear the crunch of wheels on gravel through the thick-paned glass of her bedroom. Her stomach flipped from both the excitement of seeing Grace and Kit again and anxiety of the discussion to come.

  “Mama, Mama,” cried Althea, running from the next room, doll hugged to her chest. “Dey coming! Dey coming!”

  Grace had given the toddler a portrait of her and Kit inside a tiny heart-shaped locket. It was a way for the little girl to remember her since they could not visit as often as they’d like. Althea had lovingly placed it on her new doll. She climbed up onto the window seat, her face pressed to the pane, giggling as her breath steamed the glass.

  “Shall we go down and greet them?” Eliza held out her hand, and the two headed for the stairs.

  Mrs. Watkins hurried from the adjoining room. “I’m coming, my lady. I had to put the dominoes away. She loves lining them up and watching them fall.”

  “I know my cousin will want to spend time with Thea. As soon as they get settled, you may have some time to yourself.” She smiled at the governess. “I’m afraid your day off came and went. You deserve to recuperate from this rambunctious child and replenish your patience.”

  “Oh, my lady, I do appreciate it, though I love her like my own. These are extenuating circumstances, and I don’t mind a bit. But a leisurely walk without chasing the little mistress would be just the thing.” She smoothed back her frizzy curls and her dimples deepened. “I’ve been eyeing those stables. You know how love horses.”

  “It’s settled then. After her nap, you may take the rest of the afternoon off. Perhaps Lord Pendleton could have someone introduce you to the head groom.” Grace heard the commotion of happy voices outside as the carriage pulled up. She looked down at Althea, now pulling at her mother’s hand with a grunt. “Stay beside me. I don’t want you getting underfoot and stepped on by people or horses.”

  “Pwomise,” Althea said and continued pulling.

  Eliza reached the door as Grace gave Lord Pendleton an affectionate embrace. Her auburn hair was streaked with red and gold, her cheeks pink with pleasure.

  “It’s so good to see you!” she cried then hugged Lady Pendleton and Lady Hannah in turn. “I’ve been champing at the bit for spring.
February was a terrible month for travel, and we were in the middle of another renovation in March.

  Kit stood back, a patient but droll look in his black eyes. His dark looks, which the twins had inherited from their mother, always reminded Eliza of Carson. At first, he had been a constant reminder of what she had lost. Then Grace had pointed out that Althea would always know what her papa had looked like. Over time, seeing him became a reminder that some change could bring joy. Until her father had emerged from the depths of hell again.

  “Auntie Gwace! Auntie Gwace!” Althea ran to Lady Sunderland and threw her arms around her knees.

  The woman picked her up, squeezing her tightly. “Oh, how I’ve missed you. Did you get my letters?”

  The girl nodded and leaned back, presenting her latest toy. “I have supwise fo’ you.” She held out the doll wearing the locket.

  “Oh, my. What a lovely girl. She looks just like someone I know.” Grace put a finger to her lips and tapped her foot. “Hmm, who is it she reminds me of?”

  “She me! I name her Gwace!”

  “I’m honored, Thea. And I see she has our locket.” Grace fingered the necklace, a wistfulness showing in her eyes, and squeezed her again.

  Eliza’s heart went out to her cousin. She’d had a miscarriage the previous year. The physician had said there was no reason they would not have many more children, but so far Grace had not conceived again. In the meantime, she doted on Althea, who was now wiggling to get down. As soon as her feet hit the ground, the toddler headed full speed toward Kit and launched into his arms. The Earl of Sunderland caught her with a soft hmph.

  “How is my beautiful lass, hm?” he asked, kissing the top of her bouncing head. Then she threw her chubby arms around his neck and kissed him loudly on the cheek. “I didn’t get quite get that answer. Could you tell me again?”

  Althea laughed, grabbed his face between her two small hands, and gave him a kiss on the other cheek. “You miss me, UnKit.”

  He chuckled at her moniker, a cross between uncle and kit. “Of course I do! Who is my favorite girl?”

  “Me! Fo’ever me!” She squealed as he threw her up in the air and caught her.

  “Again!”

  Kit threw his yelping bundle in the air again, her frock puffing out like an umbrella. On the third landing, he placed her on his shoulders and headed toward the steps. “Up we go, Thea!”

  Grace turned to Eliza and held out her arms. “My dear, sweet cousin.” They hugged in silence and then Grace took Eliza’s arm and whispered, “Trust me.”

  Kit and Althea led the rest of the group into the house, her small hands clutching Kit’s chin like a death bandage. Inside the drawing room, he took her from his shoulders in a dramatic front flip and set her on his lap. He rubbed at the imprint of tiny fingernails under his chin. “There’s a literal interpretation of a female getting her claws into a man.”

  Lord Pendleton chuckled. “Indeed, they do start young, don’t they?”

  Lady Hannah rolled her eyes. “How was your journey? Uneventful I hope.”

  “Yes, we started out early and stopped in the village to check on Mrs. Stanley.” Grace’s eyes grew serious. “The poor woman is lucky none of her ribs were broken.”

  “I stopped by the blacksmith. He’s keeping a close eye on the footpad and says he’s getting him acclimated for where he’s going. Has him tied next the kiln.” Kit’s concerned gaze fell on Eliza. “And how are you, sweet sister-in-law?”

  Avoiding the question, she turned to the governess. “Mrs. Watkins, would you take Althea up for her nap? She may be hungry since she was too excited to eat this morning.”

  “Of course, my lady.” She held out her hand to the child. “Are you hungry, my sweet?”

  Althea nodded her head, dark curls bouncing. “Ginbwead, pwease.”

  “Gingerbread it is, and then a bit of a rest.” She waited patiently while the girl gave her mother, aunt, and uncle a kiss and the rest a wobbly curtsy.

  Silence prevailed until their footsteps faded down the hall.

  Kit cleared his throat. “I’d like to thank you for your help in this matter.”

  “What exactly is the ‘matter’? Your note was brief.” Lord Pendleton took a seat on a tapestry covered chair. “I assume there is more to this matter than the incident on the road.”

  Grace looked at Eliza and then Kit. “My cousin’s father is... Let’s say he enjoys inflicting pain in others. I was relieved when Eliza married Kit’s brother and escaped his abuse. It seemed she was finally safe from harm.”

  Heat engulfed Eliza’s face. She could not look up as Grace explained the situation. Would they judge her, pity her, or refuse to help her? With Sunderland Castle no longer an option, she truly would have to sail for America or marry that vile old man. Alone in a strange land or life with a lecher without her daughter. Deep breath in. And out. Deep breath in. And out. She focused on her breathing to keep the panic at bay as Lady Falsbury had taught her.

  “So her father threatened Lady Eliza’s mother and that darling little girl upstairs if she did not marry a common merchant?” Lord Pendleton asked. “That blasted cutthroat.”

  His mother shook her head. “Abhorrent behavior. But if he thinks she’s somewhere on the Atlantic, why isn’t she safe at Sunderland Castle?”

  “Landonshire is no fool and neither is his partner. They’ll put men sniffing around the docks. My father padded the wharfinger’s pocket well to remember a young woman and child boarding a ship. But if he’s offered more, who knows?” Kit shrugged his shoulders. “We don’t want to take that chance until we have an alternative plan.”

  Eliza found her voice. “My brother-in-law cannot put his wife in danger. They have already done so much for me.”

  “No, that’s not the reason,” cried Grace. “I know your father. If he finds out you have not left the country, he’ll send spies to the castle and Boldon. It’s for your safety and Thea’s, not ours.”

  Eliza blinked back the tears as Grace rose and put comforting arms around her. She would not cry.

  “As you can see,” Kit continued, “we need a place unknown to Landonshire. It seems fate has stepped in.”

  Looking at her hosts, Eliza apologized. “I am so sorry for this horrid affair. Please do not feel obligated to protect me. I am no relation to you and I would understand—”

  “NO!” The word resounded against the brown and gold silk-covered walls.

  Eliza cringed and blinked back tears at the harsh tone. She looked into the angry face of Lord Pendleton, her worst fear realized as she saw the disgust in his brandy-colored eyes flashing with gold.

  “Of course, my lord,” she said barely above a whisper, eyes downcast. “We did not unpack our trunks yet and can leave immediately.” Her mind scrambled for her next move. “I appreciate everything you have done for us.”

  Pendleton issued a mumbled curse and then his boots appeared in her line of vision. A finger touched her chin and lifted her face.

  “Forgive me, Lady Eliza, for my temper. You misunderstand.” He gave her a half smile and bent on one knee. “I will gladly play your champion. I meant no to you leaving.”

  With his face so close to hers and treating her with such gentleness, she felt dizzy. Her eyes burned and she blinked again, determined to be strong and deserve this kindness. “Thank you,” she whispered.

  Nathaniel cursed when he saw Lady Eliza flinch. Sunderland had just explained her childhood had been filled with violence, and then he shouted. In anger. The image of anyone beating her, let alone her own father, enraged him. That strange protectiveness had spread through him again, and he wanted to shield her as he would his mother or sister or Grace. Only not quite the same.

  He would have to be more considerate in the days to come. For she would stay under his roof as long as needed. His mother approached and gripped his shoulder. Nate stood, one hand covering hers.

  “My dear, we would never turn you away. Even if Landonshire found you here, he wou
ld not harm myself or Hannah. As Lord Sunderland said, he is not a fool.” She smiled. “Please, let us think of this as a house party.”

  Hannah joined in. “Oh yes! Grace, must you return right away? Stay for a week. We could have such fun.”

  Nate silently thanked his family. Lady Eliza’s shoulders relaxed and a tremulous smile brightened her face. He looked into those shining violet eyes, her lashes dark with tears, and his mouth went dry. She was breathtaking. By God, he’d transform this timid creature back into the avenging angel he’d met the day before.

  “Not to spoil the moment,” Kit interrupted, “but we still don’t have a solution. And I can see by my wife’s adorable glare that we’ll have a week to come up with a plan. She is rather good at that, you know.”

  “Eliza would be much more comfortable with the arrangement if we stayed for a bit,” Grace agreed. “Lord and Lady Falsbury won’t be in London for a few days. Even if Landonshire doesn’t believe the story, we have some time before he makes his way to Sunderland or my father’s estate of Boldon.”

  “It’s settled then.” Hannah clapped her hands. “Oh, we’ll have a picnic on the river bank, ride…”

  Nate’s mind tuned out his sister’s list. He watched the flurry of emotions crossing Lady Eliza’s lovely face. Something about her drew him, and it was more than her beauty. He wanted to peel away the layers of doubt and fear and find the woman he had glimpsed. But first he must gain her trust. It would be work, she would be wary and resist, he was certain. Taking honey from a bee was a difficult task, yet the beekeeper was rewarded thrice-fold for the effort.

  A movement beside him stopped his reverie. Grace took his arm and leaned into him, a brilliant smile sparkling in her clear green eyes. Damnation! Another female had caught his look. Was he so transparent?