Capturing the Earl

by A. S. Fenichel

  * * * *

  Mercy knew the day would come when Wesley Renshaw would call at West Lane and she also knew he would not be coming to see her. Still, it had been a thrill to take her first look at those broad shoulders while he examined the new curtains in the grand parlor.

  “I expect you to behave in front of Lord Castlewick, Mercedes.” Aunt Phyllis had a gleam in her eyes that could only mean trouble.

  “I always behave. Besides, Castlewick came to see Aurora and has no interest in me. I would very much like to know why he’s so interested in Aurora, though.” Mercy said the last mostly to herself.

  Aunt Phyllis shook her head. “Didn’t you listen to the man? I thought I taught you better than this, Mercedes.”

  Thinking back over the tea and everything Wesley said, Mercy couldn’t remember anything that gave a hint to why Aurora should be his choice for the next Countess of Castlewick. “I suppose you will have to continue my education. He didn’t say anything about Aurora other than he’d come to call on her.”

  “No.” Phyllis’s voice was singsong. “But he did say what interests him in general. He wants to pull his family estate back together. Did you know that young man’s grandfather was in so much debt he had to ask the king if he could sell off his lands to stay out of debtors’ prison?”

  Something shuddered inside Mercy. “But he seems so solvent.”

  “He is. Once they had the funds, his father, still quite young himself, took over the running of the estates and finances. His father managed to keep from going to debtors’ prison and didn’t lose any more lands, but I have heard that this current earl pulled the family back into good standing. He’s bought back much of the estate land over the last three or four years.” Phyllis took a biscuit from the tray and dipped it in her cooling tea before eating the sweet.

  A thought niggled in the back of Mercy’s mind. “Aunt Phyllis, where is the property entailed to the Earl of Castlewick?”

  “I believe it is in Cheshire.”

  The niggling turned to nausea. There was no sense caring that she now knew with reasonable certainty that Wesley’s interest in Aurora had to do with a certain piece of property she owned in Cheshire. He had never been for her anyway, but she had hoped his intentions toward Aurora were less cutthroat.

  Aurora had been given the land in Cheshire by her brother, Rhys. The property had been Aurora’s father’s part of the betrothal and marriage bargain with Radcliff. Considering all Aurora had suffered as the Countess of Radcliff, making a gift of the Cheshire property was the least her brother could do.

  The front door opened and closed. A moment later, Aurora breezed into the parlor. “Aunt Phyllis, how good to see you.”

  All of Mercy’s friends had taken to calling Phyllis aunt when in private. It was an affirmation that they were sisters by choice, if not by blood.

  Aurora kissed Phyllis on the cheek before sitting on the settee. “How was tea?”

  “Interesting,” Phyllis said.

  “Oh?” Aurora’s eyes widened.

  Mercy sighed on the inside but kept emotion from her voice. “Lord Castlewick paid a call. He’ll be joining us at the symphony tomorrow night.”

  “Oh dear. Well, it makes no difference,” Aurora began. “I have no intention of marrying him or anyone. He will be disappointed.”

  Worry rumbled inside Mercy. If a man wanted something badly enough, he would go to any lengths to obtain it. Knowing what he wanted was a start. She needed to find out how important it was to Wesley so she could rid the Wallflowers of him.

  “Tell me, Aurora.” Phyllis grinned. “Would you happen to own land in Cheshire?”

  Damn. Why did her aunt have to be so clever? “Aunt Phyllis, that is none of your business.”

  Aurora gaped from one to the other. “I do own a large piece of property that was part of the marriage agreement between my late husband and my father. When Radcliff died, my brother gave it to me.”

  Aunt Phyllis clapped. “That’s it.” She stood and called for Tipton.

  The parlor door opened. Tipton stood awaiting instructions.

  “I’ll be leaving now. Please gather my things, Tipton.”

  “Yes, my lady.”

  “I will see you both tomorrow night. I will come collect you and we can go to the theater together, if that is agreeable.” Phyllis’s joyful demeanor made Mercy uncomfortable.

  Mercy rose and kissed her aunt on the cheek. “Please don’t do anything that I shall regret, Aunt Phyllis. I can see that you’re up to something.”

  With a pat on the cheek, Phyllis beamed. “I have your best interest in mind, my sweet girl. I shall do nothing untoward.”

  Doubts riffled through Mercy, but there was nothing more to say as Phyllis rushed out of the house.

  Aurora waved her goodbyes. As soon as Mercy’s aunt was in her carriage and rolling down West Lane, she turned to Mercy. “What is going on?”

  Shaking her head, Mercy sat. “My aunt is up to something, but more importantly, I know why Castlewick is so keen on courting you.”

  “Oh? Well, out with it.” Aurora took a treat from the tray.

  “That property is part of his family’s lost lands. Aunt Phyllis tells me he has been trying to put back what his grandfather lost. I would guess there is some longer version of the story, but you know she’ll not tell it until she’s ready.” Mercy shrugged.

  Aurora’s grin assured she was not upset by the news that it was land rather than adoration that motivated Wesley. “But we can be positive Aunt Phyllis knows every detail and is just biding her time. She is such a treat.”

  “I’m not sure that is the word I would use,” Mercy said. “You are not upset about his lordship’s lack of sentiment?”

  “Heavens no.” Aurora bit into the biscuit. “I’m glad it’s something that can be dealt with rather than his being enamored. I would hate to break his heart, but I have no qualms about ruining his hopes. Besides, if it’s the property he wants, perhaps he can buy it. I have no use for it.”

  “You are always so sensible, Aurora.” The notion eased the pounding of Mercy’s heart. All of this could be settled without her having to spend too much time with Wesley Renshaw. “I know I will never secure his attentions, but I don’t think I would have liked for you to marry him.”

  Aurora patted her knee. “Not to worry.”

  “I think I shall go and play a while. I have little Lady Alice Pinkering coming for a lesson in half an hour.”

  Cringing, Aurora stood. “I will closet myself on the opposite side of the house and write some letters. Be sure to close the music room door.”

  They laughed as they went to different parts of the house.

  Chapter 3

  The theater’s golden domed ceilings and grand arches were perfect to conduct sound, while the rich red curtains kept down the echoes an overly large hall might endure. Every wall and alcove were draped in red velvet and it would have been easy to hide away. Mercy considered the idea of getting behind a curtain and settling in for the evening.

  Poppy and Rhys stood with Aurora, who told them about Lord Castlewick’s intentions of courting her.

  “So, he wants to marry Aurora to gain some property,” Poppy whispered. “Well, that’s not so bad.”

  “Wouldn’t you prefer to hear he had seen her beauty across a ballroom and was smitten?” Rhys said, giving his wife a quick squeeze around the waist.

  Mercy didn’t like either scenario. Of all the women in England, why did Aurora have to hold some bit of dirt that Wesley wanted?

  With a nudge of her elbow, Aurora got Mercy’s attention. “You look sour and his lordship is coming over,” she whispered through clenched teeth. “What’s gotten into you?”

  It was a good question. Mercy set her face into the slight smile and dull eyes that she’d perfected at the Wormbattle School for Young
Ladies. She had learned in her three years away that she didn’t have to be mild and good, but it was easier if she appeared as if she hadn’t a care in the world or a thought in her head. The lesson had made her life much easier over the years.

  Aunt Phyllis rushed over. “Lord Castlewick, I’m so glad you could join us. You know Lady Radcliff.”

  Wesley bowed. “A pleasure to see you again, my lady.” His gaze turned to Mercy. “Miss Heath, I’m happy to see you again so soon.”

  “My lord.” Mercy curtsied and avoided meeting his stare. Whatever she saw there would either be disappointing or lead to that emotion later on. Her function was to dissuade him from Aurora and nothing more. The fact that she could think of nothing worse than Wesley and Aurora as a married couple only made her task easier.

  The silence extended a bit too long and Mercy studied her aunt.

  Phyllis grinned too wide but recovered herself a moment later. “My lord, may I introduce Lord and Lady Marsden?”

  Wesley bowed to Poppy and shook Rhys’s hand. “Marsden and I went to Eton together, though I was a year ahead. I was delighted to hear of your marriage. Congratulations to you both.”

  “Thank you, Castlewick. I was very sorry to hear of your father’s passing. I hope you received my note. He was a good man.” Rhys said.

  The slight lines around Wesley’s mouth deepened and a haze of sorrow passed across his eyes. “Thank you. We buried him in Cheshire. I know it’s not popular these days, but the family plot is there and it was what he wanted.”

  Mercy wished she could have given him comfort. It was clear that despite gaining a title, Wesley missed his father.

  A bell signaled that the patrons should find their seats. Mercy kissed Poppy on the cheek before the couple went to their own box. Without looking at Wesley, she followed her aunt up the stairs to the box she had secured for the performance.

  Aurora walked beside him. “Did you attend Parliament today, my lord?”

  “No. I had some personal matters to attend to and no questions were coming up for vote. It’s been rather quiet this session. Are you much interested in politics, Lady Radcliff?”

  “I read the papers, my lord. It is good to stay informed.”

  They arrived at the box and a footman pulled back the curtain.

  Aurora stepped inside with Aunt Phyllis.

  The outline of two men within the box held Mercy back. Her aunt was up to something and that meant trouble.

  The slightest touch on her upper arm let her know Wesley was too close. His heat spread through her like a warm, familiar quilt. “What about you, Miss Heath, are you interested in politics?”

  It was all too much, the fact that Wesley wanted to court Aurora and Aunt Phyllis’s schemes to find her a husband. She snapped her gaze toward him and met those alluring eyes. “What does it matter what my interests are?”

  “Have I offended you, Miss Heath?” Those eyes that had looked tenderly while they danced opened wide.

  She sighed. “No. I apologize. It seems my aunt has several suitors here for my inspection. Excuse me, my lord.” She stepped into the box.

  The two shadows belonged to Lincoln Baker, a dim-witted man but a great lover of music, and Wallace Colby an extremely tall man who was quite smart and also enjoyed hearing Mercy play. They were both gentleman with land but no title and they both had a liking for Mercy. Either would be a suitable match and neither interested Mercy in the least.

  She made her curtsy and greeted each man before taking her seat and waiting for the darkness of the theater to swallow her up.

  The conductor, dressed in black with a crisp white cravat, approached the podium. Everyone applauded. He tapped his baton on the wooden stand. Musicians took note, as did the audience. The theater shimmered with anticipation.

  Mercy let her aunt’s constant interference float away with the first notes. Mozart’s Concerto in C began with a harp and flute and Mercy was lost. By the third piece, tears flowed freely down her face.

  Soft linen pressed into her hand at her lap. She closed her fingers around it and raised it to the corner of her eye before daring to look at Wesley to her left.

  Between the emotion that filled his eyes and the music, Mercy’s faced flushed hot and her heart pounded. Unable to breathe, she stood and rushed from the box.

  * * * *

  The fact that Baker and Colby were there as suitors to Mercy shouldn’t have made Wesley’s blood boil, but it did. That they both got up to chase after her had his fists balled up. It took all his will to keep his seat and not give both men a sound thrashing.

  Lady Mattock raised a hand to stop their pursuit. “She becomes emotional from the music. Give my niece a few moments, gentlemen, and she will return.”

  Aurora smiled and Wesley must have looked as distressed as he felt because she leaned in and whispered, “It is true. Mercy feels music very deeply and can become overwhelmed.”

  The assurance of normalcy didn’t make him feel any better. When she hadn’t returned after several minutes, he eased from his seat and slipped from the box.

  Sconces lit the hall but the larger candelabras had been put out during the performance, which kept down on light and saved candles. It took a moment for his eyes to adjust. A few feet away he made out her shape where she leaned against the wall, his handkerchief clutched to her chest and her head back. The way her body arched and her full neck was exposed set him on fire. He wanted to taste that neck and every other inch of her elegant body.

  “Miss Heath, are you all right?”

  She straightened. “Go back inside, my lord. I am fine. Just some silly female emotions.”

  Drawing closer until he was merely an inch from her, he said, “Does that statement usually work?”

  She drew a shuddering breath, but her green eyes flashed, still wet with tears. She was the most kissable woman he’d ever seen. “Always. Men believe women all full of nonsense and my confirmation gives them ease.”

  Unable to resist, he used his thumb to brush moisture from under her eye and pressed the thumb to his lips, taking in her essence. He’d turned into a fool, but she tasted of salt and promises and he wanted more of her. “Shall I tell you what I see?”

  Wide-eyed and staring at his lips, she nodded and pressed her back against the wall.

  Pressing his body against her tall slim form, he reveled in every curve. “I see a woman who is special but who puts on a mask every day to please the world, and I wonder when she pleases herself.”

  “Why should you care, my lord?” There was a pleading tone to her usually strong voice, but for what he didn’t know.

  Rubbing his lips against hers, he drew in her breath and gave his to her in a slow sensuous kiss. He struggled to catch his breath. “I don’t know, Mercedes, but I do care. I most decidedly care a great deal.”

  He had never longed for any woman with so little concern for propriety. In fact, he didn’t remember any female, girl or lady, stirring such desire within him. There was no doubt he wanted Mercedes Heath. He indulged his hands in the feel of her hip and the slight curve to her waist and higher.

  Her breath came in short gasps, and he delved inside her mouth and found a warm, soft heaven where he wished he could spend eternity.

  No experience in his life had prepared him for the jolt of urgency in that moment. Heart pounding and body thrumming, he wrapped his arms around her and pressed her full length into his. He longed for her to know how critically his need gripped him.

  She kissed him back, her tongue swirling with his in the mating dance. A soft sigh was like a musket ball from her throat directly to the space deep in his chest. He’d long thought that part of him dead to such emotions.

  Voices just out of sight made him take stock of the fact that they were not in private, but he couldn’t gather the strength to stop.

  She pressed lightly on his
chest with one hand and drew her mouth away. “Will you take me here against a wall, my lord? And then what? Go on to court my best friend?”

  A bucket of cold water would not have been more effective. Wesley backed up but remained close enough to feel the heat rising from her sweet body. “Forgive me, Miss Heath. I was overcome.”

  He must have truly lost his mind. All the work he’d done to secure his family legacy and it could all be wiped aside by an indiscretion with a woman who should mean nothing to him.

  “Perhaps you too were overwhelmed by the music, my lord.” The tears were gone from her eyes, leaving passion and anger in their wake.

  “I’m certain that was it.” Lies of this kind hurt no one. At least, that was what he told himself. His ridiculous heart thumped a different story.

  She bit her lip and a shadow passed over her eyes. Had he hurt her too? An instant later the emotion was replaced by a bland expression and she patted her hair into place. “I will return to the box. You might wish to wait a few minutes before taking your seat.”

  Wesley hated the flat tone of her voice and the way she appeared to dismiss the mingling of their souls in a kiss that rocked him on his heels. He regretted never touching her hair and finding out if it was as soft as it appeared, but she was right and he did intend to court and marry her friend. Any other scenario was not an option.

  Aurora Sherbourn would be his wife and Mercedes Heath could never be anything to him.

  As if she read the thought directly out of his mind, she nodded once and turned her back on him.

  His hand itched to grab her and do exactly what she predicted. Take her hard and fast against a wall in the theater full of people. It was impossible and wrong. Not only wrong because it was not his destiny, but because Mercy deserved better. She was not going to be anyone’s mistress. She would likely marry Mr. Landon or Mr. Colby and have a parcel of children who would all play and sing like angels.