The Earl That Overruled My Destiny

by Hanna Hamilton

  It was unnatural.

  Caspian didn’t fidget, although the space somehow felt simultaneously too small and too large. Across from him, his father’s pen scratched across a paper. It was a letter to someone, although from where he sat, Caspian couldn’t read the addressee’s name.

  He does this every time. I wish he wouldn’t.

  Lord Elderdale made a habit of requesting people’s presences before he truly wanted to deal with them, so more times than he cared to count, Caspian found himself sitting silently across from his father for minutes before being addressed.

  Caspian’s thoughts drifted to Lady Gwendoline, and his cheek seemed to tingle, as if her lips were still pressed against his skin. He resisted the urge to trace his own cheekbone and press his fingertips to where the Lady’s lips had been.

  And perhaps, if I met her again, she’d be willing to kiss me once more.

  He’d been kissed before, of course. Caspian had even had a few ladies with whom he’d shared some interest and exchanged a couple of kisses. But he’d never felt about any lady as he did about Lady Gwendoline. Although he’d returned the locket back to Lady Helena’s room, he still felt as though it burned at his neck, as if the phantom weight of it still pressed against his collar bone.

  Lady Gwendoline is like a ghost. Even when she isn’t around, I can’t help but linger on her and wish that I’d had just a little more time to speak with the fair lady.

  Finally, Lord Elderdale signed the letter and placed the pen upon his desk once more. Caspian straightened his back, lest his father accuse him of slouching. A shiver jolted down Caspian’s spine. Even though his father had no way of knowing that Lady Gwendoline haunted Caspian’s thoughts, he still felt a childish, irrational fear that he might be caught by his cold, angry father.

  “How are you enjoying the Season?” the Earl asked.

  “It’s agreeable,” Caspian replied. “But when is it not, My Lord?”

  Lord Elderdale folded his hands over his desk and fixed his attention on Caspian, who tried not to wilt away from the intensity of his father’s gaze.

  “If you don’t enjoy the company of the ton, it’s not particularly pleasant.”

  But you don’t enjoy anyone’s company, save your own. And perhaps, your business partners’.

  “I do enjoy the ton, fortunately.”

  “I heard you and Noah went to Hyde Newhost,” Lord Elderdale said, not bothering to soften the disapproval in his voice.

  Caspian nodded. “We did, My Lord. Lady Florence sent the invitation to her family’s friends and allies, and because of our family’s business relationships with hers, I felt as though it would only be prudent to accept such an invitation, regardless of the chosen location.”

  Lord Elderdale grimaced. His face pulled into a sharp frown, and his nostrils flared. In that moment, Caspian felt as though he stared down a vengeful, ill-tempered bull rather than his own father.

  And in a contest between a bull and a man, there really wasn’t much question as to which party would emerge victorious.

  “I see.”

  Caspian waited for his father’s judgment. The man tapped his fingers along the edge of the desk, looking thoughtful. “Was Lord Newhost’s daughter present?”

  “She was, and although I anticipated she might be, I was not sure of her presence until I arrived myself. Both Noah and I behaved like proper gentlemen, of that, I assure you, My Lord.”

  “I’d expect nothing less.”

  Caspian inclined his head slightly, acknowledging the words.

  “Lord Newhost’s daughter is a cunning creature,” he said.

  Caspian smothered a bark of incredulous laughter. Lady Gwendoline was possibly the most earnest lady he’d ever met. The idea that she could be cunning or deceitful was an utterly foreign one. No, Lady Gwendoline seemed like the epitome of honesty.

  But I cannot tell my father that, or else, he’ll chastise me. And he’ll realize that I have likely spent more time and attention on Lady Gwendoline than I should have.

  “You need not worry over it, My Lord,” Caspian replied. “I promise that I’ll show the utmost caution around Lady Gwendoline. I would do nothing to bring harm or discord to our house.”

  “So you say,” Lord Elderdale said. “I wish I could say I have no doubts, but I know that young men are easily led astray by fair faces.”

  But why is he pressing this matter? Does he know that I have spoken to Lady Gwendoline? I can’t imagine who would tell him of such a thing, but perhaps, someone has. Or perhaps, my father only suspects what I have done, and he’s trying to gather information from me.

  “If I’ll be led astray by any fair face, it would certainly not be the face of a Lockwood. I have not forgotten how the wicked Lord Charles abused my poor aunt Lady Helena so grievously.”

  And yet they were in love. Caspian knew they were in love, and he felt as if he betrayed Lady Gwendoline by not revealing what he knew.

  But we both agreed that now is not the time for us to reveal the knowledge that we have. There simply isn’t enough proof of what we suspect. And we still don’t know the full breadth of everything that has happened.

  “I’m glad to hear it,” Lord Elderdale said.

  But the Earl’s tone never changed. He didn’t sound any gladder than he had when the conversation began. Caspian kept his gaze firmly on his father’s face, silently wishing that he was more able to read his father’s moods.

  “I have reason to travel to Oxford for a few weeks. I have already made arrangements for my travel and anticipate departing this Friday. I trust that you can handle matters while I’m away?”

  “Of course, My Lord.”

  It was only a handful of weeks, after all. Any man could manage that, but Caspian felt a prickle of indignation that his father might suggest otherwise.

  “I’ll send frequent messages to ensure that all is well,” Lord Elderdale said, “And I’ll expect prompt responses on them.”

  “Surely, that’s not necessary, My Lord,” Caspian replied. “I’m certain that—”

  “And you are not Lord Elderdale. I do only as I feel necessary to keep the estate running in an efficient manner.”

  He really didn’t trust Caspian to manage the estate, even for such a small amount of time.

  “Of course, My Lord. I defer to your good judgment.”

  It wasn’t as if Caspian had much else that he could do about the matter. He wondered if Lady Gwendoline had ever felt similarly with her father, if she’d ever been a part of these sorts of cold conversations.

  “As well you ought to,” Lord Elderdale said. “That will be all. I’ll inform your mother of my absence.”

  Caspian nodded.

  “That will be all. Leave me, now. I have much work to complete before I leave.” As Lord Elderdale spoke, he waved dismissively.

  From his actions, one might think that Caspian had invaded the quiet sanctity of his father’s study rather than being summoned by him.

  But then, it’s like that most times.

  Caspian left Lord Elderdale’s study, quietly closing the door behind him. As he ventured through the corridors, his thoughts turned to Lady Gwendoline once more. It had felt so freeing to share his concerns with her and to receive hers in return.

  She trusts me. More than my own father, even.

  Perhaps, his father leaving would not be such a dreadful affair. It would allow him opportunities to visit Lady Gwendoline without his father observing him so closely.

  * * *

  The next grand ball was hosted by Lord and Lady Canterfoss. It was the first occasion which the couple had hosted since being wed, and Caspian, who knew Lord Canterfoss from his youth, could tell the man was nervous. The lord had an unfortunate habit of fidgeting when he was distressed. But his lady seemed to be the picture of joy. She glided across the room in an embroidered gown of bright green, dotted with glistening pearls. Her face glowed as she crossed the room, taking efforts to entertain each guest.

>   And although Caspian stood with Alexander and Noah, his mind was far from whatever conversation the two were having. Instead, his eyes searched the room, trying to find the raven-haired beauty who’d taken up residence in his thoughts and refused to leave.

  And I’m sure she’s here.

  His gaze drifted over the ladies in the room. Most of them wore elegant gowns of pink and lilac silk, colors as soft and soothing as the music which drifted through the grand ballroom.

  “Ah, there’s Lady Florence.” Alexander’s words cut like a knife through Caspian’s thoughts.

  The lady entered. She wore a dress of Clarence blue, dotted with delicately embroidered flowers. And at her side, just as Caspian had anticipated, was Lady Gwendoline. She wore pale pink, like many other ladies, but somehow, it seemed to suit her better than them all.

  Somehow! I think I know the reason for that somehow. I admire her.

  “We should greet Lady Florence,” Caspian said, forcing himself not to sound as though he was inappropriately eager to greet the ladies.

  “Even though she’s with Lady Gwendoline?” Noah asked.

  Caspian had yet to tell his brother of his secret tryst with Lady Gwendoline or any of the rest. It wasn’t that Caspian distrusted his brother; on the contrary, Caspian trusted him very much. But Caspian also knew that a great deal of trouble might emerge from his alliance with Lady Gwendoline, and the best way to keep his dear brother from being likewise involved in potential blowback was to keep him ignorant of the entire thing.

  For a time, at least.

  Once he and Lady Gwendoline had learned more about what passed between their aunt and uncle respectively, Noah would be the first person Caspian told.

  “I’ll be a proper gentleman to Lady Gwendoline,” Caspian said. “It’s hardly her fault which lineage she comes from.”

  “How droll,” Alexander replied. “Do you truly not mean to cause even a little mischief?”

  “Not tonight,” Caspian said. “At least, not toward Lady Gwendoline. While my father Lord Elderdale is away, I must be a proper gentleman to the best of my ability.”

  “I’ll believe that when I see it,” Noah replied, grinning.

  Caspian smirked and crossed the room, leading his friends to Lady Florence and Lady Gwendoline. The pair had already joined the Hartford sisters, Lady Sophia and Lady Lydia. Together, the ladies exchanged hugs and fond declarations of greeting.

  When Lady Gwendoline looked over her shoulder, her dark eyes met his, and the world halted around them. Time seemed suspended, and Caspian scarcely dared to breathe. Behind her, Lady Florence’s eyes burned with curiosity. The Hartford sisters stiffened, their muscles becoming taut and their shoulders tense.

  “Good evening, ladies,” Caspian said.

  They exchanged greetings politely enough, but it seemed to Caspian as though the ladies were hesitant, waiting to see if the feud between his family and Lady Gwendoline’s would erupt and spark a disaster right before their eyes.

  “Are you gentlemen enjoying yourselves tonight?” Lady Florence asked.

  “Of course,” Noah said. “Lady Canterfoss is quite the capable hostess, is she not?”

  “She is, but we always knew she would be,” Lady Sophia replied. “Lady Canterfoss always had a talent for arranging beautiful gatherings.”

  “Part of it is her temperament,” Lady Gwendoline said. “Lady Canterfoss is so bright and cheerful that I can scarcely imagine the lord or lady who would not enjoy themselves in her presence.”

  “That is true,” Caspian replied, although he wasn’t thinking much about Lady Canterfoss at the moment.

  “I hear Lord Elderdale is away,” Lady Florence said.

  “He is, indeed,” Noah replied.

  “Which means that it is an excellent opportunity for mischief,” Alexander said, cutting his eyes toward Caspian.

  Mischief? Perhaps. But not the kind I can share with him.

  Lady Gwendoline’s lips curved into a small, sly smile, and Caspian wondered if her thoughts had gone to the same place as his. Was she likewise thinking of their moonlit escapade and how they might have more? Or perhaps, her thoughts were upon the gentle kiss she’d placed on his cheek.

  Was she hoping he’d place that same gentle kiss on her cheek? Caspian’s breath hitched at the thought. Lady Gwendoline’s skin was smooth and pale, like porcelain. But her cheeks were soft and rosy, and he knew that if he put his lips over her cheekbone, it would be like kissing a rosebud.

  “I have heard of your mischief, Lord Alexander” Lady Gwendoline said. “There are some who would name you a scoundrel for it, My Lord.”

  “Only those who wish they were as clever and bold as I am,” Alexander replied, grinning.

  “Only those with sense,” Noah argued. “Come, now. Don’t you ever tire of causing mischief?”

  “I’ll tire of it when people cease to find my mischief amusing,” Alexander replied. “You call me a scoundrel, but the truth of the matter is that you’d be dreadfully bored without me.”

  “Be that as it may, I have no intention of engaging in mischief while my father is away. That is not what a good heir would do,” Caspian replied.

  But he kept his eyes on Lady Gwendoline and saw that she eyes sparkled. Now, she was a lady worth being called a scoundrel for.

  “I’m glad to see you have resolved to be a good heir,” Lady Gwendoline said. “I’m sure Lord Elderdale appreciates such devotion.”

  His father would only notice Caspian’s shortcomings, if he noticed anything. Never once had Lord Elderdale ever praised Caspian, and there was no reason for his father’s perspectives to change now.

  “Oh, I don’t doubt it,” Caspian replied.

  “I’m curious to see how long your resolve holds,” Noah replied.

  “For as long as our father is away,” Caspian said. “I promise you that, and you know I’m a man of my word.”

  Lady Gwendoline’s lips twitched, and Caspian could only imagine that she was barely containing a laugh. He quite liked that look on her face and their exchanged secrets.

  “I think I’m in need of some fresh air,” Lady Gwendoline said.

  “Shall I accompany you?” Lady Florence asked.

  “There’s no need,” Lady Gwendoline replied. “Please, enjoy the ball. I’ll be back shortly.”

  But Caspian caught the meaning beneath her words. Come after me.

  And he would. But they’d have to be subtle about it.

  Her voice and eyes promised a delightful, mischievous evening. Lady Gwendoline gave him a brilliant smile and with her arms held behind her, she slowly walked from the ballroom and into the gardens.

  She wants to do this here, and with so many people around.

  Caspian felt a spark of admiration for her boldness and a nervous jolt at the risk he was about to take.

  Chapter 15

  Gwendoline followed the garden path, accompanied only by the soft sway of the fabric of her dress and the wind whispering through the hedges and wildflowers, so the leaves and blooms moved gently in the breezes. There were a few servants milling about, but they stayed a respectful distance away.

  Her entire being was alight with excitement. Would Lord Caspian follow her out? She felt quite sure that he would, despite his declarations of causing no mischief.

  I shouldn’t have asked him to do this here. There are too many people.

  But when Gwendoline had looked at Lord Caspian’s emerald-green eyes, her heartbeat quickened. And all reason flew from her head. When Lord Caspian spoke of mischief, something awakened inside Gwendoline. Her ardent need for adventure mingled with a desire for mischief.

  After walking a little down the way, she sat upon a small, stone bench. From where she sat, she could see the manor in the distance. Gwendoline kept glancing in the direction of the ball. She bit her lip. Perhaps, even if Lord Caspian wanted to come after her, he might be unable to find her.

  But no, it’s too early for me to fret over it. It’s mor
e likely that he is trying to give himself some time, so no one notices that his absence is so close to mine. Otherwise, people would surely talk.

  Florence would likely realize that he’d followed her out anyway, but Gwendoline knew that Florence would never speak of the matter to anyone. She was a good, honest Lady, and a truer friend did not exist.