The Unwilling Earl

by Audrey Harrison

  Finally alighting from the coach, she was greeted warmly by her sister. “Two days in a coach with Papa, no wonder you look so pale,” Margaret whispered sympathetically as she held her sister in welcome.

  Penelope smiled and returned the hug. “It is wonderful to see you Margaret, it has been too long.” They were very alike as sisters, both having the dark hair and olive skin. The only outward difference was in the eyes. Penelope had the deep chocolate brown that Daniel had found so irresistible, while Margaret had hazel eyes.

  “It has,” agreed her sister, “But I have planned lots of activities that will persuade you to stay a delicious amount of time.”

  Penelope laughed as they entered the house. Margaret was far lighter hearted than she had ever been and for the first time in days, Penelope felt that her mother had suggested the right thing in sending her away from home.

  Mr. Simpson was the younger son of a large family. He was an attractive man, five feet ten inches, broad shoulders, dirty blond hair and clear grey eyes. He was as easy-going as his wife. His ambition in life had been to be a gentleman farmer and his elder brother had provided a small estate that enabled the two to live in comfort. The house had been built within the last fifty years and was typical of the era. Two windows either side of a central doorway made up the ground floor frontage. The first floor consisted of five windows, which were topped by five attic windows. It was built of red brick, as opposed to the standard limestone of the day. Penelope felt the red brick gave it a warm feel, as if it welcomed visitors as much as its occupants did.

  Mr. Hall stayed for only one night before returning to the Bridge House. Mr. Simpson kept him occupied for the evening enabling Penelope and Margaret to catch up. Penelope was open with her sister about the Earl and what had happened.

  “Pah! What a goose!” Margaret exclaimed at the end of Penelope’s story.

  Her sister grinned, that was as near as Margaret could ever get to a curse. “He was, but it is done. I am here to forget.” She knew that to forget was going to be easier said than done, but she had to try, Daniel had made it clear that he retracted any proposal he had made, he no longer wanted her.

  “You won’t have time to think with what I have planned,” Margaret smiled.

  *

  A month later and Penelope had to acknowledge that her sister had been true to her word. It had been a month of non-stop social activity, one of the advantages of visiting a popular couple. It seemed the Simpsons were welcome everywhere. There had been visits, picnics, rides, card parties, balls and the theatre. It was obvious they had accepted more invitations than they would have done normally, but every evening when she fell into an exhausted dreamless sleep, she was grateful for what her family were doing for her.

  Daniel was not forgotten, far from it, but having to exert herself in new situations with new people, stopped her from wallowing in self-pity. She could not dwell on what could have been, she had to deal with so much that was new. The social circle that Margaret circulated in welcomed the new addition. The women genuinely liked Margaret’s company and were therefore inclined to welcome Penelope to their group and the gentlemen of their acquaintance were always ready to welcome a pretty face.

  There was one gentleman who was reintroduced to Penelope during the second week. It was a distant cousin of Mr. Simpson, who was now the local Vicar, a Mr. Peters. He was a few years older than Penelope and had spent some time in Cheshire. Penelope had become friendly with him while in Cheshire and was glad of his company in Warwickshire. He was very attentive and although it did not ease the dull ache, his company was welcomed.

  As a relative Mr. Peters spent a lot more time with the Simpsons than anyone else. As he stayed with them Penelope saw him morning, noon and night and she soon became aware that her sister might be matchmaking. She challenged her over it one lunchtime when the gentlemen were out.

  “Who me?” Margaret asked in mock innocence.

  “That confirms it then, you are matchmaking,” Penelope responded tartly. “I wish you wouldn’t.”

  “Why not? He is a handsome man, he likes you, why not help things along?” Margaret asked, although her words were teasing, she was being serious.

  “He isn’t Daniel,” Penelope responded simply.

  “No, thank goodness from what you have said. I cannot imagine Samuel Peters treating you as this Daniel did. I can understand you falling in love with him to start with, but after the way he was, surely your feelings have changed?”

  “It is not so easy to change strong feelings,” Penelope said blushing a little. She would ridicule any of her friends if they came out with such romantic nonsense, but it was true, she could not just switch off the way she felt. Daniel did not want her, but she certainly wanted him.

  “You have spent more time with Samuel than you ever did with Daniel, you know his background, his character, his family. There would be no nasty surprises,” Margaret persuaded.

  “So Samuel is the safe choice?” Penelope asked. “Isn’t that doing a disservice to him?”

  “He wants to marry you, he has spoken to William about it. Why not give him a chance, see if love grows?” Margaret cajoled.

  “I don’t think it would,” Penelope responded doubtfully.

  “It won’t if you fight it, but may if you are open to it. William has told Samuel to wait a little longer, why not be more responsive to him, to see if anything develops?”

  “Margaret, you fell in love with William almost the first time you met him, I fell in love with Daniel the first time I met him,” Penelope insisted.

  “Yes, a passionate love, that could have faded after time, this way, if love grows, it will be strong and steady, one that could last a lifetime,” Margaret responded. “All I am asking is for you to give it a try.”

  Penelope did not give a clear response. In some respects what Margaret was saying was completely true, she was aware that not all love was of the all-consuming passionate type. Penelope doubted that many passions lasted for a lifetime, but she could not shake off doubts about love developing when it was not there to start. Samuel was everything that was eligible, but she did not feel the tingle of anticipation when they touched, or feel the excitement of knowing she was going to see him. Surely there had to be some draw at the beginning? She did resolve to be more responsive to Samuel though, Margaret could be right, Penelope doubted her own judgement after Daniel anyway.

  From that moment on Penelope could not be accused of openly flirting with Mr. Peters, but she was more receptive to him. He took this as a positive sign and increased his attentions to her. If she attended anything, he accompanied them and attended her, if she needed anything, he was the one to supply it, if there was a conversation, he was the one to bring her into it. It was very soon noticed and the Warwickshire circle began speculating on a potential marriage between the pair. Only Penelope remained doubtful that the marriage would take place.

  Chapter 9

  Midway during Penelope’s sixth week, a box at the theatre had been secured by a close friend and the Simpsons, Mr. Peters and Penelope all were invited. Mr. Peters secured seats at the front for himself and Penelope, a sure way of being able to speak to her in relative privacy during the performance. He was his usual charming self, but Penelope was beginning to feel as if she was being forced into a situation she could no longer tolerate. She liked Mr. Peters, but his constant attention was stifling her, she wanted to choose who she spoke with, who she sat next to, not be guided by him all the time.

  During the first interval a knock was heard, Penelope did not turn at the knock, but she did stiffen when she heard the familiar voice of Mr. Wiseman behind her. He was being introduced to her brother-in-law by a relation of his. Penelope was forced to turn and face Fred when Mr. Simpson made his family’s introductions.

  “Well I never!” Fred exclaimed. “Miss Hall! What a wonderful surprise.”

  Penelope bowed her head in greeting, she had no dispute with Mr. Wiseman, but she wondered what bro
ught him to this county. When she had mentioned her sister previously, he had never mentioned any link.

  “Mr. Simpson, I am already acquainted with Miss Hall through a friend of mine. He is here tonight and will wish to pay his addresses when he realises who is here. Would you allow me to introduce the Earl of Rivington to you?”

  Mr. Simpson had no idea of Penelope’s discomfort at such a request, not knowing any of the history between the pair. He welcomed the news in his usual jovial way. “Of course Mr. Wiseman, bring his Lordship in. In fact, we are having refreshments served in the box during the next interval. Your party is more than welcome to join us.”

  Penelope had to suppress a wry smile despite the circumstances. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw her sister roll her eyes. Mr. Simpson was obviously in for a lecture and the poor man would have no idea what he had done wrong.

  The next act was torture for Penelope. The anticipation of seeing Daniel was almost as great as the worry about meeting him. If he had told Fred nothing of what had happened and did not want to see her, a second rejection from him would be more than she could bear. The thought of seeing him again though, set her heart racing and a flush on her cheeks. She hardly attended to anything Mr. Peters said through the act, as much as she tried.

  The listened for knock came almost as soon as the curtain had fallen. Penelope braced herself and turned to face the guests. Her breath caught in her throat when she saw Daniel, he seemed even more handsome in his dark frock coat and gold waistcoat. The cream of his cravat deepened the colour of his skin and his eyes glowed deepest green.

  As the introductions took place Penelope tried to pull herself together. This man had humiliated her the last time they had met. No matter how handsome he was, or how strong her feelings still were, he had behaved despicably and she should not forget that. Finally, it was Penelope’s turn to move forward and accept the greeting.

  “Miss Hall, it is a real pleasure to meet you here tonight,” Daniel started as soon as Penelope moved towards him. He could see the turmoil in her eyes and he had to try and convey something, anything to her. “I am visiting the area with Mr. Wiseman and did not anticipate the pleasure of your company. Have you been in the area long?”

  Penelope sighed inside, he had not known she was in Warwickshire and politeness made him appear friendly. She needed to show him his presence did not affect her, so responded coolly. “I have been visiting my sister these last six weeks, my Lord. Have you left Cheshire for good now?”

  “I have appointed a steward, it took longer than anticipated, but I still hope it will be a place I often return to,” Daniel replied. He had seen the effect his first words had had on her and knew he had not conveyed how pleased he was to see her.

  “I am sure the estate is in capable hands,” Penelope tried to look disinterested.

  “Would you permit Mr. Wiseman and myself to call on your tomorrow?” Daniel asked. He had to speak to her somewhere less public and try to replace the light in those eyes.

  “I, well, I,” Penelope stuttered.

  “I’m afraid we will not be at home for visitors tomorrow, my Lord,” came the clear cool tone of Margaret.

  “My Lord,” Penelope dropped a curtsey and turned to her sister in relief.

  Daniel stung at the dismissal and the lack of progress he had made, but if he was honest with himself he had half expected a slap across the face and a demand he leave the box immediately. At least she had spoken to him. He turned to Fred and tried to pretend he was listening to the conversation. The truth of the matter was he concentrated more on trying to calm his heart rate. Penelope had been dressed in lilac satin, trimmed with small cream flowers. Lilac and cream flowers had been fixed in her hair. The contrast against her dark skin and hair had been breathtaking. No-one else in the box had realised the willpower it had taken for him not to clasp her to him the moment he had seen her.

  Penelope had turned from Daniel, back towards the front of the box. “Are you well my dear, you appear flushed,” came the gentle enquiry of Mr. Peters. He had kept away from the newcomers, choosing to remain at the front of the box.

  “I am well, just a little warm,” replied Penelope with a smile. Her attentive partner obtained a drink for her, she could no more walk to the rear of the box and risk conversing with Daniel anymore than she could have stood on the stage, but she did feel unjust at using Mr. Peters in such a way. The fact that she did not turn to him for support when she felt vulnerable again reminded her that she could never marry him.

  *

  What Penelope did not appreciate over the following week was the sheer determination of the two men to discover the itinerary of the Simpson party and ensure they attended the same entertainments. Fred’s uncle and aunt were well respected members of the community and although Fred had not explained fully what had gone on in Cheshire, he had told them enough to know that there was a potential romance in the offing and their help was enlisted. Having the Earl of Rivington and the Honourable Mr. Wiseman as visitors, ensured that it was even easier to obtain invitations and the only task was to find out which engagement the Simpson family had accepted.

  At every event, party or gathering that Penelope attended after the evening at the theatre, the Earl and Mr. Wiseman were not far behind. Each time Daniel approached Penelope and spoke to her in the friendliest terms, but was kept at a distance by Penelope. Her cool exterior did not betray the inner turmoil she was feeling.

  Margaret approached Penelope at a card party they were attending during the second week of this pattern of events. “Your Earl arrives yet again my dear,” she said quietly.

  Penelope had not needed telling when he was in the room, she knew every time he entered or left a room. “He is not my Earl,” Penelope whispered in return.

  “He did wrong by you, but there is only one reason he is attending party after party, even this insignificant gathering,” Margaret acknowledged.

  Penelope smiled, her sister had always hated card games of any kind. “It is probably Mr. Wiseman who is urging him out, he is the more sociable of the two.”

  “Harsh my dear. Although knowing his faults is not a bad thing,” Margaret smiled.

  “Margaret,” Penelope said sternly.

  “Come Penny, even you cannot ignore the obvious, he is doing everything he can to be pleasing. I think it is time to give him a little room to explain himself.”

  “You would not let him call on us, after our first meeting,” Penelope exclaimed.

  “I was not convinced of his sincerity. I have since seen how his eyes follow you and the expression in them is full of remorse. I think it only fair to let him explain.” Margaret’s easy-going nature made her the more conciliatory of the two sisters.

  “I do not understand him,” Penelope mused, sounding unsure.

  “You never will unless you speak to him. I fear Samuel has lost out without putting a foot wrong,” Margaret said sadly.

  “Nothing of the sort!” Penelope spluttered.

  “Oh, as well as seeing the forlorn look on your Earl’s face, I am not blind to the expression on your own face my dear. You want to hear what he has to say and if you don’t I am afraid he will hound us for the remainder of your visit.”

  Penelope laughed at her sister’s comments, but had to agree with the ridiculousness of the situation. She saw Daniel more now than she had in Cheshire, although many of her meetings with him there had just been the two of them. It was very difficult to keep up her forced aloofness when if she was honest, she missed speaking to him.

  Daniel approached, unable to prevent himself being drawn to Penelope’s laughter. “Miss Hall, how pleasant to see you,” he bowed.

  “Yes, an unusual event for us to bump into each other like this,” Penelope replied, arching a brow.

  “Isn’t it?” Daniel responded with a grin, partly teasing, partly relief at receiving even a tiny amount of banter from Penelope. “I must say the social whirl of Warwickshire far surpasses anything I expected when inv
ited to join Mr. Wiseman.”

  “You had better watch out my Lord, you will be embracing a life of dissipation if you are not careful,” Penelope retorted.

  “Dissipation? That is my role in life, Miss Hall,” Fred interrupted.

  “Mr. Wiseman, I feel there is truth in your jest,” Penelope smiled.

  “I am wounded Miss Hall. Wounded that you could think I jest,” Fred held his hand over his heart for dramatic effect. Daniel had been annoyed at his friends’ interruption, but forgave him after his next words. Fred leaned closer to Penelope, but whispered loud enough so Daniel could hear. “Miss Hall when are you going to let your friends spend some real time with you?”

  Penelope flushed a little and raised her chin. “I did not think my company was welcomed any longer. My integrity was in doubt as I recall.”

  The words stung Daniel, he had so much to repair. “Miss Hall, Penelope, your company is preferred above that of anyone we met in Cheshire or have met in Warwickshire. Please allow us, me, the opportunity of proving to you how much your company is wanted.”

  Penelope looked into those green eyes that were an intense colour, they seemed to draw her in. She took a deep breath. “If you would like to accompany us on a ride tomorrow, you would be made more than welcome.”

  Her words were rewarded with one of the biggest smiles she had ever received from Daniel, which did not help to control the fluttering in her stomach.

  Chapter 10

  Margaret and William rode in their curricle, while Penelope rode Margaret’s horse. Daniel and Fred arrived on their own horses, both keen to reach the ever close countryside. Fred engaged William in conversation about the direction of travel and they agreed to stop at a popular inn for some refreshment before returning home.