Forbidden Earl

by Pinder, Victoria

  “I heard Lucinda said no to your proposal because of the prenuptial agreement you gave her. Will I be signing something draconian?”

  Cassidy Bright was actually wife material where Lucinda had been an act of desperation. “There is a huge difference between you and her.”

  She snorted as if making a joke. “She was drop dead gorgeous to start?” In the same breath, she ducked her face, an act that normally would tumble her hair, but this time revealed the vulnerable tremble of her chin. Lucinda was predatory in nature while Cassidy was an open book.

  He put his glass down and turned toward Grannie, who appeared to have dozed off, and returned his attention to Cassidy. She deserved the truth. “I trust you and despite what you think, you’re a true lady. If you can keep your hair out of your face though, you’ll make me happy.”

  She put her glass down without taking a drink. Instead she nodded her acceptance. “Remy, I trust you too. Thank you.”

  “Let’s go.” He stood. “Let’s let Grannie rest. I’ll walk you to your room.”

  She did the same. “Tonight was nice, Remy. It was good to catch up.”

  “Indeed.” He closed the door once they left Grannie’s room. They returned to the grand room and walked up the flight of stairs without words. Cassidy fit in here and his quest for a bride was done.

  Chapter 5

  No one screeched her name this morning to wake her up and deal with a family catastrophe. Her mother, father and sister were all silent, but Cassidy turned over in her bed and stared at herself in a mirror that hung across the room. She realized that it was quiet because she wasn’t at her old home, Astori Manor, anymore.

  She wiped her eyes and took a minute to feel the softness of the freshly washed sheet. She really was about to marry Remy. A laugh formed in her belly, but she didn’t let it out.

  All those years when the computer program gave her Remington’s name as her true love, where she had avoided him as an adult, meant nothing. At the end of this, they were a business deal.

  Last night he’d been clear regarding the benefits she brought to this marriage and it was true. One day she’d be her parent’s heir. She’d tried to run their household as best she could, but her responsibilities always weighed her down. Too much to accomplish on little money and no respect for her efforts.

  She threw the sheet aside. There was no time to lollygag just because her bed was cozy. Work called and she thrived on handling important projects at the castle where she didn’t have to think about her life for eight whole hours in the day.

  Her clothes were already hung in the closet.

  Remy’s staff was efficient. She’d have to formally meet them if she was to also be the lady of the home of the Lord of Sky, Bei Giardini Manor, which meant beautiful gardens, but then she knew most of the people who worked here by name already because of constantly visiting Gigi.

  She showered, chose her red glasses to match her red sneakers, tied her hair into a horrible ponytail and grabbed her backpack then headed downstairs for work.

  Gigi was with her doctors so Cassidy waved goodbye, then pulled her keys to Reynoldo from her bag and rushed to the carport.

  She lifted a hand in greeting to Fari, who cared for the large selection of Remington’s cars, keeping her head high as she walked toward hers. She’d live here and work at the palace and reform her parents’ estate. One more thing to manage but everything would be fine. She slipped into her Renault. The engine didn’t crank.

  Drat. She dropped her head onto the steering wheel and closed her eyes.

  Fari came over to her window and jingled a key in front of her. She gestured for him to stand back and kicked her door open. “My car isn’t working.”

  “I’ll fix it when you’re gone, my lady. I’ll arrange for the driver to take you or you can use the spare car to drive yourself.”

  Either option got her to work. She took her bag with her laptop and accepted the key. “Thanks, Fari. I’ll find a way to repay you.”

  “You marrying the lord makes us all happy. We’re all so glad you’re the new mistress and not the last almost bride.”

  “Lucinda. Yeah I’m not her.” She gazed at the rows of vehicles. “Which one is the spare?”

  Fari pointed toward a shiny black Mercedes. Only Remy would have a brand new car as backup. She clicked the button on the fob and heard the lock release, then opened the driver’s side door. A wave of brand new leather smell escaped the inside. This was just for today. She buckled up, clenched the steering wheel, and backed out of the spot. She waved to Fari as she passed and sped to work.

  At the guard gate of the palace, Ben’s eyes widened at what she was driving, so she rolled the window down. “It’s just for today,” she spoke her thought aloud.

  Ben shook his head and grinned. “That fits in better with guest parking,” he teased, “but I’ll let you in.”

  He buzzed the gate open for her and she parked in her usual spot.

  As she turned off the engine, she noticed she was half an hour late. She tucked her backpack over her shoulders and ran toward her office.

  As she passed the huge storage room of wedding dresses, she added making an appointment at a local store on her agenda.

  If nothing was pressing, perhaps she’d take a half day off for shopping. She rushed toward HR and knocked on the door. “Aidy?”

  Aidy put her nail file down and closed her nail polish. “Yes? How can I help you, Lady Cassidy?”

  Cassidy folded her hands on the counter hoping there wouldn’t be a problem. “I need to take a half a day today, and get the next two weeks off.”

  Aidy stood from her marble desk and stared at her through her heavy black eyeliner. “Any reason? You never take time.”

  Her ponytail felt heavy on her neck and she was getting a headache, but she ignored the feeling and lowered her head. “I want to be with Gigi before the end.”

  Aidy slipped a form from a file folder and handed it to Cassidy. Aidy waited at the counter. “I’m sorry about Lady Sky. She’ll be missed. Please fill out this form.”

  Cassidy picked up a pen and filled out her name and employee information but when she came to check off her reasons, she looked up. “I’m also getting married. Do I have to check off that box?”

  Aidy stepped back and placed her hand on her heart. “When? To who?”

  Everyone on staff would know within the hour. Cassidy’s entire body clenched tight and she felt her cheeks warm. She kept her attention on the paper. “Lord Sky.”

  Aidy reached for the form. “He’s extremely handsome. You’re… how did you land him? Did his name show up on your computer program?”

  Aidy probably meant to say “you’re plain”’ but Cassidy didn’t question her good fortune. She handed it over and pointed toward the door. “Err, okay, I filled it out. I’ll be at my desk now to clear anything pressing before I leave at noon.”

  The secretary held the paper to her chest. “Good luck, Lady Cassidy. He’s quite a catch. I’m happy for you.”

  “Thank you.”

  She escaped to her quiet office, opening her laptop to check her email for any issues when two princesses and Donna Smith walked into the department. Cassidy sat back. “Can I help you?”

  There was no hiding Princess Renee’s pregnancy despite the chic maternity dress, but Cassidy kept her thoughts to herself, more curious about what the three of them wanted from her—it was obvious they had something in mind.

  Renee asked, “Lady Cassidy?”

  No one called her that here. She lifted her chin and stared at them. Princess Kristin’s hands trembled. Strange. Cassidy stiffened and said, “Here, I’m just the IT Department.”

  Kristin stepped forward with a huge smile on her face and her hand on her heart. “Are you the one that sent my Antonio to me?”

  Her computer program. Cassidy’s thick hair fell out of her ponytail as she glanced at Donna. Donna must have told the princesses without realizing she preferred to be on the down-low
. Cassidy tried her best to pick up her hair and tie it back again. “It wasn’t me. It was my computer program, Your Highness.”

  Renee walked around the front counter and locked her arm with Kristin’s. Cassidy remembered that they were best friends. “Come with us. We hear you’re getting married as well and you clearly could use a makeover to match whatever dress you want for your wedding.”

  “I was going to make appointments for this afternoon, in town,” Cassidy said—not taking offense to the bald statement because she’d created that persona on purpose. “I wanted to surprise Remy on our wedding day.”

  Donna walked beside her with an open smile. “You’ve made us happy, Cassidy, and we’re hoping we can help you too.”

  Princess Kristin nodded. “Definitely.”

  “It was just my computer program.” Cassidy shrugged as if not personally responsible. She realized that they wanted her to go with them down the hall. The wedding gowns?

  “I didn’t mean to sound rude,” Renee explained, glancing at Cassidy’s messy hair. “You’re the first noble I’ve met here who hasn’t done their hair in some updo and wear pearls and diamonds every time we meet. You seem like one of us.”

  Unlike other ladies born into nobility, Cassidy also worked for a living. But she kept quiet and crossed her arms. “I don’t want to talk about my impending nuptials.”

  Donna slightly coughed so Cassidy turned and stared as Donna asked, “Do you not want to get married to Remington?”

  Cassidy pushed her long hair out of the way. None of them really understood, but at least with Remy, she wouldn’t have someone else depending on her for everything. It was a small start. She shrugged off the question. “I will marry Remy, but I’m protesting as much as possible.”

  Kristin crossed the room with a smile. “Well, you’ll need a dress too and there are enough for hundreds of brides on those racks. Please pick one as my thanks for bringing me my Antonio.”

  A dress was on her list of things she needed to handle today. She uncrossed her arms and followed them out of her office to the hall. “Okay, thanks.” Could this be viewed as charity? Would it be wrong? Pride aside, she didn’t have the funds to buy the kind of dress Remington would expect her to wear and he was all about appearances. “But no one tells Remy. If I must marry him, then he can see my new look on our wedding day, not before.”

  All three nodded and Cassidy prayed they meant it. They walked closer to the door.

  “You look cheery,” Cassidy said to Donna. It would be good to hear that her computer program had once again made two people happy.

  “I am,” Donna said, her eyes sparkling.

  What a nice lady. Cassidy placed her hand on Donna’s arm as they neared the door. “Donna, be on the lookout for my sister if you can.”

  Donna blinked. “Why?”

  They walked inside a space that was white on white with wedding dresses. “Wait a second.” Cassidy was friendly with the queen and went to pay her respects, then quickly returned to Donna.

  Remembering Chelsea barging into her room, and how angry her sister had been about losing both of her potential bridegrooms in a day and in that rant, she’d hinted at more trouble to come. “I think she’s up to something. Chelsea was angry about something that happened, not that she would tell me what. Just be on high alert.” All the women in the room were lovely, well-dressed and styled as befitted royalty. If Cassidy had to cut her hair today, she’d do it. Across the room, the queen caught her eye and waved her back over.

  “Your Majesty?”

  “Aren’t you curious about when you will be married?”

  Cassidy should have realized her mother would want to secure the match right away—but not even twenty-four hours had passed. “Did you set a date?”

  The queen gave a regal nod. “Your wedding is scheduled in two days, on Saturday. I’m looking forward to sitting with Gigi—how is she?”

  “Frail. I hope that she will be up and about.” Cassidy would have added more, but then Donna patted her hand and redirected her to the dresses.

  “Blackwell and your Lord Sky are riding their horses today,” Donna said. “We should be okay for now.”

  Remy’s schedule was his own business, but Cassidy kept her lips sealed from asking questions. First, she’d have to show him that she wasn’t his sister if she wanted a chance for more with him. She went toward the first rack she saw, familiar with the designers she hadn’t been able to afford. “If you say so. But if I was you, I’d go soon and guard my true love.”

  Donna stilled at the first rack. “Why would you say Blackwell is my true love?”

  Cassidy ran through the dresses fast. None of this group matched what she’d envisioned as her perfect wedding dress. “It’s what the computer said.”

  The room went quiet. Donna asked, “So who does the computer program say for you? Anyone we should contact before your wedding?”

  It felt like everyone stared at her and her face flamed. “No one important.” Cassidy quickly went to the next rack of gowns.

  Renee walked in with Michael, the castle stylist, who normally avoided Cassidy. His sway of disapproval always made her avoid him right back, but this time, he came right toward her and picked up the ends of her hair. The tsk announced his disapproval as he picked up another section. Finally he said, “We’ll have to cut off at least three inches and perhaps a keratin treatment will bring out the shine.” Cassidy turned to speak only to him. “Whatever we do today must be simple. I want shock and awe for my wedding day.”

  “Girl,” he whispered with understanding, “that won’t be an issue. It’s going to take me two days to get through all this hair anyhow. Tell me we’re starting today.”

  “All right,” Cassidy agreed. She walked away from Michael and caressed a satin sleeve with lace cuffs.

  “Last chance,” Donna said to Cassidy. Michael had followed her and now lifted her hair, like he was looking for buried treasure at her scalp. “Whoever the computer says doesn’t have to be important. Finding true love matters.”

  Cassidy said nothing to the stylist and held Donna’s gaze. “So, you’re truly happy with His Grace?”

  “Yes.” Donna answered fast and without a hint of doubt.

  Cassidy leaned closer. “Then listen closely. Chelsea is pretty spiteful right now. Just be on guard until after the wedding.”

  Donna’s face went white. “She’s your sister. Why are you telling me this?”

  Cassidy turned away from the stylist and went back to the dresses. One of these had to match what she’d imagined. Nothing too frilly. “She’ll try to take my place next, sister or no, and part of me wants to see how Remy handles it.”

  Donna placed her hand on her hip. “How long have you known Lord Sky?”

  Since birth. Cassidy let out a huge sigh. Which was why she was okay with marrying him despite her computer program’s obvious malfunction. “All my life. We went to the same schools in California until our parents regained their titles and we moved back here. We were on the same flights and we even went to college together. Unfortunately, I saw too much of him, and he saw me. But I don’t matter. What matters today is my sister.”

  “Got it. Thanks.”

  Donna quickly said her goodbyes. Cassidy went through the dresses and finally picked one that she liked. The short sleeves but poofy bottom would be a little old fashioned with the flowered lace design on the bodice, but Cassidy liked classy and this one would make her look exactly that. She put it to the side. Renee examined it, and showed Kristin.

  Soon she had a pile of amazing dresses. She hoped the dress of her dreams was in this selection, if not, she’d have to pick one anyway. It seemed Michael was going to help her with her plan to dazzle Remy on their wedding day. He’d never call her “sister” again.

  Chapter 6

  The palace refused to send Remington the name of his perfect match partner?

  The morning letter irked Remington, even as he rode his horse with Blackwell across
Avce’s mountainous terrain. Curiosity drove him. How often was he turned down? This afternoon he’d get his suit tailored as promised, then slip into the palace and ask Prince Antonio for the name personally. He wasn’t going to cancel his wedding no matter whose name was listed. Marrying Cassidy made the most sense and they’d be happy enough.

  At the stables, he slowed his horse and brought him to the Duke of Oakley’s stable boys for a good wash down and rub.

  They’d ridden hard this morning, exercising their steeds and themselves, traversing the land they were responsible for, as their ancestors had before them.

  Blackwell, the Duke of Oakley, finished with his horse and joined him near the gate.

  Neither man spoke, but neither felt they had to. Blackwell married tomorrow, and he married the day after, though Blackwell’s ceremony was to be small. However, as he neared Blackwell’s estate, he noticed that the windows rattled. His friend looked confused as they heard the bass of music pulsating through the air. Remy turned and asked, “What’s going on?”

  Blackwell stilled, gazed at him with suspicion, and then shook his head. “I’ve no idea. Did you put together a bachelor party?”

  “No.” Blackwell raced toward the house, and Remy followed. “With Grannie dying, I didn’t think it appropriate.”

  In fact, he’d thought to get home to check on her but he’d help his friend clear the house first. They rushed up the stairs and cheap floral perfume itched his nose. Blackwell opened the door releasing the blare of music. “Well, let’s find out what the ruckus is—I can’t imagine anybody else putting something together—nobody knows.”

  Naked prostitutes were everywhere. Remington rubbed his eyes to be sure but then a huge bubble of laughter emerged from his throat. There was no way straight-laced, boring Blackwell would have approved of this. He’d have done it for him if he had more time, though he’d not have planned this many women. While funny, it could be trouble. He patted his friend on the back and whistled. “This looks more like an orgy than a bachelor party.”