Unexpected Earl (Hearts and Ever Afters)

by Joyce Alec

There was a knock, and Carlton, the butler, opened the door.

  "Lady Jane…." He was cut off by the door bursting in and a raven-haired beauty bounced through towards Ginny.

  "Carlton, there's no need for formality here. Ginny, why are you looking so dull? Come and give your cousin a hug."

  Ginny was startled, taking a moment to recognize the woman who stood in the middle of the room with her arms outstretched waiting for a hug.

  "Jane, what brings you here?" Ginny finally said.

  Then she stood and stepped forward to embrace her favorite cousin. As children they were inseparable, always happiest when they were together. But as they grew older, their lives went in different directions. Jane's mother, Ginny's maternal aunt, had married a duke following her husband's first death, and Jane had moved to the North of England.

  "Well, all in good time, cousin," Jane said. "I've made note that your mourning period is now over. Poor Henry." She paused for a moment in reflection, but didn’t hesitate long. "But now it's time for you to join me. I need your help. But firstly, tell me about our American. How is she? Is she ghastly? ‘All money and no class,’ my mama says. And I have no doubt that Aunt Sophia says the same!" Jane began to laugh, and Ginny realized how much she had missed her. She was the closest thing to a sister she had.

  "She's settling in," Ginny said. "I keep out of the way just in case she wants my clothes changed or some such thing." Ginny gasped at her own words and put her hand to her mouth. Jane had a way of bringing her out of her shell.

  "That wasn't very nice of me to be so indiscreet, Jane." Ginny hurried to correct herself. "I do not know her well enough to make a judgment. But I do know that Annabelle makes Charles happy. And that's the main thing."

  "Yes, keeping our men happy," Jane smiled. "That is our job in life."

  The arrival of the dowager countess disrupted their flow, as the ladies settled down for more formal conversation and Carlton served tea. But soon, Jane knew all about Annabelle and her ideas for change. She had already fired some of the staff to hire Americans in their places. She wanted to feel at home, and hiring staff was one of her duties when she lived with her Pa, she had informed the family. In the dowager countess’s mind, she would slowly erode their whole way of being.

  "Jane, you haven't told me why you're here. It is lovely to see you, but it's been so long," Ginny said.

  "I know. I felt utterly horrid for not being in England when poor Henry passed. Well, I have been holding out on you," Jane said with glee. "Aunt Sophia and Ginny, I have news." She looked from one to the other. Then she said, "I am to be married."

  Ginny looked aghast as her mother smiled at Jane.

  Jane continued, "My intended is William Travers, Marquess of Lynlithglow. I'll be Marchioness of Lynlithglow. Mama is delighted."

  Her news shook Ginny. They had done their first Season together, and while Jane had some romances, none had come to anything. She had told Ginny she envied her engagement to Henry and of her ability to fall in love with, quite literally, with the first man she had met and to have found true love.

  "Ginny, I need you more than ever. Mama will drive me insane with the wedding preparations. I need your sanity. I know it can't be easy, but we promised to stand for one another. Remember?"

  Ginny’s sense of duty overrode her emotions, and she clasped Jane's hands.

  "I would be happy to help you, dear cousin. Your happiness makes me happy."

  "That's settled then. You will come home with me, well, when I say home, I mean to the Carvingham estate. The duke has insisted on us staying there. Home is too far away to make the arrangements from there. There is much to do. Aunt Sophia, you will come too, won't you?"

  "If your mother doesn't mind," the dowager countess said.

  Ginny and Jane gave each other a look only they understood. Jane's mother would love to rub her younger sister's nose in the good fortune of her daughter. The rivalry between the sisters had gone on a lifetime.

  "The wedding itself will take place at the Duke of Carvingham's estate. You will love him, Ginny. He's a kind, wonderful old man with no family of his own and insisted that William and I marry there. William is best friends with his heir, James Pelham, Earl of Collingford. The duke's wife died in childbirth as did the child, and he never married again. He's on the frail side and not up to traveling. We will have the most wonderful time. William is a treasure, and you will adore him, Ginny. Now, let's go and meet my new cousin-in-law and have some fun."

  Ginny's snickering would have annoyed her mother, but today it was good to see how Jane brought out her devilish side. Ginny needed to get away from here even it meant enduring her overpowering sister, the dowager countess thought to herself. The girls would have a merry time at the new countess's expense.

  ***

  Meanwhile, as Jane visited her cousin, her intended, William was making his own journey. He was traveling to his cousin's estate, James Pelham, Earl of Collingford. As he jumped off his horse, he asked for James' whereabouts and was told he was in the stables. William followed the stable-hand and saw James brushing down his horse.

  "Collingford, what the devil are you doing?" William said. "You have men for that."

  "Lynlithglow, what brings you by?" James asked. "I didn't know you were coming. I'm doing this to stay out of mother's way. She is going on about me marrying soon and wants me to meet Lady Victoria de Vere. I'm avoiding that situation. Her mother is the Marchioness of Dorford…"

  William held up his hand.

  "Say no more. I have been one of their interests in the past," William said. "But it seems I may have to put you in a situation where you will meet them. I am sorry, Collingford, but I'm getting married, and I want you to stand for me. My single days will soon be over, and I couldn't be happier. She's the most wonderful girl, and your uncle wants us to marry in the Carvingham estate. Mama broached him on the subject. What do you say?"

  "Well, Lynlithglow, I think you're crazy to get married," James said, reaching forward for a hearty handshake. "But she must be some girl, and I am delighted for her. Forget my mutterings about Lady Victoria; I would be honored to be by your side."

  "Thank you," William said, returning the handshake.

  "I guess we'd better find Mama and tell her the good news. It will give her even more reason to harangue me about Lady Victoria. The things I put up with for you!" James shook his head in mock misery as he and William strode to the house.

  "You must tell us all about this young lady. Do I know her?" Lady Collingford asked her nephew. She knew, of course, about the wedding. She and her sister were close, but seeing how full of love he was for his bride-to-be, she hoped some of his enthusiasm would rub off on her son. She wanted grandchildren and to secure the heir to the dukedom, but James was stubborn. He had refused to get involved in the social activities of the Season this year. How else was he going to meet a wife? She looked at her son as he watched his cousin talk about love and everything looking brighter and sweeter the closer he was to Jane.

  She remembered a time when James had waxed lyrically about a young lady, but she had broken his heart and married his best friend. He hadn’t put his heart on the line again, so she was trying to appeal to his sense of duty. He could marry someone of his own status to ensure the Duchy of Carvingham stayed within their family, and Lady Victoria de Vere was very well bred. A wedding would be the perfect opportunity to bring them together. This was going to work out perfectly.

  Chapter 3

  Lady Virginia and the Dowager Countess of Deyonne prepared for their trip to Carvingham Estate. The earl and the new countess would arrive with the rest of the guests on the day of the wedding. Lady Virginia and Lady Jane sat side-by-side in the carriage as Lady Jane told them of stories of her beloved.

  Ginny, while happy for her cousin, was finding it difficult to keep listening to such stories. She just wished they could talk about anything except love, but that wasn't going to happen.

  "Jane, darling, Ginny looks tir
ed. She's not a good traveler, and it's been a while since she's undertaken such a journey. Perhaps we should try and rest. We still have some time before we reach our destination," the dowager countess smiled at her niece as she spoke.

  "Yes, Aunt Sophia. Poor Gin. I keep forgetting that you've been in mourning, and here I am chatting on about goodness knows what. I promise I will keep silent."

  Ginny rubbed her temples. She had a headache. The last few days had been overwhelming, and her disposition didn't seem up to the challenge that a change of scenery would bring. But what else could she do? It would be churlish to decline Jane's invitation. However, poor Jane was a chatterbox at the best times, but now that she had wedding fever in her system, she spoke incessantly.

  "Look, Aunt Sophia and Gin, isn't it a marvelous view?"

  While unladylike to peer out of a carriage window, they couldn't help but gasp at the beauty of the house unfolded as they rode up the entrance. It was breathtaking.

  "Oh my, this is fabulous, Jane. I don't think I've ever seen such a sight before," Ginny's mouth fell open.

  "Wait until you see inside. It's said the duke is the richest man in England…"

  "Jane, that's uncouth to speak of such things," her aunt interrupted.

  "But why, Aunt Sophia? It's common knowledge, and you'll get to meet the duke's heir, the Earl of Collingford. Remember, I mentioned that he and William are the best of friends and cousins. Like brothers really. Imagine it Ginny, if you and James got married."

  That was enough to bring Ginny back to reality.

  "Please Jane, you must promise me there will be no matchmaking. I cannot open myself to that again."

  "I'm sorry for speaking out of turn. It was childish of me."

  The carriage came to a halt and each lady was escorted off the carriage.

  "William will arrive tomorrow. It will be wonderful for all of us to be together. Lennox, is the duke up for visitors?" Jane asked the butler.

  "Indeed, m'lady, he has insisted that you and your guests call upon him. He is in the study."

  Lennox led the way to the study as Ginny was left open-mouthed at the décor of the entrance. She had never seen such opulence before. Lennox opened the door of the study to announce the visitors.

  "Your Grace, Lady Jane Percival, Lady Virginia Croft, and the Dowager Countess of Deyonne."

  "Your Grace, are you quite well?" Jane rushed to the elderly man who sat by the window, and she knelt beside him fixing his blanket.

  "All the better for seeing you, Lady Jane. You are a sight for sore eyes. Now, young lady, come closer to me," the duke wiggled a finger at Ginny.

  "Your Grace. Thank you for the invitation. Your home is beautiful." Lady Virginia was still trying to take in the opulence of the room. The ornaments and paintings and decor were a feast for the senses.

  "My wife's doing. I can take none of the credit.” He paused, as he fondly remembered his late wife. He then continued the conversation. “Your father was the Earl of Deyonne. I met him once. He was a fine man."

  "Thank you, Your Grace, you are very kind," Ginny stepped away as the duke motioned for the dowager countess to approach.

  "Your Grace, we met many years ago. Before my marriage. I was Lady Sophia Firth."

  Ginny watched as her usually calm and collected mother blushed in the presence of the duke. Was there some secret assignation? Ginny saw the way Jane was watching them.

  "Did you have a love affair, Aunt Sophia?"

  Ginny gasped at her cousin’s forward question, but the duke just laughed.

  "Lady Jane, that is no way to speak to your aunt. Besides, I am old enough to be her father. We were all young once; you young people tend to forget that. Now go and tell Lennox to bring tea for Lady Deyonne and me. We have much catching up to do. You young girls run along now."

  As soon as they were alone, the two young girls began to laugh.

  "I didn't know Aunt Sophia knew the duke. No wonder he was so keen to see her. Apparently, he doesn't really like visitors. Let me show you to your room."

  They ran up the ornate stairs and kept giggling as they ran along the landing. Ginny's shoe slipped off, and as she put her shoe on, she kept trying to run to catch up with Jane but found herself bumping into a man who had seemed to come from nowhere.

  "Goodness gracious, what the devil are you playing? This is not some common play yard," the man said as Ginny stopped in her tracks. He was very tall, and she felt like such a young girl looking up at him.

  "It was an accident," she said tersely.

  He had no manners, not even asking if she was all right.

  "Perhaps you shouldn't be running about and act more like a lady. What if the duke had been up here? He's an elderly man, you know." He was so haughty.

  "The duke is in his study, and while I've only just met him, I think he'd have at least asked me if I was in any way injured. He is a gentleman."

  "James, stop being so ghastly to my cousin. You two are supposed to become best friends seeing as you are standing for the bride and groom. Jane, please meet James Pelham, Earl of Collingford. James, this is my dearest cousin, Lady Virginia Croft or Ginny to her nearest and dearest."

  "Apologies, Lady Virginia, I didn't know who you were."

  "And if you did, you wouldn't have called me childish while it was what you were thinking?" Ginny turned to Jane, "I need to rest if I may."

  Jane led her away, and Ginny looked back to see James standing there, watching them. She couldn't read the expression on his face, but there was something about him that annoyed her. Why did she react so harshly to the earl? Ginny felt her mouth go dry as her heart raced. What strange feelings the thought of him had given her.

  When they were in the comfort of Ginny’s room, Jane asked, "Gin, what do you think of James?"

  "I think he's the rudest man I have ever met. Imagine behaving like that to a guest. I cannot believe he is related to the duke."

  "Don't be angry, Gin. He is quite amiable. William says he gets so tired of the mothers throwing their daughters at him. I don't think any woman has reacted to him quite the way you have. You are very flushed. I hope you are not coming down with some fever. I don't want you to miss out on the activities here. Your lady's maid should be here by now, if not, I'll send in Taylor. Goodness, you are a strange mix of colors, Gin, you've gone very pale now…" And just as she spoke, Ginny collapsed to the floor.

  "Help me! James, are you still there?" Jane shouted out as James came running in, hotly followed by the under butler. James swooped Ginny up in his arms and lay her on her bed.

  "I hope it wasn't anything I said," he turned to Jane.

  "No, dear James. She hasn't been feeling very well. Thank you for your assistance. Here is her maid now. Dawson, Lady Virginia just collapsed. Is she prone…" Jane continued as James left.

  In his shock of her banging into him, he hadn't taken in her delicate features and the way her golden blonde hair framed her face. She had glided away from him, and it was a strange sensation for a woman not to swoon before him. He knew he was considered handsome and this, coupled with the fact that he would one day inherit the richest dukedom, made him a prey to all the young, unmarried women.

  He had tired of the young woman batting their eyelids at him, but Lady Virginia was different. Perhaps it was her illness that precluded her from his charms, but he had to admit, he didn't like not being found attractive. He had tried not to be condescending, but it wasn't a natural state for him.

  He waited for Jane to make an appearance but then changed his mind. He didn't want to seem as if he was fishing for information. Instead, he returned to his room to do some accounts. Usually, he was fastidious in his work, but he couldn't concentrate at all. How strange. No woman had captured his attention like this before, not even Cecilia, to whom he was engaged. He didn't like being vulnerable. He needed to clear his head, and the only way was to go for a ride.

  Chapter 4

  "Are you feeling much better, dear cousin?" Lady
Jane was sitting by Ginny's bed, doing her needlepoint when she noticed Ginny's eyes opening.

  "I think so. What happened?"

  "Daring, you collapsed, right there by the door, and I had to call upon James to assist us. Your mama was a little put out that a gentleman had been in your room, but I did explain how I need someone tout de suite, and as soon as the under butler had arrived, James left the room. He did not linger at all. He is a gentleman after all." Jane paused and leaned in towards Ginny, "He has been asking if you are quite well. You have made an impression on him." Jane giggled as she saw a look of horror on Ginny's face.

  "Oh Jane, how dreadful. I have no wish to ever set eyes upon that disagreeable man again, save for at your wedding, of course," Ginny didn't want to disappoint Jane by being discourteous.

  "But Jane, you know the duke is throwing the most lavish ball tonight in my honor, well mine and William’s. It's said to be the first ball in many years. You must promise me you will enjoy yourself. You have to do it for me. We will look divine, Jane. Taylor is teaching Dawson some hairstyles that may suit you."

  A gentle knock on the door interrupted Jane's train of thought as Dawson arrived with a breakfast tray for Ginny.

  "Yes, Gin, you eat up. I must go and check on the preparations for this evening. William should be here any time now. And Aunt Sophia wishes to see you, but I wanted to be with you when you woke up. Bon appetit, dear Gin. It is an exciting day."

  "Lady Jane is very energetic this morning," Dawson remarked.

  "I know, Dawson, I'm not quite sure I'm up to it. Tell me what have you heard about this ball," Ginny asked as she buttered her toast.

  "There is so much excitement and how you say, frénésie…"

  "Frenzy, Dawson, we say, frenzy. It's been so long since I've attended anything so grand. I am feeling a little anxious. Do you think my absence would be noticed?"

  Dawson's expression told her the answer.

  "Lady Jane would be so disappointed. Let me get you dressed, and perhaps you will take a walk in the beautiful gardens. You like being in nature. The calm before the storm perhaps," Dawson said as she began to sort through Lady Virginia's clothes to choose an appropriate day dress for Ginny.