Unexpected Earl (Hearts and Ever Afters)

by Joyce Alec

  James chuckled, his eyes sliding to his sister. “Well, since one cannot be conjured out of thin air, I believe Lady Isabella will come close.”

  Isabella smiled as Lillian linked arms with her, her heart light. Being an only child, she had never experienced the warmth that siblings share, and she was glad to be considered as part of their group. “I shall endeavor to be the best false sister I can be.”

  They all laughed before Lillian looked at her brother. “Will you join us for tea, James?”

  James winked at Isabella, causing her cheeks to pinken. “I cannot find the words to deny you of my presence, so I shall join you.”

  Lillian rolled her eyes as she led Isabella to the cozy parlour, warm from the large fire crackling in the fireplace. “I was only attempting to be nice to him. It seems he has more interest in your company than the tea.”

  “I heard that,” James chuckled as Isabella’s cheeks warmed even more. James was interested in her? They had only shared one dance—for proprieties sake, of course—and she had spent much of the night conversing with Lillian.

  But her dreams, oh, they had been filled with his charming smile. She imagined James running his fingers through her red locks, and possibly even stealing a kiss. The thought made her bite down on her lower lip to suppress a smile.

  Quickly, she directed her thoughts back to the present moment.

  Isabella and Lillian chose the settee near the fireplace, with James settling into one of the wingback chairs across from the women. Isabella was glad to see the parlour decorated for the Christmas season, with fresh pine boughs and garland draping the mantle, the fresh scent filling the air.

  “Lovely, is it not?” James remarked, gesturing to the garland while he casually draped his leg over his knee. “All thanks to my sister, I am afraid. She forced me to go out into the cold and rain to find it.”

  “I did not,” Lillian laughed as a maid came in with the tea cart. “You offered to do so, as I recall.” She turned to Isabella. “Do not believe a word he says. He loves to spin tales to make himself sound wonderous.”

  “I am wonderous,” James grumbled as his sister started to pour the tea.

  Isabella watched the exchange with a warm heart, grateful that this duo had come into her life at the most opportune time. What would they say if she told them of her plight? Would they sympathize, or would James grow cold toward her, knowing that another man had already laid claim to her hand? Oh, if only she had met James sooner!

  “So, Isabella,” James started as soon as the tea cups were passed around. “While I am glad my sister has drawn you into our fold, I wonder about you.”

  “How so?” she asked, panic seizing her throat. Did he already know? Of course, she would not tell a falsehood. Eventually, she must tell them of her engagement.

  “Well,” he answered, his white teeth flashing under his full lips. “I assume you are an only child?”

  Isabella released a pent-up breath. “Yes, I am, and this was my first season.”

  James watched her for a moment before he grinned. “I hate that we missed your debut, then.”

  “Yes, this is my second season, if you count the fact that I missed the entire thing,” Lillian said with a sigh, stirring her tea with her spoon. “Father had some business to attend to in France and felt that we all should go with him. I do not care to go back.”

  Isabella had never been to France, but the shudder that went through Lillian’s body was enough to tell her that she did not care to go, either.

  “But,” her friend said brightly, looking at her, “I am grateful that you and James found each other last evening. Now we can all become fast friends!”

  Isabella glanced over to James, who gave her a wink as he sipped his tea, warming her to the core. If only she was not engaged. Of course, she could remain friends with Lillian as long as her new husband wished to remain in London. However, it would not be proper to develop a new friendship with James. However, she would keep her newfound friends as close as she could for the time being, knowing that the weeks were numbered.

  Chapter Four

  Two nights later, Isabella winced as she watched the young trio play the last few strains of their set, hoping that it was the last one. She and her mother had come to a musical of the Trevondale children, a large family with strong ties in the ton. Much of the ton was in attendance, yet few were enjoying the torturous performance of the violin and piano combination.

  Finally, the performance ended, and the breathless children accepted their robust applause, not knowing how to tell the difference in the relief of the crowd versus what true excitement would sound like.

  “I am glad that is over,” her mother remarked in a low voice as they filed into the dining room for refreshments. “I do not think my ears could have taken much more.”

  Isabella laughed, tapping her mother’s arm lightly with her fan. “You should be ashamed, Mama.”

  Her mother winked, patting her shoulder. “And you should be, as well. I was not smart enough to bring cotton.”

  Isabella’s cheeks pinkened as she pulled the cotton out of her ears, grateful that she had remembered to do so. Even with the cotton, the sounds could be heard, but at least it was not as loud as it had been for the others in attendance.

  “Isabella!” a delicate voice rang out.

  Isabella turned to see Lillian and James striding toward her, warmth infusing through her bones as she embraced the young woman. A sudden cold had kept Isabella abed since her first visit, and she had truly missed her newfound friend and her handsome brother, enjoying their company far too much. “Come,” she said, linking arms with Lillian. “I wish for you to meet my mother.”

  Turning, Isabella sought out her mother, bringing Lillian to her. “Mama, I would like to introduce you to Lady Lillian Brenton.”

  “Oh, how lovely to finally meet you,” her mother said politely. “I have heard a great deal about you, my dear.”

  “I am pleased to make your acquaintance, Lady Gareden,” Lillian smiled as she motioned for her brother to join her. “This is my brother, Lord Rearden.”

  “My lady,” James said, bowing over the older woman’s hand. “It is a pleasure to meet the woman who has raised such a lovely daughter.”

  “Oh,” her mother replied, her cheeks pinkening as her eyes met her daughter’s. “I am afraid Isabella has not mentioned you, my lord.”

  James’ brow raised as he glanced at Isabella. “She did not? And here I thought I had given her plenty of reasons to do so.”

  Isabella opened her mouth, but her mother spoke first, laughing as she waved her hand in the air. “I am sure it is because of the wedding. It is all Isabella can think about.”

  James’ brow rose even higher, and Isabella was at a loss of how to explain the situation to her friends. The silence became uncomfortable.

  “Please excuse me,” her mother stated, patting her daughter’s hand. “I must speak to Lady Crennington before she departs.” She offered polite farewells to Lillian and James and left Isabella with her friends.

  Isabella nodded tightly as her mother disappeared into the crowd before she turned back to Lillian and James. “I…I can explain,” she stammered.

  “I am sure you can,” Lillian said, a softened expression on her face. “Perhaps we shall go for a walk tomorrow if you wish.” She clapped her hands together, delight filling her expression. “I know! James must escort us to Bond Street for some Christmas shopping!”

  “Wonderful,” James muttered, his eyes on Isabella. “Shall we take a turn about the room, Lady Isabella?”

  Isabella swallowed as Lillian pushed her toward her brother, and she took his arm with some trepidation. What was she going to say? Her attraction to James was all too real, and while she was engaged, she wasn’t enthralled by her fiancé. Not even in the slightest.

  But the fact remained that she was engaged, and she must respect her commitment to Lord Vistley.

  James waited until they had cleared much o
f the crowd before he tugged her closer to him, his eyes on the path ahead. “I gather this is not something you wished for?”

  “It is not,” Isabella said softly, feeling her heart breaking as she spoke the words she had been holding back for so long. “It is an arranged marriage and I cannot break it.”

  He blew out a breath. “It is a pity, then. I was starting to enjoy your company.”

  “And I yours,” she answered as he came to a halt before her. She could see the confusion in his eyes and wished to soothe him somehow, but there was nothing to say. “I am sorry I did not tell you sooner.”

  He shrugged and released her arm, giving her a smile she felt clear to her toes. “We shall endeavor to get through this together.”

  Isabella returned his smile, though she did not feel quite as confident. The agreement was ironclad, the dowry already decided upon. She was as good as married.

  But there was a glimmer of hope in knowing that James had feelings for her as well, even though they had just met. Could they overcome this arranged marriage? Her father would never relent, of course, especially since Lord Vistley was his closest associate. Oh, how she wished James had been there for the entire season!

  “Do not worry,” he said softly, almost as though he had read her thoughts, reaching out to touch her arm before thinking better of it. “All will work out in the end.”

  She nodded and forced a smile. It was all she could do.

  Chapter Five

  The next morning, Isabella laughed as she stuck her frigid hands into her warm muff, her breath visible in the cold air. It seemed that winter had come in like a lion overnight and the air turned suddenly cold, a sign that Christmas was upon them.

  Still, there was nothing short of an ice storm that could keep Isabella from joining her friends that morning. Now the three of them walked down Bond Street, with only a few patrons on the street at the early hour.

  “Oh, look at that ribbon!” Lillian exclaimed, pointing to the display window. “I simply must purchase it.”

  “Go on then,” James chuckled, pulling his coat tighter around him. “We shall wait for you.”

  Isabella watched as her friend dashed inside, burrowing deeper into her wool coat. “Is she always this excited about everything?”

  “She is,” James said solemnly, turning his blue eyes towards her. “Father always says that she is the light in our miserable family, and I find myself agreeing with him more and more.”

  “I think she is quite charming,” Isabella sighed.

  “What about me?”

  She looked up at him, the intensity in his eyes stealing her breath away. “What?”

  He took a step closer, the smell of his aftershave assaulting her senses. “Do you think I am charming, Lady Isabella?”

  She breathed in his scent, wondering what it would feel like to have his affections. Life would be an interesting one, indeed, full of laughter.

  “I apologize,” James said a moment later, blowing out a frozen breath. “I have overstepped my bounds and I apologize for it.”

  Unable to resist, Isabella pulled out her hand and laid it on his coat sleeve, a soft smile on her face. “You are lovely, Lord Rearden.”

  He looked at her before throwing his head back and laughing. “I confess, I have never been called lovely before, but coming from you, Lady Isabella, it feels like a compliment.” James looked back down at her, his eyes full of mirth. “And you are the loveliest of all.”

  Isabella flushed, enjoying the kindness in James’ gaze. Would she ever see it in Lord Vistley? Would he ever laugh with her like this over trivial things that were only meant to warm the day? She knew so little about the man in an intimate sense that she did not know what he would do.

  “I got it!” Lillian cried, dashing out of the store with her package held high. “I nearly had to push a woman out of the way in order to get it, but I succeeded.”

  They all laughed and continued down the sidewalk, bypassing Gunter’s Ices and settling for a tearoom that served wonderful hot cocoa instead. “Ah,” Isabella said as she took a sip of the fragrant liquid, letting it warm her insides. “Nothing is better than a good cup of cocoa.”

  “I would agree,” Lillian remarked, her hands wrapped around her warm cup. “I confess, dear brother, I do believe you are the only man in this tearoom.”

  Isabella looked around and giggled as she saw the other women outwardly staring at the handsome gentleman in their midst. “Along with a great deal of admirers.”

  James chuckled and gave the women a wave instead, sending them all in a titter. “I confess, I do not care for all these admirers.” His eyes found Isabella’s, and he gave her a soft smile. “Only one or two.”

  Isabella flushed once more under his intense gaze, her heart aching at the thought of having to end her friendship with him. When Lord Vistley returned, and their marriage was official, it would not be appropriate to maintain a friendship with James. Her time spent with him and Lillian had been so enjoyable, and she did not want to let go.

  Hopefully, Isabella thought, Lillian and I will remain dear friends.

  “Tell me of this fiancé,” Lillian said after a moment, settling back in her chair, her cheeks reddened from the warmth of the room.

  Isabella sighed, her mood souring. “He is an associate of my father’s. He is thirty years my senior.”

  “I am sorry, Isabella,” Lillian murmured softly, reaching over to lightly touch her friend’s hand. “I will support you, of course. I hope that our friendship will only continue to grow.”

  Isabella replied, returning Lillian’s smile with one of her own. “I confess, I thought I had experienced a relatively perfect first season, but I did not realize what I had been missing.”

  “If only father had not sent us to France,” Lillian frowned, looking at her brother. “Then we could have met you much sooner.”

  “Yes,” James echoed, his eyes on Isabella. “If only…”

  Isabella cleared her throat as Lillian turned the conversation to her Christmas list, for which Isabella was grateful. She didn’t want to ruin the short time with the siblings by talking about what might have been.

  The trio finished their cocoa and then walked back out into the cold, James hailing a hackney for the women so that they would not have to walk in the frigid weather.

  “Are you not coming?” Lillian asked as he helped her up into the hackney.

  James shook his head. “I have an engagement with Father.”

  “I will see you at home, then, James,” she answered before disappearing inside.

  Isabella allowed James to take her hand, surprised when he gripped it lightly, forcing her to look at him. “I see the concern in your eyes,” he said softly, his fingers lightly caressing hers through her gloves. “And I wish I could do something, anything to make you happy.”

  Her breath caught as he leaned forward, brushing his lips over her cheek, sending goosebumps across her already chilled skin. “Do not give up so soon.”

  “I will not,” she breathed as he urged her to walk up into the hackney. Isabella finally allowed herself to breathe as the hackney moved forward, seeing Lillian’s wide-eyed stare across the small space.

  “Whatever is it?” Isabella asked.

  “He is infatuated with you,” Lillian responded, the curve of her lips matching the warmth in her eyes. “Oh, Isabella, we must figure out something!”

  Isabella did not respond, instead looking out of the window, the barest hint of James’ lips against her cheek now fading away.

  Nothing could be done—nothing at all.

  Chapter Six

  Isabella winced as she pricked her finger with her needle, immediately popping it into her mouth to stave the flow of blood that threatened to drop on the snow-white pillowcase. The pillowcase was to be part of her trousseau, to be used when she was married to the baron, and all she wanted to do was to throw the infernal thing in the fire.

  The doors slid open and her mother came in,
carrying the latest society pages in her grasp. “Isabella, you must see this,” she said, thrusting the paper toward her daughter.

  Isabella took the pages, careful not to smudge the ink as she looked at the headlines.

  ‘Murder of a Marquess, Heir Charged!’ it read. Isabella’s own stomach dropped as she read the article, realizing that it discussed none others than James and his father.

  Dead? Isabella thought aghast. James charged with murder? It can’t possibly be!

  “The news is truly awful,” her mother mumbled as she clucked her tongue.

  Isabella put the paper aside and stood, her mind frantic. “I must go to Lillian. She will need my support.”

  Lady Gareden looked at her daughter, a frown marring her otherwise perfect features. “Do you think that is wise, Isabella?”

  Isabella looked up sharply. “What do you mean?”

  Her mother swallowed, clasping her hands in front of her. “You are about to become a baroness. I do not think it is wise to have ties to a murderer.”

  Isabella could not believe what her mother was suggesting. She had just found a friend in Lillian, and now she was expected to ignore her for propriety’s sake? “Then I shall be scandalous for assisting a friend in her greatest time of need.”

  Her mother crossed the room and grasped her daughter’s hands. “Forgive me. You are correct. Your friend needs a comforting hand. Go to her.”

  Isabella hugged her mother. “Thank you.”

  Her mother patted her back and Isabella rushed out of the room, donning her warm coat and hat before dashing out into the cold weather. It took no time for her to reach the elegant townhouse, frowning as she saw the crowd gathered outside, gawking at the building like it was some kind of oddity. Unlike what Isabella had hoped, the papers were not wrong. Something terrible had happened.

  Ignoring the stares and whispers, she climbed the steps, and as soon as the butler saw her, he admitted her into the warm interior immediately. “Lady Lillian is in the parlour,” he stated gravely. “Thank you for coming.”