The Earl's Reluctant Bride: A Sweet Regency Romance (Brides of Somerset Book 1)

by Karen Lynne

  Susan rode to the stables, letting the groom take her mare. She had been gone longer than she planned, and she was sure the family would be concerned. She entered the breakfast room after a quick change. Aunt Lucy was still lingering over her meal and Abby had finished.

  “Susan,” Abby cried, “your maid said you had gone for a ride this morning, but you have been gone so long, we were worried something had happened. We were just about to send out a search party.”

  “Now, Abby,” Aunt Lucy admonished. “Leave Susan alone, she can go riding as long as she wants. She had a groom with her and he would have notified us if they had any trouble.”

  Susan filled her plate and settled in beside Aunt Lucy. “I found a lovely little cottage tucked into a grove of trees and just had to investigate. I ran into Lord Malmesbury. He showed me a favorite place of his,

  where he played as a child while he was avoiding his tutors.”

  Abby’s eyes widened playfully. “Why, Susan, I think the earl likes you.”

  Chapter Eight

  James contemplated what he had just done as he headed back home. He needed to visit a few more of his tenants before he faced his mother with the news of his betrothal.

  He wasn’t sure why he offered to help Miss Hamilton— Susan. But when she had said Mr. Caldwell had intentions of marrying her, his blood raced at the thought of him touching her. He felt compelled to protect her. Why would Susan’s father take such little care in the marriage of his only daughter?

  James entered Bowood House and went to his chamber to change as tea would be ready soon and he needed to refresh and brace himself for what he had to tell his mother. He would rather face the French in battle than his mother the countess.

  Resisting the urge to straighten his cravat his valet had so expertly tied, he entered the fray of the countess’s domain. Walking over, he kissed his mother’s cheek in greeting and settled down in a comfortable high-backed chair.

  “I had an interesting morning while visiting some of the tenants,” James began.

  The countess looked up from her embroidery. “Oh, how so, dear?”

  “I ran into Miss. Hamilton near the Robert’s cottage. We had a nice visit. It seems you were right about Mr. Caldwell.”

  “What has happened?” The countess laid her stitching down.

  “He was at Montacute yesterday to see Miss Hamilton. He asked for her hand in marriage.”

  The countess’s expression became alarmed. “Her hand in marriage? Tell me she is not engaged to that wasteful man?”

  James laughed at his mother’s indignation. It was a relief that she cared for Susan. “No, Mother, Susan had the sense to say no, but he has been bothering her for weeks and will not take her at her word.”

  “Well, I am glad to see Miss. Hamilton has some sense. Mr. Caldwell, really? It is well Lucy and I are taking her in hand to find a suitable husband.”

  James lowered his head and cleared his throat. “About that, Mother.” James shifted his weight. “Miss Hamilton has agreed to become my wife.” He waited for this information to sink in. His mother stared at him, mouth open. Speechless, she rose, walking toward him. “James, you and Susan are to be married?”

  Before he could stop her, she had him in an embrace. He let her happiness sink in for a few minutes before deflating her with the truth. Grasping her shoulders, he pulled her away, looking into her eyes which were brimming with tears. Guilt hit him hard. “Mother, Susan has agreed to be engaged to me until she reaches her majority this fall. When she turns one and twenty, I have agreed to release her so she may make her own choice about her future, free of her father’s interference.”

  His mother pulled away and sat down in a chair by the fire. “I don’t understand. She only wants to be engaged until she reaches her majority? What kind of game is this, James?”

  James sat down in a chair beside her. “Susan and I have agreed to be betrothed until she reaches twenty-one. She will then break our engagement and I will release her so she can marry when and whom she chooses.”

  “That’s absurd. So, what are you getting out of this ridiculous arrangement?”

  James cleared his throat. It was not going as he planned. Maybe it was ridiculous. But the thoughts of Mr. Caldwell sniffing around Susan…, well, he didn’t want to think about it. “It will teach Devon he can’t go around spending money he doesn’t have.”

  His mother just stared. He reached his hand to loosen his cravat but stopped. “And Susan has agreed to this foolish arrangement?”

  “She has, Mother, and it’s not foolish. It will be good for both of us. Devon will be brought to heel and Susan will be able to find a husband under our protection. You and Lady Phelips will still guide her into society. She is a very beautiful woman. Even without a dowry she will do well. That is why you are the only one besides Susan and I that will know this engagement is not real.”

  She looked at him with sad eyes. He felt a twinge of guilt. He did not want to hurt his mother and certainly did not want her to be disappointed in his behavior.

  “James, I am disappointed. I cannot but feel Susan’s reputation will be ruined by this escapade you have hatched, and yes, I lay this absurd engagement at your feet.” The countess shook her finger at him.

  He knelt down by his mother’s chair, took her hands in his and gave them a squeeze. “Mother, I would never do anything to hurt Susan or her reputation. She and I are friends. I only want to help her.”

  His mother looked into his eyes, gauging whether he spoke the truth. The countess patted his hand and waved him away. “Well, dear, that may be fine, but you will not mind if I gage the lay of the land for myself. I shall be calling on Susan tomorrow.”

  James laughed outright. “Yes, Mother. I told Susan she would be hearing from you. I told her I would be by tomorrow.”

  “Oh, no, you will stay here. I want to see Susan without your prompting her.”

  James held up his hands. He knew to quit when his mother was in a mood.

  The butler entered. “Supper is served my lady, my lord.”

  Susan sat staring at her reflection as Mary finished the last curls to her hair. She had chosen her best muslin with the violet over-skirt Mary had sewn for her. She had gone for another ride this morning with Abby, trying to rid herself of the nervous energy that had built up since yesterday.

  She felt a tinge of guilt for not telling her friends of her betrothal. But she was a coward. She would let the countess and James break the news. It would take her sometime to get used to calling him by his Christian name. It felt intimate somehow. James said they would come today. He had said to expect his mother’s visit. Maybe he had not told his mother the news yet. She would go crazy thinking this way.

  Music floated through the room as she entered the salon. Abby sat at the pianoforte, and Aunt Lucy sat at her desk shuffling letters. She retrieved her sewing tucked under the settee and settled down, trying keep her mind busy. She jumped every time the butler entered the room.

  “Susan, what is the matter, dear? You are as skittish as a mother hen.”

  She shifted on the couch. Before Susan could respond, the butler entered. “The Countess Malmesbury, my lady, are you receiving?”

  “Yes, of course. Show her in and order tea, please.”

  A few minutes later, the Countess of Malmesbury swept into the salon. They all rose. The countess waved them back to their seats. Susan watched the door, no James. So, he was a coward as well, leaving her here to handle this alone.

  “Sit, sit, ladies. I just had to stop by and see if it was true.” The countess came over and sat beside Susan, taking her hand in hers.

  “If what is true? Susan?” Aunt Lucy asked.

  The countess squeezed Susan’s hand reassuringly. “You haven’t told them?”

  Susan shook her head slowly, waiting for the countess to explain.

  The countess replied, “It’s nothing terrible, Lucy. Susan has agreed to marry my James.” The countess watched Susan caref
ully. “This is what James has told me. Have you agreed to this Susan?” The countess smiled, reassuring her.

  The countess knew their secret. James had told her. She was only looking for confirmation. What must she think of me?

  “Yes, my lady, I have agreed.”

  The countess patted her hand and let go. “I am so pleased dear.”

  “Susan.” Abby squealed in delight as she rushed to Susan’s side and engulfed her in a big hug.

  “You are to be a countess! How exciting.”

  “Abby, dear,” Aunt Lucy scolded. “Settle down. Remember you are a lady.” Aunt Lucy exchanged glances with the countess.

  Abby sat up and released Susan. Still bouncing on the seat, Abby tried to contain herself.

  If Susan hadn’t been so anxious it would have been fun to watch.

  “When are you going to be married?” Will you be in London for the Season?”

  Abby asked.

  “Not until the end of the year. Yes, we are going to attend the Season,” the countess replied to Abby’s questions. “We have so much to plan. James will need to go to London to speak with your father, Susan,” the countess informed her.

  Her father! Susan’s head began to throb. So many questions. She had no answers.

  “We have so much to do. We need to talk about our plans. Come for tea tomorrow, I will send a carriage.” The countess smiled at her.

  She tried to relax, thankful the countess was taking charge.

  London during the Season! Susan would have objected, but she was so afraid of giving away their secret. What had she gotten herself into?

  Chapter Nine

  Susan stepped into the earl of Malmesbury’s carriage and relaxed. Mary sat across from her on the plush seat, her eyes shining with excitement. She ran her hand down the velvet curtains and bounced on the seat. “His lordships carriage is very fine, Miss.”

  Susan agreed as the carriage moved into the street. It was well sprung and very comfortable. She couldn’t help compare it to her family’s carriage.

  It had been tiring yesterday evening listening to Abby and William. They were so pleased for her, and it was all she could do not to blurt out the truth.

  The carriage pulled up to Bowood House. Susan peered up, admiring the fine workmanship. The house was impressive which did nothing to quell her reservations. A finely liveried footman held her hand as she stepped out. Her eyes went up and up as she mentally counted the floors as she ascended the stairs to the front door. It made the knots in her stomach tighten even more.

  A butler greeted her with polite authority. “Her ladyship is waiting for you, Miss Hamilton. If you will follow me.”

  Mary, her maid, was shown to the servants’ hall as she followed the butler up the wide staircase, her gloved hand trailing on the rich polished wood. They walked down a long corridor with portraits lining the walls then stopped at a large set of carved doors. He announced as they entered, “Miss Hamilton my lady”

  “Thank you, Howard you may order tea now.” He bowed before leaving the room, closing the door.

  The countess rose from her desk. “Susan, please come have a seat and make yourself comfortable.”

  James touched Susan’s arm. She hadn’t seen him when she entered the room. One knot in her stomach unwound as he guided her toward a couch. The countess sat beside her.

  “I am put out that you didn’t come yesterday.” Susan gave James an annoyed look. “You left me alone to face it all by myself.”

  James stared then turned to his mother with a pleading look.

  “It was not James’s fault, my dear. He planned on coming, but I forbade him. I wanted to see for myself that you had agreed to this ridiculous plan of his.” The countess gave James a firm stare.

  Susan watched the countess and felt sympathy for James. Being caught between two women could be uncomfortable. “I did agree to this ridiculous plan, as you call it. But I have my reasons and they seemed valid at the time.” Susan gave James a concerned look. “I’m sure you know, as it appears Aunt Lucy has told you, that I need to find a position as a lady’s companion.”

  “A lady’s companion indeed.” James scoffed looking at his mother. “You may as well tell her what you and Lady Phelips really had planned.”

  The countess gave James a frustrated look. “James, Susan and I have a lot to plan. I’ll take good care of her. I know you have a long journey ahead.”

  Surprised, Susan looked at him. “You’re not leaving, James?”

  He took her hand in his, and warmth spread up her arm at his touch. “I need to go to London and ask your father’s permission. Mother will take you under her wing while I am gone.” He gave her hand a reassuring squeeze.

  Susan had forgotten her father in all that had happened since yesterday. “My father. Yes, I see.”

  “James is right, Susan. He will handle your father in London and I will take care of you. I promise to protect your reputation. We have a lot to do before our visits and our first visit, will be to Lady Moore.”

  James groaned. “Do you have to? She is such a gossip.”

  “Exactly,” the countess replied. “It will be the perfect place to spread word of your engagement.”

  James gave his mother an exasperated look.

  “Susan, I leave you in good hands.” James raised her hand and brushed a light kiss over her knuckles. “I am sure you and Mother will enjoy yourselves shopping while I am gone.”

  “Yes, and we intend to spend heaps of your money, lots and lots, so be on your way and let us get started.” The countess waved at her son to dismiss him.

  “Yes, yes.” James chucked at his mother. “I am leaving.” He threw up his hands in defeat.

  “Susan, don’t let my mother make all the choices for you. She can be a bit over whelming when she makes up her mind to do something.” James gave her a crooked smile as he left.

  Susan was alarmed at what had been said but held her peace until James closed the door behind him.

  “My lady, I can’t let his lordship spend money on dresses for me.” Susan felt her face grow warm at the thought. It seemed bit vulgar.

  The countess gave her a speculative look. “Yes, Susan, you can and we will. It is the least James can do after putting you in this position. A false engagement, really? I have never heard of such a thing.”

  Susan was about to protest when the countess waved her hand to quiet her.

  “Yes, dear, I know you agreed to this scheme. I am most put out with your father, marrying you off to the first gentleman that asks. That deplorable Mr. Caldwell, really, your mother would be turning in her grave.” The countess’s eyes softened.

  “I do not mean to malign your father, dear. Your mother Anne was my friend. I remember when she and your father moved into the county when, they were newly married. Anne was disappointed her father Lord Coventry had refused to pay her dowry because he disapproved of your father, a third son. But Anne was happy. She and your father were so in love and enjoyed their life together. I want that for you, Susan. A choice with whom you marry. I know your mother would want that for you as well.”

  Susan’s heart softened as the countess spoke of her mother. The fear began to subside, all the knots unwinding finally in her stomach.

  “Thank you for telling me about my parents. I would not want to appear ungrateful for your help.” Susan set the teacup on the table, giving the countess a shy smile. “But please, no more surprises.”

  The countess nodded. “You are welcome, Susan, but I cannot promise you this will be easy. Now remember as far as everyone is concerned, you are to be the future Countess of Malmesbury, my dear, and must look the part. Lucy and I will be beside you, guiding you, protecting your reputation. I am pleased to hear you are concerned about spending James’s money. It shows you are a good girl with a kind heart. I believe that is what my son needs.”

  Susan was puzzled by that last statement.

  Susan’s head was in a whirl at the countess’s ability to ge
t things moving. Mary had been sent back to Montacute with a note to Aunt Lucy to have all of Susan’s things sent to Bowood House.

  “We will pick up a few dresses and accessories here at the local modiste, but wait until we arrive in London to purchase the rest of your wardrobe.” The countess informed her.

  Susan wanted to protest but bit her tongue; she knew it would be useless. The carriage stopped and they descended and entered the milliner’s shop. The owner quickly appeared when the countess entered, pin cushion and tape measure hanging from her waist

  “My lady, how can we help today?” She waved to a shop girl. “Bring tea.”

  The countess brought Susan to the fore front. “Ah, Mrs. Summers, I am afraid to descend on you unexpectedly, but we need five, day dresses for Miss Hamilton with all the under-things. Two evening gowns, a waist jacket and pelisse. Can we have one day dress fitted today? We are leaving for London at the end of the week and would need the rest delivered to Bowood House.”

  “Certainly, My lady. I will have my girls work around the clock.” Mrs. Summers beamed at the countess. The owner showed them back to a private salon and soon had Susan covered in fabric, laces and ribbons. The countess sat in a comfortable over stuffed chair drinking tea and directing the whole affair.

  Several hours later, they emerged onto the street, grooms hurrying to load all the packages into the carriage. Susan stiffened as she heard the high-pitched voice of Lady Moore her skirts rustling as she approached.

  “Lady Malmesbury, a surprise to see you. My lovely daughter Sophia and I were just going to visit Mrs. Summers’s shop when we spotted you.” She pulled her daughter forward as she spoke. Lady Moore’s quick eyes took in the scene of packages being loaded and stilled as she caught sight of Susan. “Miss Hamilton.” Her surprised eyes shifted between Susan and the countess.