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

by Karen Lynne

  “You have nothing to worry about tonight. It is a small affair only fifty or so guests,” the countess informed her.

  “You consider fifty guests a small affair?”

  “Yes, dear. Why, at the balls there can be a crush of hundreds.”

  Hundreds! Her stomach tightened as the carriage began to slow. She looked out the window and watched the line of carriages approach a large house with windows full of glowing lights.

  They made their way through the short receiving line and entered a comfortable room large enough for a small crowd. The room was furnished in soft shades of blue with striped wallpaper. Upholstered chairs most of them occupied, were scattered about the room. A door led to another room where people mingled, their voices drifting from the doorway. Susan was relieved to see some friends standing in a group occupying a prime position before a massive fireplace. No flames leapt in the grate on this spring evening.

  Abby’s face lit up as she approached.

  “Susan, you are here. How lovely.” Abby embraced her in a welcome hug as she joined the group.

  Susan looked around. She didn’t know many of the people milling around the room and talking amongst each other. William, Abby’s brother, was conversing with Miss Moore and two misses she didn’t know. James had not returned after taking her wrap.

  “Miss Hamilton, where is Lord Malmesbury, your betrothed? Surely you haven’t lost him already?” Sophia cooed, her voice dripping with displeasure.

  The two misses giggled at Sophia’s words. Susan was careful to maintain politeness at what surely was Sophia’s attempt to ruffle her.

  “Ah, here he is now, Miss Moore.” William announced as James appeared beside her.

  Susan calmed as he drew close, Capt. Rutley following in his wake. “Look who I have found,” James announced.

  “Miss Hamilton, I found Malmesbury in the coat room and had to follow.” Capt. Rutley smiled down on her, turning his teasing eyes on Sophia. “It is good to see you again, Miss Moore. I hope you and Lady Moore enjoyed the park.” The captain retained his smile, an unspoken challenge hanging in the air.

  Susan watched as Sophia stiffened. Would she dare give the poor captain the cut again?

  Sophia nodded ever so slightly, maintaining her aloof demeanor. “It was a pleasant day sir.” Her friends nudged her as they both tittered.

  “Lord Malmesbury, Miss Hamilton, may I introduce my friends, Miss Shaw and Miss Hardgrave.” The two misses curtsied and blushed as James acknowledged them. Their tongues seemed to be tied as they stared and giggled.

  Sophia tapped Miss Shaw with her fan. “Excuse us. I see an acquaintance I need to talk to.” She left with the two misses trailing in her wake.

  “That was strange,” Abby said as she watched Sophia disappear amongst the gathering crowd.

  “You shouldn’t tease her so, Captain.” Susan admonished him. “But I am afraid she deserved it after giving you the cut in the park. Miss Moore was only shadowing Lady Moore’s behavior.”

  “I dare-say, Rutley, but you did get her to acknowledge you grudgingly before she took her leave.” James laughed, slapping the captain on the back.

  “I am afraid she looked very put out,” Susan commented. Turning to watch the gathering, she spotted Mr. Bathurst as he disappeared into the adjoining room. Strange he did not make himself known.

  Abby wrapped her arm in Susan’s. “Gentlemen, excuse us. We will see you at dinner.” Abby guided Susan away from the chatter of horses, farming and estate business that mingled with polite chat about the Season.

  They pushed through crowds that were growing as the dinner hour approached. Abby leaned in close. “Susan, what was that silliness about you liking pumpernickel the other day?”

  Susan smiled. “Remember the day in the park? After being accosted by Lady Moore, Lord Malmesbury and I decided to have a secret word to warn each other if danger approached.” Susan laughed. “Lord Malmesbury decided pumpernickel would be our word. Silly, I know. If danger approaches, one of us will say, ‘I like pumpernickel’ to warn of danger. Especially the Lady Moore type,” Susan explained. “It was a joke we shared.”

  Abby sighed. “It is romantic. You are so lucky. I cannot wait until I have a betrothed.”

  Abby was so young yet, she should enjoy her Season. “Abby, are you enjoying the Season? I know it is your first. Is it how you imagined?” Susan watched for a place to settle. An unoccupied couch appeared and she guided Abby toward the welcome seat.

  “It is very exciting and I am sure to see much more as the round of balls begins.” Abby replied, forgetting any romantic notions as they both sat on the couch and adjusted their skirts. “Susan, do you think the countess will throw a ball for you and Lord Malmesbury now that your betrothal has been announced?”

  “A ball?” Susan started at the thought. James had just asked her to make it official, Julia was not aware of it yet. “

  Lady Malmesbury has not mentioned a ball.”

  Abby’s eyes brightened as she nudged Susan. “Why would Lady Malmesbury not want to show off her new heiress?” Abby teased.

  “Abby!” Susan admonished her in a hushed voice as she looked around. “How did you hear of it? It has only been recently that I have found out myself.”

  “Oh, Susan.” Abby tapped her fan on Susan’s skirt. “You will be surprised how fast word of money spreads. I heard it from Aunt Lucy. You know how close Lady Malmesbury and she are.” Abby leaned in. “I think it quite brilliant that Lord Malmesbury has grabbed you up before the word is even out.”

  “I had no money for James to grasp at the time, if you will remember.” Susan tried to keep her irritation in check. A lady keeps her self in control. Her mother’s voice rang in her head.

  Abby sighed, and her eyes glistened as she looked into the room. “Yes, Lord Malmesbury must really love you. He asked for your hand, knowing you had nothing. It is so romantic.”

  Susan shook her head at the notion. If Abby only knew the truth. Did James love her? She raised her eyes as a shadow passed over them.

  “Miss Phelips, may I escort you into dinner?” Mr. Bathurst leaned over, a slight bow to his intended target as Abby’s eyes popped.

  “Bathurst, I did not know you were in London.” James remarked as he came along side his cousin.

  “The country-side was beginning to empty, so I came to London.” Bathurst puffed his chest. “I was just ready to escort Miss Phelips into dinner.” Mr. Bathurst nodded Abby’s way.

  Abby gave Susan a pained look as she reluctantly took the offered arm of Mr. Bathurst. Susan fought to repress a smile at her friend’s suffering.

  “Miss Hamilton?” James gave her a teasing grin. “I would be most honored to take you in to dinner.” Susan gladly followed in Mr. Bathurst and Abby’s wake.

  “Lady Palmer has arranged the seating according to protocol, but I shall be watching you throughout the meal,” James whispered.

  She smiled and nodded as they entered a large hall with tables lined down the center. Oil lamps lit the room and rows of footman waited to serve the many guests.

  Lady Palmer had spared nothing. The richness took Susan’s breath, the table settings sparkled amongst the white lace table cloths.

  James seated her and made his way up the table. Susan was glad to see him across from her table and up several seats. She relaxed back into her chair. Seeing James gave her comfort among so many strangers.

  Lady Palmer signaled the footman and dinner was served. Each dish was more glorious than the next. Susan soon realized she would need to pace herself if she didn’t want her stays to pop.

  The gentleman on her left kept himself busy conversing with the lady next to him. The young man on her right seemed occupied with his meal as he gave her short responses to her attempt to draw him into a conversation. She soon gave up and looked down the table to find James laughing in response to something the lovely lady beside him had said.

  Susan felt a hot streak rise as irritation filled her c
hest. The lovely lady smiled and batted her eyes at James. She laughed prettily, and Susan’s ire grew. She longed to be home. These unfamiliar feelings continued to confuse her.

  The dinner finished with Lady Palmer instructing the guests. “Gentlemen may retire to the smoking rooms to enjoy their brandy. The footman will direct you if you get lost.” Lady Palmer chuckled at her joke. “Ladies may freshen up in the retiring rooms.” Lady Palmer rose and the gentlemen stood. “We have cards in the game room and dancing in the salon at ten.” The grand lady waved her guests forward as she exited the hall.

  Susan found Abby heading in the direction of the group. “I have not seen Lady Malmesbury or Aunt Lucy since we arrived. This was to be a small gathering,” she informed Abby. “I have never seen such a large group in one place.”

  Abby nodded her head in agreement. “They say the parties get bigger as the Season progresses. Each hostess is trying to out-do the next.”

  Susan and Abby left the retiring room after freshening up and found their way to the salon where music from a small orchestra in the gallery drifted through the room.

  Susan spotted Lady Malmesbury sitting with Aunt Lucy along the wall with a group of elderly matrons. “There she is,” Lady Malmesbury declared as Susan and Abby approached. Aunt Lucy and Lady Malmesbury introduced them to the round of matrons and listened as they chatted about the merits of marriage and how fortunate it was for Susan to attract an earl only to find she was an heiress. How clever of Lord Malmesbury to snatch her up before the Season began.

  Susan’s ire began to rise again as she and Abby made their way to a group of young misses. “Abby, if I hear how lucky James is one more time...” she threatened.

  Abby hid a laugh behind her fan. “It’s as if we have no ears, the way they talk right in front of us.” She giggled and shook her head as a couple of young men approached.

  They both sobered. “Lady Phelips may I introduce my friend?” a fine young man inquired.

  Introductions complete, Abby and Susan were soon dancing set after set. After a while, James whispered from behind Susan, “May I have a dance before another gentleman escapes with you?”

  Susan melted into his arms and the strains of the next set began. “I have been occupied.” She dimpled. “I have enjoyed the dancing. After the dinner, I needed some exercise.”

  James laughed. “I am sure you’ll learn to pace your meals. The hostesses can get competitive as the Season wears on.” James led her toward the countess. “You look in need of a drink.”

  “Yes, that would be wonderful,” Susan replied, watching him retreat.

  “Susan, I seem to have ripped my hem. Could you come help me?” Abby showed her the tear in her hem.

  “You might trip. Let us find a maid.” Susan guided Abby into the hall. “Sit here, Abby, while I find someone to help. I don’t want you to trip on that ruffle.”

  Susan looked down the hall. When Mr. Bathurst appeared, her hand flew to her chest. “You startled me, Mr. Bathurst. I was just looking for a maid to help Miss Phelips with her hem.”

  “I see.” Mr. Bathurst swayed on his heels as he looked Abby’s way. “I think I can be of assistance.” He took her arm and steered her toward a turn in the hall.

  Susan looked at Abby over her shoulder as he tugged her along. Abby gave her a shrug before Susan rounded the corner. “Are you sure this is the way?” Susan asked, an uncomfortable feeling rising in her chest. She took one last look over her shoulder. A curious Abby had poked her head around the corner, a wrinkled brow creasing her forehead. Then she was gone.

  Now Susan was mad. How dare Mr. Bathurst man-handle her. “You are hurting me sir. I demand you release me. This is most improper. I will tell your cousin Lord Malmesbury of your treatment.”

  Mr. Bathurst laughed and tightened his hold. “Soon he will not have a say in your affairs, Miss Hamilton.”

  Susan struggled as he pulled her farther down the hall. It was no use. He was too strong. Her anger turned to fear as he pulled a door open and pushed her through, closing it behind them. He let her go as she moved away rubbing her arm and eyeing him carefully. She needed to remain calm, get out of this situation before she was compromised.

  A figure emerged from the shadows. “Thank you, Bathurst, you have done well.” A familiar voice sounded across the terrace.

  Susan’s blood went cold. She ran for the door, but Bathurst blocked her way. Mr. Caldwell grabbed and pulled her back. “I will take it from here, Bathurst. You have been most useful.” Mr. Caldwell waved him on.

  “You better take her away quick before anyone sees you. Be done with it before Malmesbury finds you,” Bathurst warned before quickly disappearing into the house.

  Susan struggled, her blood chilling, as Mr. Caldwell’s grip tightened. “What is he talking about?”

  “I have come to claim what is mine. We had a deal and I will not be cheated.” Mr. Caldwell began to drag her toward the stairs.

  “We have no deal. I have refused your proposals sir.” Susan continued to resist. “My father has consented to my match with Lord Malmesbury.”

  “Lord Malmesbury!” He spat, his face growing red with anger. “I had a deal with your father. his debts were paid and you are to be my wife.” He held her stare.

  Susan felt her fear deepen. “My father sold me for his debts?”

  “You didn’t know?” He laughed, it was a cruel sound. “Your father was not very good at the race tracks, but he just couldn’t stop.” His laughter continued. “One more race. It was always one more race with him.” He sneered. “But I made sure he did not win.”

  Susan’s fear settled into the far reaches of her soul. A warm feeling began to rise as her anger over this disgusting man increased. How dare he, take advantage of her father’s weakness.

  “You won’t get away with this. Lord Malmesbury will find us and then...”

  “Then what?” he sneered, his stale breath assaulting her senses. “When he finds us, it will be too late.” He waved a piece of paper from his coat. “You shall be my wife, for I will not be swindled. Your greedy father, it seems, has sold you, twice.” He stared off into the night as if figuring the way to go. “Selling that manor of his for a ridiculous price. I had the first bargain.” He looked back at her.

  Her heart raced as she thought what to do. “You lie. My father gave me Fyne Court as a betrothal gift,” Susan yelled.

  Mr. Caldwell laughed at her anger. “Well, well, now who is a liar? Your precious Lord Malmesbury paid a hefty sum and wasn’t even man enough to tell you,” he snarled, as the laughter died on his lips.

  Susan couldn’t believe him, wouldn’t believe him. He was trying to draw a wedge between her and James. As her anger subsided, she realized the danger was still present. Quickly, she turned and lunged. He side-stepped her, laughing, that stupid sneer on his face as she flew past him, missing her chance.

  “My, what a wild cat you are. I shall enjoy taming you.” His eyes darkened in the failing light.

  She spun around as he raised his arm to strike.

  Chapter Eighteen

  James walked into the salon, holding two crystal glasses. William was standing where Susan had been. He turned as the captain approached. “Have you seen Miss Hamilton? She was waiting for a drink.” He turned to observe the dancers.

  “I have not.” the captain replied. “She has been very popular this evening. Is that Miss Phelips? She appears distressed.”

  “My lord, Susan likes pumpernickel,” she exclaimed, catching her breath.

  James took in her flushed face and torn hem as alarms began to sound in his head. “Show me, Abby, quick.”

  “This way.” Abby replied, quickly starting for the hall again.

  “Rutley, Phelips, come. I may need you.” James declared, following in Abby’s wake, his two friends fast behind him.

  Abby stopped abruptly as she came around the corner and pointed down the hall. “Mr. Bathurst had a hold of Susan and would not let go. She pleaded wi
th him to stop, but he kept going.” Abby looked into his eyes. “I thought I should warn you that she needed help”

  “Thank you, Abby.” He looked around. “You stay here.” He moved her toward a potted plant. “If they come back this way, yell for us,” James commanded.

  “This is no time to be a lady, Abby. Yell so we can hear you, understand?” her brother admonished.

  She gave them a sheepish smile. “Oh, I will.” Abby nestled close to the plant.

  The men started down the hall. “Rutley, you and Phelips check these rooms. I will check the terrace,” James directed. A feeling of dread engulfed him as he tried the doors, only to find them locked. He could hear his friends opening doors along the corridor behind him.

  Why would Bathurst accost Susan? He had a feeling he would not have stayed in the house. The last door was unlocked. He swung it open, trying to see in the dim light.

  There she was. He could just make out her figure as a shadow swung at her. He did not have time to warn her. She ducked, her heel coming down hard on the assailant’s boot, causing him to buckle as she quickly stood. Her right elbow bent, she landed it under his chin sending him flying backward. He hit the ground and stopped moving.

  It happened so fast, it was over by the time James reached her side. He touched her sleeve and she flinched away, arms raised, ready to protect herself again.

  “Susan, it’s me, James,” he spoke softly as he carefully approached, afraid to scare her further.

  She looked up, her eyes glazed. “James?” She let out a small cry. As recognition dawned, she began to sink to the ground.

  James rushed forward, catching her in his arms, holding her tight as her tears flowed. His heart swelled as the warmth of her filled him. It was in that moment he realized he loved this woman deeply and would never let her go.

  A rustle of noise was heard at the door, breaking the spell as his friends arrived. Reluctantly, James loosened his grip and guided Susan into the house where Abby stood, wide-eyed, as she wrapped her arms around her friend.