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

by Karen Lynne

  “Miss Grant and I are childhood friends,” William explained. “I have a habit of plaguing her with my teasing.”

  Eliza threw William a look, her eyes shining. “I was just returning to the house Sir Martin.”

  “Perhaps I can escort you. I believe dinner is to be served soon.” Sir Martin offered his arm.

  “Thank you, Sir Martin. That would be lovely.” Eliza took his arm, walking with him in the direction of the house.

  William stood, watching their backs. Turning her head, Eliza threw him a brief look over her shoulder before they turned and were out of sight. He was perplexed by the new feelings he felt as he had held Eliza in his arms. He had almost kissed her. What was he thinking?

  Eliza’s bonnet sat on the stone bench where she left it. Walking over he scooped it up, rubbing his fingers along the silk ribbons. He would return it, when she calmed down.

  Eliza’s chest pounded as they walked through the garden. She willed it to calm. Had William almost kissed her? In the presence of Sir Martin, no less. What must he think of her? She gave Sir Martin a side long glance. Better to not mention anything, pretend all was normal. Her face warmed. The sound of birds chirping in the hedges filled the silence. The sunlight waned, creating a soft glow through the bushes. Soon it would be dark.

  “Sir Martin” She lifted her eyes and smiled, “William mentioned you were from Bristol.” She spoke in her most engaging voice.

  “Yes, I live there, although I do business in London, Bath and other cities. Do you know the city?”

  “I have not been for a long time. But I used to visit often. My aunt and uncle live there.”

  They had reached the house, entering through the terrace doors. A drone of voices could be heard. Eliza thanked Sir Martin for his attendance before quickly joining the rest of the company in the parlour, cutting short their conversation.

  Eliza’s ire raised at William’s teasing. How dare he compromise her in front of Sir Martin! Wait, was she truly compromised? Well, anyway, she was extremely peeved at him none-the less.

  William entered Bowood House, avoiding the parlour where the voices and laughter

  emanated. He paused at the game room door where the cracking of balls sounded. He entered. The smell of tobacco engulfed the room. Sir Martin wasn’t present.

  James and Charles partnered at the billiard table. James aimed his cue stick in while the captain watched, leaning on the edge of the table. William tossed Eliza’s bonnet on a nearby chair as he ran his fingers through a tuft of his bronze hair. His chest felt tight. Why was he feeling so guilty? It wasn’t Eliza’s fiery eyes blazing at him while he held her close; he liked that feeling. It was the embarrassment he’d seen on her face as she ran into Sir Martin.

  “Dinner is served, my lord,” the butler announced.

  “Ah, gentlemen, let us remove to the dining room,” James said.

  As gentlemen filed past William, Charles stopped and clapped him on the shoulder. “What has you so sullen, my man?”

  William eyed the bonnet he’d dropped on the chair. He waited for the room to clear. “Miss Grant, Eliza, I may have damaged our friendship.” He muttered, “I have always teased her, but today I fear I have embarrassed her. In front of Sir Martin, a stranger, no less.” William sighed as he walked over to the hearth and sunk into a leather wingback chair. He dropped his head into his hands and rubbed his temples.

  Charles followed, sitting in the chair facing William. “Embarrassed her? Are you sure she was embarrassed?”

  William sat, rubbing his forehead. “Sir Martin came upon us as Eliza was chasing me around a tree.”

  Charles chuckled, rubbing his chin. “Chasing you around a tree, I see. Not very proper considering your age.”

  William watched him under hooded eyes. “I had taken the book she was reading and Eliza was trying to get it back.” William did not dare mention the accidental embrace and the feelings it sparked.

  A footman entered and began lighting the lamps. William watched him silently making his way around the room, touching a torch to the lamps, one by one. Charles followed his eyes, waiting until they were alone again.

  “I see, Charles shook his head as the footman retreated to the hall. “Yes, you are right. I think she was not comfortable. What lady would be?”

  “I was hoping to return her bonnet and apologized.” William looked over to the chair. “I would hate to lose our friendship.” The thought of never being able to joke with Eliza again depressed him.

  “Well, then,” Charles replied, “I suggest you send her a note with the return of her bonnet. Send it to her room where she will find it when she retires for the night. Do it up right,” Charles continued. “Women love it when a man admits he was wrong.”

  William brightened. “Yes, a note. I will have it delivered to her room as you say.” He stood, retrieving paper from a nearby desk. “I am not above groveling.” His brow clouded.

  “What is the matter now?” Charles asked.

  “I have not a clue what to write. I don’t think I have ever written a note of apology.”

  Charles chuckled. “Come, I will help. I have written my share of groveling apology letters.” Together over the next hour, they proceeded to compose William’s letter.

  After the letter had been delivered to the butler with instructions to add a cluster of posies for good measure, both men sank back into the chairs by the hearth. “Thank you, Charles. I could not have done that on my own. I would have bumbled it and made things worse.”

  The hum in the parlour subsided as Lady Malmesbury tapped a glass. “Lord Malmesbury has informed me that dinner is ready,” Susan declared to the waiting group. “We are informal here, so please, sit where you please.” Susan smiled as James placed her arm in his and led the group to the dinning room.

  The lamps had been lit, and the table sparkled with the earls finest setting of china, embossed with the family’s crest. Several footmen lined the walls, waiting to serve the guests.

  Eliza claimed a seat to the right of Susan with James at the head of the long table. The dowager Countess sat at the other end, surrounded by her confidants. Joanne sat next to Miss Sophia and her friends in the middle of the table. Eliza was delighted to see your sister cheerful in their company.

  “Eliza,” Abby whispered as she sat to her left. “Have you seen William?”

  “He was in the garden earlier.” Eliza glanced down the table. Concerned, she shifted in her chair, and her ire quickly turned to concern, an uneasy feeling in her breast.

  “I do not see Captain Rutley. They must be together,” Abby mused, more to herself than to Eliza.

  She thought about the garden. Had a William been about to kiss her? She wasn’t sure if that was a good thing or not. Maybe it meant he had feelings for her, other than friendship, that is. She brightened at the thought.

  The meal proceeded with footmen delivering the first course, the clanging of silver, voices murmuring throughout the dining room as the guests enjoyed the meal.

  Eliza occasionally glanced at the door, concerned. William did not show himself. Her heart sank just a little. She hoped he was not mad at her for leaving with Sir Martin.

  Susan’s cook had done a marvelous job with the meal. The party was starting off to be a great success, in more ways than one, Eliza could feel it. Remembering the warmth of standing in William’s arms.

  As the meal wound to a close, the clattering of silver brought Eliza back from her thoughts.

  “Ladies, we will leave the gentlemen to discuss their business.” Susan squeezed James’ hand, a gentle smile on her face.” Gentlemen, you may join us when you exhaust your topics of discussion.”

  The scraping of chairs filled the room as the gentlemen rose, ladies began to leave the room a few at a time. Abby and Susan tucked their arms through Eliza’s.

  “There they are.” Abby giggled. “It must have been important for William to miss a meal.”

  Eliza turned her eyes and caught sight of
William and Captain Rutley entering the dining hall.

  A clock chimed. “I am afraid we have missed dinner.” William glanced at the mantel.

  “Always glad to help with young love.” Charles waved his hand, rising from his chair.

  Young love! William was not in love. Eliza was just a friend. But before he could object,

  Charles had risen, offering his hand, William let Charles help him to his feet.

  “I think we can make it in time for brandy.” Charles patted him on the back.

  They walked into the dining hall as the ladies were leaving. He glimpsed Eliza through the crowd, speaking with his sister. Calm wafted over him, he would be more attentive, she sparked a protective flame in him. They were both adults now, it was only natural that their relationship would shift and change. It wasn’t proper for ladies to be romping around with unmarried gentlemen. He must be more careful with her reputation, just as he would with Abby.

  Gentlemen sat down in their seats as the door closed behind the ladies. William sat flanking James while murmuring voices filled the room. A plate of food appeared before him a footman poured wine in a clean crystal goblet. “You didn’t think I would let you miss dinner?” James informed him.

  “Sir Martin, Rutley tells us you have some investment ideas you want to discuss.” James turned his attention to Sir Martin.

  “I have told them about Mr. Notley excepting investors for his next voyage to the

  Americas before spring,” Charles explained, “I have not given them any details about the percentages or the cargo.” He fingered the stem of his glass.

  “Charles and I have been investing in Mr. Notley’s shipping business for years. We can of attest to his honesty and the success of his business.” Sir Martin explained. “Mr. Notley’s main business is tobacco and cocoa beans. Both raw ingredients are processed in Bristol. Mr. Notley is taking investments for his next shipment and Charles thought you might be interested in investing.”

  “This all sounds promising.” William pushed his empty plate away, he wiped his mouth, folding his napkin, he laid it aside and took a drink of brandy.

  “I agree,” James replied, “why don’t we talk it over in more detail tomorrow after the picnic tomorrow, in the library?” Three heads nodded agreement. “Gentlemen I believe we have left the ladies waiting long enough.” James stood, pushed back his chair, and led the way to the drawing room.

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