The Earl's Winning Wager

by Jen Geigle Johnson

  “And that’s it?”

  “This beauty will fly. Trust me.”

  She watched the sparkle in his eyes, and she knew she did. She trusted him. “I’m ready.”

  Lord Smallwood and Lady Annabelle joined the group, watching their kite experiment. Lord Smallwood whispered something to her, and she smirked.

  “Are you ready?”

  June’s eyes returned to Lord Morley, and she nodded.

  “On my count. One, two, three!” He threw the kite into the air, and she stepped back, pulling on the string. It whipped higher, almost yanking the string out of her hands.

  She screamed and laughed and called out, “Oh, you did it! You’re flying! Go, go, go! Higher!” She no longer cared who heard or who saw; she was so caught up in the freedom of the kite.

  The string flew from her hands, the handle spinning, until Lord Morley murmured, “That’s high enough. Hold tight.”

  “Oh, oh, yes.” She held it taut and felt the tug as the kite jerked from side to side way up in the air. “This is incredible. Thank you.”

  “My pleasure.” His breath warmed her neck. He stood just behind her, almost close enough that she could shift her weight back upon him, close enough his body warmed hers. He reached an arm forward so she felt almost wrapped in an embrace. He steadied her hand. “Allow me. This can be tiring.”

  She nodded, hardly breathing, wanting his attention to continue, now, forever. “I feel connected to the heavens. This is wonderful.” She turned to him and became almost immediately overwhelmed by his closeness. His warm eyes sparkled down at her. His strong arm encircled her, his hand steadied her own.

  The line jerked. “Oh!”

  The kite started swaying back and forth in the sky.

  “May I?” He offered to take it from her.

  “Certainly. What has gone wrong?”

  “Oh, nothing. This is quite normal. The air is not steady or predictable up there.” He started winding as quickly as he could and pulling the kite in closer.

  June stepped away to give him some more room, but as soon as she did, he turned to her. “I will perform much better with you at my side, I assure you.” Then he winked and waited.

  Laughing, she stood again as close as before.

  “That is much better. Thank you.” His murmur rushed through her in great, happy waves. Was this what it was like to be in love? If so, it was lovely.

  Soon he pulled the kite close enough that it once again bobbed nicely in the sky.

  “Might I try?” Grace stepped forward.

  “Certainly.” Lord Morley waved her over, and then June knew she must make room. He caught her gaze once more and then turned his attention to Grace.

  Kate and Lucy were both lost in conversation with different small clusters of people, and for a moment, June didn’t know what to do with herself. She looked wistfully out to the ocean. A part of her longed for more of the walk she had been on with her sisters. But their pleasant solitude couldn’t last all afternoon, nor should it. With a sigh, she turned back to the group.

  Lord Smallwood stepped up to her side. “And how are you this fine afternoon?” He bowed, as gallant as ever.

  Lady Annabelle was making her way to Lord Morley on his other side.

  “I’m fine.”

  He eyed Lady Annabelle attaching herself to Lord Morley’s other arm. “Shall we allow him to do his duty?”

  “Pardon me?”

  “And woo the woman of his mother’s choosing?”

  June looked from Lord Morley, who was in what looked like a pleasant conversation with Lady Annabelle, and back to Lord Smallwood. His smile was large and sincere. But she didn’t say anything. Although she doubted very much Lord Morley would ever show such a preference for herself if he were intended for someone else, a part of her wondered. And that bit of wondering had great power to shake her confidence.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Lord Morley helped Grace keep the kite steady.

  When Lady Annabelle linked her arm to his, he smiled. “Thank you for your timely rescue. A particular gentleman was waylaid for enough time that today has been productive.”

  “Productive?” She wrinkled her nose. “How unromantic.”

  “I shall keep all romantic sentiment for the person it is most meant to impress.”

  She lifted her chin. “You have an avid competitor in Lord Smallwood. And I feel a part of her is at least considering his suit. She is to respond to him by the ball.”

  “Respond? In what manner?” He looked from Smallwood to Miss Standish and back. They seemed friendly enough, perhaps more on his part. Was she enamored with him? Surely not. She would not be as accepting of his attention if she was planning on receiving that of another. But had she been accepting or merely friendly with him? When moments before he had been so sure of his progress, Morley was now plagued with doubt.

  Lady Annabelle laughed under her breath. “And the venerable Lord Morley shows his uncertain side. Come now, we will make our plans.” She meant to pull him away, but he shook his head, surprised.

  Then he turned to Grace. “Have you met Lady Annabelle?”

  Grace turned her beautiful blue eyes to Lady Annabelle. “I believe we have met. It’s good to see you again.” Grace curtsied.

  “And you as well.”

  “Lady Annabelle is going to be helping us through the Season here in Brighton.”

  “Helping us? How?”

  “Oh, just helping me know which men to introduce your sisters to, helping me keep an eye on them at the balls and things—those kinds of important tasks.”

  She didn’t look convinced, but she smiled. “That’s nice. Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome, of course. Lord Morley and I are close…friends.” She smiled up into his face, and for a moment, Morley wanted to peel her arms off of his. But they had an agreement, and so far, she’d been nothing but helpful.

  They finished their kite flying. Grace left his side to talk to others. As soon as the kite was once again on the ground, Morley looked around. All five sisters were in sight. He breathed out in relief.

  “They will be fine. What could happen out here in the open like this?” Lady Annabelle laughed.

  “I don’t know. But even these men—some of them I wouldn’t leave them alone with the sisters. Weatherby, the others.”

  “Weatherby?” Lady Annabelle scoffed. “He’s harmless.”

  He had taken Grace to look out at the ocean view. Grace was laughing and seemed to feel comfortable.

  “I’ve never seen him so attentive. Perhaps you’re right. He has a harmless helpful side.”

  Two men approached, each with Kate and Lucy on their arms. “Lord Morley, we were wondering if we might come call.”

  The first man placed his hand over the top of Kate’s. “Are you the one to petition with such things?”

  Lady Annabelle nodded, but whatever she was about to say was lost.

  June joined them. “You would need to make those kinds of petitions to me.” She glanced at Morley. “And him, if he would like, but I’ll be the one making the decisions.”

  The men shared a look, and one smirked. “Tomorrow, then?”

  “Yes, June. We’ve invited them for a tour.” Lucy looked at the others who stood near. “We could have any who would like. The castle renovations are worth seeing. The portrait hall is still intact. The armory, some of the statuary hall.” Lucy smiled. “And the turrets. They’ve completed work on the turrets and towers.”

  June smiled. “We’d love to have you. Please come any day during normal calling hours.”

  More guests were taking their leave. The duke led his wife toward the carriages in a slow, careful manner. Perhaps these outings were too much for Amelia. Then they all made their way to the carriages. Lord Smallwood handed June up, and Morley handed up all the other sisters.

  As soon as the carriage doors closed and the horses began moving, Grace lifted her feet and leaned back on her carriage bench. “That wa
s amazing.”

  Morley grinned. “Did you like the kites?”

  “Lovely.” June’s smile filled the carriage and Morley with a new form of sunshine. “I don’t think any of us has had such a pleasant afternoon.”

  Even Charity looked pleased.

  “I did see each of you with a different gentleman…or three.” He laughed at Charity. “Any of interest?”

  “None yet.” Lucy sat with her ankles crossed and her chin high. She looked like a well-trained debutante.

  “I don’t think we need be so particular.” Kate swished her skirts. “There was a time we weren’t certain we would ever marry.”

  June placed a hand on her arm and gave it a soft squeeze. “Very true, sweet. My wish is simple: I want for you to be happy and cared for. Whoever it is you find who makes that happen will be the one we support.” She looked to Morley as if to seek his agreement, and his chest filled with air.

  “Precisely. We care most for everyone’s happiness.”

  She reached for his hand. “And I have some news.”

  “Oh?” Morley searched her face. “What is it?”

  “We may have made some progress in discovering the story behind the jewels.” June grinned.

  Morley had almost forgotten the jewels. “Does anyone else know of them?”

  “They are safe in my chambers. But I have consulted with someone to determine their worth, and it could be great indeed.”

  “Why, that’s wonderful news.” Morley frowned. “But perhaps, if that’s the case, I should give them to the bank?”

  “To be deposited in your account, no doubt.” Charity crossed her arms.

  “Certainly. What account should I put them in? They are the estate’s jewels.”

  “But Morley, the letter said they were for us.” Grace’s eyes were filled with uncertainty.

  He considered her words. “Too true. It did say that, didn’t it?” He turned to June. “Have you learned more about them?”

  “Perhaps. Some books in a chest in what must have been a library have been a fascinating resource.”

  “I imagine so. I’d love to search them with you.”

  “Perhaps tomorrow we could.”

  “I’d like that.” Morley wanted the jewels to be the sisters’.

  They stared into each other’s eyes until Charity cleared her throat.

  June looked away. “But what I did find was mostly just what we already know. We are descended from the Normans. From William himself. He charged that this castle be built and the land be cared for by his brother. And it was his wish the land remain in the family.”

  Morley nodded. “It is so fitting the renovations are underway, that you are once again to live in the estate of your forbearers.”

  June squeezed his hand in hers. “We may not know immediately or even soon, but I do think if we persist, one day we may know the full story of our family.”

  Morley looked from one to the other of the sisters. They had become as dear to him as real sisters ever could be. “What if the castle holds greater secrets? What if there is more here King William would want you to uncover?” His smiled grew as he thought about it. “I feel its secrets might not be known now or all at once, but one of the meaningful things about this castle is it might be trying to tell us something through messages left. What say you?”

  “What a perfectly romantic and adventurous thing to say!” Kate shifted in her seat. “Perhaps we can skip lessons tomorrow to go seeking what more could be hidden here.”

  “In our free time only.” June closed her eyes. “The dresses and the alterations come tomorrow.”

  “Save a dance for me?” Morley said the words without thought. They flowed out as the most natural desire of his heart, which of course it was. He wanted nothing more than to dance every dance with her, at every ball, forever.

  “Which would you like?”

  “The first and both supper sets.”

  She laughed, and the musical sound flowed through him. “I shall save those sets for you.”

  “Excellent. And if I might dance a set with each of my sisters?”

  Kate giggled. “You can have any of my sets.”

  “I’ll save you my third.” Lucy’s face was calculating, and Morley was amused. For all her seeking an increase in her station, he knew her heart to be golden. He’d seen her caring for the tenants down the street from the cottage.

  “I’ll save a set for you.” Grace acted as though perhaps they would forget she could not attend. And for a moment, looking into her deceptively calm face, his heart softened.

  “Could I have your fifth?”

  Her eyes widened, but she said only, “Certainly.”

  June frowned, but said nothing. He shrugged in return and planned to give it some thought.

  They arrived shortly after the duke. His carriage was being stored and his horses cared for when Morley and the sisters pulled into the front drive.

  “I hear talk of fine stables,” Morley said.

  “Oh?” June’s voice gave away her excitement.

  “Yes, with some of the finest horses of even the London set. Many stable theirs here.”

  “I’d love to see them.”

  “And so you shall. Perhaps we can go tomorrow or later this week.”

  As he watched her face, drinking in the pleased expectation he saw on it, Morley realized he could spend many a day, hour, or minute doing nothing but working to make her smile.

  He exited the carriage and handed down each of the sisters. The others went into the house, but Miss Standish lingered.

  “Thank you for today. Again—I am always thanking you.”

  “And you mustn’t, for I’m selfishly motivated.”

  The corner of her mouth lifted. “Are you?”

  He brought her hand to his lips. “Most definitely.”

  She sucked in a breath, her eyes widening. “I look forward to the ball. We all do.”

  “And I’m scared half out of my wits.”

  She laughed. “You needn’t be. We will have their graces, you, me. The sisters will be fine.” She paused. “But Grace…”

  “I know. I shouldn’t have agreed to a set.”

  “But now you have.”

  “Could she attend with Amelia? Dance with only me? Be a companion of sorts?”

  “Perhaps, if you think it wise.”

  “Shall we think on it? I find I cannot make any more of these sorts of decisions tonight. I want nothing more than to tuck your arm in mine, enter this lovely castle, read for hours by the fire, and never leave your side.” The thought warmed him, as there were other things he’d like to do. Her full mouth puckered and then softened in pleasure as he was talking, and he was tortured by it.

  “I should like nothing more. Will you return tomorrow?”

  “I shall. I have some correspondence to attend to, and then I will arrive before any callers. Tour the castle, did they say?”

  “Oh, yes. I had forgotten.”

  “Have their eyes been caught by anyone in particular? I confess I cannot tell.”

  “I don’t think so. Not yet.”

  “And have yours?”

  Her cheeks flushed, and her eyes lowered, but then her smile grew, and she lifted her lashes, stepping closer. “My eyes have been caught, yes.”

  She stood close enough for him to pull into his arms, to press his mouth on hers. His arms ached to do so, and his lips tingled with the anticipation.

  “Anything else?” he said.

  “My mind.” She placed her hands on his lower arms, her fingers pressing, calling him to close the distance. He teetered, rocking forward. She lifted her chin, her eyes searching his face.

  “And your heart?”

  The nod started small, subtle, but it grew, and her eyes sparkled in a new confidence. “I think so.”

  His own heart skipped, his mind whirling with happiness. His arms wrapped around her, his mouth yearning for hers. “I—I cannot resist much longer. Might I—might I
kiss you?”

  Her hands went up his chest and wrapped around his neck. He pulled her closer, and then his lips covered hers, their softness sending thrilling waves of pleasure through him. She was everything. Her kindness, her selfless love for her sisters, expecting nothing from life but giving everything. He didn’t think he could ever love a woman more.

  More—all he wanted was more, but he stopped. He paused in the delicious exploring of her mouth. “June.” He closed his eyes and breathed. “Might I use your name?”

  She nodded and then giggled. “And am I to call you Morley? Have you another name?”

  “Chadwick. But even my mother calls me Morley.”

  “Then I shall as well, except for certain moments, like now, when you will forever be my Chadwick.” She lifted her chin and kissed him. “Chadwick.”

  “I shall never hear my name the same again.” And then he grinned.

  And she grinned and started to laugh. She held a hand to her mouth. “I’m sorry. I’m just so happy.”

  “As am I. Might I call tomorrow?”

  “Yes, please. Every day.”

  He bowed to her with one more kiss upon her hand. “Until then, I will be counting the moments.”

  He got in his carriage, filled with happiness that he was now courting Miss Standish. She stood with a hand in the air until his carriage had rounded the bend from her house. And then he sat back on his bench, a smile permanently etched on his face. He’d write his solicitor tomorrow. The marriage papers and settlement must be drawn, and he thought he knew what she might appreciate as a wedding gift.

  Chapter Nineteen

  The sisters all gathered again on June’s bed.

  “I think I’m getting married.” She giggled as she said it, and Kate and Grace screamed. They hopped off the bed and danced with each other around the room.

  Lucy nodded with approval. “Lord Smallwood is the most sensible choice. He is titled. His family comes from—”