Redeeming the Earl

by Jenn Langston

  “Ask him. Men are incredibly dense when it comes to subtle hints. Tell him you want to spend more time with him, or he’ll never understand.”

  “And what do I do if he refuses? If he has other reasons for not wanting to be with me?”

  “If he doesn’t want to be with you during the day, then he has no reason to be with you during the night.”

  Rebecca swallowed. She needed him too much to deny herself the pleasure of his arms. Perhaps they could work this out.

  Later that night as her husband collapsed on top of her, she clasped her arms around him like she usually did. However, instead of allowing him to break their connection and run away from her, she held on tightly. He looked down at her, his confusion evident, although the room was dark. Closing her eyes, she suppressed her nerves.

  “What is this?” he asked, his voice breathless.

  “Stay with me,” she whispered.

  His body stiffened, but he didn’t leave, nor did he respond. Rebecca took a deep breath, her nerves taut. If he denied her, should she let him go? The thought of spending the rest of her life only minimally in her husband’s company brought tears to her eyes. Was this all he wanted from her?

  “Why?”

  Although not the reaction she’d been hoping for, she relaxed at not receiving an outright refusal. Bringing her lips to the base of his throat, she kissed the sensitive flesh before drawing back.

  “I just want to spend more time with you. And to experience how it feels to fall asleep in your arms.”

  Without a word, he pulled out of her grasp, then to her surprise, he settled himself beside her and drew her against him. Giddy with delight, she laid her head on his chest and wrapped her arms around him. The feeling of simply remaining here with him almost made her groan.

  His arms curled around her, holding her to him. Had he wanted this as much as she had? Why hadn’t he ever said anything? Perhaps Grace had the right of it, and he had been giving her space.

  Encouraged by the thought, she cleared her throat. “Do you think we could go out tomorrow?”

  “Out?” He sounded sleepy.

  “Yes. We could visit some shops and maybe stop at the bakery.”

  “As you wish.”

  Excitement raced through her. Perhaps he desired her company outside the bedchamber as well. That meant her marriage could become more like what Grace and Kenneth shared with their spouses. The idea made a tingling sensation spread through her body.

  She fell asleep with a smile on her lips.

  Charles gripped the edge of the table with such force, he imagined the imprint of his fingers would remain once he left. However, he couldn’t let go. The look of ecstasy on his wife’s face as she finished her sugary pastry nearly undid him.

  When her pink tongue darted out to remove the remnants of the treat, he had to stop himself from sweeping her from the bakery and making her face glow for him, not the usurping confection.

  On one hand, he wanted to ban her from ever touching the offending thing that easily took his place. But, on the other, he would happily buy the shop out of their sweets so he could enjoy that expression on her face at every meal.

  She opened her eyes and offered a guilty smile. “I do love sweets. They’re one of my true weaknesses.”

  “I-” He cleared his throat. “I shall remember that for the future.”

  With a blush, she dabbed at her mouth with a linen cloth. “It’s almost time to meet Kenneth at the milliner’s shop. And I must admit, that’s my favorite place to visit.”

  Relaxing his fingers, he leaned back in his chair. This topic provided more safety than discussing the pastry and other guilty pleasures.

  “That brings a question to mind. You say you enjoy shopping, but all day you’ve purchased no more than a ribbon. Why visit so many places if you don’t wish to acquire their wares?”

  “I’m not sure. I suppose I enjoy seeing what’s available more than the act of purchasing. If I find something I can’t live without . . .” She shrugged.

  Running a hand across his chin, he thought over her response. She was so different from every other woman he’d known. His previous wives, Diana in particular, had a penchant for returning home from an outing with a carriage full. He felt a tightening in his throat. Was there anything about this woman that he wouldn’t care for? Even her voice had lost the strange husky quality, leaving her with the more natural high-pitched tone.

  Clearly uncomfortable with his attention, she placed her napkin aside. “Are you ready to go?”

  Nodding, he stood and escorted her from the shop. He wanted to give her so much, but he couldn’t if she only wanted to browse. Squeezing her closer to him, he was awarded with a beautiful smile. Fate had been kind to grant him such a woman.

  “Rebecca, there you are,” Lord Berwick said, appearing at their side. “I’m so glad you are helping me choose a gift for my wife. I want Samantha to be pleased with her present.”

  “She will be. You have excellent taste and actually don’t need me, but I’m thrilled you asked me for my opinion regardless.”

  “I’m just relieved you agreed to help.”

  “Think nothing of it,” Charles added. “Rebecca does enjoy visiting the shops, and you have simply provided her with an excuse.”

  As they walked along, Charles let their conversation about the merits of selecting one hat over another wash past him. Before the Season had begun and he had met Rebecca, the idea he would be engaged in such a domestic activity in such a short time would have been comical.

  Shaking his head, he scanned the people in front of them. Unlike his previous treatment, no one paid him any mind. Had his marriage done that? Did everyone accept him now because of his wife? Or had it been the wonderful Unscandal Sheet?

  A familiar face caught his attention, and his eyes stopped on Gloria. She stood further up the street and obviously had been watching their ascent toward her. At his notice, she held up one hand, and gave an encouraging smile as if in a request to join them.

  “I believe Lady Shalley wishes to join us.” Charles nodded toward the baroness.

  Rebecca smiled. “We would be pleased to have her.”

  The heartfelt words drew his gaze to his wife, and he tilted his head. “Do you like her?”

  Her free hand rested on his arm. “Of course I do. She is kind and a friend of yours.”

  The tingling in his chest caught him off guard. Not only perfect for him, but she cared for his friend as well. He didn’t deserve her.

  “I’m pleased to hear it.” Clearing his face of the emotions swirling inside him, he faced the baron. “Why don’t the two of you go ahead? I’ll wait for Lady Shalley.”

  After a nod to Gloria, he turned back to his wife to watch her cross the street toward the milliner’s. She held on to her friend’s arm with an ease he noticed she used with most people. He envied and admired her easy way with others.

  “Look out!” someone screamed.

  Glancing up the road, he noticed a hackney barreling down the street toward Rebecca and Berwick. His breath froze as fear crippled him. He forced his limbs to move, and as if time had slowed, he watched Berwick pull Rebecca to safety as he helplessly rushed in an attempt to reach them.

  Terror shot through him as she tripped and fell face first to the ground. Thankfully, Berwick grabbed her and drew her aside.

  Charles felt as though his heart would burst by the time he finally made his way to his wife’s side. The noises and shouts of the crowd didn’t register in his mind past the pounding of blood in his ears. Rebecca’s bleeding face was the only thing he saw. Unable to speak, he took her from the baron and hurried his sobbing wife home.

  Once relinquishing her to her bedchamber and the doctor, whom Berwick had the foresight to call upon, he returned to t
he drawing room. Although he had no desire for company, he had to see to his worried guests, and he couldn’t do anything more for Rebecca.

  “How is she?” Berwick asked before the door could click shut behind him.

  “The doctor is with her now, but he assures me her wounds are superficial.” Charles raked a hand through his hair, feeling helpless. “Berwick, I owe you a great deal of gratitude. If you hadn’t been there . . .”

  “Please, don’t mention it. I care for her as well. I’m just happy I was able to get her out of the way in time.”

  Gloria stood and placed a hand on Charles’s shoulder. “I am relieved as well. Such a horrible business with the hackney coachman losing control of the horses.”

  Taking a deep breath, Charles nodded. “Yes, and as such, I don’t believe Lady Dunmore will be receiving guests. Berwick, I’m sorry she will not be able to assist with your wife’s gift today.”

  “Of course not. I understand she needs to rest right now. Would it be all right for me to stop in to check on her tomorrow?”

  “Your presence would be much appreciated,” Charles uttered as he gave a grateful nod.

  After a few parting words for Gloria, the baron excused himself. Charles appreciated how the man realized his desire for them to depart. His friend, however, settled back onto the sofa. With a sigh, Charles fell into a chair across from her.

  “Don’t stress yourself, Charles. The girl will be perfectly fine.”

  “I know. I simply feel as though I should be with her. The doctor forced me out, but I’m sure she needs me now more than ever.”

  Sympathy filled her eyes. “How is it possible for you to have been married so many times, yet know so little about women?”

  Charles straightened in his chair as he eyed her. “What are you saying?”

  “I mean no disrespect, but during traumatic experiences, women band together. No doubt she is experiencing emotions a man wouldn’t understand.”

  Although reluctant to admit it, Charles nodded. He certainly had no qualifications when it came to such matters. What was he to do? Sit here, worried sick, while Gloria tended to his wife? Or send for her family? Not pleased with the options, he dropped his head into his hands.

  “Don’t fret. Since she wasn’t badly injured, I imagine her maid should suffice for now.” He felt her presence beside him. “If you’d like, I can remain with you until you have returned to yourself.”

  Considering he couldn’t be with Rebecca, he appreciated another woman being nearby. After all, without Gloria, he would have intruded upon his wife’s recovery. He couldn’t afford to make these blunders. Especially with Rebecca.

  “Thank you. I would appreciate it.”

  “Then I shall remain.” She settled back in a chair as if she’d expected him to request her departure. “I have to admit, before the accident, I thought it quite fortuitous to run into you today.”

  “Why is that?” he asked, pleased to have a change in conversation.

  “I wanted to tell you I shall be returning to the country. London has lost its appeal, and I miss the peacefulness of the outstretched lands of the estate.”

  Charles nodded. “I’m not surprised. I’ve wondered what kept you here so long. For a while, I suspected Lord Meadows had captured your heart.”

  Her laughter filled the room. “Certainly not. The young man was merely a distraction. I could never love someone like that. Regardless of what he is, I shall be leaving in less than a week.”

  “I can’t say I’m pleased to see you go, but I wish you a safe journey.”

  “The parting will only be temporary. After all, I intend to visit once you finally decide to bring your new bride back to Dunmore. The manor certainly needs to see its mistress.”

  Running a hand along his chin, he contemplated bringing Rebecca to his estate. He would certainly enjoy going home. Would she? At least there wouldn’t be any uncontrolled hackneys posing any threat.

  “I see your point. Perhaps it would be beneficial to offer a change of scenery.”

  A slow smile crept over Gloria’s face and lit her eyes. “I could help her learn her duties. I’m sure you remember how I ran the estate during my sister’s pregnancy.”

  “Of course. I’m sure she would be delighted.”

  The more he thought about it, the more he liked the idea. Yes. It was time to take his countess home.

  Chapter 9

  Rebecca swallowed her nerves and smoothed her skirts for the tenth time as she paced outside her husband’s study door. The past weeks at Dunmore had been incredible, and she was terrified her news would change that. She couldn’t bear it if her husband didn’t remain in her bed all night. Or didn’t randomly seek her out throughout the day simply to be with her.

  Before she could build up enough courage to enter, the door opened. Charles stood before her, eyes wide.

  “Rebecca.”

  “I just came to talk to you,” she quickly explained, hoping he couldn’t tell she’d been standing there.

  His shock melted away as warmth took its place. At that second, she knew everything would be all right. There was no reason for her to worry about his reaction. He wanted her for her.

  “Please come in.”

  He waited outside to allow her to pass him. Selecting a place on the sofa, she noted how he sat beside her with no hesitation. Her smile deepened.

  “Is everything well?” he asked before she could begin. “The baroness hasn’t overstepped her bounds, I hope.”

  “No. Gloria has been wonderful. I just wanted to tell you . . . I’m with child.”

  A black expression froze on his face, and he didn’t move. She’d believe him to be a statue, had she not noticed the rising and falling of his chest.

  At his lack of response, her nerves soared as her fingers began to pull at her skirts. What was wrong with him? She had thought he’d be happy or at the very least relieved. This was the last reaction she’d expected.

  “Please say something.”

  The statue slowly rose and walked to stand behind his desk before turning to face her. “I will send for the doctor directly.”

  His nod was a dismissal.

  Shock propelled her to her feet. “You don’t believe me?”

  “I do, but I’m in need of an heir, not a whisper of one. The doctor will be able to ensure that.”

  “That’s it?” Hurt broke through her words, much to her dismay.

  His eyebrow rose in a haughty manner. “Was there something else you wanted?”

  “I suppose not.”

  “Good. I shall be leaving for London today. Our planned excursion will have to be canceled.”

  After taking another few seconds to examine his stony face, she spun around and left the room. London? How could he care so little? This should have been a joyous occasion where they celebrated together. Had he acted in a similar way with his previous wives? Had their marriage been no different?

  The knowledge brought a knot in her throat. He hadn’t spent more time with her because he had any feelings toward her. He only did so because he desired his heir. Now he had what he wanted, so he was leaving. A sob escaped her lips. She closed her eyes to hold her emotions in check.

  “What is the matter, my dear?”

  Gloria’s voice didn’t come as a welcome sound at this moment. However, Rebecca refused to be rude to the woman she’d come to think of as a friend. Taking a deep breath, Rebecca tried to control herself, but when Gloria wrapped her arms around her, she lost it. Hot tears spilled down her cheeks.

  “Calm yourself.” Gloria gently patted her back as she pulled Rebecca into a room. “Nothing can be bad enough to warrant all this.”

  As she slid down into a chair, Rebecca tried to find truth in her friend’s statement. However, n
othing but sorrow came. Even the thought of the baby didn’t comfort her. Would her child be brought into this world with an indifferent father as she had? The thought brought a sour taste to her mouth.

  Gloria touched her shoulder. “Now tell me what this is all about.”

  “I am with child,” she blurted, unable to stop the misery from showing through.

  “But that’s wonderful news. Charles has wanted nothing else for many years now.” Her friend’s eyes narrowed as she scrutinized her face. “You’ve told him, haven’t you?”

  Rebecca nodded.

  “I see. Don’t allow his lack of response to dull your joy. I assure you, he is pleased.”

  The understanding in Gloria’s eyes helped Rebecca better compose herself. “You speak as though you already know what has transpired. How?”

  “You are not the first one I’ve consoled after she shared her news with Charles. I’ve never told him this, but Lorraine even sought to rid her body of the child.”

  “How terrible.” Rebecca wound her arms around her stomach. “How could someone even dream up such a thing?”

  Gloria’s shrugged, then crossed the room to pour a glass of water, which she offered to Rebecca. “Fear can drive a person to do many things you wouldn’t normally consider. The terror of losing something so precious, like your life, can drive a person a little mad.”

  Something so terrible could only come about by someone who was more than a little mad. Although her child was still too small to notice, Rebecca placed a hand over her stomach. The life of her child came at higher value than her own. She hoped Gloria was wrong. Surely Lorraine couldn’t have attempted such a thing.

  After swallowing a few sips of water, Rebecca closed her eyes from the thought and leaned back in her chair. “What am I to do?”