Redeeming the Earl

by Jenn Langston

  “Lady Rebecca,” a familiar voice called. “There you are. I wondered if you were going to come.”

  She smiled at Trevor. “I wouldn’t have missed this for anything.”

  “Do you want to see my mama? Maybe you can get her to make us tarts again.”

  Nodding, Rebecca allowed the boy to lead her through the crowd to a tall, thin woman. Although she didn’t have the look of someone who intended harm, Rebecca couldn’t help but be wary. After all, this was the woman who encouraged her son to develop a friendship between them.

  “Lady Dunmore.” The woman curtsied. “My son hardly speaks of anything but you. I am Bridget Harrow, Trevor’s mother.”

  Rebecca inclined her head. “So good to meet you. You have a very fine son. He has taught me quite a lot about the outdoors.”

  “I hope he hasn’t been a bother. You know how young children can be a bit of a challenge.”

  “Not at all. It’s on the contrary. I enjoy his visits.”

  “I’ve been wanting to speak with you. I—”

  Her eyes focused behind Rebecca’s shoulder and widened slightly. Feeling prickles on the back of her neck, Rebecca turned around and was surprised to see Charles. Why would his presence concern Mrs. Harrow?

  He drew close to Rebecca’s side and touched the small of her back. Although the touch was slight, her body hummed in awareness. How could such a small touch elicit a large response from her?

  “Mrs. Harrow,” Rebecca began. “Please allow me to introduce my husband, Charles Edwards, Earl of Dunmore.”

  The woman bowed deeply.

  “Lord Dunmore,” Rebecca continued. “This is Mrs. Bridget Harrow.”

  “Pleased to meet you. I hope you are enjoying the festivities.”

  “Of course.” Mrs. Harrow kept her eyes trained on the ground. “We appreciate you opening your home to the community.”

  “It’s my pleasure.” Following Charles’s words, an awkward silence stretched. “Would you please excuse us?”

  “Certainly,” the woman hastened to agree.

  Charles took Rebecca’s arm and escorted her away from Mrs. Harrow and into the crowd. However, her thoughts remained with Trevor’s mother. She wondered what the women wanted to speak to her about. But even more curious was her refusal to speak in front of Charles.

  “You look lovely.” Charles’s comment pulled her from her contemplations.

  “Thank you.” She felt heat touching her cheeks as he smiled down at her.

  “I have never seen you wear that style before. Has this come about due to Gloria’s new wardrobe that you mentioned a few weeks ago?”

  She stiffened, but forced her body to relax. It wouldn’t do well for him to notice her discomfort at the mention of her clothes. Honestly, he’d provided her with a perfect excuse to use now and in the future.

  “I thought it was time for a change.”

  He nodded, then moved her through the hallway, pulling her aside in a dark room. Before she could ask him what he was about, he pushed her up against the wall and took her mouth. As she usually did, she melted into him as she slid her arms around his neck. She moaned at the sheer pleasure.

  Desire raced through her as he molded his body against hers. When he released her lips, she sucked in air as his kisses drifted to her neck. She wasn’t sure what brought about his attention, but she didn’t care.

  His hands drifted over her until they stopped on either side of her waist. She shuddered under the warmth of his fingers, wishing he would put an end to her torment.

  “Rebecca,” his soft voice felt hot against her skin. “Do you have something to tell me?”

  Her eyes popped open at his question, but he ran his tongue along her collarbone, bringing her further into his web.

  “What do you mean?” she forced out.

  “Tell me,” he encouraged. “You can tell me anything.”

  Unable to take his words or his mouth any longer, she pushed at his chest. He didn’t move his body, only pulled his head up to look into her eyes. Passion darkened his eyes to almost black. He looked dangerous, and being there with him in the dark room set off an alarm in her head.

  “What are you asking me to tell you?”

  He narrowed his eyes a fraction as his fingers pulled her lower half closer to him. “Do you trust me?”

  “Of course,” she answered truthfully, while holding back a groan at the contact.

  He closed his eyes and when he opened them, she read sadness.

  “You don’t show it.” With that, he released her and walked out of the room.

  Shock held her immobile as she watched him walk away. The feeling of foreboding crept over her skin, making her wind her arms around herself. He knew something.

  She closed her eyes as tears burned. How was she supposed to tell him now? And how could he ever forgive her?

  Chapter 13

  Charles bid a good night to some of the tenants, all the while keeping his eyes upon his wife. Each time he looked at her, he experienced a different emotion. Anger, love, and envy all swirled around inside him, along with a powerful aching for her.

  Although she didn’t trust him, his desire for her didn’t diminish. Why wouldn’t she tell him? His fear for her safety and anger at himself for doing this to her would be more manageable if he could talk to her about it. He clenched his hands. He had every right to receive updates about her without having to resort to eavesdropping or bribery. She should be the one telling him her news.

  Seeing his steward, Charles pasted on a smile. “Josiah, have you been enjoying yourself?”

  The huge grin on the man’s face made it clear he had. “I can’t applaud to you enough, my lord. I’ve heard more praises for you than anything else this entire day. Not even mentioning the ones about the countess.”

  Again Charles’s eyes sought her. “What are they saying?”

  “She has charmed them all.”

  Letting out a breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding, Charles clapped the man on the back. Charles had taken extra care this evening to speak with everyone who approached his wife, seeking out ill intent. With the exception of the one strange woman at the beginning of the day, everyone appeared to be as smitten as Josiah claimed.

  “I couldn’t be happier to hear it. Has there been any word about the incidents? I believe everyone is looking for the end of all this madness.”

  Josiah sobered up a fraction. “I can’t say. Anyone truly that unsatisfied with the earldom might not have come. But don’t despair. News of today will travel.”

  “I’m sure I can count on you to ensure that.”

  “Of course, my lord.”

  When the last guest left them, Charles took Rebecca’s arm and led her upstairs to her bedchamber. Her face was glowing. Although he didn’t know what specifically drew out her mood, he enjoyed her happiness.

  “I believe we can call this evening a success,” he remarked.

  “It’s more than that. The whole day was successful. Both the children and the adults have remarked upon it.”

  After reaching her bedchamber, he opened the door and took her inside. He wasn’t ready to release her yet.

  Rebecca moved a few feet in the room and turned to him, clearly expecting him to leave. But he wanted to stay. Considering he no longer had to worry about conceiving a child, he didn’t see any reason to deprive themselves tonight. If only she trusted him.

  “Did you enjoy yourself today?”

  “Yes.” She clasped her hands in front of her, clearly uncomfortable. “Thank you for doing this. I know Gloria didn’t approve, but you did the right thing.”

  He stepped forward and ran a hand down her cheek. “I’m glad you approve.”

  She shivered at his touch and closed her
eyes. She wanted him as badly as he wanted her.

  “Allow me to assist you,” he breathed across her neck while keeping his body back far enough not to touch her.

  Her eyes squeezed tighter for a second before she opened them. “Thank you, but Anna will be in to help me before long.”

  Unwilling to accept her rejection of him, he pushed her hair off her shoulder and ran his fingers across the exposed skin of her chest. “Give her the night off.”

  She bit her lip. “I would but I-I know she wants to talk about the events today. She’s been speaking of nothing else.”

  Dropping his hands, he looked down at her. Indecision and terror raced through her features. Anger bubbled up inside him. Why wouldn’t she tell him? If she couldn’t trust him enough to tell him what he deserved to know, they had no future.

  “Very well.” He finally agreed. The relief on her face made him ill. “Have a good night.”

  Irritated beyond measure, he marched to their adjoining door, entered his bedchamber, and then slammed it closed. If she cared so little for him that she could reject him for the sake of her secret, he would stop trying to fix matters between them.

  There was nothing left to fix.

  Rebecca paced her bedchamber as Anna watched her. All of her gowns would need to be altered, and she still hadn’t told Charles about the baby. Even so, he’d changed toward her. Again. In the past week, since the party, he had treated her as a mere acquaintance. She thought they had moved past that.

  “I’ll just lock myself in here. No doubt he wouldn’t miss me.”

  Anna snorted. “Then what? Then emerge in a few months with the baby in your arms?”

  “You’re right, of course.” Rebecca stopped at her window and put her head against the cold glass. She noticed her husband out there talking to the stable hand while another assisted Gloria down. Just the sight of him in his riding clothes and coat made her ache. Why had their marriage turned out like this?

  At least she wasn’t dead, a small voice reminded her.

  “Come. You’ve been in here all day. Why don’t we take a walk through the garden? The fresh air will help you better decide what needs to be done.”

  Sighing, Rebecca gave in to Anna. She needed to find the courage to tell Charles her news, and the serenity of the garden would help her find peace. After donning their coats, Rebecca followed Anna outside.

  The frigid air slapped her in the face. Taking a few deep breaths, she allowed the burning sensation to cleanse her lungs. The recently fallen snow crunched under her feet, only adding to the quiet ambience of the garden.

  “I love the winter,” Rebecca admitted to Anna. “It’s so peaceful.”

  “And freezing.” Anna shuddered. “Maybe a walk wasn’t such a good idea. It is much colder today than it was yesterday.”

  “The weather doesn’t bother me. If you would like to return to the manor, I will be fine by myself.”

  Hope flashed in her eyes. “Are you sure? I could request Lady Shalley join you if you’d like. Considering she and the earl went for ride today, I know she doesn’t mind the cold either.”

  Rebecca contemplated sharing the walk with her friend. However, ever since their decision to host a party for the tenants, Gloria had become distant. At the moment, Rebecca needed peace, not awkward silence.

  “No. I’m content to continue on by myself.”

  Anna moved from foot to foot, clearly anxious to leave. “At least tell me where you intend to walk. That way I will know where to send someone to fetch your frozen body.”

  With a laugh, Rebecca shook her head. Clearly Anna didn’t venture out of doors much in the winter. Regardless, Rebecca wouldn’t let her friend’s objections ruin her stroll.

  “I shall travel up the main path until it ends at the trees, then I shall return. Don’t do anything rash. I intend to take my time.”

  “I hope you don’t intend to take too long. People aren’t meant to be in this weather for long.”

  “There have been many freezing days in my life that I have walked the paths at Hyde Park, or pushed myself through the snow in the garden at my father’s townhouse. You are being overly dramatic.”

  Anna let out an irritated breath. “Very well. Then I shall make no other argument. Now I’m getting out of here before I catch my death.”

  Anna hastened back toward the manor. Rebecca wanted to laugh at the woman. She didn’t understand how anyone couldn’t find beauty in such a day. Shrugging, she continued on.

  The frosty white bushes and flowers were beautiful, and reminded her of all the time she and her brothers had spent playing in the snow. This trek definitely held an appeal over the others, as Alex tended to talk more than necessary.

  Allowing the peaceful quiet to flow over her, she jumped to hear a loud banging. Curious, she continued on in the direction as it sounded again. No one should be out here this afternoon. The sound continued several more times, then silence.

  As she neared the grove of trees, Rebecca didn’t see anything amiss. Then she noticed large piles of snow lying in front of the trees. Glancing up, she didn’t see near as much snow on the trees as on the other foliage. What was going on?

  A loud cracking sounded in her ears as movement from amongst the trees caught her eye. The dead tree in the middle of the grove began to fall toward her. Fear pierced through her, encouraging her legs to move.

  Spinning around, Rebecca moved as fast as her sodden skirts would allow with the snow adding another level of difficulty. Knowing she couldn’t outrun the tree, she dove to the side, heart beating wildly as she hoped to avoid the trunk.

  Branches bit at her clothing, knocking her to the ground. Scrambling under a stone bench, she curled up to protect herself. The snapping of branches continued until the loud thud of the tree meeting the ground resounded through her body.

  She remained there shivering as tears streamed down her face. How could this happen? Marlowe had been confident that, although dangerous, the freeze would keep the tree upright until the spring when he would be able to properly cut it down and remove it from the garden.

  Awareness prickled her skin, and caused her to crawl tighter under the bench. The banging she heard was someone chopping down the tree. Had that been Marlowe or his men? Surely he wouldn’t order such a thing, knowing cutting up the frozen trunk would be near impossible.

  Memories of the rug being pulled out from beneath her feet assaulted her. Could it be someone was after her again? She swallowed. Would the killer come to make sure she was dead this time? Would he come finish the job?

  Terror kept her curled up and shivering. She wasn’t sure how long she remained in this position, but she couldn’t allow herself to move. Straining her ears, she listened for the sound of something. Anything.

  Time moved slowly, and the biting cold made her lids heavy. Closing them, she settled her chin closer to her body.

  “Lady Dunmore,” she heard someone call.

  She kept quiet. Was that him? Hearing the call again, she squeezed her eyes closed as tears seeped through.

  “Rebecca,” Charles’s panicked voice rose above the other. “Dear God, let her be all right.”

  “I’m here,” she replied, but her voice came out shaky and weak.

  “Get more men out here,” Charles demanded. “I want her found.”

  On unsteady hands, she crawled out from under the bench, uncaring as branches pulled at her hair and cut at her cheek. Charles had come to keep her safe. She needed to get to him now.

  “Charles,” she tried again and almost fell to her knees to hear his answering call.

  “Are you all right? Where are you?”

  She glanced around. “I’m fine, but I’m not sure where I am. I was under a bench.”

  “Good girl.” The relief in his voice
brought a warmth to her chest. He may pretend he didn’t care, but she heard the truth in his tone.

  Working her way through the branches, she managed to tangle herself up further. In an effort to free herself, she removed her coat and continued on as shivers raked her body.

  All the while, she followed the sound of Charles’s voice until she came upon his dark figure approaching her. He grabbed her hand and pulled her through the path he’d created with his body.

  Once they were free, he pulled off his greatcoat, wrapped it around her, and drew her into a tight embrace. Enveloped in his scent, she buried her head against his chest and allowed the rest of her fear to dissipate. He’d rescued her.

  The sound of footsteps had her pulling away from her husband, but he held her firm.

  “I’ve got her,” Charles told whoever approached. “You can take the men back inside.”

  Had Charles been out there alone? Besides the first voice, she hadn’t heard anyone else but him. Had he rushed to her aid faster than the others, or had he already been outside? The thought chilled her body more than the freezing air.

  Lifting her head, she peered into his face. Tenderness shown from his eyes as he ran his thumb over her cheeks. The troubling thought disappeared. He had saved her, not helped the tree fall toward her.

  He held her for a few more seconds before lifting her off the ground and cradling her against him. “Let’s get you inside.”

  As they neared the manor, her body began shaking. If not Charles, who was trying to kill her?

  Charles slammed his hand down against the desk. “That’s not good enough. Check every bloody person on the estate if you have to. Someone used that axe on the weak part of the tree. That’s attempted murder.”