What a Wicked Earl Wants

by Vicky Dreiling

  Justin narrowed his eyes. “Why?”

  “Because you need to learn the man code.”

  Out of the corner of his eye, Bell saw Harry’s shoulders shaking.

  “What is the man code?” Justin said, his voice full of suspicion.

  “It’s what we do when ladies are not present,” Bell said. “Once they withdraw, we are free to be our normal beastly selves. Ladies, however, have tender sensibilities. They do not appreciate burping, passing wind, pissing, and all other beastly things that send them running for their smelling salts.”

  Justin snorted. “I hope you did not take years to learn what I knew at age six.”

  Harry laughed. “A hit, Bell. You must allow he scored a hit.”

  “I get a pass because I have been a bachelor for many years and can do as I please at home.”

  “But you will marry someday,” Justin said. “You need some brats to inherit, do you not?”

  Bell’s stomach clenched. “For tonight, you’re the brat,” he said.

  Bell invited the ladies to observe them play billiards.

  Lady Atherton seemed especially thrilled. “Well, it isn’t often we ladies get to observe the gentlemen in their manly pursuits.”

  Colin grinned at her. “Perhaps you wish to join us. Do you play billiards?”

  “Oh, heavens, no, but I’ll take a glass of sherry.”

  After Colin brought her the sherry, he pulled out a gold case and flicked it open. “Perhaps you wish to indulge in a cheroot?”

  “I don’t mind if I do,” Lady Atherton said.

  Laura looked at her friend in horror. “You aren’t serious?”

  “At my age, I figure I might as well try a few forbidden experiences.” She winked at Colin. “Do bring a candle and light this for me.”

  Bell took the cheroot out of her hand. “Not in the house.”

  “Why?” Lady Atherton said.

  “They stink,” Justin said.

  “No wonder men like them,” Lady Atherton said.

  “Justin, are you ready to try your hand at billiards?” Bell asked.

  “I’ll give it a go,” he said.

  Laura watched Bell instruct her son. He was so patient with Justin, and it was clear to her that Justin admired him. Tonight she felt especially emotional, which must be a consequence of her pregnancy. She set her hand on her flat belly, and then she saw Harry look away hastily. Her heart felt as if it were in her throat, but she doubted he would say anything to Andrew. Then again, it was entirely possible that she was just being overly sensitive. Harry probably had not thought twice about it.

  Bell’s voice drew her attention.

  “You have a good eye,” Bell said to Justin.

  Her son knocked three balls into pockets.

  “Glad I didn’t wager with him,” Harry said.

  “You’re sadly flat,” Justin said. “You have nothing to wager with.”

  “How else will I get money?” Harry said.

  “Bell, show him your trick,” Colin said.

  “What’s that?” Justin asked.

  “Just watch,” Harry said.

  Bell lined up the balls in a triangle. Set the white cue ball in place. Then he sighted the ball and thrust the cue. Every single one rolled into a pocket.

  “Brilliant,” Justin said. “Show me how to do it?”

  Bell looked at the clock. “It’s late. Your mother will have my head if you aren’t awake by ten for breakfast. Run along now. We’ll ride tomorrow.”

  “Very well,” Justin said.

  “I confess I’m weary,” Laura said.

  Lady Atherton exchanged a poignant look with her. “I might as well turn in, too.”

  After Justin and the ladies left, Bell said, “Let’s go outside for a cheroot. I haven’t had one in days.”

  His friends followed him. He found the flint box and when he managed a flame, he lit his cheroot and his friends’ as well. The three of them blew smoke rings for a while. Bell kept thinking about what he’d said to Justin. “I shouldn’t have said that.”

  Colin blew out a smoke ring. “Said what?”

  “That Justin was the brat tonight.”

  “It was only a jest,” Harry said.

  “I fear I’ve set the wrong expectations,” Bell said.

  Colin ground out his cheroot. “How so?”

  Bell inhaled from the cheroot and blew out a smoke ring. “I’m getting in a bit deep.”

  Harry flicked an ash. “I’m unsure what you mean, but the boy is safe and happy here.”

  “It’s not just the boy,” Colin said. “You’ve got cold feet. It’s understandable, but we’ve got eyes in our heads. You’re mad about Lady Chesfield, and I’m sure she feels the same.”

  Bell inhaled again. “It’s not that simple.”

  “Well, Montclief is a big hurdle,” Harry said. “You could eliminate it if you married her.”

  Bell’s chest felt tight. “He’s the boy’s guardian. Neither Laura nor I have any blood ties with him.”

  Colin scuffed his boot on the gravel path. “You have a lot of influence. I’m not saying it would be easy, but the courts can appoint Justin’s guardian. Call in your favors and get the courts to appoint you. Whatever dirt you dig up on Montclief will help, but the most damning evidence is his complete neglect these last four years.”

  “Don’t get me wrong. I care about Laura and the boy, but she deserves better.”

  “Devil take you,” Harry said. “You’re just reluctant to jump in the parson’s mousetrap.”

  He shook his head. “You don’t understand. There are…things I’ve never reconciled.”

  Colin sighed. “This is about losing your family.”

  “I can’t explain,” he said.

  Colin gripped his shoulder hard. “You don’t have to explain. You’re our friend.”

  “Right,” Harry said. “Whatever it is doesn’t matter to us.”

  His jaw worked. “Thank you.”

  The next morning, Laura awoke with morning sickness. She stayed very still and nibbled on the bit of toast. She knew the consequences of her pregnancy would be terrible if Montclief ever learned of her condition. Montclief would surely take Justin, and her family would partake of her shame. She might have to leave her home and family forever to protect them.

  The alternative—Bell offering to marry her—would be disastrous. No marriage should start off under those circumstances. But she didn’t know what to do.

  A few minutes later, Lady Atherton stepped inside the bedchamber. “Laura, you are still abed?”

  “The morning sickness is worse today.”

  “Oh, dear.”

  Laura gripped the sheet. “I have to conceal it from him.”

  Lady Atherton shook her head slowly. “You know my opinion on all of this. What are you really afraid of?”

  “That he will resent being trapped.”

  “He will have to accept his responsibility.”

  “That’s the problem,” Laura said. “It’s the fact that he would be forced to marry me. His resentment would come between us. I married Phillip knowing that we loved each other. Bell doesn’t love me, and he believes himself incapable of devoting himself to a family.”

  “I have eyes in my head, and that man adores you. As for his issues with having a family, I cannot agree. Look how well he gets on with Justin. He’s been excellent with the boy, and I honestly believe his influence accounted for a good part of Justin’s reform.”

  “Everything you say is true, but Bellingham is adamant.”

  “Perhaps the reluctance is not all on his part,” Lady Atherton said.

  “I don’t know what you mean,” Laura said. “I love him with all of my heart.”

  “Then I will give you the same advice I gave you previously. When you are my age, you will only regret the opportunities you missed. I am not you, but I daresay if you do not confess everything—and I mean not only the child but also your love for Bellingham—then you will regret t
his for the rest of your life. Mark my words, for the rest of your life.”

  Bellingham watched Justin fill his plate for the second time and grinned. Where did the lanky boy put it? A strange feeling entered his chest, not unpleasant at all. Then he realized it was fondness for the young man. He’d gotten in deeper than he realized, but there was no going back now. He’d set the wheels in motion, and now he must fight for the boy’s right to stay with his mother.

  Justin had turned over the proverbial new leaf, and he was flourishing in the country. All of his rebelliousness had disappeared. He’d just needed guidance, but that brought to mind his promise to Laura. Bell needed to discuss Justin’s choice of friends. He had an idea of what had caused it, and he figured he ought to draw Justin out. It had been a long time since Bell had attended Eton and then Oxford, but some things never changed. Bell wanted to make sure that Justin knew how to handle bullies and have the courage to stand by his principles.

  A knock sounded at Bell’s door. “Come in,” he said.

  When Justin entered, Bell directed him to take a chair. “We’ll wait for your mother.”

  “Lady Atherton told me Mama would be down directly.”

  “Very good. I take it you’re enjoying your stay here?”

  He grinned. “I’m enjoying the archery and riding. Harry and Colin are good sports.”

  “They’re fine fellows, the sort you can depend upon.”

  “Like you,” Justin said.

  Bell gave him a wry smile, but Justin’s words troubled him. He’d been dependable, perhaps a little too much so. This summer, he’d be leaving for the Continent. He didn’t know when or even if he’d see Justin again. That was partly the reason he’d requested this meeting. He wanted to give Justin advice, but he’d felt that Laura should be present. After all, Justin was her son.

  Laura appeared at the door. “It was open.”

  Bell and Justin stood.

  “Please, take a seat,” Bell said. “I wanted to discuss a few things with Justin, and I wanted you to be here as well, Lady Chesfield.”

  He turned his attention to Justin. “It’s been a long time since I was your age, but I remember the bullying that went on in school. Someone was always the ringleader and harassed any boy who didn’t go along with the leader. In your case, I suspect it was George.”

  Justin stared at the floor. “It wasn’t precisely like that when we were in school,” he said. “The older boys dunked one of my friends in the cold water. Everyone laughed. George had money and was in good with the older boys. Paul and I stuck with George so the older ones would leave us alone.”

  “So you felt grateful to George.”

  “Not really. I just tried to steer clear of bad situations. I figured George was a friend. I liked that he had a curricle, so he could take us places.”

  “He dared you to drink and stay out all night.”

  “Yes, I thought it was fun.”

  “I’m glad that’s over,” Laura said. “I won’t mince words, Justin. I worried myself sick.”

  “I’m sorry, Mama,” he said.

  Bell folded his hands on his desk. “In four years, you’ll be the lord of your property. You’ll have to make hard decisions, and you’ll have to be fair to the tenants. I know you understand your duty, and your mother has indicated she has been managing the estate. She will share her knowledge with you, and I think it would be beneficial if you starting taking over some of the responsibilities, gradually. Don’t take on too much at first. There’s a great deal to learn, so take your time.

  “But you must be observant. There are men who will try to cheat you or lie to you. What I’m saying is you need to be a leader now. You need to stand up for yourself and those who depend on you. It’s important to make sound decisions and not let others sway you. You will make mistakes, we all do, but the important thing is to find a solution. Of course, you will consult others, and you will sometimes have to make compromises. But don’t ever compromise your honor.”

  “I won’t,” Justin said.

  “Do you have any questions? You can ask me anything.”

  His chin came up. “Is my uncle going to take me away?”

  “I’m doing everything in my power to prevent it. I won’t lie to you. Your uncle is not an honorable man. The day I returned that flask to your mother, I saw the way he treated her, and I didn’t like it. No man should ever bully a woman, but he did. I know he hasn’t lived up to his responsibilities to you. None of that is your fault.”

  Justin looked at his mother. “I don’t want you to be alone, Mama.”

  Laura’s brows furrowed. “Try not to worry, Justin.”

  “I think we all need to be mentally prepared for the best- and worst-case scenarios,” Bell said. “I have money, influence, and powerful friends, all of which I will use to stop your uncle. I will do my best to get the courts to award me legal guardianship over you. I will use evidence to make the case. It will go hard on your uncle when the courts learn that he ignored you for years. But I can’t promise that I will succeed. So we have to think about the worst-case scenario, and that is that the courts will not transfer guardianship to me.”

  “I don’t want to live with Uncle,” Justin said, fisting his hands.

  “I know it would be very hard,” Bellingham said, “but no matter what happens, you need to be strong for your mother’s sake. It would be a long four years for both of you, but do not let your uncle’s behavior take away your honor. If the worst happens, you will know at the end of four years that you are free of him, and you will cut him from your life forever.”

  “I’m glad you told me the truth,” Justin said.

  “I’ll keep you and your mother informed,” Bell said. “I would want to know if it were me.”

  “It’s so unfair,” Justin said.

  “What is?” Bell said.

  “If my father were here, none of this would have happened.”

  Bell met Laura’s gaze. She looked a little sad.

  “I understand, Justin, but I have every expectation that you will make your mother proud.” He stood. “It’s a sunny day. Perhaps the three of us could ride.”

  Justin’s eyes lit up. “I’m up for it. Mama, what about you?”

  “I think I shall ask Lady Atherton to walk with me.”

  “But you’re an excellent rider,” Justin said. “And you’ve not had an opportunity since we went to London.”

  “Yes, but I want to ensure Lady Atherton has company this afternoon. She probably doesn’t ride anymore.”

  “Another day, perhaps,” Bell said, noticing she’d laid her hand on her stomach. She’d done it last night as well. He wondered if she wasn’t feeling just the thing.

  “Justin, let us find you a suitable mount,” Bell said. “I’ll show you the property. There’s a bridge that recently was repaired. I want to inspect it. It’s important to keep your property well maintained so that there are no accidents.”

  Later that afternoon

  Laura had asked Bellingham to walk with her. Her stomach clenched as she went downstairs. She’d decided to take Lady Atherton’s advice and tell Bell about the child. He deserved to know, and she would rather face it sooner rather than later. She would not sleep well until she had spoken to him. She donned a spencer and bonnet. Then it started to rain.

  She placed her hand to her fast-beating heart and decided that his study would be the next best thing. When she reached his study, she found the door open. Harry and Colin were there. “Oh, I’m sorry for interrupting.”

  “The rain is keeping us all indoors,” Bell said. “We plan to play billiards. Would you like to join us?”

  She recalled that night the two of them had indulged in that wild kiss. From the beginning, she’d fallen under his spell. “Perhaps another time,” she said. As she left the study, Laura felt a moment of relief, but she had to tell him at the next opportunity, no matter how much she dreaded it.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Thunder sounded a
s Laura dressed. The toast had helped settle her stomach this morning. Vexation filled her as she walked down the corridor, but she mustn’t let fear keep her from doing what was right. Perhaps she could find a moment with Bell after breakfast. She treaded down the curving stairway, crossed the great hall, and stepped into the dining room. Everyone else was already seated.

  “Good morning,” she said. “Although I fear the weather will keep us indoors when I was so hoping to go out today.”

  Bell pulled out a chair for her. “May I fill a plate for you?”

  “I had a light breakfast earlier, but I’ll join you for a cup of tea.” She was miserable because of what she was keeping from him.

  Brutus barked, and Laura nearly spilled her tea.

  “It’s all right, Mama,” Justin said. “Brutus is anxious for a scrap from my plate.”

  “Justin,” Harry said. “I had a letter today from my cousin Sarah. She asked me to wish you well and hopes to see you in London soon.”

  Laura turned her gaze to Bell. “Since we must remain indoors, perhaps we could play cards or backgammon today.”

  Bell looked as if he meant to reply, but Lady Atherton spoke. “We have yet to get the official house tour. Bellingham, will you let us view the fine paintings and sculptures?”

  “I think that is an excellent idea,” he said. “Perhaps tonight we can play cards or a board game. Shall we gather in the great hall now?” he asked.

  “Excellent,” Lady Atherton said. “Justin, I would consider it a great honor if you escorted me. I realize that the usual custom would be for Bellingham to lead me, but we will not stand on ceremony.”

  Justin offered his arm to Lady Atherton “I would be honored.”

  Laura smiled. She was so glad to have her sweet, courteous son back.

  She took Bell’s arm, and he led the way upstairs to an enormous room that she had gotten a peek at not long after they arrived. “There is something I need to tell you soon,” she said.

  “Is something the matter?” he asked.

  “I can’t speak of it now, but it is important,” she said.