A Most Noble Heir

by Susan Anne Mason

  Molly took a seat at the table and sobered at once, her eyes becoming anxious. “I’m so glad you’re here. Promise you’ll speak to Mum and Mr. Fielding. Tell them I don’t want to marry that horrid man.” Her nose wrinkled with distaste. “Mr. Elliott’s old, Hannah. Nearly forty, I think.”

  If the situation wasn’t so dire, Hannah might have laughed at Molly’s exaggerated reaction. But no matter the age of the groom, the fact remained that Molly was too young to be married—to anyone. Hannah’s stomach gave an uneasy roll. She wasn’t sure what to expect once they returned to Stainsby, but she hoped Nolan could secure Molly some type of position. If the earl was too angry to allow it, then Hannah would prevail upon Mrs. Bridges to help find Molly work at a neighboring estate. Anything would be better than marrying Mr. Elliott.

  “That’s why we’re here.” Hannah leaned close to her sister, the fresh scent of grass and sunshine wafting off Molly’s hair. “We want to bring you back to Stainsby Hall with us.” She kept her voice low for fear of being overheard.

  “Oh, Hannah. That would be wonderful.” Then Molly’s eyes clouded over. “But I don’t think Mr. Fielding will allow me to go. The wedding’s set to take place in two weeks’ time.”

  “Two weeks?” Hannah gasped. “Why so soon? They haven’t even announced the betrothal.”

  “Mr. Elliott’s housekeeper just gave her notice. She’ll be moving away to live with her son. That’s why they’re rushing the ceremony.”

  Hannah bristled. Couldn’t the man simply hire another woman? Or did he want Molly for the free labor she’d provide?

  “Well, then,” she said firmly, “we’ll have to make sure you leave with us today.” Hannah rose to pull back the curtain at the kitchen window and peered out over the property. In the distant field, the toiling figures of three men and a horse told her the Fieldings were still at work. There was no sign of her mother. She returned to the table.

  “It won’t be easy,” she told Molly. “You’ll likely get a position as a maid, and you’ll have to work hard each day. But you’ll receive a wage and have a room of your own.”

  Molly grasped her hand. “The work can be no harder than all I do here for no wages at all. Plus I have to share a room with Mr. Fielding’s daughters. My own room sounds like heaven.”

  Hannah pressed her lips together to contain her emotions. All these years she’d envied Molly being allowed to stay with her mother and become part of a large family. Suddenly Hannah’s life at Stainsby appeared to be the better one.

  “I must tell you my news,” she said. “I have recently married. His name is Nolan and he lives at Stainsby as well.” She paused. Best not to swamp the girl with all the details of Nolan’s situation right away. They would have plenty of time for her to learn the whole story. “Right now, Nolan is speaking with the earl about letting you come back with us.”

  The anxiety lifted from Molly’s features. “I hope he manages it. It will save me from having to run away like I’d planned.”

  Horror filled Hannah at the thought of what could become of her sister. There were fates worse than marriage for a young girl with no means to support herself. “That won’t be necessary, dearest. One way or the other, we’ll figure something out. I promise.”

  Hannah set her jaw. She would not allow Molly’s life to be ruined. If their own mother would do nothing to protect her, then Hannah had no choice but to step in and do whatever it took to guard Molly’s innocence.

  Nolan waited for the earl to respond to his ultimatum. Instead of becoming angry, the man had turned pensive, watching him with catlike eyes.

  A clock on the mantel ticked out the seconds.

  Nolan shifted his weight, wishing he were wearing his comfortable boots. His Sunday shoes pinched his toes, but he refused to take the weight off by sitting down. That would give the earl an edge, and Nolan needed every advantage he could get.

  At last, Edward spoke. “I take it Miss Burnham is not pleased by her sister’s upcoming marriage.”

  Of all the things he’d prepared for the earl to say, this hadn’t even crossed Nolan’s mind. “No. Hannah feels Molly is much too young to wed.”

  “I gathered as much. And in that vein, I have a proposition for you.”

  Apprehension slid down Nolan’s spine. “What sort of proposition?”

  The light from the window reflected off the silver strands at Edward’s temple as he adjusted the sleeve of his navy coat. “I will offer Molly a post at Stainsby, and she may accompany us back, if”—he paused—“you agree to annul this farce of a marriage.”

  A volcanic heat rushed through Nolan’s chest. He should have known the man could not be reasoned with. “Absolutely not. This conversation is over.” He started for the door.

  “Wait.”

  The hint of desperation in his father’s voice gave Nolan a momentary victory. He schooled his features and turned to face him.

  “If you agree to come back,” Edward said slowly, “and receive the training necessary to become a proper earl’s son, I will find a position for the girl.”

  “And what of my wife?” Nolan lifted his chin and held his breath. Whatever the earl said next would sway Nolan’s decision on how their relationship would go from here on out.

  Edward squared his shoulders. “I would ask that you not make your marriage public until I’ve had the chance to introduce you into my social circle. It will be difficult enough to explain your existence without complicating matters with a low-born bride.”

  Nolan’s nails bit into the flesh of his palms, and a growl rumbled in his throat.

  Edward held up his hands, as if in surrender. “I only speak the truth.”

  The air hissed from Nolan’s lungs. “How long will this training require?”

  “Four weeks—maybe more—depending on how quickly you learn everything there is to know.”

  “And where would Hannah and I live?”

  “You may move into the suite I have provided, but I would ask that Hannah remain in the servants’ quarters for now.” The earl shrugged. “It would defeat the purpose of keeping the marriage a secret if you lived together.”

  Nolan did his best to rein in his anger. He needed to keep a clear head, think logically. If he could get his father to ignore their marriage for four weeks, Edward would have time to grow accustomed to the idea. Surely then he would relent and accept Hannah as Nolan’s wife.

  If not, Nolan would be in possession of the Simpson farm by then. With a means to provide for Hannah and Molly, Nolan could part ways with the earl in an amicable manner.

  Yet Nolan couldn’t seem to abandon all hope that he and his father could come to a reasonable compromise.

  “I need to discuss the matter with Hannah before I agree to anything.” He moved to the door. “I’ll be back in a few minutes.”

  Without waiting for a reply, he headed back to the kitchen where Hannah and a young girl sat at the table.

  Hannah immediately got to her feet. “Is everything all right?” Her green eyes searched his.

  He tried to smile, but his lips refused to cooperate. “This must be your sister. I’m Nolan, Hannah’s husband.”

  “Hello, Nolan.” Molly giggled and glanced at Hannah. “I wouldn’t mind having to marry if Mr. Elliott looked like him.”

  “Molly, hush.” Hannah’s cheeks reddened.

  Nolan turned to his wife. “I’m sorry to interrupt your visit, but I need to speak to you in private for a moment.”

  When Hannah nodded, he led her out the front door and down the steps onto the grass.

  “What is it?” Her light brows pulled together in a frown. “Does your father know we’re married?”

  “He does now. Though I think he suspected as much and that’s why he came here.” How he hated that their idyllic days together had turned sour so quickly. Nolan reached for her hand to calm his inner turmoil as much as hers. “He’s made us a proposition, which I won’t agree to unless you do too.”

  Hannah
blanched but lifted her chin. “Go on.”

  “He wants me to undergo training in the ways of the aristocracy. In return, he will give Molly a position at the manor.”

  “I see. And what about our marriage?”

  Nolan paused to weigh his words. Telling Hannah that the earl had wanted their marriage annulled would only make her feel worse. “He’s asked that we keep our union a secret for now, until I’ve been introduced to his peers as his son.”

  “What will that accomplish?” She seemed genuinely perplexed.

  “I’m not entirely certain, but agreeing to his stipulation will buy us time. The training will take about four weeks, during which time Edward will surely grow accustomed to the idea of our marriage.” At least Nolan hoped so, though he couldn’t shake the feeling that Edward hadn’t totally given up on dissolving their union. “If having a son is so important to him, he’ll have to understand that he can’t have me without you.”

  Hannah bit her bottom lip and frowned again.

  He laid a hand on her shoulder. “If you don’t wish to do this, we can return to Stainsby, pack our things, and leave.” The more he thought about it, the sweeter the idea became.

  “Where would we go? You don’t own the farm yet.” She waved a hand. “We certainly can’t stay here. Mr. Fielding would never allow it.”

  “I’ll find a way, Hannah, if that’s what you want. Your happiness is the most important thing.”

  Tears formed in her eyes. She paced away from him and stood staring out over the landscape. At last, she squared her shoulders and walked back to him. “Very well. I’m willing to accept the earl’s offer, if you are. It will get Molly away from here at least. And if things don’t go the way you hope, by then you will be in possession of your farm, and we can move there.”

  “You’re sure?”

  She nodded. “I can wait four weeks to resume our life together if it means saving Molly. And I can give you that time to determine if being a nobleman is the type of life you wish to live.”

  A rush of relief filled Nolan’s lungs. “You are a very wise woman, Hannah Price.” He pulled her into a tight hug and kissed the top of her head. “Let’s go and break the news to Lord Stainsby. Together.”

  Chapter

  13

  An hour later, Hannah waved to her mother as Nolan clucked the horses into motion. Standing on the porch, her mother gave no response, probably due to the presence of her husband standing rigidly beside her. Hannah shivered. The years had not been kind to Robert Fielding. His brown hair, now mostly gray, along with his sun-wizened skin, gave him the look of a much older man. The perpetual scowl on his face and the thick brows that hovered over his sunken eyes did not help matters.

  Seated between Nolan and Molly in the buggy, Hannah breathed a quiet prayer of thanks that matters had transpired so smoothly and that Molly was able to leave with a minimum of upheaval.

  After witnessing her stepfather’s harsh reaction to their presence, Hannah had been relieved when Lord Stainsby asked the ladies to leave the men to discuss business alone. Whatever the earl had said to Mr. Fielding in private had finally persuaded him to let Molly leave with them. Perhaps a large sum of money had been involved. That seemed the only possible explanation to have changed her stepfather’s mind. No matter, Hannah was grateful to have Molly safely in her care and away from the dreaded Mr. Elliott.

  As the horses lumbered down the road, Hannah fingered the piece of paper in her pocket, slipped to her by her mother upon parting. Mum had actually hugged her, thanked her for helping Molly, and whispered in Hannah’s ear, “If you ever find yourself in trouble, seek out Iris. She will help you.”

  Hannah had a vague recollection of a tall, striking woman who’d visited them years ago, before her father died. As soon as Hannah got a moment of privacy, she would read the note and attempt to piece together the connection. Not that Hannah expected to contact the woman. She had to believe that Nolan was right and things would work out in their favor.

  It was dark when the carriage pulled up to the Stainsby stables many hours later. Nolan helped Hannah and Molly alight.

  “Why don’t you go inside and get Molly settled? We’ll talk later.” The intensity in his eyes made Hannah think there was an underlying message there. He moved a step closer and reached for her left hand. “Remember, we must keep our news to ourselves.” He slipped the metal band off her finger and pressed it to his lips. “I will keep this in a safe place until I can put it back on your finger myself.”

  Hannah fought the disappointment that engulfed her as she stared at her now bare finger. With that small gesture, it felt like her marriage had come to an end. She lifted a silent, desperate prayer skyward that such would never be the case.

  “Don’t forget,” he said to Molly, “your sister’s and my marriage must remain a secret for now.”

  “I won’t.” Molly threw her arms around Nolan in an enthusiastic hug. “Thank you, Nolan. You saved my life.”

  Nolan broke out the first real smile Hannah had seen since they had found the earl at her stepfather’s farm. “Welcome to Stainsby Hall, Miss Molly. I hope you’ll be happy here.”

  “I’m sure I will.” With the enviable optimism of youth, Molly linked arms with Hannah.

  Although she wasn’t entirely comfortable with how things had turned out, having Molly here with her lifted a huge burden from Hannah’s spirit. “Thank you, Nolan. I’ll see you later, I hope.”

  He nodded, a shadow of regret in his eyes. “I need to see to these horses.” With that, he turned to open the stable doors.

  Hannah let out a small sigh, wishing she was bold enough to give her new husband a kiss right out in the open. It felt too long since they had shared even that small intimacy. Maybe Nolan could sneak up to her room tonight once everyone was asleep. She allowed herself a thrill of anticipation, thinking of the possibility that they would surely share more than a kiss. Perhaps she’d suggest a midnight tryst when she saw him later.

  Hannah led Molly into the kitchen through the servants’ entrance.

  Mrs. Bridges looked up from the sink, gave a strangled cry, and bustled over to envelop Hannah in a smothering hug.

  “My dear girl, you have no idea how worried I’ve been.” She dabbed her apron to her eyes, about to launch into a further explanation when she stopped. “And who do we have here?”

  Hannah draped an arm around Molly’s slim shoulders and pulled her forward. “This is my sister. Molly, this is Mrs. Bridges, the head cook and your new supervisor.”

  “This is wee Molly? Why, you’re a young lady now.”

  Molly giggled and dropped a half curtsy. “Hello, Mrs. Bridges.”

  Edna peered over her half-spectacles. “Did you say Molly is working here now?”

  “Yes, the earl has given her a position as scullery maid.”

  Edna’s brows rose. She gave Hannah a knowing stare. “He has? Well, you’ll have to tell me how all this came about. But first you can show Molly to her room. Miss Hatterley will tell you which one she can take.”

  Hannah’s smile faded. How would she explain Molly’s being here? The thought of not being able to tell Edna the whole story didn’t sit well. “Yes. We’ll talk later.”

  “Count on it, miss.” Edna gave her a stern stare, then looked pointedly at Hannah’s left hand as though she could see an imprint of the ring that had been there.

  With a blush heating her cheeks, Hannah turned away to usher Molly up the stairs.

  Through the ever-present gossip mill, Hannah soon heard various servants discussing the fact the earl had given Nolan a whole suite of rooms on the second floor. Of course, the other maids had been quick to tell Hannah how flabbergasted everyone had been that one of their own had risen to new standing as the earl’s son. The girls’ inane chatter only increased Hannah’s unease at the huge secret she kept.

  Now, while helping Edna with the evening chores, Hannah braced for the woman’s inevitable questions, praying she could find a w
ay to explain how Nolan and Lord Stainsby had ended up at her mother’s farm.

  “You two ran off together, didn’t you?” Edna’s question jarred Hannah from her thoughts. “That’s why his lordship had me tell him where Ann lived. What other reason could there be?” The woman fisted a hand on her ample waist.

  Hannah kept her focus on the dish in her hand. “Before Mrs. Price took ill, Nolan promised to help me get Molly away from our stepfather and his marriage schemes. When the earl realized we were both gone, he jumped to a different conclusion about our absence.” There, not quite a lie. The truth cloaked in innuendo.

  “I still don’t understand how Molly came to be here.” Edna swished the water in the sink.

  “Nolan agreed to come back and take his position as the earl’s son if his lordship gave Molly a position here.”

  Edna gave her a suspicious look. “That doesn’t explain where you both were for two days before the earl left.”

  “I’m sorry. I really can’t talk about that.” Heat flooded Hannah’s neck and cheeks. She ducked to place a bowl in a low cupboard.

  Deafening silence filled the kitchen.

  “Excuse me,” Edna said stiffly. “I need to check the larder for tomorrow’s meals.” She shuffled toward the back door, leaving Hannah with a bucket load of guilt. She’d hurt the only person other than Nolan who’d ever cared about her well-being.

  Forgive me, Edna. I promise to make it up to you one day.

  Molly came into the kitchen, her apron filled with potatoes. “What’s the matter with Mrs. Bridges? She about bit my head off.” Molly dumped the vegetables into a large wooden bowl on the table.

  “She’s just tired. She’ll be in better humor tomorrow. Come and help me finish up here.”

  The evening shadows shrouded the room as she and Molly washed the remaining dishes. Molly seemed to sense Hannah’s need for quiet, and they worked in silence.

  A few minutes later, the sound of heavy boot steps descending the back staircase had Hannah’s heart racing. She turned to see Nolan’s broad shoulders filling the opening from the stairs.