A Most Noble Heir

by Susan Anne Mason

Edward kissed his daughter’s cheek. “I’m familiarizing Nolan with our city holdings.”

  Victoria looped her arm through Nolan’s. “Wonderful. While you’re here, perhaps we can spend some time together and get to know each other better.”

  “I’d like that very much.”

  “I hope you know what you’re getting into,” Sebastian said with a wink. “I don’t think you understand how much your sister likes to talk.”

  Nolan laughed, his insides relaxing for the first time. Perhaps he might truly come to like this branch of the family after all.

  The next day, after making the rounds to Edward’s business associates in the city, and being shown other local places of interest, Nolan was relieved to find some time to become better acquainted with Victoria—without his father or Sebastian in attendance. And especially without Evelyn, whose overbearing presence dwarfed Victoria’s sweet spirit. Thankfully, Evelyn and her husband were off visiting Orville’s family for a few weeks.

  Victoria had suggested a walk in the nearby St. James’s Park, and Nolan readily accepted, eager for some outdoor activity. As soon as they were out in the fresh air, the tension in his chest eased, and his breathing became freer.

  “How are you getting on with learning the ways of the nobility? I’m sure it must be a challenge.” Victoria glanced at him from under her yellow parasol.

  “A challenge indeed”—he made a wry face—“but I am slowly catching on.”

  She laughed at his expression.

  “And how are things with Mr. Coverton?”

  “Our courtship is proceeding nicely, thanks to you. I don’t know if I properly thanked you for going out of your way to speak with him like you did. It was most generous of you.”

  “I was happy to help. I only wish I could find a way to win Evelyn’s favor as easily.”

  She sobered. “I’m not sure Evelyn will ever get over this. Not with Orville fueling her resentment, though I do understand the reason for his displeasure. As Father’s closest male relative, Orville would have inherited the earldom one day. I fear that’s the main reason Evelyn wed him. To keep father’s money in the family.”

  Nolan halted on the pathway. “You mean Orville was Edward’s heir?”

  Victoria turned to face him, surprise on her features. “Yes. Did Father not explain that?”

  “He did not.”

  “How odd. Well, Orville is a third cousin on Father’s side, and upon Orville’s father’s death a few years ago, he became the heir presumptive to the Fairchild title. Right about then, Evelyn’s interest in the poor fellow grew by leaps and bounds.”

  “So learning of my existence . . .”

  “Was quite a blow to both of them, yes.”

  Suddenly Evelyn’s tirade after the ball made sense.

  “But don’t let that worry you. Orville and Evelyn will adjust to their new situation in time, I’m sure.”

  They continued to walk. Nolan kept his hands clasped loosely behind his back. “Are you very close with your sister?”

  “We were close growing up. A bond forged by shared sorrow at our mother’s early death and then being sent to live with Aunt Ophelia. We only had each other in our grief.”

  “Were you angry with your father for sending you away?” Nolan kept his tone gentle.

  “Hurt more than angry. But Father is an unemotional man, never prone to show affection or praise, so we weren’t entirely surprised.”

  “What about Ophelia? She seems quite fond of you now.”

  The girl’s features instantly softened. “Oh, yes. She was glad to take us in since she was unable to have a family of her own. Although she appears crusty on the outside, she hides a soft interior. Evelyn and I were fortunate to have her and likely fared far better under her roof than we would have with our father.”

  The chatter of birds overhead drew Nolan’s attention. When a bench came into view, he guided Victoria over to take a seat.

  “If you don’t mind, I’d like to know a little more about our aunt.” He hesitated, choosing his wording with care. “I overheard her talking to Edward. It seems she blames him for her ruined chance at marriage.”

  Victoria’s gaze slid to her gloved hands on her lap. “You may not wish to hear this story. I’ve only recently learned all that went on back then.”

  He took a breath. “I’m ready. Go ahead.”

  “Aunt Ophelia was betrothed to the Duke of Milford. He was considered quite a catch at the time, and from what I understand, Grandfather was overjoyed by the match.”

  Nolan braced for what was to come.

  “Then Father, who was intended all along for our mother, became infatuated with a servant.” She peered over at him. “Your mother.”

  Nolan set his jaw. “Mary was the woman who bore me, but Elizabeth Price will always be my mother.”

  Victoria’s cheeks reddened. “Forgive me. I’m not saying this well.”

  “No, please go on. You are just repeating the tale as told to you, since you weren’t even born at the time.”

  “You are most understanding.” She gave him a fleeting smile. “Apparently word got out around the village that Father had eloped with a servant girl. Grandfather was apoplectic, and Grandmother took to her bed in a fit of nerves. When Father returned with his bride and told them she was expecting a child, matters grew even worse. Word got back to Duke Milford and he broke his engagement with Aunt Ophelia, saying he couldn’t align himself with such a tainted family. Aunt Ophelia was devastated. For her, it was a true love match, and the heartbreak of his betrayal has never left her.”

  “I’m so sorry. That was most unfair.” No wonder Ophelia resented him. He was the physical reminder of all that she had lost.

  “Indeed. And the fact that Father has never really apologized for ruining her life has always rankled. However, I do believe his giving her Fairchild Manor was his way of atoning for his part in her unhappiness.”

  Nolan straightened on the hard bench. “Well, I will do whatever I can to make her life as pleasant as possible. Do you have any thoughts on how I could gain her favor?”

  Victoria’s brow rose. “You truly care about her feelings?”

  “Of course. She is my aunt. I’ve never had much family, though I had always longed for . . .” He was about to say a father, but quickly changed his mind. “. . . for more relatives. Now that I have them, I wish for harmonious relations with all of you, Evelyn and Orville included.”

  “Ensuring that Fairchild Manor remains in Ophelia’s control will go a long way to earn you her good graces.”

  “Then I will make sure she knows I will never change her living arrangements.”

  Victoria studied him for a moment. “You continue to surprise me, Nolan. I do believe you will be an asset to this family.”

  “I sincerely hope so.” He paused. “Just as I hope the family will come to accept my wife.” He waited, wishing to gain one supporter in the matter of his union with Hannah. His heart squeezed with longing just thinking of her.

  “Oh, are you to be wed then?” Pleasure brightened her features.

  Nolan’s stomach dropped. He thought Edward at least would have informed his daughters of the marriage. “I am already married,” he said quietly.

  Victoria gasped. “When did this occur?”

  “Not long after my mother’s death.” He quickly relayed the events that had transpired.

  When he finished, Victoria gave a loud sigh. “Oh, Nolan. You are in for quite a battle with Father, I’m afraid.”

  “But how do you feel? Could you accept Hannah as your sister-in-law?”

  She smiled. “I am likely the one ally you may find in the family, for I have always been a romantic. And it’s clear you love Hannah above all else.”

  “Aye. She is my very breath.” His throat tightened, constricting his lungs, as though without Hannah he could not draw air. Being parted these many weeks, with only one rather impartial letter from her, was one of the hardest things he’d had to en
dure.

  Victoria’s gloved hand reached out to cover his. “Then she is a lucky woman, and I will do everything I can to facilitate her acceptance into the family.”

  Nolan nodded, his cinched vocal cords making speech impossible. At least he had one sister on his side, and perhaps her beau as well.

  It was a start.

  Chapter

  26

  Late October 1884

  Hannah strolled around the grounds at Hartford Hall, the cool autumn air nipping at her cheeks. She relished her daily walks and would continue them as long as she could, since winter would soon be upon them, and her outings would then be severely diminished.

  Molly and Daisy walked ahead of her at a much quicker pace. Watching her sister blossom into a confident, cheerful young woman these past months was the one thing that continued to bring Hannah a great sense of contentment. She placed a hand on her growing abdomen. That, and the knowledge that she would soon become a mother.

  Hannah waved to Molly to let her know she was growing fatigued and would head inside. As per her sister’s normal routine, Molly would likely stay outdoors with Daisy a while longer.

  Iris came up to Hannah as she removed her coat in the hallway. “How was your walk, dear?”

  “Very pleasant as usual, thank you, Auntie. I hope tomorrow you can join us.”

  “I’m sure I shall, now that I’ve finished all my correspondence.” She withdrew a letter from her pocket. “This came while you were out.” Her gray eyes shone with compassion. “It’s from Stainsby Hall.”

  Hannah’s heart leapt with both joy and trepidation. Would Nolan finally say that he had come to an understanding with his father and was ready for her to take her place as his wife? She breathed a prayer that this time it would be so.

  With trembling fingers, she took the envelope and made her way into her aunt’s sitting room. Lowering herself to the settee, she tentatively broke the seal and took out the sheet filled with Nolan’s familiar script.

  Dearest Hannah, I hope this correspondence finds you in good health.

  Her spirits sank. Already she could tell this was another polite letter in which Nolan spoke of his comings and goings, but not of his heart. Still she forged on, ever hopeful that the end would contain an invitation to come home.

  As per his usual fashion, he spoke of his father, their trip to London, his aunt and his sister, and the tedium of his studies. But nothing of his inner thoughts. No words of love, no longing for her return. And he signed it simply, Nolan.

  Fat tears escaped down her cheek as she folded the paper. Had her leaving him at Stainsby severed the bond of their love? Would he become so embroiled in the life as a nobleman that he forgot her completely? Or was he waiting to find out if their child was a boy or a girl before he decided what to do about their marriage?

  Her heart ached with immeasurable sorrow. She’d been naïve to elope with him, knowing how things were bound to turn out. But at the time, she simply hadn’t had the fortitude to deny her love, and now she must face the consequences. She brushed away her tears and straightened her spine. No matter what the future held, she would trust in God’s ultimate plan and continue to pray for patience.

  Iris entered the room. “All is well, I hope?” Her tentative question told Hannah she had seen the tears on her cheeks.

  “Nolan is fine. Still busy learning how to run such a vast estate.”

  “No mention of you returning?” Iris sat down beside her.

  Hannah shook her head.

  “What is the lad thinking? It’s high time he sent for you, or came for you himself. Why, this child will be here before he knows it.”

  Hannah looked over, surprised at her aunt’s outburst. She had yet to hear Aunt Iris speak harshly about anyone.

  Seeming to collect herself, Iris patted Hannah’s arm. “Not to worry, my dear. We women have our own methods to bring about what we want.” She rose and walked to her desk. “I believe I have a few more pieces of correspondence to take care of after all.”

  Hannah bit her lip to keep from asking what her aunt was up to. Instinct told her she might not want to know.

  Seated across the desk from his father, Nolan pored over the estate’s financial records, an activity that was doing nothing to dispel his foul mood. His ill-humor had started early that morning with the strange note his valet had brought to his bedchambers. The innocuous-looking piece of white paper had contained a chilling message.

  I warned you once, stable boy. Leave Stainsby while you still can. This is your last chance.

  When Nolan had questioned Jeffrey, the man told him that a young messenger boy had delivered the note at first light and hadn’t said who it was from, only that it was for Mr. Price.

  The unsettling message had preoccupied Nolan most of the morning, but he’d declined to tell Edward about it, certain he would dismiss it as a prank. Still, Nolan planned to keep an eye out for any trouble. The only person he could think of who might be responsible for such a threat was Timothy Bellows. Yet as far as he knew, Bellows was in jail. Tomorrow Nolan would check with the authorities to make certain he was still in custody.

  He turned his attention back to the columns of figures that made no more sense now than they had twenty minutes ago. Nolan pushed the ledger across the desk with a disgruntled huff. “Do you not employ bookkeepers for this type of work?”

  It had been over five months since Hannah had left Stainsby Hall. During that time, Nolan had thrown his energy into learning everything he could about his father’s world. Yet he could not seem to master the intricacies of bookkeeping, a chore he considered more tedious than pulling burs from a horse’s tail.

  Nor had he mastered the art of dealing with a stubborn father who seemed determined to confound Nolan at every turn.

  For these past months, Nolan had shadowed Edward on his daily routines, riding out to survey the entire estate, meeting with the tenant farmers and all those who depended on the Stainsby estate for their livelihood. They had also made several more journeys into London, where Nolan had endured endless social rounds to visit with his father’s peers. Nolan even found the trips to his father’s clubs wearisome. He doubted he would ever fit in there.

  Nolan released a weighty sigh. At least Edward hadn’t tried to introduce him to any more flighty debutantes. That was one point in his favor. Another was the fact that they had at last agreed on the necessity of clarifying the status of Nolan’s marriage. With a potential heir on the way, Edward seemed as eager as he to have the matter rectified and had pressured Mr. Grayson to get the affair settled once and for all.

  Edward looked up from across the mahogany expanse and raised a haughty brow. “Of course, I have a bookkeeper. But if I’m not able to double-check the figures, how would I know if the man was cheating me?”

  “If he would cheat you, why would you hire him in the first place?” Exasperation laced Nolan’s voice. The mysteries of the rich remained unfathomable to him. Horses were so much easier to deal with. You knew exactly what they wanted by the way they stomped their hooves or tossed their heads.

  Edward laid down his pen and rose. “A wealthy man must always assume that those beneath him are out to take advantage—to obtain some of the riches for themselves. I’ve been trying to teach you as much these past months.”

  “Is that what you think of your staff here? That they’re all out to take advantage of you?”

  Hands behind his back, Edward walked to the fireplace and stood, staring at the flames. “I suppose I do. Maybe not always in a monetary sense. But if I do not hold tight to the reins, they will run amuck, like untamed horses. Shirk their duties, become lazy. Which is another manner of cheating.”

  Nolan pushed to his feet and approached Edward. “In my experience, most of the people I worked with here are diligent, hardworking, and, for some reason, loyal to you. Though more out of fear than affection, I would say.”

  “You make it sound as if fear is a bad thing.” Edward reached for the pok
er.

  “Perhaps not. Yet the short time I was at Hartford Hall, I couldn’t help noticing the difference in the workers’ attitude where the mistress treated them with compassion and, dare I say, affection. Hannah said the duchess’s staff all seem to adore her.”

  “The duchess is far too nice to the servants.” Edward stabbed the coals, sending sparks shooting through the grate. “I suppose that is the difference between men and women. Most females are too soft to endure the harsh realities of life.”

  “Are you speaking of someone in particular?” Nolan studied him. “Perhaps Mary?”

  Edward flinched and moved to the window. “Actually, I was thinking of my late wife, Penelope. Her parents pampered and spoiled her, and she expected me to treat her in the same fashion. Of the two women, Mary possessed the better character.”

  Nolan’s thoughts turned then to the woman who had raised him. How he missed his mother’s words of wisdom, and how he wished she were here to counsel him now. He approached the window, thrusting his damp palms into his pockets. “There is something I must know.”

  “What is it?” Edward’s features became guarded.

  “Did you truly love Mary, or did you marry her only because she was expecting a child?” Though the grotto built in Mary’s honor attested to his devotion, Nolan wanted to hear his father speak the words.

  A dangerous light gleamed in Edward’s eyes. “I loved Mary with the folly of a young man’s passion. In hindsight, guilt over getting her with child may have been a motivating factor in our hasty marriage, but I swear I had always planned to marry her—child or no.” Edward rubbed a hand over his jaw, and when he looked up, lines of pain wreathed his face. “The day I learned of her death, something died in me as well. I lost the will to fight my father. Mary was dead and the child gone—or so I believed. What was the point in defying him? And so I took on the yoke of duty and agreed to marry Penelope.”

  “I take it the marriage was not a happy one.”

  “No.” The terse word said it all.

  Nolan couldn’t imagine the kind of empty, loveless life his father had led. “Do you regret wasting your life like that—married to a woman you didn’t love?” He didn’t care if he pushed the limits of his father’s tolerance. He needed to find out if Edward might be inclined to view his marriage to Hannah in a more favorable light and not solely as a means to legitimize an heir.