by Lucy Langton
“Please,” she said, reaching out her hands, begging the earl to stand. Despite her joy, to Emilia the venture seemed impossible.
“I have asked you a question,” the earl said, refusing to get off his knee.
“M’Lord, please understand that this cannot be,” Emilia said.
“Of course it can be. I am the lord of this manor and I will have what I want.”
“You know as well as I do, M’Lord, that we come from entirely different stations in life. You are a titled gentleman, and I’m a servant in your house.”
“You are not a servant. Don’t use that word in describing yourself.”
“But I’m a member of the staff. I have no family to speak of, no title, no breeding.”
“You are a lady of exceptional breeding,” the earl said, reaching out to take her hand. Although Emilia tried to pull away, the earl would not let go. “Emilia Stewart, will you make me the happiest man in the world and be my wife?”
“Please,” she protested once more.
“I will only accept a yes or no answer, and I will no longer tolerate excuses,” the earl said with a laugh. Emilia could not help but smile as well, and she noticed that her face was wet with tears.
“I . . . I . . . ” Emilia stuttered.
“Damnit, just say yes, Emilia,” the earl said, his own voice choked with emotion.
She couldn’t bear to stand in that position any longer, looking down at the earl whilst he gazed up at her in anticipation. Emilia fell to her knees, bringing herself to the earl’s level, and spoke the truth of her heart.
“I’m not an appropriate match for you, M’Lord.”
“Call me Joshua,” he said, bringing a hand to her cheek.
“Joshua,” she went on, enjoying the sound of it on her lips. “I’m not the right choice.”
“You are the most appropriate choice. The most right. You have saved me and my family with your courage and strength. You have schooled my sister and made her into the glowing young lady who just ran through this door. And what’s more, you have transformed this dark castle into a home. There is no other woman in the world who could have done all that, and because of it, I refuse to take anyone else to be my wife. And what’s more, had you not done any of that, I would still be in love with you for reasons that I cannot describe.”
“Your words move me,” Emilia said, brushing away the tears with the back of her hand.
“Then just say yes, Emilia. I’m going to ask you for the third and last time. Emilia Stewart, will you be my wife? Mother to Deirdre, and Countess of Cunningham?”
Emilia became still and silent. It was as though the earth stopped spinning, time came to a halt, and all the worries and cares that she ever felt in her life were extinguished into nothingness. She was happy, truly and intensely happy in a way she never thought possible.
“Yes,” Emilia said softly, bringing her hand over the earl’s, which was still resting on her cheek.
“You are my greatest joy,” the earl said, bringing his face close to hers. “You are my treasure, Emilia, and I will do everything in my power to make you happy, for the rest of your days.”
“I am already happy,” Emilia said. “Infinitely happy.”
They locked lips, passion flowing through them. Finally, the earl stood and grasped the sides of Emilia’s arms, pulling her up with him. Then he lifted her off the ground and gazed up at her, his face jubilant.
“Emilia,” he said, grasping her to his chest and holding her tight. She felt as light as air when she was in the earl’s arms, and she cried for joy.
“Put me down!”
“I’ll never put you down,” the earl quipped, dancing about the study with Emilia held high.
“What if the servants should see?”
“Let them see. You’re my wife. You’re my beautiful wife!” he cried.
For some time they remained in the study, kissing and holding one another, enjoying those moments of peace before they were to share their good news with the rest of the house, and eventually face the judgement of proper society. Although Emilia could have remained in that room forever, locked in the earl’s embrace, she knew it was time to tell Deirdre. She’d be the first to know, followed by Winnifred.
“It’s time,” Emilia said, getting up to move towards the door.
“Wait,” the earl protested, grabbing her hand before she could go and pulling her back. “One more kiss, my love.”
Chapter 27
Surrounding Emilia on all sides was commotion. Miles was in conference with the gardeners, ensuring that the execution of the outdoor labyrinth was well underway. Winnifred was in close conference with the kitchen staff, preparing the dinner. It was to be one of the best Easter meals that Glastonbrook had ever known, and Emilia was struck with the need to help in any way possible.
“Rest yourself, my love,” the earl said, wearing his best morning suit.
“But they need my help,” Emilia protested.
“They need you to be a healthy, strong mother,” the earl replied, reaching down and placing a hand on Emilia’s blossoming belly.
“I must admit to feeling a bit of fatigue,” she said, although hating to admit to it. The general good cheer of Glastonbrook, and all the vital energy of the estate, infused Emilia’s life in countless ways. Yet she still had to admit that she was mortal and being six months ripe with child took its toll.
“Let me at least admire the table decorations for a bit,” Emilia said.
“All right, have a look,” the earl said, placing his two hands upon her shoulders. “But then you will lie down until tea.”
“As you wish, M’Lord,” Emilia replied with a wry smile, accepting the generous kiss that he placed upon her lips.
They were enjoying marital bliss, that much was certain. It wasn’t long after their stately wedding by the sea that Emilia became ripe with their future heir. Although she was often told that, after marriage, the passion between husband and wife would dissipate, Emilia did not find that to be the case. In fact, her longing and love for her husband only grew with time, and her husband’s hunger and love had done the same. She could only imagine what their marriage might be like two, five, ten years from then.
“The child will be a girl,” Emilia said warmly.
“That is fine by me,” the earl replied.
“Is it?” Emilia asked, surprised that he should be so calm about not receiving a male heir.
“Yes, for two reasons.”
“Share them with me.”
“Well, for one thing. The girl will have your beauty. And I can’t get enough beauty in this house.”
“And the second reason?” Emilia asked, a warm flush coming to her cheek.
“It means that we’ll have to have another child, and with haste,” he said, leaning in to give her a kiss again.
“And if it’s another girl?”
“Well, I suppose that we’ll just have to keep trying, won’t we?”
“Tough work,” Emilia quipped.
“It’s a challenge I’m willing to undertake,” the earl said, looking lovingly into his wife’s eyes.
As Emilia made her way to the dining room in order to see the Easter table, she marvelled at how much easier her union to the earl was than she’d expected. Certainly, she thought that proper society would shun them, since it was a marriage of two who came from very different stations in life. But what she found was quite the opposite. Society embraced them with open arms, and parties and galas at Glastonbrook were frequent. Emilia loved the parties, because she enjoyed all the planning. Since becoming pregnant, it was Winnifred who took charge, commanding the staff as best she could. Miles helped as well, yet he was much less adept at table decoration and food and wine pairing.
“Exquisite,” Emilia said in wonder as she entered the dining room. In truth, it was one of the best table decorations she had ever seen. There was a cornucopia of jellies on display in the centre, various candelabras with glittering white tapers, orna
mental birds and flowers, as well as crystal eggs, expertly purchased from an Oriental tradesman who only sold the best goods.
“Do you like it, M’Lady?” Winnifred asked, coming up behind her. She gave her mistress a knowing glance.
“Winnifred, you have outdone yourself,” Emilia replied. It was still difficult for her to accept that she was the lady of the house, and to hear Winnifred refer to her as ‘M’Lady’, but she was adjusting to it. She missed the times when she and Winnifred would sit up late in the kitchen, eating snacks and talking of gossip. Yet still, every once in a while, when she could not sleep, she’d sneak out of the earl’s room and come down to the kitchen and chew on bread and cheese with her dear friend.
“The harp will arrive at seven,” Winnifred added.
“How extravagant,” Emilia said.
“Only the best.”
It seemed over the top, but there were twenty guests arriving at Glastonbrook that night, and to be met with harp for a fine Easter dinner was the order of the day. Emilia thought it a nice touch and she knew that her guests would feel the same.
“Emilia!” Deirdre cried, running into the room.
“My darling,” Emilia said, embracing her sister-in-law. Although they were considered sisters in a way, Emilia still felt a maternal connection to Deirdre. Especially considering that Deirdre was successfully introduced into society and making a fine show of herself. There were countless gentlemen in Castle Comb and beyond who were vying for her hand, and Emilia was there to ensure that only the best one secure it.
Not only was she popular with society’s most eligible gentlemen, but Emilia had to admit that Deirdre had also turned into a fine woman that Glastonbrook could be proud of. She was bright, intelligent, witty, held her head up straight, and was prepared for what would come her way in life. Emilia was confident that she’d find the proper husband and command a beautiful home of her own. Oh, but it would still be painful to see her go.
Not only was she capable, Deirdre was also popular, something that Emilia relished in. She thought it so important that Deirdre have many female friends in her life, those she could trust.
Thankfully, two of her greatest friends were Lady Sophie and Lady Anne, which delighted Emilia to no end. They’d be in attendance at the Easter dinner, of course, as would Lady Barbara.
It was another shock about entering into proper society that Emilia had to marvel at. She was sure she’d never make friends. Who would want to start a friendship with a girl who came from a lowly upbringing? But to her surprise, Emilia found she had a whole host of lady friends, and she delighted in inviting them over for afternoon teas. One of her most unexpected friends was none other than Lady Barbara Hutchinson herself, her former employer. Emilia felt that she owed so much to Lady Barbara, and that’s why when she was in attendance, only the finest tea and food were served.
“I can smell the meat,” Emilia said, closing her eyes.
“I think the potatoes will be to your liking. They’re from the garden, and I’ve mashed them in cream.”
“Delightful,” Emilia replied.
“I made two tarts, but feared that they wouldn’t be enough,” Winnifred went on. “And that’s why I made two more, just in case.”
“I think that shall be enough.”
“Well you never know. Should we run out I’ll quickly make another.”
“What would I do without you?”
“I’m sure you’d get on just fine.”
Just then, amidst the hustle and bustle, the earl entered and all eyes turned towards him. It was the custom whenever the earl entered the room for the servants to take note, walk more softly, speak only in whispers, and bow their heads whenever he passed. They could be much more casual in front of Emilia, not because they didn’t respect her as much, but merely her presence put them more at ease.
“May I have a moment alone with my wife?” he said.
There was no verbal reply to this but rather all the servants exited the room at once, as if by magic. Emilia stood by the table, awaiting what her husband had to say.
“You’re going to make them so cross with you,” Emilia said, watching as her husband slowly walked towards her, his eyes fixed on her own. “They have a great deal more work to do.”
“You know, the one downside to restoring Glastonbrook to its glory days is that I don’t get enough time alone with you,” the earl said.
“You get plenty of time.”
“I’m greedy.”
“Do you like it?” Emilia asked, motioning towards the table.
“Elegant as ever.”
“You look troubled,” Emilia said, noting something different in her husband’s expression.
“I have some news to share with you,” the earl said, placing his hands upon Emilia’s waist.
“And what is that?”
“Lady Spencer has been found guilty.”
Although she was filled with shock, Emilia didn’t know why she should be. It was obvious that the woman was guilty, but finally the authorities had found enough evidence to convict her.
“What is her punishment?” Emilia asked.
The earl did not speak, but rather brought his lips to Emilia’s forehead, calming her. It was clear from his action that Lady Spencer was to receive an unfortunate punishment, and that the earl did not wish to utter it in words.
“I see.”
“Justice is served,” he said, stroking Emilia’s hair.
“And Hugh?” Emilia asked.
“The last I heard, he went off to Wales in order to seek employment. He hoped that word of his past would not reach him there.”
“And has it?” Emilia asked.
“As far as I can tell, it has been a difficult journey. Last I heard he joined a band of pirates,” the earl said.
“You’re being humorous with me,” Emilia replied.
“I’m not. He’s employed on a boat, serving as a pirate.”
“I’m not as gullible as you think, husband,” Emilia said indignantly.
“Very well,” the earl said, bringing his lips down to kiss Emilia upon the nose.
“Come, let us allow the servants to come back in to finish their preparations. The guests will be here before we know it.”
“If you insist, wife.”
“And I must be dressed now in my Easter gown. Heaven knows if it will even fit me. I feel about to burst. I love you so,” she said, suddenly feeling tears coming to her eyes. They were tears of gratitude, love and awe at her good fortune for having married Lord Joshua Forest.
“I love you more, wife. Always know that.”
*
And so the servants were allowed to enter the dining room yet again and the preparations were complete in no time. The guests arrived for the meal and Glastonbrook shone as bright as any star in the night sky. The harp was played to perfection, the meal was utterly delectable, the decorations shone. Never was Glastonbrook so filled with happy, smiling faces. Even when the former earl was still alive, the house did not know so much joy.
As the earl enjoyed his dinner, then brandy and a cigar, he looked about him at the general good cheer, and marvelled how it was all possible. His whole life had been transformed by a simple governess; a woman of lowly birth, who had become his heart and soul.
THE END
Can't get enough of Emilia and Joshua? Then make sure to check out the Extended Epilogue to find out…
How does Emilia help Deirdre find the right match for her?
What beautiful gift does the Earl give Emilia?
What wonderful surprise awaits everyone on Glastonbrook on Christmas morning?
Click the link or enter it into your browser
http://lucylangton.com/emilia
(After reading the Extended Epilogue, turn the page to read the first chapters from “Seduced by the Devilish Lord”, my Amazon Best-Selling novel!)
Seduced by the Devilish Lord
Introduction
When a letter arrived in Emil
y’s hands, her whole world was shaken. Her engagement to Lewis, the son of the Earl of Huntingdon was brazenly cancelled and her life spiraled down. All she was left with is her family and writing. Now, she has no option but to try and stand on her own feet again. Will she be able to overcome rejection and find true love again?
Charles Scarsdale is the second son of the Duke of Richmond, but if he had not been born a peer, it would have made no difference to him. After meeting Emily in the most unlikely of situations there is an instant passion growing between them. Charles is desperately searching for a good manuscript, and he is lucky enough to finally find it. But, is it a coincidence that the manuscript is written by the passionate young Lady or pure fate?