by Dawn Brower
Forever
My Earl
Dawn Brower
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
Forever My Earl © 2017 Dawn Brower
Cover art by Victoria Miller
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced electronically or in print without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews.
Table of Contents
Title Page
Copyright Page
Dedication
PROLOGUE
CHAPTER ONE
CHAPTER TWO
CHAPTER THREE
CHAPTER FOUR
CHAPTER FIVE
CHAPTER SIX
CHAPTER SEVEN
CHAPTER EIGHT
CHAPTER NINE
CHAPTER TEN
EPILOGUE
Separated from My Love | Linked Across Time | Book Seven | Dawn Brower
PROLOGUE
About the Author
Books by Dawn Brower
Dedication
It can be so easy to give up on love. Even when it seems all hope is lost don’t lose faith. One day you might be surprised and find what you’ve been looking for staring you in the face. So this book is for all the believers in love.
PROLOGUE
June 1804
The castle sat in the middle of rolling green hills. In the distance waves could be heard crashing on the shore of a nearby beach. Miss Hannah Knight had read about castles. In some ways this one lived up to her imagination. It was enormous in size, but it lacked a moat. She had really hoped she would be able to cross a real drawbridge like a medieval princess. Some dreams weren’t meant to happen. Honestly, how could she have believed the wilds of Kent would have lived up to her silly fantasies?
“How long will we be at Manchester Castle, Mama?” Hannah asked.
Lady Redding, her mother, smiled down at her. “A little over a fortnight poppet, I promised Lady Manchester we’d stay for a nice long visit. You’re one of her goddaughters and she hoped to have all three of you to herself for a time.”
Hannah nibbled on her lip in an unlady like manner. She’d only met Lady Manchester a few times when she was younger. This was her sixteenth summer and in a couple short years her mother promised she’d have her come out. She was too young to enter society yet. This was the conciliation her mother had given her—time spent with Lady Manchester in a real castle. So far she was mildly disappointed, but maybe the inside would make up for the lack of a drawbridge.
The carriage rolled along the road and bounced over several bumps or rocks. Hannah jostled in her seat and continued to stare at the castle. The distance was getting narrower and she could almost make out some of the fine details. The sound of hoof beats on the ground caught her attention. She shifted her gaze and saw a male riding a beautiful white horse. The kind fairytales brought to life. Her breath stilled and her heart beat rapidly in her chest. They were both beautiful. He had dark chestnut hair that curled around his ears as the wind blew it into a fine disarray. His riding breaches were form fitting he must have decided against a riding jacket and cravat because he wore a billowy white shirt that rippled in the breeze.
“Mama,” Hannah said gesturing toward the handsome male. “Who is that?”
“It’s rude to wave like that dear,” she brought her hand up and stilled Hannah’s. “I’m not sure, but it must be one of Lady Manchester’s sons.”
Her mother hadn’t mentioned that there might be potential suitors there. Oh, he was so fine-looking. She couldn’t wait to meet him in person. Would he have brown eyes or perhaps blue. Did it really matter? If there was such a thing as love at first sight Hannah had fallen willingly and completely into it. Maybe some dreams do come true...
“Do you know their names?” Hannah asked hopefully.
She wanted to ask more than that. How old were they. Were they married or betrothed. So much she didn’t know and she felt woefully ill prepared for all of it. The carriage couldn’t reach the castle entrance fast enough.
“One of them is the Earl of Manchester,” her mother said. “Nathanial Edwards or rather, Lord Manchester to you dear.” Was the male on the horse Lord Manchester? She wanted to find out and give a name to his perfect face. Her mother continued, “He is betrothed to Lady Lenora Andersen. They’re to be married while we are here.”
Hannah’s heart fell at her words. If it was the same male then he would never be hers. It was ridiculous of her to think she had a chance anyway. She was as plain as a girl could be. She had dark brown hair and equally dull brown eyes. No one ever stopped to look twice at her. Lady Lenora was a lucky girl to be marrying such an attractive man.
The carriage came to a stop in front of the castle. The horse thundered past it and the male stopped by the door. A stable boy took the reins from him and led the horse away. The man turned toward the carriage and nodded at someone Hannah couldn’t see.
The door to the carriage swung open and she met the gorgeous male’s gaze. His eyes were blue. That didn’t describe them nearly enough. They were a rich blue that matched the sea. His hair was even more beautiful in person. The rich chestnut was sprinkled with gold and it looked oh so soft. Hannah wished she was brazen enough to run her fingers through it to find out.
“Welcome to Manchester Castle,” he said. “May I assist from the carriage?”
“Where are your manners young man.” Her mother lifted a brow. “Properly introduce yourself first.”
Hannah giggled when he smiled sheepishly at her mother. “My apologies,” he said and bowed. “I am Lord Garrick Edwards and whose acquaintance am I making?” His gaze met Hannah’s again. She couldn’t answer him even if she wanted to. Her tongue wouldn’t move and her throat was starting to close up.
“I am Lady Redding and this is my daughter, Miss Hannah Knight.” She held her hand out to Lord Garrick. “Thank you for your assistance.”
He helped her mother out of the carriage and then returned to assist Hannah. She wanted to thank him. It was the right thing to do but her tongue was still not functioning as it should. Would she ever get over her the infernal shyness that plagued her?
“My mother has been expecting you,” he said. “Lady Lakeville, Lady Lenora, and Lady Corinne are already here. It’s going to be a festive two weeks up until the wedding. I hope you’re prepared for it all.”
Who was Lady Corinne? Was Lord Garrick betrothed to her? When she’d first heard his name she’d been hopeful once again. He wasn’t the earl who was about to marry. He was free if she... Well there went her foolish mind again thinking she had a chance with a man so handsome. Of course he would be taken with someone else. Lady Corinne was probably beautiful and his equal in everything—even for a second son such as Lord Garrick.
“It will be good to see Lady Lakeville again,” her mother said wistfully. “It’s been too long.”
Her mother didn’t leave Redding Manor enough. She often talked about her best friend and how she missed her. This visit was as much for Lady Redding as it was for Hannah.
“I’ll escort you inside,” Lord Garrick said. “They were in the salon gossiping when I left for my ride.”
The door swung open and a stiff older butler stood on the threshold. He lifted his chin up in the air as they approached. Lord Garrick nodded at him and the butler stepped aside.
“Bentley are the ladies still in the salon,” Lord Garrick asked.
The butler nodded, “Yes, my lord.”
Lord Garrick led them to the salon. The lad
ies were all sitting perfectly poised and drinking tea from dainty cups. The two younger ladies were picture perfect. They both wore muslin gowns of delicate pink with white silk flourishes. They appeared so identical that at first Hannah thought they were twins. Their hair was golden blond and plaited into a knot at the back of their head and their eyes were so blue they rivaled Lord Garrick’s in beauty. No wonder one or both of them had already snared a marriage proposal. Lady Lenora was marrying into the Manchester line, but was Lady Corinne as well?
“Mother,” Lord Garrick said as he leaned down and kissed her cheek. “I bring you the last of your guests. Lady Leonora, Lady Corinne, Lady Lakeville—May I introduce you to Lady Redding and her daughter Miss Knight.” He gestured toward Hannah and her mother. “Now if you’ll excuse me I must wash from my ride.”
He bowed to the ladies and exited. Hannah tried her best not to stare but it was difficult. He was too handsome and she wanted to follow him where ever he went. It broke her heart to realize he would never be hers.
“Please have a seat and I’ll pour you both some tea. Excuse my son’s rudeness,” Lady Manchester said. Hannah sat on a nearby chaise and her mother sat beside her. “He has an unruly nature that nothing seems to tame. I do hope he curbs it before he throws himself into this war England’s found itself involved in.”
Hannah frowned. He was going to war? Her heart skipped a beat—no several beats—before she was able to calm herself down. The idea of him going into danger terrified her. He should stay in England where it was safe.
“I hadn’t realized he purchased a commission,” her mother said to Lady Manchester. “You didn’t mention that in your last correspondence.”
Lady Manchester sighed. “He informed us today at the morning meal. He’s been planning it for some time and only held off until now because of the upcoming wedding. He leaves the day after the ceremony. My heart can only take so much stress and that boy will be the death of me one day.”
Lady Lakeville lifted her hand to her chest. “Oh you poor dear...”
“I can’t imagine,” Hannah’s mother said sympathetically. “If I had a son I’d be terrified.”
War was on everyone’s mind, but it didn’t cross Hannah’s. What happened in the world around her had always taken a second seat to her books. She traveled by reading pages of masterful writing. Those places were her sanctuary when nothing else lived up to her expectations. She’d been instantly infatuated with Lord Garrick, but she didn’t really know him. That didn’t mean she wanted him to go off to war. What if he died? Suddenly the war seemed all too real. Lord Garrick was a living breathing person of her personal acquaintance now. It was hard to ignore something when it was thrust in front of you. In a perfect world they’d have the opportunity to learn more about each other. This war would prevent that and possibly much worse. Hannah had a reason to take notice now and she wasn’t likely to be so blasé about it in the future. A world without men such as Lord Garrick in it would be a travesty.
After a short visit Lady Manchester had the head housekeeper show them to their chambers. Hannah was grateful for it. Exhaustion was starting to set in and she wanted to rest before she was undone from traveling. Maybe she would learn how to work her tongue the next time she saw Lord Garrick. If she could manage it she wanted to ask him what made him decide to break his mother’s heart and run off to war.
***
A Fortnight later
Lord Garrick Edwards walked through the castle committing it to memory. In a short time he’d walk away from it and not look back. In the morning his brother was saying his vows. He’d start a family and they would no longer need the spare. The family line would be grounded in his brother’s children and Garrick wouldn’t have to look back. He would finally have the freedom he craved for a long time. He would be one and twenty in a few short months and he wanted to explore the world. Unfortunately with his country at war with France that was nearly impossible to do. Napoleon had plans to take over the very world he craved to see. So he’d do his duty and fight for the freedom’s Napoleon hoped to take away from so many. The man was a tyrant and must be squashed. So without telling his mother or his brother he’d purchased a commission.
He stopped at the library and entered. Reading hadn’t been one of his favorite past times, but perhaps a good book would help him. He was on edge and riding hadn’t help calm him like it usually did. Garrick stopped short when he caught the sight of familiar dark brown curls. Her gaze was focused on whatever she was reading. Honey flecks sparkled in her brown eyes and her bottom lip was plumped out. Miss Hannah Knight looked entirely kissable and he was the worst sort of cad for thinking so.
He moved to leave her in peace but she glanced up as he was turning to leave. Her gaze locked with his and he couldn’t leave her if he wanted to. His breath was knocked out of his lungs and he fought to breathe. She was a pretty girl but right in that moment she was beautiful and oh so alive.
“I didn’t mean to disturb you,” he said.
“You didn’t,” she mumbled brushing a stray lock of hair back and shifting her gaze away from him.
Why did she always do that? Did he scare her? She was undeniably young and perhaps she hadn’t had much time out in society yet. What made her so shy?
“What are you reading?”
She shrugged. “Nothing of import...”
He lifted his lips into a smile. “It must be interesting to have you so enthralled. Let me see it.” Garrick snatched the book from her hands and read the spine. “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” He lifted a brow. “Why would you hide that you’re reading this?” Some believed it to be romantic drivel, but it was harmless reading material.
She shrugged. “Some don’t understand why I love to read.”
He didn’t comprehend why. There was nothing wrong with a girl liking books. Garrick personally didn’t like them, but he still read one from time to time. The play by Shakespeare was actually one of his favorites. “Which character is your favorite?”
Miss Knight nibbled on her bottom lip. He found it utterly adorable. “I suppose I’m supposed to like Helena or Hermia—at the very least relate to them on some level since they are young females in love.”
He shrugged. “I don’t see how one has to do with the other. You’re entitled to like whatever character you like.” He winked. “As long as you explain to me why you like them. You’ve peaked my curiosity.”
“I like Puck,” she said sheepishly. “He is so fun and mischievous. I wish that I could be like him in some ways. Not once does he question if he should do something. He does it no matter the consequences. There is a certain bravery in that.” She shrugged. “Or stupidity. Either way it would be lovely to be carefree. He made mistakes but he owned them. In the end he’s the reason the two couples found the love they’d been searching for.”
The corner of his mouth twitched. She was smart and beautiful. It was such a lovely combination. “I rather admire the sprite myself,” he agreed. “He is witty and fun-loving.”
She smiled warmly at him. “People usually don’t like to talk about books with me. Thank you for being kind.”
He frowned. Kindness had nothing to do with it. Garrick handed the book back to her. She’d been quiet the entire time she’d been at Manchester Castle. This was the longest conversation he’d had with her. “If you didn’t hide behind books so much you might discover there is more of the world waiting for you.”
“I doubt it, my lord,” she said. “I’m not noteworthy enough. It’s all right. I’ve accepted that I’m meant to be a wallflower.”
“That’s ridiculous,” Garrick said and set the book on a nearby table. “What makes you think so low of yourself?”
Miss Hannah Knight was a lovely girl and it was a tragedy she believed herself forgettable. He wanted to do something for her so she’d think better of herself. Otherwise once she entered society they would trample all over her and leave her fragile ego even more shredded.
“I speak
the truth,” she replied. “No one notices me. It’s rare that anyone even tries. Books are the best friends I’ve ever had.”
That was sad and now he had to do something to change her mine. It was decided, the only question was what. She was exquisite and she shouldn’t put herself into the role of wallflower yet.
“I can see you don’t know how to respond to that,” she said as she stood. “Don’t worry over me. I’m going to be fine I don’t need to marry to find happiness. It is perfectly all right to be the love of your own life. I don’t define myself by what others think of me.” The corner of her lip tilted upward. “Truly I like who I am.”
His mouth fell open with surprise. She was cheeky and he liked her the more he talked with her. “I’m sorry I won’t be here to see you come out in society, sprite.”
“You won’t miss much,” she said sheepishly and glanced up to meet his gaze. “I’ve been told you’re to go to war.”
He nodded. For the first time he almost regretted that decision. Garrick hadn’t been lying. He was going to be sad not to be around for her come out. “I am. The day after my brother’s wedding.”
She nodded solemnly. “Duty is a hard burden to bear. I pray you return to us safely.”
Garrick wanted her to amend that statement. He wanted to return to her safely. She was an enigma he wanted to solve, and at the same time hoped to never truly figure out. Something in her called to him and he couldn’t put his finger on it. She started to nibble on her bottom lip again. He had to kiss her. It was probably wrong but one little taste wouldn’t hurt.
He leaned downed and pressed his lips to her. A spark lit through him at the touch. She gasped and her breath mingled with his. Perfect—she was everything he never thought he wanted for himself and he would not be able to claim. As much as he would like to he couldn’t make Miss Hannah Knight his. Garrick wasn’t the sort ladies married. He was too restless and had trouble settling down. Being shackled to him would only bring her misery. He’d never do that to her.