The Unwanted Earl (The Love Bird Series)

by Hartman, Ruth J.

  He spread his hands apart, palms up. “I’m not telling you this for your sympathy. Not in the least.”

  “Then why are you telling me?”

  Here comes the difficult part. “You see, along with the debts that my father saddled us with, my mother is also very, shall we say, demanding.”

  “Go on.”

  “She’d made it abundantly clear that she expected me to rectify our financial situation soon. By any means possible.”

  “Are you saying that if it hadn’t been for your mother…?”

  “I would never have pursued Lucy. At all.”

  “My goodness. I’m beginning to see how it was, then.”

  “My mother is also quite angry with me for being unsuccessful in my marriage pursuit.”

  “Incredible. If I may ask, Lofton…?”

  “Please, you have a right to ask me anything, and I will answer.”

  “Just how dire is your financial situation?”

  “Quite dire, I’m afraid. I’ve been late in paying my bills for an embarrassingly long time. The grocer, baker, tailor… The milliner and Mantua-maker for my mother. And yet, she just keeps on spending.”

  “I’ve heard of women like that. Thankfully, Lucy…”

  “No, Lucy would never cause you a moment’s concern, I’m sure. You’re very fortunate to have her for your wife.”

  Oliver shifted in his seat. “Did you ever have feelings for her?”

  Conrad started shaking his head before Oliver was finished speaking. “No. I didn’t. Not as more than a friend.”

  “But you were so persistent in your quest for her hand.”

  With a shrug and sad smile, Conrad said one word. “Mother.”

  “So everything you did…”

  “Everything. Pursuing Lucy. Making a nuisance of myself to her. And to you.” He glanced away. “Blackmailing her father and…”

  “And taking a payoff from me to stay away from Lucy and her family.”

  “I’m afraid so.”

  “I think I’m getting a clearer picture of things now. In light of all that you’ve told me, is there a reason for your visit besides the apology and explanation?”

  It was Conrad’s turn to fidget in his seat.

  “Please, Lofton. You’ve come this far and have told me some very personal things, some of which I’m sure you wouldn’t tell to anyone else. Go a step further and tell me the rest of the purpose for your visit.”

  As difficult as it had been to tell Oliver of his debt, his request would be even more painful to ask. But if he didn’t say the words now, he might not ever have the courage again. “Now that I’ve confided in you about my current state of affairs, I’ve come to ask you a… favor.” He looked Oliver in the eye. Would the other man pick now to balk at him? Send him on his way?

  “I thought as much.”

  “But—”

  “It’s all right, Lofton. Really. In light of all you’ve told me, if I had been in your shoes, I might have done the same.”

  “You? You might have?”

  “Absolutely. Desperate men do desperate things, do they not?”

  “Yes, I’m afraid desperate describes my situation perfectly.”

  For the first time since their meeting had begun, a smile graced Oliver’s face. “How can I help you?”

  A huge burden slipped from Conrad’s shoulders as well as from his mind. “There’s a business venture I’m interested in. I’ve checked it out and it’s quite reliable. My only problem is I have no…”

  “Capital?”

  “Precisely.”

  “And you say it’s reliable?”

  “Very. With my current situation, I’d not even chance it otherwise.”

  Oliver clasped his hands in his lap. “I’ll want to check into the venture myself, you understand, but barring any problems, I see no reason why we can’t work together on this project.”

  Surprise widened his eyes, despite his efforts to keep his emotions under control. “Truly?”

  “Truly.”

  “Thank you. I am in your deepest debt.”

  “After what you’ve endured at the hands of your parents, let’s not use the word debt.”

  Conrad cleared his throat. “Agreed.”

  “I’ll see to it that you have a substantial advance to see you through for the time being until we can get the business venture in place.”

  “Thank you. You are most generous.”

  “Is there… something else?”

  Should he tell Oliver of the bizarre happenings of the night previous? Why not? He’d come this far. “It appears as if… I may be betrothed.”

  “Is that so? Who’s the bride-to-be?”

  Conrad lowered his voice. “Miss Talbot.”

  A smile lifted the corners of Oliver’s mouth.

  Conrad tilted his head. “What’s the smile for?”

  “I remembered how you’d watched her with interest that day at the Bird Sanctuary.”

  “The day you paid me off.”

  “Yes.”

  “Which, by the way, I intend to repay you in full as well as any other money you loan me, once I’m on my feet.”

  “I believe you. But I do think you’re changing the subject from your betrothal, Lofton.”

  Conrad shifted his gaze to his boots. “Perhaps I am.”

  “Why? Don’t you wish to marry her? She is quite lovely.”

  Now would come the hardest admission of all. “Since I’ve disclosed so much of my personal affairs, I feel I can trust you with one more thing. And this is something that must not be repeated.”

  “Of course.”

  “For several years now, I’ve known the truth of my parentage. Or rather, the truth of whom my father was not.”

  “I don’t understand. Was he not Lord Lofton?”

  Conrad pinched the bridge of his nose between his thumb and forefinger. “No. My mother… she was expecting when she met him.”

  “I see.”

  “And she lied to Lord Lofton and passed me off as his son.”

  “So in truth, you’re really not…”

  “No. I am not an earl.”

  “Incredible.”

  “At the least, yes.”

  “What does this have to do with your betrothal?”

  “Somehow, Miss Talbot found out this information and is using it to her advantage.”

  “To force you to marry her.”

  Conrad moved his head side to side. “Ironic, is it not?” It would be laughable if it weren’t painful to think about.

  “Very much so.”

  “If this information were ever to get out, my mother and I would be ruined. Even more than our being in debt. The scandal would rock the entire ton to its core and we would have to vacate our home. And probably even London.”

  “So even though you are attracted to Miss Talbot…”

  “I can’t afford a bride. I can’t even support myself and my mother.”

  “If things were different, would you be averse to marrying her?”

  “Of course not.” Perspiration formed beneath his gloves. “But under the circumstances, it would be a lie. And we both know that I’m a master of those.”

  Oliver held up a finger to make his point. “That was in the past, though.”

  “Yes. In the past.”

  “Since you and I are, shall we say, going to be partners, and with the advance I’ll give you within two days’ time, it shouldn’t be a problem for you to support your intended.”

  Thoughts of Amelia, the way she’d touched Conrad, kissed him, brought heat to his belly and lower. No. This was not the time to think of that. Of her. Soon, though, very soon they would be wed. Then they would be able to…

  He directed his focus back to Oliver. “About what we discussed… If you have further kindness in your heart, I’d appreciate the truth about my father not getting out.”

  Oliver edged forward and extended his hand and they shook on the agreement. “You have my word.”<
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  “Have your word for what?” The door to the study clicked shut. Conrad hadn’t even heard it open. Shock washed over him as he stared at the new person in their midst. Lucy, now Mrs. Oliver Shipley, stood across the room. She frowned. “Conrad? What are you doing here?”

  He stood and nodded. But no words came. He’d neither seen nor spoken to her since he’d tried to force her to marry him by blackmailing her father.

  Oliver stepped across the room and took his wife’s hand. “Darling, Lofton has come by to ask a favor of me.”

  Lucy bristled. “A favor? What right have you to…?”

  Conrad winced. He’d gotten through his meeting with Oliver with better results than he’d had a right to expect. But Lucy…

  Oliver led his wife across the room and waited as she sat on the chair across from Conrad. She glared. “Whatever gave you the notion that we owe you anything?”

  “Darling…” Oliver sat down beside her.

  Conrad held up a hand. “No, she’s right.”

  Lucy frowned. “What’s going on here?”

  Oliver glanced at Conrad and raised his eyebrows. Conrad nodded.

  “Lucy, Lofton came by today to apologize. For everything.”

  She leveled a stare at Conrad. “I see.” She turned to her husband. “And you believe him?”

  “I do.”

  “You do?”

  “Yes. He’s explained to me the reasons behind why he acted as he did toward me and you.”

  “Is that so? And what would those be?”

  Again, Oliver looked at Conrad, who nodded his assent. It was easier that way. He wasn’t sure he could say all of the words again.

  “You see, it was never Lofton’s idea to… pursue you as he did.”

  “It wasn’t?” She looked at Conrad. He shook his head, but couldn’t force any sound past his lips.

  “No, his father…”

  Conrad’s heart jumped. Surely Oliver wouldn’t reveal his parentage? But his breathing calmed when Oliver smiled at him.

  “His father left Lofton and Lady Lofton in a huge world of debt. So much so that he was forced, out of desperation, to seek out means of which he wouldn’t normally attempt. Or even think of attempting.”

  Lucy frowned. “I find this difficult to believe.”

  Time to own up to her. It was the least he could do after all he’d put her through. “Lucy, it’s all true. It was my mother’s idea for me to try to get you to marry me… for your inheritance.”

  She pressed her hand to her lips. “Truly?”

  “Yes. Even so, I am extremely sorry for everything I did and said. And though I don’t deserve it, will never deserve it, I hope someday you’ll have it in your heart to forgive me.”

  Lucy leaned forward and touched his arm lightly. “Oh, Conrad, I… I do forgive you. I can only imagine how you must have felt while doing your mother’s bidding. After having met her on several occasions, I have to admit she’s a force to be reckoned with.”

  Was it possible? They both believed him? And Oliver was willing to help him? It was more than he’d ever had the right to expect. To even dream about.

  She studied him to the point he began to fidget. “Conrad, you look… different. Have you perhaps put on a little weight?”

  “Thankfully, yes. I know I was painfully thin for a time.” He reached up and rubbed his jaw. “But that’s what a bad toothache will do for you. When it’s painful to chew, you don’t want to eat very much.”

  “Ah… that explains… quite a bit.”

  Conrad raised his eyebrows but didn’t question her. Better not to rock the boat when the water seemed calm at present.

  Chapter Six

  Conrad entered his house as soon as Giles opened the door. The butler’s hair was mussed, as was his shirt.

  “Visiting the closet again, Giles?”

  Red suffused his face, and he coughed. “I… well…”

  Conrad removed his hat and gloves and handed them to the butler. “Never mind. I guess it’s good someone in this house is lucky in love.”

  “P-pardon, my lord?”

  “Stop sputtering, man. You’ll not continue to impress the maids if you look the fool.”

  “Of course, my lord.”

  “Where might Lady Lofton happen to be?”

  “In the parlor.”

  “Is she alone?”

  “Yes, my lord. She’s in there admiring her new… hats.”

  “Hats? As in more than one?”

  Giles nodded.

  Conrad mumbled a curse. “Well, that’s just perfect.” He stomped a few steps toward the parlor and then stopped. He turned back to face Giles. “Thank you.”

  Giles’ mouth gaped open and then he snapped it closed. “Certainly… my lord.”

  Guess it will take awhile for the servants to accept that I’m trying to change. Not that I blame them. Turning back, Conrad resumed his quest to see his mother. Although it wasn’t going to be pleasant. Not about the hats. Nor about the news he had for her.

  When he reached the parlor doorway, he stopped. His mother sat amid at least thirty boxes. Hats of pink, white, blue, green and peach were strewn about the floor. Where did she think the money was coming from? The air?

  Conrad inhaled deeply and tried to relax. Thanks to Oliver, his financial burden was now under control. That still didn’t excuse Mother from spending needlessly. If she knew about the meeting with Oliver, she might take it as an open invitation to spend even more.

  No, he’d not tell her. At least not yet. But about his other news… Yes, much as he hated to, he had to tell her about Amelia. Because very soon, there would be a new Lady Lofton in the manor.

  “Hello, Mother.”

  She looked up with a wide smile. “Conrad. There you are. Aren’t they lovely?”

  He stepped into the room carefully, watching his step so as not to squash any of the precious hats. “Yes, they’re adorable.”

  Her smile flitted away. “Are you being sarcastic?”

  “How did you guess?”

  “That’s not very nice of you.”

  Conrad stepped closer, his boot barely missing a long yellow ribbon that adorned a light green bonnet. “I thought we’d agreed to watch our spending.”

  “Perhaps you agreed. I, for one, need to look my best. As the widow of an earl and the mother of his successor, it’s expected of me.”

  Conrad spotted a clear patch of floor and angled his boot to fit into it. An inch in any direction would cause the demise of any number of hats or their embellishments. From there, he hopped over a stack of three boxes until he reached the settee and sat down.

  His mother frowned at him, but said nothing.

  “About that… you being the mother of the successor…”

  “Yes, what of it?”

  “Since we both know that I’m not really—”

  “Not that again? Why can’t you let it drop? You and I are the only ones who know, so—”

  He held up a hand to stop her. “Actually, no.”

  “Pardon?”

  “There seems to be a new development.”

  She stood and brushed the wrinkles from her skirt. As she looked for a place to step, she shook her head.

  Conrad sighed, stood back up and extended his hand to assist her to the settee. She grabbed onto him, nearly pulling him over. He winced when she clutched so tightly that his hand went numb. With a hard tug, he freed his hand but the momentum also caused his mother to hurtle toward him. As he moved out of her path, she landed with a plop on the soft cushion of the settee.

  And bounced.

  Oh dear.

  “Was that really necessary, Conrad?”

  “Necessary or not, I needed you to sit down. There’s something of great importance we must discuss.”

  She lowered her eyebrows and smoothed her skirt across her chubby knees. “Now what in the blazes were you saying about some new development?”

  How to begin? May as well just blurt it right ou
t. “Someone else knows about me. About whom I am not.”

  “What?”

  Her screech sounded like one of the awful birds from the Sanctuary. He shuddered. “A young woman somehow found out about me not actually being an earl.”

  “That’s not possible.”

  “I beg to differ. She told me herself.”

  Mother’s hands clapped to the side of her chubby cheeks. “This is terrible! Now what do we do? I suppose the wench wants money for her silence.”

  “First of all, she’s not a wench. Secondly, we have no money with which to pay her, remember?”

  “Then what does she want?”

  Conrad blinked. “Me.”

  “I don’t understand.”

  “She wants a husband.”

  “And she picked you?” Mother cackled a loud laugh.

  Conrad’s mouth dropped open like a dead fish on market day. “Now there’s a wonderful endorsement from one’s own mother.”

  She had the grace to at least blush. “That may have come out differently than I’d intended.”

  “I can’t imagine how that sentiment would ever put your son in a positive light, Mother.”

  “Never mind about that.” She waved a hand at him. “Who is this wen— this woman?”

  “Miss Amelia Talbot.”

  “Of the Mayfair Talbots?”

  He nodded.

  “Then our problems are solved.”

  “How did you come to that conclusion?”

  “Her family is rich.”

  “Apparently, she wants to marry me for the reason that she believes I am rich, so that won’t work.”

  “But you’re not rich.”

  As he eyed the multitude of boxes strewn about the room, a furrow formed on his brow. “It would seem one of us thinks I am.”

  His mother bit her lip and glanced from one side of the room to the other. “Perhaps I could return one or two of them.”

  “One or two?”

  “Very well, I’ll return more than that.”

  He crossed his arms.

  “You want me to return all of them? But they’re each and every one so pretty.”

  “You may keep one.”

  “One? How will I ever choose?”

  “Pretend they’re your children and you can only keep the one you love the most. Oh wait, I forgot that you think so little of the one you do have.”

  “Oh pooh. You took my comment the wrong way.”