The Unwanted Earl (The Love Bird Series)

by Hartman, Ruth J.

  Lucy nodded.

  Warmth, the type that comes from knowing he had true friends who cared about him, encircled his heart. “Of course.”

  Mother joined them and stood next to Conrad. “Good heavens! What are those ducks doing? That’s disgusting!”

  Amelia and Lucy both bit their lips, holding back laughter. Oliver turned away, but his shoulders were shaking.

  Mrs. Talbot stepped forward on Mother’s left. “What’s all the fuss? Haven’t you seen a duck’s tail feathers before?”

  Her face reddened. “But… I… if that’s what you’re calling—” She pointed. “—that.”

  Seeing oneself through others’ eyes was quite revealing. Even more, recognizing his own flaws when viewing his mother’s would have been disheartening, had he not determined to change.

  The ducks quacked and made their peculiar proop-proop sound as he watched them swim about. Strange that he could stand at the water’s edge and no longer feel intense fear of being so close to them. He still didn’t love it as Amelia did, but it was definitely an improvement.

  His mother had her handkerchief out, holding it over her nose.

  The pond was quite smelly.

  Conrad clapped his hands once. “Let’s carry on, shall we? We’re on a mission today, are we not?”

  “Yes.” Amelia grabbed his arm. “I want the reception to be at the Sanctuary, but still haven’t found that perfect place.”

  Mother grumbled and followed them back across the muddy grass, although she and Mrs. Talbot were consistently several paces behind the younger set.

  Next they came upon a larger pond. The goose pond. Conrad shivered as he remembered being submerged in the cold water in the not-so-distant past. His steps faltered, but once again Amelia yanked him forward, forcing him to face his winged nemesis.

  “Look.” Amelia pointed. “It’s that same goose. And…” She squinted. “It has my handkerchief. In its bill.”

  “Truly?” Conrad focused on the largest goose floating across the pond. It did indeed have a piece of pink cloth dangling from its bill. “It’s almost as if he’s taunting us with it.”

  “Too bad it’s ruined now, but I did love that handkerchief.” She gave Conrad’s hand a squeeze. “But don’t think I’ve forgotten your valiant efforts to make its recovery.”

  “I only wish I’d been successful.”

  She lowered her gaze to his lips. “You might not have been successful in the handkerchief’s retrieval, but I wouldn’t say you were unsuccessful.” Her lips curved in a smile.

  Was she remembering being flung atop him when she’d pulled him from the pond? Heat filled his core. “Ah… I see.”

  Lucy stepped beside Amelia. “Oh my, look at that.”

  Amelia peered at the water again. “You mean my handkerchief? Wait, is that goose wearing… a hat?”

  Lucy giggled. “Yes. That would be mine.”

  Oliver took his wife’s hand. “I can vouch for that.”

  “It’s true. Oliver tried so very hard to save my hat from the thieving goose, but all he ended up getting for his efforts was a fall in the pond.”

  He pressed his forehead against Lucy’s. “That’s not all I ended up with.” He smiled.

  Amelia raised her eyebrows and looked at Conrad. He shrugged. Seemed the goose was adept at not only thievery, but in bringing together couples, as well.

  A grove of trees shaded a large area to their right. Late season wildflowers of pink and yellow swayed in the gentle breeze a few yards away. The purring sound of turtledoves could be heard somewhere nearby. Conrad stopped and angled his head near Amelia’s. “What do you think?”

  She tapped her finger to her chin, spinning in a slow circle as she gazed up and down, right and left. “Yes. This might just do. It’s quiet and peaceful, with shelter from the sun or rain under the trees. I can hear the birds and see the flowers.” She threw her arms around his neck. “Thank you. It’s perfect.”

  Gasps arose from their mothers, who had finally caught up with them. Chubby fingers that Conrad recognized as his mother’s, wrapped around Amelia’s wrist to tug her away.

  “I’ll thank you, Miss Talbot, to kindly unhand my son. The earl.”

  Mrs. Talbot, not to be outdone, wagged her finger very near Conrad’s nose. “I’m sure you have something to do with this, Lord Lofton. You’ve obviously used your wiles on my daughter for her to react in such a way in public.”

  Mother number one and Mother number two then faced each other. They assumed identical poses. Feet set apart, Shoulders squared. Glares that could maim.

  Oh heavens! They look to be ready for a duel!

  Conrad and Oliver each took hold of one of Lady Lofton’s hands and pulled her away. Amelia and Lucy did the same with Mrs. Talbot. Conrad looked over his shoulder just as Amelia did the same. Their gazes met.

  What have we gotten ourselves into, Amelia?

  Chapter Twenty-five

  “Lord Lofton, someone is here to see you.” Giles had a look of distaste on his face.

  “Who is it, Giles?” Conrad looked up from buttoning his jacket.

  “She said her name was Miss Fletcher. She’s dressed as a commoner, so I cannot imagine her reason for simply appearing on your doorstep with a request to see you. Shall I send her away?” He turned partway back to the hall not even waiting for an answer of which he assumed would be assent.

  “No.”

  Giles stopped, angled back and raised his eyebrows. Would he think Conrad had reverted to his previous, grouchy self with the servants? That his recent kindness had been but a momentary lapse?

  “Pardon me, Giles, for my tone. But I wish to speak with her. Please show Miss Fletcher to the parlor. She is someone of great importance to me and may very well be a frequent visitor in the future. I would expect of you to be courteous to her.”

  With his eyebrows rising even higher, Giles blinked. “As you… wish, my lord.”

  Oh no… What I said might sound like she is my… That she and I… He held up his hand. “It’s not what you’re thinking.”

  “It’s not my place to think anything about… anything, my lord.” He coughed and slid a gaze to his right. Was he longing to escape the uncomfortable conversation? To flee to safer ground?

  “Nevertheless, it’s not what you’re thinking. Please just show her to the parlor, see that she is comfortable and I’ll be there momentarily.”

  “Certainly, my lord.” He turned and hurried from the doorway.

  In Conrad’s estimation, a nasty rumor would spread through the servants in the next few minutes. It never took long, once one of them latched onto a juicy bit of gossip that they thought would appeal to their contemporaries.

  I hope word of it doesn’t reach Amelia through her own servants. It seemed to happen all too frequently. That they delighted in sharing tales about their employers.

  If he told Amelia the truth, however, he ran the risk of her telling someone else about his true parentage. What would happen if the wrong person found out?

  I know what could happen… loss of respect in the community at the very least. Even possible loss of title and home if the situation became severe.

  With a deep longing, Conrad wished he could simply tell her. But that would involve absolute trust. And unfortunately in light of her blackmail scheme, trusting her to that degree was not in him.

  Since I had once been the culprit in another blackmail scheme, I know all too well the mindset that desperation can bring. I don’t blame her motives for wanting to not be saddled with ancient Lord Griffith, but… that doesn’t give me comfort that she can be trusted. Unfortunately.

  As delighted as he would be to see Cecilia, he was also troubled. What could entice her to visit him uninvited? He and Amelia had no plans today that would necessitate having Cecilia as a chaperone.

  He adjusted his cravat, smoothed the front of his jacket and left his room. After descending the stairs quickly, he reached the parlor.

  His sister
was not seated, but instead paced about the room. Her scuffed boots tapped a staccato beat against the wood floor.

  Conrad took a step. “Cecilia?”

  She stopped and turned, pressing her hand to her chest. Wet tracks made their way down her cheeks as tears flowed. “Oh, Lord Lofton, I—”

  Conrad reached into his pocket and found his handkerchief. He stepped closer, dried her tears and took her hand as he led her to the settee.

  Once seated, he accepted the handkerchief she held out and replaced it in his pocket. “Now… First of all, when you’re in my home, you may call me Conrad.”

  She nodded slowly, keeping her gaze on her lap.

  “Secondly, why are you in such obvious distress?”

  Cecilia’s eyes were reddened. “Oh… C-Conrad. Something horrible has happened. Simply dreadful.”

  His heart hammered in his chest. His gaze roamed over her face. “Are you… Are you ill?”

  “No, I’m fine. But… it’s Papa.”

  He sucked in a gulp of air. Oh no. “What… what’s happened to Andrew?” The seconds stretched out, seemingly endless, until her lips formed the words.

  “Papa was hurt late last night. It came as a shock and I’m afraid that it was too late to get word to you. I didn’t want to send someone to tell you. I felt you should hear the facts from me, so I—”

  Grabbing her shoulders, Conrad stared at her. “What is it? Has he… Is he…?” Please don’t let him be dead. I’ve just met him. I couldn’t bear—

  “He’s alive.”

  A huge gush of relief washed over Conrad. Thank goodness! But… Cecilia was crying. “What has happened to him?”

  “He was trampled by a horse outside of his business. I witnessed it. It was horrible! I heard a scream and then realized it came from me.”

  “Dear heavens! How badly was he injured?” Conrad envisioned poor Andrew lying in a mangled heap, bloodied, possibly maimed, beneath the large, hard hooves of a giant horse.

  “His life was spared, as was most of his body. He has bruises all over and is quite sore.” She shuddered. “But… It was his hand, which took the brunt of it. The horse’s hoof landed directly on it.”

  “Oh no… Can it be… saved?” How painful that must have been.

  She shook her head as fresh tears replaced the dried ones. Conrad gave her his handkerchief again. “His hand… was cr-crushed. I heard his bones snap when the…Oh, Conrad it was dreadful! Papa is in such agony.”

  “Has the physician been called?”

  “Yes. He examined Papa. He said there’s nothing to be done for it, though. I’m afraid Papa will simply have to live with it like… like that.”

  Conrad dropped his hands from her shoulders and pulled her into a quick embrace. “Oh, my dear little sister, how terrible for him and for you! And your mother.” He pushed away thoughts of the other woman who was married to Andrew. A woman who was not his mother.

  Now is not the time for that!

  “I’m frightened, Conrad.” Cecilia’s lips trembled as they formed the words.

  “Does the physician fear for Andrew’s life? That he will suffer some malady later on as a result?”

  “No. He feels certain that’s not the case. Just… his hand will no longer be of use.”

  Realization struck Conrad.

  Hard.

  Andrew’s hands were his livelihood. Without the use of both, he wouldn’t be able to perform his duties as a surgeon-dentist. A pulse throbbed along Conrad’s jaw, as if his mouth remembered the pain from the day he’d first visited Andrew. Although Conrad had blacked out, his father would have had to use so much force and pressure, with both hands, to remove the tooth, as it had not been loose beforehand.

  His father would have no way to continue his vocation. Which meant…

  Conrad glanced at Cecilia. Neither would he be able to support his daughter and his ill wife. At all.

  Cecilia stood abruptly. “I… thank you for seeing me and for listening with such care. I must get back home now in case Mama or Papa need—”

  Conrad took her hand and gently coaxed her to sit down again. “There is one thing I want you to understand, dear sister. You, Andrew and your mother will want for nothing. I have the means to help you, and help you is what I will do.”

  “No… oh no. When I came to tell you of Papa, I only wanted you to be aware of the accident. I didn’t intend for you to—”

  “Shhh.” He placed a finger over her lips. “Hush now. I know you didn’t, for you are not that way. Your heart is pure and you think only of others. But it is my wish to do it. Andrew is my father, too. And you are my sister. Your mother raised you and I can see you love her very much. You are family. And family takes care of its own.”

  Cecilia blinked rapidly, causing fresh tears to tumble down her cheeks. “I’m so… grateful, brother. You cannot imagine how this will help Papa and Mama. You are the kindest man—”

  “No. I’m not. However, I’m trying to be a good man, and I’m hoping now that I’ve found new members of my family I can prove to be that man.”

  “Thank you. Thank you from my whole heart.” She threw her arms around his neck and pulled him close. He smiled and wrapped his arms around her small frame. Conrad’s mother had never been demonstrative or loving. How wonderful to be shown affection by one’s family.

  Giles appeared suddenly in the doorway. “Pardon me, Lord Lofton, but you have another visitor.”

  Startled, Conrad turned. He hadn’t heard Giles approach or anyone knock at the door. His whole interest had lain with Cecilia and her worries. “Giles, who is—?”

  A flash of red hair appeared as Amelia brushed past the butler. “Oh, Giles, you don’t need to introduce me to—” She stopped so suddenly she nearly tripped. “Oh… Cecilia…” She blinked and tilted her head as if trying to reason out what she saw before her.

  Cecilia pulled away from Conrad and stood. “Thank you, Conrad. Thank you… so very much.” She paused at the doorway and curtseyed to Amelia. “Good day.” She hurried from the room.

  All color drained from Amelia’s face. “I…” She glanced at the front door, which only seconds before had opened and closed upon Cecilia’s departure.

  Conrad stood and crossed the room. What must she think? To walk in to her betrothed’s parlor and see him in the arms of another woman? A woman she didn’t know was his relation. He was sure she hadn’t believed what he’d told Lucy — that Cecilia was his distant cousin.

  Amelia lowered her eyebrows over her lovely green eyes, as in concentration, and blinked again.

  Conrad reached out to her, intending to comfort her, to say something, anything to help her understand that what she saw was not what she may have thought. “Amelia, I—”

  Her gaze flew to his and she backed away, as if suddenly realizing he stood in front of her. “No. I… I must…” She turned her head away. “I need to…” She took a single step backward, then another.

  “Amelia, please don’t leave. I want to—”

  She held up her hand. “Please… Lord Lofton… Don’t. I do not wish to hear any more—” Her breath hitched. “—lies.”

  “But you don’t understand. It wasn’t as you thought. Please, let me—”

  She nearly stumbled again as she backed up. Gaining her balance, she turned and fled through the entryway. Giles opened the door seconds before she would have crashed into it in her fervent attempt to escape.

  Conrad ran after her. “Amelia! Wait!”

  When he reached the open door, he saw it was too late. Amelia was already in her carriage, being quickly driven down the long drive. Away from his house. Away from him.

  Out of his life?

  Chapter Twenty-six

  Today I won’t take no for an answer.

  Conrad drove his own carriage, determined to stay at the Talbots’ until Amelia spoke to him. He didn’t want to have a driver sitting out on the lane, waiting for him, if it took several hours of persuasion to get Amelia to speak t
o him.

  The last three days he’d tried. And failed. But today, if he had to scream at the top of his lungs until she came down the stairs to investigate the noise, he’d do it.

  He couldn’t lose her. Couldn’t. When she’d run from his home and he was left alone, he’d realized just how much she meant to him. Yes, he’d known he cared about her. Even loved her. But the thought of living without ever seeing her green eyes gazing at him, kissing her full lips or hearing her murmur his name again left a cold, hard stone in his chest where his heart had once resided.

  He would see her. And would speak to her.

  Would make her understand.

  But can you trust her?

  He still wasn’t sure. Couldn’t say for sure that she wouldn’t tell someone and the word would get out.

  Still…

  The fear of someone discovering his secret now paled in comparison to the thought of not being with Amelia. No matter what happened after he confessed who he really was, as long as she believed him and loved him still, it would be all right. He would make it work somehow.

  Until she accepted him back into her life again, he’d not rest easy. Not be able to take a breath without pain stabbing his chest from sheer despair. Or keep the dark thoughts of possible lonely days ahead at bay.

  He reached the Talbots’ estate and stopped his carriage in front. The groom, now used to seeing Conrad on the doorstep, accepted the horses’ reigns without a word, and took over the animals’ care.

  Conrad clenched his hands into fists at his sides. You can do this. You will do this. For Amelia.

  He rapped on the door several times, and kept knocking until the door opened by a frowning butler.

  “Good day, Lord Lofton. I’m afraid that Miss Talbot is indisposed and—”

  Conrad held up his hand. “Yes, I’m quite aware of what you’ll say. It’s the same speech you’ve been told to give every time I’ve called this week.”

  “Yes, my lord, but—”

  “No. Today that will not suffice.”

  “I beg your pardon, my lord?”