Ensnaring Lord Starsen

by Jenn Langston

  “Marcus, thank goodness you have finally returned. The servants weren’t sure where you’d made off to.”

  “A simple walk, Mother,” he admitted. “Nothing of consequence. Now, what is going on?”

  “Our plans to visit Dailey in a couple of weeks have changed. We shall leave immediately.”

  The thought of leaving right after he’d planned to exchange correspondence with Lady Isabella didn’t sit well with him. Would she think he had changed his mind regarding their arrangement? Likely, she would arrive at the manor, demanding his presence. And, he couldn’t accept that his first letter would contain an apology and explain how he couldn’t send a second.

  “Why is that?” He tried to keep his voice neutral.

  “Your sister has produced an heir to the barony much sooner than we intended. Jacob Nathan Ashford, heir to Baron Dailey was born just a few days ago,” she announced proudly.

  A smile spread across Marcus’s lips. He had no doubt Gordon would be relieved to have his heir. Thinking about how hard the man had worked to convince Annalise to marry him, now all that effort seemed worth it. He couldn’t imagine how upset his friend would have been to have Annalise provide him with an illegitimate son.

  “I am very pleased for them, but I don’t see that our plans should change. We will travel as we originally arranged.”

  His mother sucked in her breath. “Nonsense. Annalise needs me during this time. Hiring a wet nurse and scheduling time for the baby and her husband takes a bit more work than one would think.”

  Although he didn’t care for the implication that Annalise wouldn’t care for her child, he waved away the comment. “I’m sure she will manage well enough on her own. As a baroness, I imagine she is more capable than you think.”

  She tilted her head to the side and studied him, anger glistening in her eyes. “Why don’t you wish to go support your sister during this time? And, your friend? Have you so quickly forgotten he saved your life years ago?”

  “I haven’t forgotten.” Nor had he forgotten how Ian had pushed him away from the falling timber. A sigh escaped his lips. The tragedy had crippled Marcus and marred Ian’s back, but Gordon’s assistance had cost his friend the ability to remove his gloves in public, and the use of a few of his fingers.

  Guilt swamped Marcus. Had he not been rash in encouraging his friends to go to the hunting cabin, they would have been saved the injuries. The responsible thing would have been to go for help. The reckless side of him had cost him and his friends quite a bit.

  “Good. Then, let’s be off.” She moved away as if the conversation was settled.

  Taking in a deep breath, he built up his resolve. “No, Mother.”

  She hissed out a breath. “What did you say?”

  “We aren’t going. They need time to themselves to work out their new situation. There will be plenty of help from the staff and, no doubt, Lady Knightly will also be available. They don’t need more people to add to the chaos, and I refuse to make a rash decision.”

  Her eyes bulged. It wasn’t often he went against her wishes, but not only would Annalise not appreciate their mother hovering over her right now, but he wasn’t ready to leave. He knew his mother would make him pay for this in the future, but remaining home for another few weeks would be worth it.

  “My daughter needs me. She wrote to us in the hope that we would attend her.”

  “Show me the letter.” He held out his hand.

  “You don’t believe me? How dare you question my word?” The light glistening of sweat on her forehead told him she wasn’t speaking the entire truth.

  “Now. You said she wrote to us. Therefore, I have every right to examine the missive. Where is it?”

  Her eyes darted around as if she were looking for an excuse to change the subject. His irritation grew, and he found his quick temper burning. Taking a deep breath, he managed to keep hold of his emotions.

  “I have left it in my bedchamber.”

  Before she could steal another second to avoid giving him a letter, Marcus rang for the butler and sent him in search of the paper. He knew his mother enjoyed taking control of matters, but to date, she’d never been so obstinate.

  Her eyes widened when the man returned with the paper. “Marcus, I—”

  He cut her off with a slice of his hand as he took the missive in his grasp. Flipping it over and seeing it addressed to him—only to him—brought his anger back, full force. Grinding his teeth, he did his best to keep calm. How dare she read a letter addressed to him.

  Scanning the contents, he let out a long breath. His sister and her child were doing fine, and requesting they not come any sooner than the original plan. Not for the first time, his mother was trying to force Annalise into something she didn’t want. This time, however, he could do something about it.

  “Why did you break the seal?” His voice came out even, controlled.

  Clearing her throat, she looked at him as if he were daft. “It was from my daughter.”

  “Be that as it may, it wasn’t meant for you. If you ever even think to read my letters again, I’ll make it so you never have access to another missive that comes in that door. Do you understand?”

  She opened her mouth, but closed it when he gave her a hard stare.

  “Yes. I understand.”

  “Now. Annalise requests to have some time to herself. As I said earlier, we will not change our plans. You will be reunited with your daughter in a few weeks.”

  Her eyes turned pleading. “Marcus, you don’t understand. After having a child, a woman’s emotions are high. She doesn’t know what she’s saying. She needs me.”

  Crossing his arms, he kept his face tight. “I’ve already made my decision. Go tell the staff to unpack your belongings.”

  “But—”

  “Now!” he bellowed.

  She glared at him, then stomped from the room.

  Marcus released the tension in his body. His mother would be a nightmare to be around for the next weeks, but he could handle her as he had always done. In remaining here, he, Annalise, and Lady Isabella would be happier.

  Thinking about penning a letter to Lady Isabella had his earlier joy returning. He made his way to the study, anticipation dogging his steps.

  Sating his fascination with her by letter would ease his curiosity without putting her constantly in his presence. No need for a chaperone, and no need to question his sanity. Soon, their letters would stop, and she would be out of his head.

  Chapter 4

  Isabella stared into her soup bowl, not seeing the contents as her mind wandered to the past weeks, not for the first time. Disappointment settled in her belly. As she and Lord Starsen had agreed, the only contact she’d had with him had been their letters. Many well-written letters.

  At first they had been awkward and uncomfortable to write and she’d had to force her hand to the page, but as time went on, the words seemed to flow. Although she’d learned a great deal about the man, his uncharacteristic behavior from earlier never resurfaced or was even hinted at in his writings. That wasn’t what she was hoping for. Now, she realized the earl was as monotonous and boring as she’d originally thought.

  Their correspondence had stopped over the last fortnight as Lord Starsen had paid a visit to his sister and her new child. During the brief reprieve, Isabella decided it was time to end their communications. As soon as she could get away tomorrow, she intended to send him one last missive to extend her regrets.

  “Where has your head gone, my dear sister?” Henry’s booming voice pulled her out of her musings.

  “I’m sorry. My thoughts seem to have taken me away.”

  “I see that.” He set his spoon down with a loud clank. “Is it something you’d like to discuss? That look on your face doesn’t give me any confidence that your thoughts are pure.”

  She swallowed, silently cursing herself for not keeping her emotions hidden. Henry would never understand sending letters to the earl. Sweat formed on her foreh
ead. She didn’t want to be punished again.

  “I was simply recalling my walk today. The weather was pleasant, and I enjoyed being out of doors again.”

  His shrewd eyes studied her, then he nodded. “Yes. Raymond indicated that you had a pleasant time after your week of remaining in. You see, when you follow the rules, you are rewarded handsomely.”

  Forcing a smile, she arranged her face in a mask of sincerity. “And, you should know how much I appreciate your generosity.”

  “I’m not an unreasonable man, and I only want what is best for you. When you analyze my motivations, it isn’t hard to see that.”

  As she nodded, she dipped her spoon into her soup. She did understand him. She truly did. However, his methods felt as though he didn’t trust her. In all her years, she’d never given him reason to question her. At least, not until he began enforcing strict rules and having her every movement watched.

  She wondered if it would be the same if she were to wed. Due to the unpredictable nature of men, and the difficulties experienced by wives, Isabella had long ago decided marriage wasn’t for her. However, hearing of the life Annalise shared with her husband made her wonder if there was more to the matrimonial state. The idea of spending her life with a man she could trust held a certain appeal to her. After all, like her friend’s, not all marriages were plagued with troubles.

  “Henry, may I ask you something?” Her voice emerged small, shy. Nothing compared to her normal confidence.

  “Anything. You know my place is here for you.”

  The depth of his regard for her rang in his voice and boosted her confidence. “I was wondering what type of man you would have me marry.”

  He didn’t respond or make any indication he would answer as the next course was served. Stranger still, he didn’t even seem aware of the plate set in front of him. Nerves engulfed her at his reaction.

  “Where is this question coming from?” he demanded after his long pause. “You have never taken an interest before now.”

  She shrugged, hoping he wouldn’t think it had been anyone in particular who had made her change her thinking. “I’m just curious. You forced me to attend certain gatherings, and disallow me from others. It makes me wonder if you have one particular gentleman in mind.”

  “I see.” He took up his fork and shoved a generous amount in his mouth. “No one man stands out in my mind for you.”

  “Then, what qualities would you have me look for?”

  As he took a long drink of his water, his hard eyes studied her. “So, you have decided to marry. And, soon, from the sound of it. Tell me, are you with child? Did you escape from Raymond to let the nearest man stick his—”

  “No.” She cut him off before he could say something she didn’t want to hear. “I have done nothing of the sort, and I don’t appreciate you accusing me of such.”

  After a few moments, his gaze softened as he rose from the table and walked around it to kneel beside her, taking her hand in his. “You’re right, and I apologize. I worry. As a young, beautiful lady, there are many dangers and unsavory characters who will take advantage of your innocence.”

  “Which is why I have taken all your warnings to heart. I have never allowed myself to be in a situation I couldn’t escape from. You have to trust me.”

  “I do.” He slid into the chair beside her, still keeping hold of her hand. “The only man I will ever allow to take your hand is someone much like myself. Someone who will take care of you. Cherish you as you deserve. And, give you everything your heart desires. Until that man comes seeking your hand, you will remain with me.”

  Isabella smiled. Her half-brother wanted her to marry for love as her parents had. From the stories, she knew her father hadn’t loved his first wife. No doubt Henry, as a young boy, could tell the difference in their father toward both his mother and Isabella’s.

  “Then, I daresay, I will strive to find a man worthy of your approval.”

  With one last squeeze of her hand, he rose and reclaimed his seat at the head of the table. “Now, can we concentrate on finishing dinner and not talk about this any longer? My leg has been giving me problems today, and I need your help as soon as we are done here.”

  “Of course.” She smiled brightly.

  He didn’t return her expression, but she could see the light in his eyes. The man preferred to come across as hard, but she knew the truth. As she finished her meal, she did her best to keep the tone light, especially if he was in pain.

  She didn’t know if love was out there or a man she could stand to marry, but knowing Henry would support her was a great relief. His commitment to her happiness made her feel treasured.

  ~ ~ ~

  The next day, Isabella made her way down the lattice on the side of the manor. Clearly, her discussion with her brother warranted her being locked in again. Before long, she moved down the path toward the stream, her letter clutched in her hand. Although she wasn’t sure when Lord Starsen would return from Dailey, she couldn’t stand the thought of waiting any longer to deliver her missive.

  As she thought of his reaction, her feet slowed. Would he be disappointed? Although uninteresting, he was a nice gentleman, and she had no desire to upset him. On the other hand, her stolen time could be put to a much better use than to pass letters.

  Taking a deep breath, she continued on, only stopping when she saw Lord Starsen sliding another letter into the pouch they’d used. As he straightened to his full height, the wind pulled at his longer than normal brown hair.

  A sigh escaped from her lips. It was hard not to appreciate his handsomeness. She shook her head, he needed a quiet, obedient wife to meld with his boring lifestyle. She was not that woman.

  When he turned, he spotted her, and his smile made the corners of his eyes crinkle. Was that happiness on his face? She gulped. He couldn’t possibly be happy to see her.

  “Lady Isabella, I didn’t expect to see you here today.”

  “I’m sorry, my lord.” She moved closer to him, uncomfortably aware of how much more attractive his smile was up close. “I was not sure when you would arrive.”

  His smile deepened as he made a motion toward her hands. “Is that for me? I thought it was my turn to deliver the letter.”

  Glancing down at the missive in her hands, she shoved her arms behind her back. She couldn’t give it to him now. Not with happiness on his face.

  “No. I just . . . like to carry parchment on my walks in case I have the desire to create a likeness of something I see.”

  A quizzical eyebrow rose. “Is that so? Where’s your pen?”

  Heat burned her cheeks as she tried to come up with a response. This wasn’t like her. Typically, she had a prepared response for everything. For once, she was completely caught off guard. And by the earl, no less.

  “In my rush, I seem to have forgotten it.”

  “Then, I suppose you wouldn’t mind showing me your blank paper.”

  She shrugged as if the idea didn’t bother her. “It’s nothing interesting. I don’t see why you’d want to see it.”

  “Oh, but I do.” A glint shone in his eyes as the corners of his mouth curled.

  That mischievous look was something she was familiar with. Before he could act, she began to move away, but he lunged at her regardless. She managed to sidestep him, all the while keeping her focus on his next advance.

  When he tried again, she easily evaded him a second time. With his cane, he was no match for her. The idea that she was being chased by the Earl of Starsen was laughable. However, the merriment whooshed out of her when he dropped his cane and fell to his knees.

  “Are you all right, my lord?” Concerned, she rushed to his side.

  He grinned as he reached out, pulling her to the ground beneath him. She shrieked. Thrusting her hands over her head, she tried to keep the missive away from him. His hands followed after hers, clearly not willing to relent. When his fingers encircled her wrists, she turned her attention from their struggle and looked at him.<
br />
  She stifled a gasp, as she became acutely aware of how close his face was to hers. And, the pressure of his body against hers as he held her down. Slowly, his eyes met hers as if the realization came to him in that second as well. Her heart sped at the intensity in his eyes and breathing became difficult. Needing to take in more air, she parted her lips. The movement seemed to draw his attention.

  In measured motions, he leaned forward and touched his lips to hers. A myriad of sensations exploded over her at the light pressure and the sensual caressing of his mouth. His lips moved over hers, and she couldn’t help but follow his lead.

  Pleasure crawled in her belly as she kissed him back. This was nothing like she’d ever experienced before. Until now, the only kisses she’d endured had been by a man who had forced himself upon her, grinding his lips to hers and trying to invade her mouth with his tongue.

  With the earl, every sensation was different. She didn’t want to pull away. Instead, she wanted more. When his tongue touched her lips, she wondered what it would feel like to let him in. She moaned as he did it again, and she tugged at the grasp he still had on her arms, needing to hold on to him and keep him there.

  He drew back so fast, she couldn’t blink, then he was gone.

  “I’m so sorry, Lady Isabella. I-I shouldn’t have done that.” His words came out in a rush.

  Not thrilled with him apologizing for something so beautiful, she pushed herself up to sit beside him. “Is that what you meant when you said we should allow certain parts of us to be wild from time to time?”

  Red streaked over his face as he struggled to his feet. “Absolutely not.”

  She leaned back on her hands as she watched him standing completely still, looking out over the water. She was glad he hadn’t gotten the letter. After all, she realized she knew nothing about the man before her. The one who wrote to her was different than the playful person who had chased her. That was who she wanted to get to know.