To Heal an Earl

by Aston, Alexa

  Gray stripped off his uniform, thinking he would need to purchase civilian clothes soon. He’d outgrown whatever he’d had from before his army days, the military training and subsequent fighting helping to fill out his frame with muscles he hadn’t known existed. Sinking into the hot water, he eased himself down and rested his head on the edge of the tub. To be fully immersed in piping hot water was a luxury that he enjoyed for several minutes before taking up the bar of soap. He began scrubbing himself, the scent of sandalwood drifting over him.

  After he’d washed his hair and body, he used two of the buckets sitting by the tub to rinse himself. Toweling off, he opened his satchel and removed its only contents, a second uniform, and placed it on. He’d need to see if Parker would brush the one he’d worn earlier.

  Though he longed to fall into bed, curiosity led Gray to leave the earl’s rooms and mount the staircase. He went to Masters’ room and rapped with his knuckles on the door. Hearing the butler call for him to enter, he did so.

  Masters sat in bed, a thick book across his lap. One arm bore a good-sized plaster from the wrist to the elbow. “Good evening, Major Grayson. Miss Nott informed me of your arrival. I hope everything is to your liking.”

  “It is.” He indicated the lone chair in the room. “May I?”

  “Certainly, sir.”

  Gray brought the chair next to the bed and sat. “I hear you’ve been under the weather.”

  The butler cleared his throat. “Yes, I have been. A nasty head cold that made me long to find a rifle and blow my head off. Not to mention this.” He glanced down at the plaster.

  “How did you break your arm?”

  “It’s of no consequence, Major. I should be up in the next day or two, back at my duties. Thank goodness Miss Nott arrived when she did. Mr. March’s and Mrs. Penney’s departure left us in a terrible bind. If not for Miss Nott, Gray Manor would have fallen apart.”

  “Tell me about her,” he urged.

  Masters frowned. “What do you wish to know? Miss Nott is incredibly efficient. No time is wasted under her watch and no task is left undone.”

  “Anything personal about her. Anything at all.”

  “She came from London. I believe Lord Crampton used The Plummer Employment Agency. Miss Nott has been both a companion and governess, though her references only made mention of the former. Her credentials satisfied Lord Crampton and he hired her on the spot. A good thing he did, with everything that followed.”

  Gray wondered why a governess would not have any governessing on her record and thought to ask her when they met in the morning.

  “She was with the earl when he passed,” Masters continued. “They had just concluded their interview and Lord Crampton had offered Miss Nott the position when he received word of Lady Crampton’s and the child’s deaths.”

  “The babe was stillborn?”

  “Aye, just like two others before. Lord Crampton was most anxious for another boy and so Lady Crampton became with child almost every year after the new earl’s birth. With the boy in precarious health, your brother was eager to have a spare beyond his heir.”

  “It’s just the boy and two girls?” Gray asked.

  “Yes. No other children survived. Lady Crampton was practically bedridden the past few years, what with the attempts to bear another son failing time after time.” Masters paused. “Because of that, things weren’t always run well. I’ve done my best but Mrs. Penney let several things slide without the hand of the countess guiding her.”

  “And Miss Nott has stepped into the housekeeper’s role, I’m led to believe?”

  The butler nodded. “She has. Admirably, I might add. It was as if she were born to run a large household. And Mr. March left things in a muddle, as well. Lord Crampton depended upon Mr. March and I’m afraid the man neglected many of his duties. You’ll have your work cut out for you, Major, bringing things up to snuff. Miss Nott will help you, though.”

  Gray was tired of the butler singing the woman’s praises but held his tongue. “Is there anything else I need to know about, Masters, regarding the family or estate?”

  “Not anything that Miss Nott—or Mr. Bonham—won’t be able to tell you.”

  “I’ve never heard you quite so effusive, Masters.”

  The servant smiled. “Miss Nott has made a world of difference. The young ladies are almost . . . well . . . she has worked wonders with them.”

  “You’ve never been one to be cryptic before, Masters. What are my nieces like?”

  The butler hesitated. “Quite . . . spirited. At least Lady Harriet is. Lady Jane is quieter and goes along with whatever her sister wishes.”

  Gray believed Masters wanted to call them brats but was too cautious to do so. It didn’t matter. If the wonderful Miss Nott could do all the things Masters laid at her feet, surely educating two spoiled girls wouldn’t be beyond her talents.

  “What of my nephew? I hear he’s home from Eton.”

  “Yes. School proved too much for Lord Crampton’s health. Right now, Miss Nott is serving as his tutor but I’m sure you’ll want to hire someone for him.”

  Gray rose. “I’ll meet with the three children tomorrow. Thank you for seeing me, Masters.”

  The older man smiled. “It’s a pleasure to have you at Gray Manor once again.”

  He replaced the chair and left the room, returning to those of the earl. He opened the wardrobe and found it empty, as was every drawer in the bureau. The ever-efficient Miss Nott must have removed all of his brother’s items in anticipation of Gray’s arrival. He’d hoped something of Seymour’s clothes might have been left but no trace remained of the former Earl of Crampton.

  The bedding had been turned back and Gray removed his clothing, placing it neatly over a chair. He preferred sleeping with nothing on, a luxury the army hadn’t allowed. He’d had to remain prepared for attack at any moment. To slide between the soft, cool sheets and place his head on the plump pillow let him know for certain that he’d left his military days far behind.

  If only he could leave the guilt for all the deaths he’d caused in the past, as well.

  Chapter Six

  Charlotte dressed with care early the next morning, knowing she would start her day by seeing Major Grayson. She wanted him to take her seriously, which she knew would be hard. He seemed a traditional man in every sense of the word and she knew, though he would be respectful of women, he would be of a mind that they could do little on their own.

  She was ready to prove him wrong.

  Part of it was the challenge of showing him that women weren’t emptyheaded pieces of fluff which she supposed in his world, many of them were. She’d never made it to London for her come-out Season but after having met some of the ton through her various positions, she could see where gentlemen might get that idea. Despite Bernice having a sharp mind, the other women in the households Charlotte had held a position in seemed happy to speak of nothing of consequence. A discussion on the most appropriate fichu was about as involved as they became on expressing an opinion regarding anything.

  Not only did Charlotte want to show the military officer she used her brain as much as any man did, but she found herself attracted to him and wanted to prove herself worthy in his eyes. As if a man of the ton would even bother to look at someone in her lowly position. She knew it was foolish but everything about the man appealed to her. He was as different from his brother as the sun from the moon. She’d never been around an abundance of men and after her experience in her last two households, she’d never wanted to be around them again.

  Until now.

  She wondered what Major Grayson would think of her if he knew they’d once been childhood acquaintances from families of equal rank. She’d only seen him two or three times over two decades ago and knew he’d never recall her as she did him. Still, she knew who he was. He’d left a lasting impression on her back then and was equally impressive today in his officer’s uniform and ramrod posture.

  Charlotte smoothed
her gown and left the bedchamber for her meeting with the major. She’d been in the room before, using it to supervise the polishing of the silver, which had been badly in need of attention. All of Gray Manor needed work and she hoped Mr. Bonham would free up the funds so that Major Grayson could see the home properly restored. She’d written the solicitor last night and went first to the stables. Finding Sable, the groom she considered most trustworthy, she entrusted him with the message, telling him it was to be delivered at once.

  Entering the breakfast room, she saw her new employer already there, sipping on coffee, his plate already scraped clean. No footmen were present.

  “Good morning, Major Grayson,” she said pleasantly.

  “Ah, good morning, Miss Nott. Please, have a seat. Would you like tea or coffee?”

  She hesitated a moment and then said, “Tea would be nice. Is this the pot?”

  “Yes.”

  Charlotte took it and poured some tea into an empty cup. She took a sip of the hot brew, letting it flood her with warmth.

  “No sugar? Or cream?” he asked.

  “No, thank you. I’m a purist when it comes to tea.” She chuckled. “Coffee, on the other hand, needs all the help it can get to be bearable. I’m afraid if you saw me prepare a cup of coffee for myself, you’d ask if I were having any coffee in my cream and sugar.”

  He looked at her for a moment and then burst out laughing. His laugh was deep and sinfully rich, the same as his speaking voice. She busied herself with another swallow of tea, hoping he wouldn’t notice the heat she sensed flooding her cheeks.

  “Tell me what I need to know before I write to Mr. Bonham,” he said.

  “No need to do that. I wrote to Mr. Bonham last night and sent a groom with the message this morning. I would expect Mr. Bonham will arrive sometime this afternoon. He is most eager to meet with you and discuss the property.”

  “Ever efficient, Miss Nott,” he said with grudging admiration.

  “I pride myself on being organized,” she said. “As to what you need to know, I’d be happy to give you a tour of the house this morning and show you what needs to be done inside and out. It seems Lady Crampton was in poor health the past several years and the former Lord Crampton didn’t care for household details in any sense. There are numerous repairs that need to be made. Items which should be purchased. I’ve already prepared a list for you.”

  Those blue eyes gleamed at her. “Of course, you have.”

  She ignored him. “As to the estate, I think you should see it firsthand before you consider looking at the books.”

  “And have you composed a list regarding this, as well?”

  Primly, she said, “As a matter of fact, I have. Numerous cottages need new roofs. Fences should be mended. The crop yield has gone down thrice in the past five years. You should consider replacing some of the livestock. And then . . . there are the ledgers. Mr. March left the finances in a frightful mess. I’m very good with numbers, sir, and even these gave me pause.”

  He smiled. “Fortunately, I enjoy numbers a great deal. I used to tutor in mathematics during my university days, as well as serving as quartermaster for part of my military career. Do you ride, Miss Nott?”

  “I do.”

  “Then perhaps you would accompany me about the estate and point out the things on your list.”

  “As long as it doesn’t conflict with my duties to the children, Major.”

  He frowned. “I’m no longer a major. I sold out to come back to Gray Manor.”

  “Many military men retain their rank once they’ve returned to civilian life.”

  “I don’t want to be reminded of the army,” he said abruptly.

  “Then perhaps you should think of investing in a new wardrobe, sir. Everyone who sees you will naturally revert to your rank when they address you.”

  “I thought of that last night. I noticed nothing of my brother’s remained in his rooms that I might be able to use.”

  Charlotte had to bite back a smile. “If you were thinking you might wear something from your brother’s wardrobe, I beg you to reconsider. It would take at least two of you to fill one of his coats. Perhaps two and a half.”

  “Seymour was rather large the last time I saw him five years ago.”

  “Was that before you left for the war?” she asked, her curiosity getting the better of her.

  “I graduated from university and came home a final time before I left for the Continent.” He paused and abruptly switched topics. “Tell me about the children. There were three when I was last here and it seems none have been added to the family during my absence.”

  She thought that statement odd. Wouldn’t his brother have written him about affairs at home? From what Charlotte understood, Lady Crampton had several miscarriages and other stillborn children in the last few years.

  “Yes, there are three. Viscount Warren—I’m sorry, Lord Crampton—is a very bright lad of twelve. He enjoys history and has a solid understanding of Latin and Greek. He is very advanced in mathematics. Taking after his uncle, perhaps?”

  When Grayson said nothing, she continued. “He reads quite a bit. Any physical activity is beyond him at the moment. He’s a sweet boy but a bit lonely. I gather he didn’t make many friends at school. I have given him reading assignments and we’ve discussed those, as well as articles from various newspapers. I have him translating The Iliad now.”

  He steepled his fingers. “And the girls?”

  Charlotte sighed, wanting to be diplomatic and not frighten him. “They are . . . an unusual pair. Lady Jane is quite solemn and wants to please those around her. She has a tendency to cry over small things. She idolizes her older sister and tends to allow Lady Harriet to talk her into unwise actions at times.”

  “You’re saying Harriet deliberately misbehaves?”

  “Not in so many words, though she doesn’t always walk the straight and narrow. Lady Harriet is very lively. And very angry.”

  His features grew puzzled. “Why so?”

  “From what I gather, she and Lady Jane never received much attention from either parent. It seems her mother was too ill and her father found girls, in general, a nuisance. In seeking attention, Lady Harriet believes outrageous behavior gains it. Hence, she has a tendency to do some fairly outrageous things.”

  Charlotte met the major’s gaze. “She feels rejected, sir. She is a very bright little girl who needs love. I’m hoping you’ll be able to give her love and attention in equal doses.”

  His face grew stony. “I doubt I’ll spend much time with any of the children. That’s what you’ve been hired to do, Miss Nott. It’s your job to care for them and give them this attention you say they require.”

  “Are you serious?” she said, not bothering to hide her outrage at his words, knowing she should watch her own, though she appeared unable to do so. “You have three children—orphans—who need you, sir. Yes, they’ve had clothes on their backs and a good roof over their heads. They have adequate food in their bellies. But they are very lonely. They need you, their blood relative and guardian, to show an interest in them. I can teach them, Major Grayson, but you are the one who needs to love them.”

  It was as if a curtain fell over him. Charlotte could see him stiffening. Withdrawing. Her hopes for the trio having their uncle spend meaningful time with them faded and she stood.

  “You haven’t been dismissed, Miss Nott,” he said, his gaze direct. “Sit,” he commanded.

  She slowly lowered herself to the seat, knowing she had gone too far—and that it might cost her this position. She couldn’t afford to be sacked. She was a woman with very little to her name.

  And nowhere to go if Major Grayson dismissed her.

  “If you are to remain in my employment, you will practice decorum, Miss Nott,” he said sternly. “While I admire your passion for your charges, you have overstepped with your too candid remarks. I am the guardian and employer here. I will make the decisions without your unsolicited advice. Is that unde
rstood?”

  Her face flamed in embarrassment. “Yes, Major Grayson, I understand. Forgive me for my inappropriate remarks.”

  He nodded curtly. “That will be all.”

  “I must go to breakfast with the young ladies,” she said formally, rising again. “Establishing a routine in their lives is very important now, especially since they have so recently lost both parents.” She regretted the words the minute they left her mouth and waited for him to dismiss her on the spot.

  Instead, he asked, When will you go over your massive lists with me, Miss Nott?” She heard the condemnation of her in his voice.

  She regarded him coldly. “I assume you read, Major, so I will have them brought to you. You may see for yourself what needs to be accomplished. And since you’re so talented with numbers, you may read through the ledgers yourself. As for the estate, I’m sure you’re familiar with it and can ride it on your own. Good day, sir.”

  With that, Charlotte wheeled and left the breakfast room. Anger sizzled through her. She’d wanted this man to be the one to show the children their worth. Instead, he would have even less to do with them than their own parents had. Determination filled her. She would not see her charges ignored. She would redouble her efforts and give them everything she had.

  She only hoped it would be enough.

  Chapter Seven

  Gray couldn’t believe the audacity of the woman. She’d dressed him down as if he were some naughty boy whose hand was caught in the cookie jar. The nerve of someone of her class addressing him in such a manner flew all over him. Who was she to tell him he needed to love total strangers? She should keep her opinions to herself. Already, she’d proved to be dictatorial, involving herself in everything at Gray Manor. Her sheer arrogance unnerved him.

  And despite all of that, he wanted to kiss her senseless.

  The color had risen in her cheeks as she’d berated him, making her even more attractive—which Gray hadn’t thought possible. It had taken everything in his power to keep from leaping from his chair and silencing her, his mouth on hers. Even now, the thought of that caused desire to shoot through him.