The Beastly Earl

by Monica Burns

  Chapter 1

  London, 1899

  Ophelia Fullerton, Viscountess Havenstock, studied the tall man on the opposite side of the Melton House ballroom and wrinkled her brow in puzzlement. He was much younger than she expected, and he looked nothing like the debauched brute she’d imagined. Where was the monster her father had described? The reply in the back of her head wasn’t one she wanted to hear. Attempting to cool her skin in the stifling heat of the room, she waved the peacock-feathered fan she’d bought less than a week ago. It was the type of luxury that would no longer be affordable unless she was able to secure the return of Marymont. Ophelia tipped her head in her sister’s direction.

  “Lizzie, are you certain this is the man? He looks nothing like the disreputable scoundrel Father described.” The dubious note in her voice prompted Ophelia’s sister to bristle like a hen ruffling her feathers.

  “Of course, I’m certain. Everyone knows who the Earl of Thornbury is.”

  “And exactly when were you introduced to the earl?”

  Ophelia arched an eyebrow at her much younger sister, Lizzie, who had made her debut last year under Ophelia’s watchful eye. The one thing Ophelia was meticulous about when it came to her sister was ensuring Lizzie never received an introduction to men of the earl’s ilk.

  Lizzie was good-hearted, but far too trusting when it came to people. She always thought the best of everyone with the exception of individuals Lizzie thought had harmed her family. Then Lizzie became a tigress intent on protecting her cubs.

  Ever since Lizzie’s debut, Ophelia had hoped her sister would find a nice young man to marry and enjoy the happiness denied Ophelia. That hope had become even more fervent than ever before given their current change in finances.

  “Well…we’ve not actually been introduced.” Elizabeth Sheffield tilted her head haughtily clearly affronted that her identification of the earl had been called into question. “Lady Alice pointed him out to me the other day during our walk near the Serpentine. But he’s definitely the man who stole Marymont from Papa, and if we don’t do something soon, we’ll have nowhere to go.”

  There was the touch of the dramatic in her sister’s words. It was a trait she’d inherited from their father who had a flair for exaggeration. Unfortunately, this was one instance where her sister’s woeful tone was more than appropriate. They were most certainly in dire straits thanks to their father’s love of wine and cards. A familiar bitterness rolled through her.

  “Naturally, Father is completely blameless in this entire debacle,” Ophelia bit out as she sent her sister a scathing look. “Perhaps you’ve forgotten he’s the one who wagered our home and lost.”

  “No, I’ve not forgotten, but you know Papa is far too polite to refuse someone’s offer of hospitality. Papa said the earl kept plying him with wine. It’s obvious the man took advantage of him.”

  “Oh, of course, Father would never turn down a drink.” Her caustic remark emphasized her belief that the baron’s lack of judgement carried the largest burden of guilt. Even if she were wrong in her assumption as to their father’s behavior, the baron still held some responsibility for their current situation.

  “You are too hard on him, Ophelia. He’s been desolate since Mama’s death.” The note of sorrow in her sister’s voice tugged at her heart. Almost eight years younger than her, Lizzie had been happily planning her debut with their mother when the baroness had become ill, never to recover.

  “It has been three years since her death, Lizzie. We miss her as much as Father does, but look where his folly has taken us,” Ophelia said quietly. “Where Mama always found a way to keep him from indulging in his vices, I have failed.”

  “You’ve done your best, Ophelia. We both have.” Lizzie’s voice held a forlorn note, and Ophelia quickly squeezed her sister’s hand.

  “We shall find a way out of this quandary, dearest. I promise you that. At least we have the annual stipend George left me. It might not be much, but we will not starve.”

  Despite Ophelia’s lack of confidence in her statement, Lizzie’s expression brightened as she nodded her belief in her older sister’s ability to save them from destitution. A polite cough made her turn around to see Paul Nickens standing behind them. Tall and dark-haired, the young man was of modest means, but was good-natured and had a promising future as a solicitor.

  Ophelia had liked him from the moment she and Lizzie had been introduced to him. Deep inside she’d found herself hoping the young man would offer for her sister and that Lizzie would accept. Under the current circumstances, she was all the more eager to encourage the man’s attentions to Lizzie.

  “Good evening, Mr. Nickens,” she said with a welcoming smile.

  “Lady Havenstock. Miss Sheffield.” Paul Nickens bowed his greeting with a smile at both of them before his gaze quickly fixated on Lizzie. “I was hoping I might persuade you to let me claim several dances on your card, Miss Sheffield.”

  “I would be honored for you to do so, sir,” her sister said in a breathless voice as her cheek grew pink with pleasure. She handed the young man a stiff rectangular dance card, and he proceeded to draw a line down more than half of Lizzie’s card and dashed off his name in bold fashion.

  “There, now. I believe this will ensure that several of my rivals will find themselves suitably disappointed this evening,” Mr. Nickens said with a grin. “Perhaps you will allow me to claim my first dance now.”

  “I would find that most enjoyable.” Lizzie accepted his outstretched hand and allowed the young man to lead her out onto the dance floor.

  Satisfied her sister was in good company, Ophelia resumed her assessment of the earl. Despite the loathing she felt for him, the man’s appearance underscored one of the reasons he’d earned his reputation as a master of seduction. He was a picture of masculine strength and beauty. It was impossible not to think of the powerful tigers she’d seen pacing in their cages at the Regents Zoo. The earl displayed the same relaxed, yet powerful, sinewy strength in his movements. It epitomized an image of raw power.

  The dark hair falling casually over his brow gave him a sinfully wicked look. Everything about the man’s appearance was a far cry from the decadent libertine her father had labeled him. Clean-shaven, the earl had chosen to eschew the large mutton chops she’d found so distasteful on her husband. his profile was sharply defined, and his jaw was square and strong-looking. It surprised her that she found him so fascinating when she was incapable of passion. A fact, her husband had repeated every time he’d left her bed chamber in the short time they’d been married.

  George’s death less than two years after their wedding had been a relief from the constant bombardment of his criticism. But their brief marriage had convinced her of one thing. She’d failed in her duties as a wife, and she would never possess the ability to seduce a man or find pleasure in the bedroom. It was a conviction that was at distinct odds with her reaction to the earl, and it confused her.

  Despite his reputation, there was an almost angelic look about him, which masked the dangerous predator she knew lay beneath the surface. The woman at his side said something that made him laugh, and he bowed slightly as she departed. Enthralled, Ophelia watched the earl take a glass of champagne off the tray one of the footmen carried. Before she could turn her head away, the man looked directly at her and lifted the flute of sparkling liquid in her direction. She couldn’t discern the color of his eyes, but the sensual curve of his lips made her mouth go dry.

  Dear God, how long had he been aware she was watching him. The air in Ophelia’s lungs disappeared, and her chest tightened until she could barely breathe. Frozen in place, she remained pinned beneath his gaze as a small frisson skimmed its way across her skin. Mesmerized, she watched him drink from the crystal glass his gaze still locked with hers.

  As he lowered the flute, long fingers stroked the fragile neck of the glass, invoking the strong image of his hand trailing down the side of her throat. A raw sensation spiraled through her. It
was unlike anything she’d experienced before. Butterflies swirled in her stomach as his tongue flicked out to erase a droplet of wine from his lips. She had no doubt it was a deliberate act on his part, and it sent a shiver skimming down the back of her spine.

  In a split second, her nipples grew stiff beneath her corset until they pressed against her chemise. The soft linen roughened the hard peaks until a pleasure that was almost painful in its intensity assaulted her senses. It aroused something unfamiliar inside her that was as startling as it was unexpected.

  Another tiny shudder sped through her. It traveled downward to settle between her legs and made her sex ache. It created a need for his hand to caress her as intimately as he did his glass. Confused by the sensations flowing through her, Ophelia jerked her gaze away. What in heaven’s name was wrong with her? As she fought to regain her faculties, a light touch on her arm made her jump.

  “Ophelia, how lovely to see you this evening.”

  The quiet greeting was a welcome distraction, and she quickly turned to see the youngest member of the Rockwood family standing in front of her. Dressed in a dark mauve-colored gown, the only other color the Viscountess Westbrook wore was the Stewart plaid in a sash over her breast.

  Despite Louisa’s somewhat austere appearance, Ophelia thought her friend was even more beautiful than when they’d both been girls riding across the fields of Melton Park. It had been almost a year since they’d last seen each other, and she greeted her friend with an affectionate kiss on the cheek.

  “Louisa, oh it’s wonderful to see you. Our paths never seem to cross anymore.”

  “The season holds little interest for me anymore, and I seldom come to London. Aunt Matilda and I brought the children from Scotland last month for Sebastian’s and Helen’s tenth anniversary celebration. Everyone pressed me to stay for a bit longer, although I confess I’m eager to return to the solitude of the countryside.” A sorrowful look darkened her friend’s hazel eyes as her mouth curved in a small smile. “I find Callendar Abbey suits me far better. The boys do well in the fresh air, and Aunt Matilda loves having company.”

  “How is your aunt?”

  “She’s quite well, and she has a suitor. Although, I don’t think she’s willing to admit it. She grumbles about his arrogance.”

  The laugh that parted Louisa’s lips reminded Ophelia of a time when her friend had been happy and carefree. The death of her husband and her brother in a tragic fire more than two years ago had changed her friend. The tragedy had changed all the Rockwoods. Their impulsive natures had been enhanced by their clear determination to live life to its fullest. Even Sebastian, who as the eldest had always been the least impulsive of the Rockwoods, had become less rigid in manner. Ophelia was certain his marriage to the countess was the main reason he was seen as less staid by many in the Marlborough Set.

  “And the boys?”

  “They’re sprouting up like weeds. Charles is six now, and has become enamored with botany. I wouldn’t mind so much if he didn’t bring half the earth with him wherever he goes.” Louisa smiled with motherly exasperation, yet more than a hint of pride. “And Willie is becoming increasingly precocious. Just last week he demanded we begin addressing him as Wills since he is no longer a baby. He has taken an intense dislike to being called Willie.”

  “It sounds as though he’s a great deal like his mother. I remember a time when you were equally determined to be taken seriously. As I recall, the look on Sebastian’s face was one of abject horror.”

  “Good heavens,” Louisa gasped with surprised amusement. “Are you referring to the time I told Sebastian I would unscrew the wires in his piano if he didn’t stop calling me Weezie?”

  “Yes,” Ophelia nodded with a laugh. “I have never forgotten his horror-stricken expression.”

  “My threat worked though. He never called me Weezie again,” Louisa sighed softly. “We were so young back then.”

  “I’m sorry life has been so terribly difficult for you, Louisa, I truly am,” Ophelia said as she touched her friend’s arm. A haunted look flitted across Louisa’s face before her mouth curved in a smile reminiscent of earlier days, and she patted Ophelia’s hand.

  “Thank you, Ophelia. It’s kind of you—” Louisa suddenly gripped Ophelia’s hand tightly. “You’re in trouble.”

  “What?” she choked out in a soft gasp staring at her friend in surprise.

  “Do not deny it, Ophelia. The an dara sealladh doesn’t come to me as often as the rest of my siblings, but I do possess the family gift,” Louisa said in a stern voice as she squeezed Ophelia’s hand and shut her eyes. “There’s a man. He has something that belongs to you. Letters? No, there’s only one, but it’s very important to you. You know him, but…”

  At her friend’s words, Ophelia grew chilled. Although the Marlborough Set knew of the Rockwoods’ gift of sight, it was always discussed with great discretion. As children, she’d been accustomed to Louisa’s ability to know things others didn’t. But this was the first time her friend had seen something about her. Louisa’s eyes flew open, and she stared at Ophelia with a worried frown furrowing her brow.

  “You must tell me what’s wrong, Ophelia. I trust the an dara sealladh, even when the images are confusing and make little sense.”

  “There’s nothing wrong,” she prevaricated with as much aplomb as she could muster. “Father lost an important paper the other day, and we’ve been trying to find it. Perhaps that’s what you’re seeing.”

  “No, I don’t think so,” Louisa murmured as she studied Ophelia closely. “I couldn’t see the man’s face, but he was much younger than your father.”

  “Then perhaps you’re seeing someone I’ve yet to meet.” Her lips curved in a placating smile, Ophelia struggled to hide how close to the truth Louisa’s words were.

  “Perhaps…” Louisa said with a look of concentration before a smile of pleasure suddenly curved her lips. “Mathias, you came. Percy said you might be here tonight. Why haven’t you joined us for dinner? I know he’s invited you to several occasions, but you keep avoiding us.”

  “I would never willingly avoid dinner with the Rockwoods,” a deep voice filtered its way past her shoulder as a tall figure stopped at Ophelia’s side and bent to kiss Louisa’s hand. “I’ve simply been extremely busy.”

  As she turned her head, Ophelia immediately recognized the owner of the hypnotic voice, and her heart stopped beating for a full second before it resumed again at a faster pace. The most intense jade-colored eyes she’d ever seen locked with hers, and his penetrating gaze made her feel as if he could see the darkest secrets she possessed.

  “Ophelia, are you acquainted with—”

  “Viscountess Havenstock,” the earl said in a voice that was as silky and sinful as one of the rich chocolate truffles she indulged in far too frequently. “I had hoped you would be here this evening.”’

  Speechless that he knew her name, she trembled and slowly extended her hand in a silent greeting. She’d forgone wearing gloves this evening, and his mouth singed her skin in a way that sent a shockwave through her. Dear Lord, what was wrong with her? She’d never experienced this type of reaction to a man before, and it left her feeling completely out of control. The earl raised his head with his gaze never leaving her face.

  “Louisa, I hope you don’t mind, but Lady Havenstock promised me a dance, and I am here to collect.”

  “But of course, Mathias,” Louisa said with a surprised smile as she looked at Ophelia with avid curiosity.

  Still unable to utter a word, Ophelia found her hand clasped in the earl’s firm hand as he guided her out onto the dance floor. Her brain sluggish, she didn’t even have the wherewithal to protest as he swung her into her arms. The soft, subtle scent of spice and pine swept across her senses, causing her heart to pound a fierce rhythm in her ears. It was a reaction that set her on edge.

  She and Lizzie rarely moved in the same exalted circles as the Earl of Thornbury, but tonight had proven an exception. The
moment Ophelia had learned the earl might be in attendance, she’d braced herself to do whatever was necessary to capture the man’s attention. But her determination had not prepared her for the earl’s magnetic presence or the way it affected her equilibrium.

  A pulse of panic threaded its way through her. Now that she’d managed to capture the man’s attention, every plea she’d rehearsed had fled her brain. Averting her gaze away from his face, Ophelia remained silent as the earl danced her around the floor.

  A low laugh whispered its way past her ear. She immediately glanced up at his handsome face, and the wicked smile twisting his lips caused her to stumble slightly. The powerful strength she’d noted earlier allowed him to pull her tight against him. Heat suffused her skin the instant her body pressed even more intimately into his chest, and he skillfully whirled her around the dance floor as if she’d not faltered at all.

  “Shall I confess something, my lady?” The deep melodious sound of his voice held her spellbound.

  “Confess?” she replied breathlessly. Ophelia swallowed hard as she met his gaze. Amusement mixed with something far more dangerous glittered in his green eyes.

  “You intrigue me.”

  “Intrigue you?”

  “Yes,” he said with another soft laugh. “I think I surprised you when I asked you to dance with me.”

  “Asked me?” she snapped as she remembered her inability to speak one word to the man. “You didn’t give me the opportunity to say no.”

  “You object?” Curiosity echoed in his voice as he arrogantly arched his eyebrows. “From our silent exchange earlier, I was under the impression you wouldn’t reject my offer of attention.”

  “I did not…I was…” Ophelia’s voice trailed off at the abrupt tension filling the air between them. Her disdain irritated him, which jeopardized the possibility of Marymont being returned. “Objecting isn’t an option for me where you’re concerned.”

  “Once again, I’m intrigued,” he said as he whirled her around several quick turns to dodge another couple, and Ophelia experienced a pleasant, yet slightly dizzy sensation. “Explain.”