by Eliza Lloyd
Nora nodded, taking strength from his compassionate gaze.
She opened the book and read the first entry aloud.
“I will never forgive George for what he has done. The children are lost to me, but at least their guardians will care for them, maybe more than I ever could. Exeter has come for me, as he promised.” Nora’s heart thumped hard against her chest. “We can start our new life together.”
She took a deep breath and closed the book. Carlow said nothing.
“It is worse than I could have imagined.” Nora felt the blood leave her face. “Carlow!” She gripped his arm. “Tosh! I thought it was just some insignificant thing in my mother’s diary. I thought she had some small attraction to him, maybe even an entanglement. He gave her a pearl necklace. And I lied to you about him. When you first mentioned Exeter, I was reminded of what my mother’s diary said. It is not a small thing.”
“No, I don’t think it is.”
* * * * *
Carlow secreted the diary away in his valise. Nora made him promise not to read another word until they had returned to London. And they hadn’t discussed the contents of the first page of the diary since Mr. and Mrs. Brady arrived, keeping everyone busy that evening.
The first statement in her mother’s diary was a startling admission given anyone could have read it between then and now. Maybe the last page of the diary should have been read first. Carlow was perfectly willing to know the end of the story rather than everything that led up to it. Nora, and maybe Timothy, might need to be eased into whatever truths were revealed by the late Lady Wargrave.
Nora was already buried deep in the mattress when he arrived in the bedroom, blankets pulled to her chin. He knew how he wanted this story to end. She would demurely accept his kisses and then turn into a ravaging country courtesan when it came time for the sex act. She’d left one candle lit. There was some hope.
She was most willing to learn, and like all things Nora did, she did it with more confidence and proficiency than most. Other issues aside, he thought that boded well for their future activities in the marriage bed.
“Sorry I am late, Nora. We had a few more drinks in the library than I would have liked. Not that I didn’t enjoy the drinks. It was more about the time. Your brother was loquacious tonight and I’d thought him a shy lad.”
When she said nothing, he glanced at her to see she was boldly staring as he removed his clothes.
“You don’t seem to be wearing the gaze of a woman downtrodden,” he said.
“There’s a reason for that.”
“Oh? A reason I will like?” he asked as he sat on the edge of the bed to remove his boots. “Mrs. Brady said she will have my boots shined first thing in the morning. It will be nice not to have to do it myself. Mintz will be happy to know he is missed. I think we selected—”
Nora slid her arms around his neck, her hand inside his shirt. Gabriel dropped his second boot to the floor, then turned into her arms.
The candlelight illuminated her bare skin. He brushed his hand down her arm. “I saw a statue at the British Museum once, plated in gold and formed as a Greek goddess.”
“Aphrodite? Venus?”
“No, Gaia. Goddess of the earth.”
“The one who dressed in leaves?”
“Only when it’s cold,” he said. “You look like her.” He swept her hair back and caressed her shoulder. “Are you sure you wouldn’t rather just stay in London? Perhaps we can discover more there, during the Season, while Exeter is resident.”
It was purely selfish. He was imagining a disaster of epic proportions upon their arrival at Henbury. He could tell her, but she would not understand the magnitude until she saw it. She remembered Henbury Hall as a sort of haven—a place where they, as children, had a safe home with loving parents. Over the years, she had only made that haven into something more magnificent and more perfect than it ever was or could have been. He was the only one left to take the blame for what had happened at the property since then.
Had the property naturally deteriorated, she would likely be disappointed as well. Henbury Hall was not going to live up to any of her dreams. No matter how long he delayed their return, his laborers were not going to complete the work that must be done to make the home livable.
“I don’t think I ever want to come face-to-face with the man, knowing he and my mother betrayed my father, unless it is to take the rest of his properties.” She leaned back, reminding Gabriel they really weren’t in bed to talk about such serious issues.
He stood again and went to the washbasin, dousing his face with the tepid water. “Tomorrow we will be gone most of the day, visiting the tenants and a few other important people in the area.”
“You should take Timothy. He could use the experience. Maybe someday he will have his own estate to manage.”
“Henbury, you mean?”
“Or a property included with a wife’s dowry?”
“You don’t fool me,” he said, smiling before rubbing the towel over his face. He got serious again when he thought about her brother and returned to the bed. “How do you want to tell Timothy about Exeter?”
“Directly,” she said. “He cannot be that enamored of the girl after only three weeks. And I don’t want any secrets between the two of us. There have been enough of those.”
“Agreed!” Gabriel discarded his shirt and trousers and climbed into bed. As he settled, Nora wrapped herself around him, bare leg over his groin, breasts to his chest and one arm slung across him. “I also agree with this new custom of settling for the night with no clothes.”
“It’s rather practical, for all that. And it does save some effort when one is in a hurry.”
She lifted her face, ready for his kiss and the beginning of the best part of his day. He soothed his hand down her body, and over her hip. “I have to admit, I am enjoying marriage much more than I could have imagined a month ago.”
She pushed up on her elbow. “We haven’t talked at all about our future. Children. Where we will live. How much of your money I can spend…”
“Honestly, this isn’t the time or place for such weighty conversation.” He cupped her breast. “But be assured, I will give you all that you deserve.”
“That sounds ominous.”
A knock on the door broke them apart. Nora pulled the covers to her chin. Gabriel got to his feet and pulled on his trousers. He cracked the door.
“Lord Carlow, might I have a word,” Timothy said, standing in the hall tugging at his hair.
“A moment,” he said, closing the door.
“Not now!” Nora hissed.
“Pull on your robe, dear. It shouldn’t be long.”
Nora grabbed the garment and slipped into it quickly. She allowed the blankets to cover her from the waist down but worked beneath the blankets to cover her legs.
As Gabriel opened the door, Timothy slipped in. “I’m sorry to bother you, Lord Carlow, Nora. I have some news. Cecily—Miss Sheldrick, or rather her mother, Teresa Sheldrick, Lady Russell, has invited me to attend a country party at their estate in Reading in a week’s time. I am not needed at Whitmarsh so much now that the Bradys are here to assist Grandy and Gigi.”
“No!” Nora said, jumping from the bed and tying her robe securely. “Not without a proper chaperone. Or introduction!”
“Nora, I am twenty-one. I am an earl. But what I needed from Lord Carlow was to ask if I could travel with you since you will be leaving for London in a few days.”
“You aren’t twenty-one yet,” Nora said.
“I am old enough! Not only for courting but for marriage. And the sooner the better.”
“We should probably talk about this in the morning,” Gabriel offered, while reaching for his robe.
“I want to write a note accepting. Tonight, before I turn in.”
“Timothy, you don’t know her well enough yet,” Nora said.
“That’s why I want to go to the house party. It is certainly better than attempting to be
come acquainted at a masque,” Timothy said.
“There are reasons, brother. Now is not the time.”
“Lord Carlow, you must have attended such parties when you were my age?” he asked. “And for the same reasons.”
Both turned their gazes upon Gabriel. He could see brother and sister wanted him to take sides. He was all of five years older than Timothy, but somehow he’d become a mentor of sorts—and the strong patriarch of two families.
“Carlow!” Nora said with force.
Oh, to displease a wife. “We will all think clearer in the morning,” he said.
“You do not have permission to attend this house party,” Nora said, hands now folded across her chest.
“Permission? I am no longer asking. I am advising you that I am attending.”
“Lower your voices,” Gabriel said. Timothy had been drinking with them downstairs. Gabriel was sure that blurred young Timothy’s thoughts. Nora couldn’t see anything when her blood was up.
“Gabriel will not take you with us when we return to London. Nor will I give you the funds to travel there.”
“Gigi will. Or Carlow. You would provide me some assistance, wouldn’t you, Lord Carlow? And then I will be married with a proper wife’s dowry and I won’t have to rely on any of you ever again. In fact, I think that is the only reason I need to get married.”
“Not for love?”
“Why should I? I can be as much of a cynic as you. Marry because I will get something I want out of the proposition. I wonder if Lord Carlow will ever be satisfied with a wife who blackmailed him into marriage. That is so much more meaningful than love.”
Gabriel’s scar started to throb, especially where it cut across his temple. He tied off his robe with a yank, feeling certain his night was ruined, if not the next fifteen years of his marriage.
“You child! I lo—like and respect Gabriel. I would do anything for him, because he accepted me in spite of my blackmail, in spite of my cynicism, in spite of our horrid family history. He is the better person in this room. Both of you need to leave. I won’t agree to this, this mistake.”
“Why do I need to leave?” Gabriel said. He was still thinking about her words. She was about to commit herself to a lifetime with him but caught herself before she admitted to any intense feelings. In the world of Nora Blasington, nothing should amaze him. He turned to see her expression, not one of tenderness and warmth, but of anger.
“You obviously agree with Timothy,” she said.
“I think there is a solution that would satisfy both of you. And we can resolve it in the next few days, not in the middle of the night,” Gabriel said.
“Hmpf. There are hundreds of young ladies imminently suitable for you, but you must have this one. Shouldn’t you at least meet one other noble’s daughter before you decide?” Nora said to Timothy.
“I have met plenty. And to your point, there will be plenty more at Lady Russell’s house party.”
Gabriel had completely misjudged Timothy, thinking he was a calm, clear-thinking, if not a little naïve, young man. It turned out he was as much of a termagant as Nora when he was riled.
Gabriel was at the end of his patience. He opened the bedroom door. “Out!” he said. “Be at the breakfast table at seven. We will finish this discussion.”
Timothy’s anger vented, he returned to himself. “Good evening, Lord Carlow. Nora.”
As Gabriel shut the door, Nora flounced toward the bed. “You can find another bed to sleep in,” she said.
“Do not place the blame for this at my feet. I will sleep in my bed with my wife.”
She stood again. “Then I will find a different bed.”
“God give me sanity.”
“And a different bed.”
“Go to sleep, Nora. Have wonderful dreams, and rest assured, I will sleep like the grateful dead.”
* * * * *
“Good morning, Lord Carlow.” Lord and Lady Fortenay were already at the breakfast table. Lord Fortenay stood with a shaky push to his feet and bowed politely. He still read the London Times, spread on the table, which had arrived three days ago. According to Nora, he would read every word and then he and Lady Fortenay would discuss ad nauseum.
“And a good morning to you, Lord and Lady Fortenay.” He bowed quickly. “Has Timothy been down yet?” Gabriel asked.
“Oh, no. Well, yes. He popped in to say he was walking to Dorchester to catch the six o’clock coach to Bournemouth,” Lady Fortenay said.
“Bournemouth? Why?” Gabriel said as he filled his plate with bacon and eggs only.
“Well, Bournemouth was the first stop,” she said. “Then to Southhampton, wasn’t it, dear?”
“Yes. Then on to Reading.”
“A house party,” Lady Fortenay said. “It seemed urgent to him.”
“A house party?” Which house party would that be? Gabriel pulled out his chair, determined to at least enjoy his breakfast before getting worked up about his brother-in-law doing exactly what he said he was going to do. It was apparent the Blasingtons rarely followed instructions.
Gabriel wasn’t concerned and Nora shouldn’t necessarily be concerned either. His youth and inexperience at such a venue could lead to trouble or embarrassment, but being the sanguine fellow Gabriel was, he thought neither of those things every really hurt a man. In fact, could hone him better than lectures at the dinner table.
For a normal house party. For a normal noble.
The eggs were fluffy and light, the thick bacon crisp, as he liked it. He sipped at his coffee as he thought about the possibilities.
There was no guarantee Exeter would be at such a house party. It certainly wasn’t clear what his plan might be even if he were there. A duke would have no motivation to marry his granddaughter to an earl with nothing. Even more difficult, convincing the mother of such a girl that it was a good match. Count on a mother to throw up every obstacle if there was even the possibility of a match with better prospects. No, Timothy was safe for now.
Gabriel set his fork to the side of his plate. It surely had nothing to do with the rumor of Blasington’s treasure, did it? Exeter was as wealthy as they came. And Gabriel’s father had done all he could to find it, without success.
Mr. Brady came in, hat in hand.
“Mr. Brady. Good morning,” Lord Fortenay said.
Gabriel set aside his linen and shook Brady’ hand. “Are you ready for a busy day?”
“Certainly, sir.”
The horses and the open carriage were waiting near the front door. The day was overcast, but rain did not appear imminent. They had just walked outside when Nora hurriedly followed them out. “Carlow, Gigi says Timothy has left.”
“I know.”
“You have to do something!”
He took her hand. “My dear, I cannot solve every family problem, especially at this very moment. The young Earl of Wargrove must prove himself in a hostile setting, as we all do at some point. Let him learn.”
“But he is just a boy.”
“No, dear. He became a man when you weren’t looking. Now, let him be one.”
Chapter Ten
The conveyance carrying them to London, rattled and bounced along, making them bump shoulders at irritating intervals. Nora was a little angrier with each bounce. For every mile they traveled, Timothy was moving closer to his potential future involving Exeter’s progeny. Nora wasn’t prepared to accept such an outcome.
“Do you think we will be able to talk now?” Gabriel asked. “We are alone at last.”
“That’s not true. I have spoken to you,” she said.
“You have spoken at me. There is a difference. The world did not end when Timothy left for Reading. Nor did our marriage.”
Nora glanced out the window. She gritted her teeth, afraid to say anything. She couldn’t admit that Gabriel was right, because they didn’t know for sure. “I am not angry with you about Timothy going to this party. I am angry that we were not united in our decision to see that he s
tay safely at Whitmarsh until we know more about this woman,” she finally said.
“He will be fine. I expect that Timothy will return from Reading bursting with information about Cecily’s family. Maybe with information that will shine a light on the dark past.”
“Carlow, don’t you see how unprepared he is to enter the world of the beau monde? Our family’s name is only starting to recover, and that by marriage with you. He is not artful in the ways of conniving women; he is not experienced enough to discuss sly matters in which ton gentlemen tend to converse and he doesn’t have the outer trappings by which society judges.”
“You make him sound like an underdressed nitwit. Give Lady Fortenay some credit.”
“That is cruel.”
“Nora, I ask you, what could we have done to better prepare? If he has any sort of feeling for this girl, she is the only person he will attempt to know. His single-mindedness will make him oblivious to anything else and he will work tirelessly to impress her.”
“What about Exeter? You and I both know there is something suspicious in all this.”
“Knowing and proving are two different things.”
“I don’t want you to be right, Carlow.”
He laughed. “Why not? I have been right about a few things this month. My instincts the night of the Weatherby Ball were pretty good.”
He slid closer to Nora and put his arm across her shoulder. Kissing her in the middle of the argument was very unfair! He laid his hand on her thigh and it crept higher with each sway of the carriage.
When he pulled away, she sighed. “How long will we stay in London? I am anxious to return to Henbury Hall after all these years and all my plotting. It will be the culmination of my dreams.”
“Do you think Timothy will return to Whitmarsh or come to London to apprise us of his success? Maybe we should wait until we hear from him,” Carlow said.
“It would serve him right to travel the additional distance to see us.” She turned a smile upon her husband. “But he will come home. He’ll want to see it as much as I do.”