The Earl's Stolen Bride (Marriage by Deceit Book 4) (9 page)

“I don’t know, but I suppose it doesn’t matter.  He died, and she was so upset, she entered the nunnery.”

“That’s horrible.”

“It was.  My mother thought the lady felt responsible for the death and wanted to atone for it.” He pulled her closer to him and kissed her.  “I see I made you sad.  How about this one?  There was a gentleman who named a pig after the lady he loved.”

She grimaced.  “A pig?”

“She was his prized sow.  People came from all over to see her.”

“I hope you never do that to me.  I don’t think being named after a sow is a compliment.”

“He meant it as such.  That was his favorite pet.”

“A pet?  He had a sow for a pet?”

“I’ve heard of stranger ones.  One gentleman had a snake, and another had a bat.”

She shivered.  Who would want such disgusting creatures like snakes or bats?  “All right.  I relent.  I suppose a sow isn’t so bad after all.”

Chuckling, he kissed her again, but this time, the kiss turned into a deeper one.  She melted in his arms, all thoughts of their conversation fleeing from her mind.  He had the most peculiar tendency to make her forget everything else but him, and soon she was back in the moment of bliss where everything was perfect with the world.

Chapter Ten

“You made a wise decision,” Mrs. Boyle said three days later as Chloe stepped into the carriage.  “And it’s admirable your husband understands our predicament.”

Chloe settled by the window, her gaze going to Orlando who was talking to her father.  Orlando glanced her way, and she offered him a half-hearted wave.  He nodded but said something to her father, who seemed to expect a reply.

“I’m glad you put your mourning dress back on,” her mother said.  “People would wonder why you went out to cry over Lord Hawkins’ death if you wore the cheerful colors your new husband bought you.”

“There’s no reason for me to wear black when I’m here with Orlando,” she replied, still watching him.

If only they might be able to pause time and stay here at his estate forever.  She hadn’t been looking forward to leaving, but this was turning out to be more difficult than she’d expected.  She swallowed the lump in her throat and strengthened her resolve.  This wasn’t the end of her time with him.  He’d come to London soon enough, and she’d be able to see him again.

“Oh,” her mother began, touching her arm.

Chloe took her eyes off of Orlando and looked at her mother who was grinning with excitement.

“I forgot to tell you the good news,” her mother continued.  “Lady Cadwalader has asked to pay her condolences when you return to London.  This is a high honor, my dear.  If we can get acquainted with her crowd, we’ll be envied by all of the Ton.”

Chloe grimaced.

“Don’t respond that way, Chloe.  Lady Cadwalader is the most influential lady in London.  The fact that she chooses to come see you already has the Ton impressed.”

“I don’t know what she could possibly want with me.  I’m not all that interesting.”

“I suspect it has to do with your marriage to Lord Hawkins.  He’s become a legend for his prowess with making money in his trades.  He never lost a single ship.”

“Except for the one he died on.”

The words flew out before Chloe could stop herself, and she criticized herself for her hasty speech.  No doubt this displeased her mother greatly.  She quickly averted her gaze and watched as her father came over to the carriage, for once looking content.

She looked at Orlando and had to fight the urge to get out of the carriage and run back to him.  She had to be strong for Alexander’s sake.  There was no reason to make him suffer for her rash decision.  And it wasn’t like Orlando was going to India.  He’d be in London soon enough.  Then they’d find a way to be together.

As much as she reminded herself of these things, it still felt as if her heart was being ripped apart.  She’d been unfamiliar with the pain of being separated from her husband up to this point.  She tried to smile, thinking she should be able to manage it, but her lips wouldn’t curl up.  She should be strong enough to do what she wanted instead of letting her parents dictate things for her—again.  It was enough she married Lord Hawkins to appease them.  She shouldn’t have to go to London.  She should be able to wait until next Season like she and Orlando planned.

The footman closed the door, and in short time, the carriage moved forward.  She should be stronger.  It wasn’t right to let her parents manipulate her and Orlando like this.  But that was much easier said than done.

Orlando waved to her, and she returned the gesture.  This wasn’t forever.  It was for a short time.  She could manage it.  It was only for a month then she’d be able to come back.  She needed to stop moping.  She’d made the decision to follow her mother’s wishes, so she couldn’t place the blame on anyone but herself.

“While you’re in London,” her mother began, “I’ll see if I can get some other influential ladies to visit.  It doesn’t hurt to mingle and make new acquaintances, even if you can’t go to any social events until your mourning period is over.” Her mother pulled out her fan and opened it.  She fanned herself and sighed.  “In some ways, it’s a hindrance, but we must abide by the rules.”

“All the rules seem rather silly to me,” Chloe said.  “It’s obvious I’m not carrying Lord Hawkins’ child since he spent our entire marriage in India.  There should be an excuse for ladies with such husbands to be able to live normal lives.”

“You’re making a noble sacrifice for your brother,” her mother replied, patting her hand.  “There’s no denying it.  Just remember, diligence to the rules will be rewarded.”

“It would have been even better had you waited to marry Orlando,” her father added.  “We’re fortunate only a few know.  I’d hate to think of the damage it would have caused if Lady Davenport wasn’t good at keeping a secret.”

“Now, now, my dear,” her mother said, “it’ll all work out.  Orlando and Chloe have agreed to do what’s right, and that’s what matters.”

“Yes, you’re right.  It’s nice when sensibility prevails.”

Chloe glanced once more at Orlando and the manor.  It was only a month.  Then she’d be coming back.

“Chloe,” her mother patted her arm again, “I want to tell you who I was thinking of inviting to your townhouse over the next few weeks.  We want to be sure to make each visit count, so we should think over topics to discuss and what foods and drinks to serve.”

She forced her attention back to her mother.  “Do you have some things in mind?” The question was unnecessary, really.  Her mother liked to plan everything out, and she often did so with surprising detail.  But she asked the question so her mother would talk, thereby relieving her of the need to do so.

As she hoped, the ploy worked, for her mother began a very lengthy monologue on the many ideas she’d already come up with.

***

“I heard you were coming back to London, but I didn’t believe it,” Toby said as he came into Orlando’s den.

Orlando got up from his chair and poured his friend a glass of brandy.  “I wasn’t planning on it.  Chloe’s parents, however, were quite convincing.” With a shrug, he added, “To Chloe anyway,” and handed his friend the glass.

Toby sat in the chair across from Orlando and leaned back.  “So I did read your missive right.  You want me and Regina to continue keeping your marriage a secret?”

“It’s what Chloe wishes.” If it’d only been her parents, he wouldn’t have tolerated the secrecy.  “I don’t want to make things harder on her than they already are.”

“Are her parents that demanding?”

“Yes.  Her mother has a way of being pleasant while she’s talking you into something she wants.  Her father isn’t as graceful.  He pretty much sulks until he gets what he wants.  I don’t know who’s worse.”

“To be fair to both of them, the mourning period isn’t over.  It’s not easy to go out in public when you’re the object of a scandal.”

Orlando took a sip of his brandy then set the glass on the table next to him.  “The Ton is easily scandalized.  You so much as look at someone the wrong way, and gossip abounds.”

“Yes, but it’s not pleasant when you know they’re talking about you.  Even to this day, certain people won’t talk to Regina or me because of the scandal we were caught in.  I could understand it if they were avoiding only me.  I had a hand in the scandal, but Regina was innocent.”

Orlando studied his friend for a long moment then let out a long sigh.  “I hate it when you make sense.”

Toby smirked at him.  “Between us, I’ve always been the more sensible one.”

“Boring, you mean.”

“Not boring.  Sensible.  I would never run off to marry a lady I hardly knew.”

“The heart knows far more than you give it credit for.” Before Toby could reply, Orlando held up his hand.  “I know, I know.  If it isn’t something you can reason through, you don’t believe in it.  I can’t explain how I knew Chloe was right for me the evening I met her.  I just did.  Being with her has only confirmed it.”

“I’ll take your word for it,” Toby said then drank some brandy.

“It doesn’t matter if you believe me or not.  I need you to give this missive to Regina to give to Chloe.” When his friend’s eyebrows rose in surprise, Orlando added, “It’s not ideal, but it’s the only way I feel safe sending word to Chloe that I’m in London.”

After a long moment, Toby asked, “Am I right in assuming this is how you’re going to be communicating with her until you can let the Ton know you’re married?”

“Unfortunately, yes.”

“Ah, then it’s not me you really wanted to see today.  I’m merely a means to an end.”

Orlando was ready to protest when he caught his friend’s grin.  “I’ll still humor you by playing chess and cards with you.”

“How fortunate for me.”

Chuckling, Orlando got up and retrieved the missive he’d written to Chloe.  He gave it to his friend then sat back down.

“I can’t help but wonder,” Toby began as he slipped it into his pocket, “how are you going to hide your activities with her?”

“It won’t be easy.  She can’t attend any social events since she’s in mourning.”

“Yes, that will make it hard.”

“I suppose I’ll have to sneak into her townhouse or help her sneak into mine.”

“You used to sneak off during our parents’ long and boring visits when we were children, so I have no doubt you’ll find a way.  Knowing you, you’ll enjoy the challenge.  I still don’t know how you managed to sneak off with her to Gretna Green without the Ton finding out.  They would have been horrified you stole her away so soon after her husband’s death.”

“If I didn’t, I suspect her father would have arranged another marriage for her, and he wouldn’t have picked me to be her husband even if I asked.”

“How can you be so sure of that?”

“His main goal is to acquire as much money as possible.  I don’t have nearly as much as Lord Hawkins did.  Since that’s his standard, he would never have accepted my offer.  I had no choice but to steal her away.”

“I suppose you’re right.  She is your stolen bride.” With a wry grin, Toby added, “To think I’ve known you for all these years and am just now learning you have a scandalous side to you.”

Amused, Orlando returned the grin.  “I only risk a scandal when I want something badly enough.”

“Then you must’ve wanted Chloe more than you’ve ever wanted anything.”

That would be a true statement, so he didn’t deny it.

“Before I run to my wife to deliver your missive to Chloe, want to play a game of chess?”

“Sure.”

As anxious as Orlando was to see Chloe again, he had missed his friend and would enjoy playing the game with him.  He poured himself and Toby another glass of brandy and got the board out for them.

Chapter Eleven

“I was beginning to think you disappeared,” Helena teased Chloe as she gave her a hug.

Chloe laughed and returned the hug.

“Sit down and tell me what’s happened,” Helena said, gesturing to the settee.  As Chloe went to sit down, Helena turned to her butler.  “Bring us some black tea and crumpets.”

Chloe waited until he left before saying, “Did Regina tell you what happened?”

Helena shook her head and shut the drawing room doors.  “She’s refused to tell me anything.  I suspect she learned to keep a secret since her mother never did.”

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you,” Chloe said.  “I honestly expected the Ton to be talking nonstop about what I did.”

Helena’s eyes twinkled.  “Well, this must be good.”

“It is.  I’m married to the sweetest, handsomest, and most patient gentleman in all of London.  We eloped.  It was so sudden, too.  Regina took me out of town to talk to him, and he told me he’s been in love with me since before I married Lord Hawkins.”

“You married Lord Reddington?”

“How did you know I was talking about him?”

Laughing, Helena shook her head in amusement.  “I didn’t tell you at the time because Lord Hawkins was still alive, but when we saw him at Regina’s townhouse, I could tell he was deeply in love with you.”

“Oh, you should have told me.”

“What would have been the point?  Your husband was still alive.  There was nothing you could do about it.” She paused, eyebrows raised.  “Why don’t you ever refer to Lord Hawkins by his Christian name?”

“I think I have, on occasion,” Chloe replied, trying to think of a time when she had.  “At the very least, I’m sure I thought it.”

“I suspect you don’t because you never felt close to him.  Not that anyone could blame you.  You saw so little of him.  Even I can barely remember what he looked like, and I introduced you two.”

“You didn’t miss anything.  He wasn’t much to look at.” Chloe put her hand over her mouth.  Good heavens.  Did she really say that aloud?

“Now that I think about it, you’re right.  He was as boring as he looked.”

“Helena, we shouldn’t be so mean.  The poor gentleman is dead.”

“I wasn’t trying to be mean.  I was stating a fact.  He was boring.  You read me a couple of his missives, and each time, my mind wandered.  I don’t know how you managed to read them.”

“It was my duty.  I had to.”

“Fortunately, you don’t have to anymore.”

Chloe wondered if she should really think such a thing, but the butler brought in the tea and crumpets, thereby allowing her a reprieve from her guilt.  The least she could do was honor his memory in some small way.

When the butler left, Chloe ventured, “Lord Hawkins was polite.”

Helena offered her a smile as she poured tea into their cups.  “It’s all right not to miss him.  He could have stayed here for a while after you married to get to know you better, or he could have taken you with him.  He didn’t have to rush off to India the way he did.  You are perfectly within your rights to be glad you’re with someone else, especially someone who makes you as happy as you are.” She handed Chloe her cup.  “You are glowing with joy.”

“I’m trying not to.  My parents wouldn’t like it.  They expect me to be a grieving widow.”

“Not all widows grieve.”

Yes, that was true.  But even so, Chloe’s parents insisted she play the part, and when she wasn’t alone with her friends, or Orlando, she would do her best.

“It’s wonderful Lord Reddington loves you as much as he does,” Helena said then took a sip of her tea.

“It is.  I never thought love could be so splendid.” Chloe’s face warmed with pleasure.  “The only thing is that since the Ton doesn’t know of my marriage to him, please keep it a secret.”

“I will.  I am wondering, though, when will you announce your marriage to everyone?”

“It’s best I let the entire mourning period pass, so we’ll let everyone know this time next year.”

“In the meantime, you’re making sure there will be no child on the way?”

Chloe frowned.  “Child on the way?”

“Is he using a sheath to prevent his,” Helena lowered her voice, “seed from going into you?”

A sheath?  Would it be in bad taste to admit she didn’t even know what a sheath was?  She tapped the side of her cup and tried to think of what a sheath might possibly be.  All that came to mind was a sheath a knight might use for his sword.  But that couldn’t possibly be the kind of sheath Helena meant.

“Oh dear,” Helena said.  “I can see you haven’t been careful.  This is something that must be corrected at once.  It’s possible you might already be expecting a child if you and Lord Reddington already consummated the marriage.”

“Orlando and I did.”

She nodded as if she’d expected Chloe’s response.  “The situation with Lord Hawkins was unusual.  Most of the time, gentlemen with titles don’t need encouragement to start on an heir.  But Chloe, from this moment on, you and Orlando must use a sheath when you’re together, just in case you haven’t conceived yet.  If you have, there’s nothing you can do.  People will know you two were together sooner than you let on, especially since there’s no way you could be carrying Lord Hawkins’ child.”

“At the risk of sounding like a simpleton, what do you mean by Orlando and I using a sheath?”

Helena glanced at the doors, and instinctively, Chloe followed her gaze.  No one was there.  And better yet, the doors were shut.

“A sheath is something Orlando will put over his male part,” Helena whispered.

His male part?  “But isn’t a sheath too big to do that?”

Helena’s eyes grew wide then she chuckled.  “Are you thinking of a sheath you put a sword into?”

“Well, it’s the only sheath I know about.”

“I’m sure some gentlemen would like to think their male parts are so big, but no, the sheath I’m talking about is quite a bit smaller.  It’ll fit over him just fine.”

“Do you think he’ll know what it is if I ask him about it?”

“Most likely.  Gentlemen know what they need to do if they don’t want to have illegitimate children.” She paused.  “Though some don’t care.  But yes, I’m sure Orlando knows what they are, and I have no doubt he can get them.  All you need to do is tell him it’s important he does this right away.”

“All right.  I’ll do that.”

Chloe wished she’d known about sheaths sooner.  Her parents wouldn’t like it one bit if she had a child.  Surely, there was only a very tiny chance she had anything to worry about right now.  She’d barely been with Orlando for a month.  She knew of ladies who took years to get a child.  Not everyone conceived right away like Regina had.  Helena had been married to her first husband for years and never had a child.  And as far as she knew, Helena wasn’t with child yet.

To be sure, Chloe asked her friend, “Are you expecting a child?”

“Not at this time.  My lady’s time started yesterday.  Why?”

“I was just wondering how likely it is that I’d already be with child, that’s all.”

“When did you last have your flow?”

“It was shortly after I married Orlando.”

“When are you expecting your next one?”

Chloe counted the days in her mind then said, “Late next week.”

“Do you feel any different?”

“No.  Should I?”

“Your mother had a lot of children.  Do you remember her being more tired or sick to her stomach early on when she was expecting?”

“She was mostly tired, but then, she was tired all the time until Father could afford more servants.”

“Just be aware of when you should get your next flow, and be sure to use sheaths to be safe.”

“I will.”

“Hopefully, there’s nothing to worry about.  It’s one month.  Chances are you’ll be fine.  Now,” Helena took another sip of tea and smiled, “tell me everything about your elopement.”

Picking up on her friend’s excitement, Chloe did.

***

“Oh yes, my daughter is overcome with grief,” Chloe’s mother told Lady Cadwalader later that day.  Turning to Chloe, who was sitting next to her on the settee, she squeezed her hand.  “You had the perfect marriage.”

“I’d say so,” Lady Cadwalader replied from where she sat across from Chloe and her mother.  “Many gentlemen and ladies wish they had such an arrangement as you and Lord Hawkins did.”

Since Chloe’s mother looked at her expectantly, Chloe ventured, “I suppose it’s hard to find fault with a husband who isn’t around.”

Lady Cadwalader laughed.  “I should say so.”

Chloe’s mother chimed in with her own laughter.  Chloe forced a smile but glanced out the window.  It’d been almost a week since she arrived in London.  Would this be the day Orlando arrived?  She hoped so.  She didn’t think it was possible to miss someone so much her heart actually felt as if it could break, but she did.

“If it’s any consolation,” Lady Cadwalader began, directing her gaze to Chloe, “you make a lovely widow.  Not many ladies can wear black as well as you do.”

“Oh, um, thank you.” Chloe could only hope that was the response Lady Cadwalader wanted to hear.

“There’s no need to thank me.  You’re the one who fits so nicely into the mourning dresses.”

The lady chuckled, followed again by her mother’s echoing laughter.

“My husband adored Lord Hawkins,” Lady Cadwalader continued.  “They did some business together two years ago.  Lord Hawkins had a gift for making money.  Better yet, he didn’t have to resort to gambling or other forms of debauchery in order to acquire it.  He was an honest and decent gentleman.  It’s a shame there aren’t more like him in London.”

“A shame indeed,” her mother agreed.

Chloe knew Lord Hawkins had been well received by the Ton when she married him.  It’d been the one reason why she didn’t protest the arrangement.  And he had been kind to her.  Hard to know, perhaps, but kind all the same.  Still, he was nothing like Orlando.  She doubted Lady Cadwalader would be sitting in her drawing room right now if she knew about Orlando.

“Thank you for letting me visit,” Lady Cadwalader said as she rose to her feet.  Smiling at Chloe, she added, “It was a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance, my lady.”

“The pleasure was all mine,” Chloe replied, also rising to her feet.

“A pleasure for us both,” her mother quickly chimed in and joined them as they went to the doors of the drawing room.

“I would like to have you over for a visit some time,” Lady Cadwalader told Chloe.  “There are a couple ladies I think you’d like to meet.”

“Oh.” Chloe hadn’t expected this.  She thought this visit would be the only time she’d ever see the lady, except for a ball or some other social engagement, and of course, she couldn’t do that for a year.  She glanced at her mother, noting the way her mother’s eyes flashed with excitement.  “Thank you, Lady Cadwalader.  I’d be honored.”

“The honor is mine.  I wish I had taken the time to make your acquaintance sooner.  My husband had wanted to come by when your husband returned, but alas, that plan came to naught.”

“Yes, that was unfortunate.”

“Be brave.  Your heart will heal, and in time, you might decide to marry again, though now you have the benefit of choosing to go without a husband without risking shame.”

Chloe nodded and called out a good-bye as the lady left the townhouse.

The footman was ready to close the door when Chloe saw Regina’s carriage pull up to the house.  Orlando was in London!  He had to be.  Why else would Regina be coming to see her?  Heartbeat picking up, Chloe hurried to the front door and watched as Regina stepped out of the carriage.

“I knew you and Lady Cadwalader would get along,” her mother whispered in her ear.

Chloe jerked, unaware her mother had come up behind her.

Her mother chuckled and patted her shoulder.  “You mustn’t let your shadow scare you.”

“I’m not skittish, Mother.  I just didn’t know you were standing so close to me.”

“Of course.” Her mother glanced at the footman, who looked too bored to care about anything she’d tell Chloe, but that didn’t stop her from whispering, “I know Lord Reddington will be here to see you soon.  Please remember to be discreet.”

“I will.”

“No one must see you two together.”

Chloe sighed.  “I know what discreet means.”

Thankfully, Regina was climbing the steps, which meant her mother would have to stop warning her to be careful.  Chloe wasn’t a child.  She was perfectly capable of doing this without her mother’s help.

“Good,” her mother said.  Then in a louder voice, she added, “What a great honor it was to have someone of Lady Cadwalader’s reputation visit.  The Ton will be talking about how fortunate you are.”

Resisting the urge to roll her eyes, Chloe smiled before turning her attention to Regina. She couldn’t wait to read Orlando’s missive.  Maybe he’d tell her when she could expect to see him.  Just the thought of his touch and kiss was enough to make her pulse race.