The Earl's Secret Bargain Read online

  “There’s no doubt about it,” he agreed and carefully wiped the cloth along the frame.

  “How far back do these portraits go?”

  “Six generations.”

  “That long?”

  He nodded. “My family was a vain sort. They liked to see themselves as much as possible.”

  Chuckling at his joke, she closed the distance between them and looked at the woman in the portrait he was holding. “Well, I can see why. The lady in that portrait is beautiful.”

  “That was my mother. She was only eighteen when it was painted.”

  “She looked happy.”

  “She was.”

  Noting the hint of sorrow in his voice, she studied him. “She wasn’t always that way?”

  “She had a difficult time conceiving, and when she finally did, she had a difficult pregnancy. After I was born, she wasn’t able to successfully have another child. I think the strain was too much for her, and she gave up on living. Then after that, my father took to drinking all the time, and the estate suffered for it.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  He turned his gaze to her, and despite the sadness in his eyes, she could tell that he’d made his peace with the situation years ago. “I don’t want you to ever feel like you have to give me an heir and have a second son in case something happens to the first one.”

  So that was why his mother took the inability to have another child so hard. Recalling the conversation she’d shared with him the day they went to Hyde Park, she thought over his assurance that it wouldn’t bother him if she had girls instead of boys. At the time, she hadn’t been completely sure he meant it. But now she knew he had and, more importantly, she knew why.

  Cupping his face with her hands, she kissed him. “Thank you. It is a lot of pressure to put on a lady.”

  “I know, which is why I don’t want you to go through it.”

  She lowered her hands and found a clean cloth nearby. “Would you like some help getting these portraits cleaned up?”

  “I thought you were writing a letter to your parents.”

  “I finished it.”

  “Already?”

  “Well, I was in the drawing room for almost an hour.”

  “That long?” He dug the pocket watch out of his pocket and looked at the time. “I didn’t realize it was so late.”

  “Time usually passes fast when you’re busy,” she said as she retrieved the cloth. “Mind if I help you?” She gestured to the other portraits.

  “It’s tedious, boring work.”

  “I don’t mind. Besides, it’ll give me a good chance to ask you about the people in them. I hope their stories aren’t as sad as your mother’s.”

  “Most are happier.”

  “That’s good.” She’d hate to think his entire family dealt with so much sorrow. “I know life isn’t always nice, but I still like to think some good can be found in this world.”

  He placed his mother’s portrait back on the wall and brought down the one next to it. “This is my grandmother. She used to write poetry and short stories for children. She’d read them to me when she came over. Hers was a happy story.”

  Regina took the portrait and chuckled. “You’d never know it since she isn’t smiling.”

  “Yes, it’s ironic. She looked so serious, but when you got to know her, you learned she liked to tell jokes and sing cheerful tunes.”

  “I suppose it goes to show there’s more to a person than what you first see.”

  “I’d say that’s a good way of putting it.” He took down a portrait. This time, it was one of a gentleman. “My uncle,” he explained. “My father’s brother. Now, he was as dull as he looks in this picture. If he ever laughed, I don’t remember it.”

  She chuckled. “You shouldn’t say such things of those who are no longer alive.”

  “He’s alive.”

  “He is?” She couldn’t recall him mentioning a close relative before.

  “He’s in Asia. I’m not sure where. The last time he sent me correspondence, he said he was leaving India to go further east.”

  As she ran the cloth over the frame in front of her, she waited for him to continue but he didn’t. She glanced over at him and saw he was dusting his uncle’s portrait. “Well?” she asked.

  “‘Well’ what?”

  “What else did he write you?”

  With a grin, he said, “He told me what the weather had been like, what he had hoped it would be like, and what he would have done about it if he had the ability to control it.”

  “That’s all?”

  “It was enough. The correspondence was ten pages long.”

  “Ten pages? And all he did was talk about the weather?”

  “Yes. I’m not exaggerating.”

  “So, what did you write back?”

  “Not much. I wished him luck on handling the heat in the summer and sent him a good hat to help keep the sun off his eyes.”

  Amused, she laughed.

  “If I could have thought of anything else, I would have added it,” he assured her, also laughing.

  Still smiling, she brought her attention back to her portrait, careful as she brushed the dust off the lady’s face.

  “Regina?”

  Surprised by the tenderness in his tone, she looked over at him.

  “In the future,” he began, “if our children or grandchildren look at your portrait, I want them to say your life was a happy one, and I’ll do what I can to make that possible.”

  He turned back to the portrait he was working on. Though she was deeply touched by his words, she honestly didn’t know how to respond. Deciding she didn’t have to, she went back to her portrait and resumed her work.

  ***

  That evening after dinner, Regina waited until they were alone before asking, “May I take a look at the ledger? I’d like to see what the financial situation is, if you don’t mind.”

  “You can see anything you wish,” he replied then shot her an apprehensive glance. “My ledger is in my bedchamber. I put it there after we got here.”

  It made sense he’d keep it there. She should have expected it. But she hadn’t, and the thought of being alone with him in his bedchamber caused a bit of anxiety to come over her. Forcing it aside, she said, “That’s a sensible place to put it.”

  She went with him up the stairs and to his bedchamber. He lit the candelabra and held it up so she could get a better look in the dark room. Despite the awkwardness of the situation, she couldn’t help but examine her surroundings. The rest of the manor was greatly influenced by those who had preceded him, but in here, she got a real sense of who he was.

  The furniture in the entire manor was in good condition, as he had said, and his bedchamber was no exception. In this room, he chose dark oak furnishings with deep brown bedding. He had an armoire for his things, just as she did in her bedchamber. Then there was a full-length mirror, a lounging chair by the window, a place for his grooming supplies, a bookcase lined with books ranging from poetry and plays to full-length novels to historical accounts.

  She was pleased that his tastes varied. It was nice to see he was willing to expand his knowledge. She always thought people who focused on only one thing missed out on what life had to offer.

  “The ledger’s in here,” he told her as he headed for the small room.

  She followed him and watched as he set the candelabra on the oak desk.

  “I only have one chair in here,” he said and opened the top drawer. He set the ledger down and gestured for her to sit. When she did, he asked, “Would you like me to leave?”

  “I don’t mind it if you’re here while I look through it.”

  He nodded and remained in the room while she read through the accounts, mentally adding and subtracting the figures to make sure they all worked out as they should. He’d been careful to document everything he did for the past year, and she had no doubt he’d been just as meticulous with his money ever since he’d inherited the estate.
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  She glanced at him and saw he was looking out the open window. In the moonlight, he was even more attractive. She didn’t know if that was because moonlight enhanced the way people looked or if it was the way her heartbeat picked up from simply being close to him. Regardless of the wager, she was still attracted to him. It wasn’t easy to keep her distance.

  But she couldn’t afford to be vulnerable enough to get close to him. Not yet. But maybe soon, if he continued to be the gentleman he seemed to be.

  Forcing her gaze off of him, she turned her attention back to the ledger. “You’ve been responsible with my father’s money.”

  “I want to be. I know I have a long way to go, but I’m determined to do a better job than my father did.”

  “That’s commendable.” She closed the ledger and stood up. “I appreciate you letting me have a look at it. I don’t think most gentlemen would be so obliging to the wishes of their wives.”

  “There’s no reason why you shouldn’t know what is happening with the money you provided me.”

  She stood at the desk for a long moment, not sure if she should say something or just go to her bedchamber. She had no intention of spending the night in here. He knew it as much as she did, but she still hesitated to leave, and she couldn’t figure out why.

  Finally, he asked, “Was there something else you wanted to see?”

  Her cheeks grew warm, and she quickly shook her head. Surely, he’d been talking about the things pertaining to the estate, but her mind unwittingly went to the bed and the memory of the heated kiss they’d shared at Lord Toplyn’s ball. He couldn’t have feigned that kind of passion. At least, she didn’t think he could. She knew she couldn’t. Even now, her gaze went to his lips, and she thought there might be nothing better than to share another kiss.

  Thankful the room was too dark for him to detect the blush in her face, she forced out, “No. It’s been a long day. I should get to sleep. I’ll see you in the morning.”

  Then, before she could talk herself out of it, she strode out of his bedchamber, choosing to use the door connecting their rooms. It wasn’t until she closed the door softly behind her that she managed to breathe. Her back pressing against the door, she took a few moments to calm the beating of her heart. Once her swirling emotions settled, she walked further into her room and lit the candles so she could get ready for bed.

  Chapter Twenty

  The next morning as he finished breakfast, Toby ventured a look at Regina. She had managed to eat more today, which was a good sign. Maybe she was starting to trust him again.

  Toby folded the napkin and placed it on the plate in front of him. The butler hurried to take the dishes out of his way, something that still seemed strange after all the years he’d carried his own dishes to the kitchen. Taking a deep breath, he looked at Regina again, noting the way she nibbled on a strawberry.

  “I was thinking,” he began, waiting until she looked up at him to continue, “it’s a nice day out.” He gestured to the large window where sunlight was streaming through it. After a moment, he cleared his throat. “Do you ride horses?”

  She hesitated but swallowed the strawberry. “From time to time.”

  “Would you like to ride one today? I could show you the grounds.”

  For a moment, he thought she was going to say no, but then she nodded and wiped her mouth with a napkin. “I’ll change and be down shortly.”

  Relieved, he rose to his feet. He was tempted to follow her but figured it was best if he didn’t press his luck. Instead, he waited until she left the room before he proceeded to his bedchamber. Assuming this was going to be a pleasant ride, he decided to look forward to it. It was hard to be in constant dread that he’d do or say something to upset her. It was easier to focus on the fact that she was willing to spend the morning with him, and better yet, there’d be no servants around to overhear them. Sometimes he missed the privacy he’d enjoyed when he couldn’t afford more than the butler. But he’d much rather be married to Regina and have the loss of privacy around him.

  After the valet helped him into his riding outfit, he waited by the front door for her to come down the stairs. He wasn’t sure what he was going to talk to her about. Maybe he’d tell her about the improvements being done to the place. But would something like that interest a lady? Would she rather he ask her what she’d like him to do to make the place more appealing to her? If she wanted a gazebo, he’d have it built. If she wanted a fountain, he’d get that done as well.

  He heard her footsteps and turned in her direction. She wore the most attractive shade of green that accentuated her eyes. Her blonde hair was tucked under her hat. But more than that, her outfit brought out the curves he so desperately wanted to touch. He didn’t know how it was possible, but she grew more and more beautiful every time he saw her. Could he tell her that, or would she assume he had ulterior motives? Perhaps she’d assume he was merely being polite.

  Deciding he’d take the chance, he said, “You’re beautiful.”

  She didn’t answer right away, but when she reached him, she stood before him and thanked him.

  All right, so she didn’t peer up adoringly at him, but she did make eye contact with him and express her thanks. She didn’t smile when she said it, but there was a softness in her voice that indicated she was making an effort. That was a step in the right direction, and right now, he’d take any break he could get.

  The footman opened the door, and Toby led her outside. He wanted to keep his hand on the small of her back but quickly let go once they were already down the steps.

  As they crossed the lawn to the stables, he asked, “Is there anything in particular you want to see?”

  She glanced around the estate and shrugged. “Just show me the areas that most interest you.”

  He could do that. Maybe she’d like the stream that curved around the property. On some days, he’d even taken his boots off and dipped his feet in the water.

  “All right,” he finally said, deciding he’d start off by showing her the stream and let her take the lead from there. “But if you like a little mystery, I can always blindfold you and show you my favorite spot.”

  As he hoped, her lips curled up into a smile at his joke. “I didn’t realize you carried a blindfold with you.”

  “Well, I have been known to wear one while riding a horse.”

  Her steps slowed and she stared at him, that familiar cynical look on her face, but this time, there was a hint of mischief in her eyes. “You blindfold yourself when you ride a horse?”

  “Only three times, and it was a challenge.”

  “Was it?”

  “Oh yes. Orlando didn’t believe I could ride a horse with one on. But I’ve learned that by using a blindfold, I can judge where I’m at by the sounds around me, and the horse is never stupid enough to lead me right into a wall or off a cliff.”

  “You make it a habit of riding near walls and cliffs?”

  Chuckling, he shook his head. “No, I don’t. I was merely saying that my horse has too much sense to do something that foolish. The steed wants to live.”

  “I should hope so.”

  “So, if you want to, you can ride blindfolded, too. It’s a good way to learn to trust your other senses. You’d be surprised at how much you can pick up when you’re not relying on your eyes to tell you what’s going on.”

  She shook her head. “You’re probably right, but I’m not so…” She bit her lower lip and placed her hands behind her back.

  “Foolish?” he filled in for her.

  “I was thinking brave, but when I think of it, foolish works. Only a gentleman would wear a blindfold because he was dared to by a friend.”

  “It was all in good fun. Orlando was with me, and I knew he wouldn’t let any harm come to me.”

  “In that case, it seems more of a testament to your friendship than an actual challenge.”

  “Gentlemen don’t concern themselves with matters like friendship.”

  “They don
’t?” Her eyebrow rose in a way that indicated she didn’t believe him.

  “No. We’re much too masculine for that kind of thing.”

  At that, she smirked. “Sure.”

  “How about you?” he asked as they walked into the stable. “You must have friends.”

  “Not anyone I would call a friend, but I’ve had plenty of acquaintances.”

  “No close friends?” he asked, unable to believe it.

  She shrugged but smiled. “I had a childhood friend, but she got sick and died two years ago.”

  His smile faltered. “I’m sorry.”

  “I was, too, at first. But then I realized it was better to have been her friend and lost her than to have never been her friend at all.”

  The stable boy came over to them. “My lord and lady,” he bowed, “should I get the horses ready?”

  “Actually, I’ll do it,” Toby told him, encouraged that Regina was opening up to him. If he was able to keep speaking with her alone, maybe she would keep going. “Please leave us?”

  He nodded and hurried out of the barn.

  “You were telling me about your friend,” Toby said. “Who was she?”

  Regina turned to the horse and stroked its nose. “I don’t want to bore you.”

  “You aren’t boring me. I want to know.”

  After a long moment of silence, she said, “Her name was Judith, and we grew up together.”

  “Sounds like she was a good friend.”

  “She was. I don’t endear many people to me. I’ve never cared much for large gatherings, and it’s hard for me to open myself up to people.”

  “I figured as much.”

  She glanced at him then turned her attention back to the horse. “Anyway, she was the only one who continued to come by and visit with me. I still can’t figure out why. There wasn’t much I’d say when she was around. It wasn’t that I didn’t think of things to say. I was just afraid she’d think whatever I said was silly and not want to come around anymore.”

  “So you wanted her to visit?”

  “I did, but I didn’t want to tell her. I ended up telling her years later after I was comfortable enough to know she wouldn’t run off and find someone else to spend time with. We were supposed to go through our Season together, have our weddings together, and raise our children together.”