The Earl's Passionate Plot Read online

  "Are you happy with your selection?"

  Mariah jumped. She'd been alone in the corridor, pausing yet again to glance out the window at the still empty yard in front of the house, and had not expected Mr. Skrewd to be in this part of the house. But here he was.

  "I... my selection?"

  "The puppies," he explained. "Have you been to check on them again?"

  "Yes, I was out there. They certainly are a handful. I don't know how you've managed, so many bounding pups in your little hut out back."

  "Indeed, it has been rather chaotic ," Mr. Skrewd replied with a smile. "Still, it will seem awfully quiet once they are all gone."

  "You've found homes for all of them, then?"

  "I have, although one of those homes is with me. I decided Bess ought to be allowed the company of one of her pups after all this."

  "You have a soft heart, sir. Take care no one learns of it or you'll soon find every needy dog dumped at your doorstep."

  "Lord, I might never be out of your gracious lodgings here then. Who else would rent room to a man with more dogs than he has sense?"

  "I'm sure many people would have great respect for it. So were you on your way back out to them now? You wish to say good-bye again?"

  "Er, yes, I'm afraid so. Those little beasties have certainly grown on me."

  "I understand. The back door of this wing is still unlocked, so you should be able to go out and then let yourself back in again."

  "Thank you. I hope that—"

  But his hopes were interrupted when her mother appeared around the corner, coming from the main part of the house. She smiled when she saw Mariah and gave a friendly nod to Mr. Skrewd.

  "Ah, here you are. What are you up to, hiding back here?"

  Mr. Skrewd seemed decidedly uncomfortable, but Mariah knew her mother was simply teasing them. She knew all about the puppy surprise for Ella and it must come as no shock to see Mariah conspiring in a corridor with the owner of said puppies.

  "I'm sorry, ma'am, I was simply going to—" Mr. Skrewd began nervously.

  Mamma waved her hand at him. "You were talking about Ella's puppy. Yes, I know all about Mariah's big surprise for her sister. Thank you so much, Mr. Skrewd, for helping us give something to Ella that will mean so very much to her."

  "Indeed, it is my pleasure, Mrs. Renford. And thank you for taking the little, er, angel off my hands."

  "I'm sure your hands have been very full, Mr. Skrewd. I think it's lovely, though, that we can include so many wonderful things in our little impromptu ball this evening. A new pet for Ella, and an engagement being announced... what a remarkable evening it will be."

  "An engagement, ma'am?" he asked.

  Mamma pursed her lips and looked chagrined. "Heavens, was I not supposed to mention anything about that?"

  "I don't think we are to speak of it just yet, Mamma, but of course Mr. Skrewd can know. He can certainly be trusted with Miss Vandenhoff's secret."

  The poor man appeared as if he were not so sure that he could be trusted. "What is this? Miss Vandenhoff's secret?"

  "Oh, it's hardly a secret, really. Surely you've noticed these past few days," Mariah said with a coy little grin. "Miss Vandenhoff and Mr. Chadburne have been quite inseparable, haven't they? Oh, don't pretend to be surprised. It isn't the first time a wealthy merchant family has sought to improve their connections by introducing their daughter to a gentleman of high standing."

  "But... Miss Vandenhoff and Mr. Chadburne?"

  The curate seemed to have had no clue at all about this. Silly man. He was really going to have to learn to be more observant.

  "It is why they are here, after all," Mariah explained. "The earl and Mr. Vandenhoff have some sort of understanding, apparently, and this has been pre-arranged."

  "You can't really believe so? Surely not, Miss Langley. If Mr. Vandenhoff was so heartless to insist on matching his daughter with someone so clearly not of her choosing, why on earth would he select Chadburne and not the earl himself?"

  "Mr. Chadburne is the earl's heir," Mariah said. "He is a fine gentleman. I've seen for myself how attentive he's been, showing himself to be everything charming and noble. Perhaps Miss Vandenhoff was not the one to first have the notion of finding a husband during her stay, but you must acknowledge that her demeanor has shown great improvement as the days have ticked by."

  "Yes, but that is only due to... that is, you think that is because she is coming to love Mr. Chadburne?"

  Mamma gave a matronly chuckle. "That is one of the main causes for improvement in a young lady's demeanor. I believe Mariah has done an excellent job arranging things. By the end of the ball tonight, I expect there will be no doubt in anyone's mind that Mr. Chadburne and Miss Vandenhoff are fully committed."

  The subject seemed to very nearly terrify Mr. Skrewd. Mariah found his sudden pallor and schoolboy stammering quite amusing. She'd never known he was so anxious. But after all, he was rather young.

  Perhaps the idea of marriage was still a frightening thing for him. Mariah could hardly blame him. It must be uncomfortable to have Mamma rattling on about it this way. Besides, the couple in question were little more than strangers to them. It did seem a bit impertinent to be discussing such intimate details of their lives this way.

  "It will all work out, Mr. Skrewd," Mariah said, helping him escape this conversation. "Now, why don't you go see to the puppies while we go see that everything is in place for the ball."

  "The guests from the village will be arriving any time now," Mamma said. "And I was looking for you to help me with a few details, Mariah."

  "Of course, Mamma."

  "I'll leave you to your work then," Mr. Skrewd said, obviously eager to get away.

  He mumbled some gracious thanks and then hurried down the corridor toward the back doorway that would open onto the path closest to his little hut. Mariah took her mother's arm and led the way back toward the lighted rooms with all the bustling servants and loudly tuning musicians.

  "Very well, Mamma, tell me what is still needed to be ready."

  "Well, I was wanting to ask your opinion on the number of windows we have left open tonight, but now I feel awful about interrupting. You and Mr. Skrewd seemed quite sociable there in the darkened corridor."

  "Mamma, please. I've asked you to leave that subject alone."

  "And I do try, my dear, but you can't blame a woman for noticing. You've spent considerable time with him of late, haven't you? No, don't deny it, I know you've gone to his house more than was strictly necessary."

  "You read too much into things, Mamma!"

  "Do I? Or do I have reason to hope for not one, but two engagements to be announced by the end of this evening?"

  "Heavens, Mamma! Now you're embarrassing me."

  "But dearest, you know that I'm not blind. The man has been more cheerful than usual lately, and he's made every excuse possible to show up here each day. Oh, very well, if you insist I'll stop speaking of it. But I won't be one bit surprised when I learn you've given up your foolish intent to stay single."

  Mariah gritted her teeth. There was no use arguing the point. Mamma was determined to cling to this notion of hers and it would only upset her to persist in denying things now. Once the ball was over and she could see for herself that there was nothing between her and Mr. Skrewd besides a few pleasantries and a concern for the puppies, then perhaps she could listen to reason.

  She would be disappointed, of course, but that would likely be tempered by the announcement that Mr. Chadburne and Miss Vandenhoff were to be wed. When the earl invited them all to remove to Dovington Downs to prepare for the nuptials, then Mamma would forget all about her silly designs on Mr. Skrewd. She would have her home back, and they could once again focus on preparing for Ella's come-out next year.

  Of course, all that would depend on the earl's actual presence at the ball tonight, wouldn't it? Without him here to remove everyone to his estate the engagement would simply mean they'd be stuck with these house
guests a while longer and would be subjected to additional mooning and cows eyes all day long.

  Drat that earl. Where on earth could he be and why wasn't he here as he promised he would be?

  The earl was concealed in the dim recess of a doorway. He held his breath as Miss Langley and her mother walked by. He heard their voices go round the next corner as he ground his teeth.

  So, Mrs. Renford knew of her daughter's secret visits to Mr. Skrewd's house, did she? And she expected an engagement. Of course, Dovington should not be surprised by any of this. He'd seen the pair of them in the doorway of Skrewd's hut three days ago. He knew the passions inside Miss Langley, and he had eyes to see what any other man might see in her. Of course the curate would want her.

  Dovington had been an absolute idiot to have come back here hoping for something else.

  Damn, when would he ever learn? He knew the truth about himself. How could he have been so ready to forget it all simply because his steward back at his estate had given him hopeful news? There was no hope where he was concerned.

  So what if he had made farther strides than expected, paying off debts that he'd not been expected to pay for another two years? His house was still crumbling, needing far more than his pitiful reconstruction projects had been able to accomplish thus far. His tenants still lived in near poverty, his lands still lay fallow and unproductive. Had he really allowed himself to think—to dream—that perhaps he might consider a future for himself?

  It was laughable. His estate was in tatters and Miss Langley was off limits to him. Period. No matter how encouraging his steward had been about what he'd called "miraculous headway," nothing could change the fact of reality. All of Dovington's work now was to pay off in the future for Ned and his bride. Dovington had no right to hope for himself.

  He waited until the voices and footsteps had faded into the distance then left the corridor. His task here was nearly done and soon he'd have no reason to remain. He'd put Miss Langley out of his mind and do what needed to be done.

  He'd hunt down his cousin for an update.

  It wasn't much of a hunt, really. He found Ned helping arrange flowers in baskets dotting the large room the family had designated for their ballroom tonight. Miss Renford was cooing over the sagging bouquet Ned had put together and the small group of musicians at the far end of the room were talking amongst themselves and idly tuning their instruments. Miss Renford was the first to notice Dovington's arrival and she jumped when he made his way to them.

  "Good evening, Miss Renford, Ned," he said with a polite bow.

  "So you did turn up again!" Ned chided with a grin. "We were beginning to think you'd abandoned us."

  "I promised Miss Renford I'd return for her ball, and here I am. I apologize for missing dinner, but I was delayed."

  "I can have the kitchen put together a tray for you, sir," Miss Renford said in her delicate little voice.

  "No, I ate on the road, but thank you. I would not wish to trouble anyone just now. I see all is in readiness for tonight's event."

  "Doesn't the room look lovely? I don't even remember the last time we hosted anything here," Miss Renford said, beaming at the glowing lamps and the careful decorations. "It took six men to carry the carpet when they rolled it up yesterday."

  "It is a most excellent room and I'm sure the grand Renford ball will be hailed as a riotous success," the earl replied. "But I wonder if you can spare my cousin just now, Miss Renford? I should very much like a word with him, please."

  "Of course, sir," she said, curtsying and giving both of them a weak little smile. "I'll see if my mother requires anything else."

  She scurried away and Dovington watched after her. "Like a scared rabbit, that one is."

  "You do tend to be a bit overwhelming, cousin."

  "So they tell me."

  "But what do you wish to say to me?" Ned asked. "Perhaps we should retire to somewhere a bit more private."

  "Indeed."

  Clearly Ned knew exactly what the topic for their discussion should be. Good. That meant he was prepared. Things had gone just as planned and Ned had done everything needed to see that Miss Vandenhoff would accept his proposal. Dovington could be done with this place—and the whole Renford family—by morning.

  They left the ballroom and Dovington led the way to the study. It was unoccupied and he took the light from the corridor to find his way lighting the lamp at the desk. The heavy drapes were drawn, keeping out whatever rays of sunset might still be trying to filter in, and the lamp cast dancing shadows around the room. They made the expression on Ned's face unreadable as Dovington poured his cousin a drink.

  "You have been often in company with Miss Vandenhoff while I've been absent?" he asked.

  "Yes," Ned replied. "The younger set has done much to pass the time enjoyably."

  "And you have found the time enjoyable? And the company?"

  "Er, yes, actually. I've been quite happy with my stay here at Renford Hall."

  He didn't bother to correct the misnomer. What did he care what Ned called the place? The important thing was that this house and its lands were productive and Dovington could use all of it to satisfy his father's debt.

  "I am happy to hear it. Shall I assume you've had opportunity to speak with Mr. Vandenhoff, then?"

  Ned became decidedly uncomfortable. "Well... you see, that's been a bit of a problem. I haven't quite gotten around to that."

  It figured. Dovington couldn't be angry about it, though. Ned was young, and speaking to a young lady's father might be quite a daunting task. It was understandable that Ned had preferred to wait until his cousin returned.

  "No matter. I'll speak to him for you and get everything settled."

  "No! I mean... I hope you will let me deal with this in my own way."

  "Your own way? You have some special plan in your mind?"

  "Yes, actually, I do. I just... this is a delicate matter, as you can understand. Please let me handle things tonight."

  "Very well. Since you are convinced all is going positively, I suppose you can be trusted to work things out for yourself."

  "Thank you, cousin. I hope I don't disappoint."

  "I'm sure that you won't. You've proved to be one of the few bright spots in the Chadburne line, so I look forward to letting you lead."

  That notion seemed to make Ned just a bit nauseous, so Dovington clapped him on the back. Ned choked on his drink.

  "There, there, lad. It's only matrimony, after all. You'll do fine, and I wish you much happiness."

  "Do you, cousin? Do you truly?"

  "Of course I do."

  The words came almost too easily, but Dovington realized he honestly meant them. Whatever true happiness was, he did wish it for Ned. It was about time someone in the Chadburne line found it for himself.

  "Then... perhaps I ought to go see to a few things before all the guests are arrived."

  Dovington nodded. "Yes, you go do that. You can report to me later."

  "Yes. Later. Right."

  Poor Ned. Already his nerves were a mess, Dovington could tell. The younger man downed that last of his drink in one wincing gulp, and his hand noticeably shook as he deposited his glass on the tray. But he got up from his chair, adjusted his coat, and headed off to the war. At least, that's what his expression said as he marched out of the study.

  Dovington shook his head, but smiled. Ned was a good lad and he was proud of him, standing up and taking the reins on his own. Mr. Vandenhoff would be impressed. Tomorrow morning Dovington would confer with them and they'd put some things in writing. The betrothal would be official and Vandenhoff money could begin flowing his way. Everything was made even sweeter by the knowledge that Ned might actually be content with his bride.

  As Mr. Skrewd, no doubt, would be with his. Everything was working out into a nice, tidy package, wasn't it? He ought to be quite pleased with himself. Instead he felt cold and empty inside. He knew what to do, though. He'd seen his father fill that void hundreds of tim
es.

  He topped-off his glass and decided to get staggering drunk.

  Chapter 16

  Everything was going remarkably well. Mariah glanced around the gaily lit room and smiled at the fruits of her efforts. Mamma was smiling and showing the carefully placed flower arrangements to Mrs. Wakefield, while Mr. and Mrs. Benson were making the acquaintance of the Vandenhoff's. The two young Smith sisters were making eyes at the Martin brothers across the room, while Mr. Chadburne and Mr. Skrewd were making themselves comfortable at the punch bowl. The musicians played lightly, preparing for the first dance that would be gathering soon. Their first Renford ball would be in full bloom and Ella appeared to be nearly floating as she grinned up at her sister.

  "Isn't it heavenly?"

  "It's beautiful," Mariah agreed. "Thank you for your help with it. I think we can all count on a most pleasant evening tonight."

  "I hope so! It's so very important that all will be well."

  "Don't worry, I'm sure that it will be. I'm only sorry, for your sake, that the earl did not return in time to make an appearance."

  "Oh, he's arrived back some time ago," Ella said, then wrinkled her brow. "I can't imagine why we haven't seen him here yet. He must still be refreshing himself after his travel."

  "He's here? In this house?"

  "Yes. I saw him an hour ago. He assured me he'd be in attendance."

  So the blackguard returned and had promised her sister—again—that he'd attend and still he was not here? The nerve of him! She'd have to find him immediately and tell him just what she thought of such behavior. How dare he disappoint Ella this way.

  "If he is here, then I should go find him."

  "Find him? Why?" Ella asked.

  "To box his ears, of course. He promised he'd be here and I won't have him letting you down."

  "Letting me down? I'm fine, Mariah, truly. It makes no real difference to me if he attends."

  "Don't be silly. You wanted an earl at your first ball, and by heaven you shall have one. Keep an eye on things and I'm going to hunt the man down. Take extra care to make sure Miss Vandenhoff enjoys her time here tonight, will you?"