An Earl for Edith Read online

  Copyright © 2020 by Tammi Lee Bird

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  Cover by Blue Water Books

  Acknowledgments

  There are people in my life that make me better and help me make my aspirations become my reality. My mother has always been my greatest support and strength. Her fortitude and graciousness inspire me daily. My father taught me how to hold a snake, catch grasshoppers, and gut a fish. I will always love and miss him. My sisters Bobbi, Monique, and Esther are my best friends who share my love of books and are always there for me. My brother Ryan who I’ve always looked up to and Brently who let believe I was stronger than him and didn’t complain too often when I followed him around. I also wish to thank my beta and ARC readers who have helped me polish my book. It wouldn’t be the same without you. Finally, the writing community that has welcomed me with open arms, aid, and advice. You are my people.

  Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Epilogue

  About the Author

  Chapter 1

  Mama’s plan was utterly ridiculous, but Edith couldn’t tell her that. She wanted to say it, but the words wouldn’t escape her mouth. She stepped away from their carriage into the green and gold forest surrounding them. The first hints of fall were beginning to paint the trees with vivid colors.

  Mama’s voice broke the silence of the country road. “Do not forget to take the axle with you when you bring the horses home, Humphreys. We don’t want the earl to simply right the carriage and send us on our way.”

  Humphreys nodded politely. “Is there anything else, madam?”

  “I think that’s everything. You may leave,” Mama said dismissively.

  Their footman, who doubled as their coachman, dug his heels into one of the horses while the other horse followed behind. He rounded the bend in the road, and Edith was completely alone with Mama in the woods without any sort of supplies. What if the earl wasn’t actually hunting and his lodge was locked? They’d be without shelter all night until Humphreys came back to check on them. A chill ran up her spine, and she wrapped her arms around herself.

  “Splash a little mud on your dress, dear,” Mama said. “You look much too neat and tidy to have just been in an accident.”

  The road was dry and cracked. She scooped up a little dirt and rubbed it on the edge of her best muslin dress, the one Mama insisted she wear. How had she let Mama talk her into this wild scheme? “Do I look properly distressed now?” Edith asked.

  Mama frowned. “I guess you’ll have to do. It’s not like we can change your figure in the next few minutes.” Mama paused and examined her from top to bottom. Her gaze seemed curious as if she was trying to find some way to change the fact that Edith had as many curves as a piece of slate. “Now we just need to walk a little ways farther, and we should come to a fork in the road. According to Mrs. Marsh, the Earl of Camden’s hunting lodge is only a mile or so from there, and if we have any luck he’ll be all alone.”

  “And should we be unfortunate and find the earl has company?”

  “Then I’ll just have to find a way to leave the two of you alone together,” Mama stated.

  Edith looked to the heavens for solace. Mama would never do this to either of her sisters. Her favorite daughters. Ever since she was little Mama had compared her to her younger sisters and never once had Edith been up to snuff. No, it was always Felicity who had Mama’s praise and if she couldn’t even earn Mama’s affection then how could she ever hope that someone not related to her by blood would care for her?

  Which was why she’d agreed to go despite the many problems with Mama’s scheme. For if she married a titled man then she would win. Felicity, against Mama’s wishes, had settled for a barrister and Mama was still furious. So maybe, just maybe, she’d become Mama’s favorite.

  Yet the more logical side of her couldn’t forget that they’d never met the Earl of Camden; they only had their neighbor’s second cousin’s word he’d be at his hunting lodge, and Edith highly doubted the earl would let Mama slip away into the woods and leave them in a compromising situation.

  No it would have been better if Papa had been home to fix the situation for her. He always knew what to say to make Mama realize she was in the wrong without upsetting anyone. A few words from Papa and this whole mess would never have happened. Unfortunately, he’d left the day before to spend a few days hunting with his friend Lord Hastings.

  There was no turning back now, so Edith lifted her chin, squared her shoulders, and glided down the dirt road with a modicum of poise. After a few minutes of walking, Edith’s soft shoes began to tear. Dust from the road coated her dress far better than any fake spray, and by the time they reached the lodge, her mouse-brown hair was coming loose and sticking to her forehead. It was a rather warm day for October. Edith tried to put back as many stray hairs as possible and used a handkerchief to dry her neck and face. She’d always been plain, so she’d learned at a young age to make the extra effort to always be tidy and respectable.

  As they turned a bend in the road the trees opened into a stunning glen with a quaint cottage on the left. Edith released a sigh of relief. She was grateful for this sign of civilization and shelter. Even if there wasn’t anyone here, they would be able to have a place to sleep out of the elements.

  “Pinch your cheeks dear, and bite your lips. You’re deathly pale and pasty.”

  In comparison, Mama’s pale blue eyes sparkled with intensity and she had worked up a healthy blush. Unlike Edith, Mama’s honey blonde locks were still perfectly coiffed. How was it possible to be so fresh after so much exercise? Edith followed Mama’s commands, she couldn’t remember the last time she’d gotten up the courage to say no to Mama.

  They made their way up to the cream-colored building. It wasn’t very large, perhaps half the size of her own humble home with five windows symmetrically placed on the facade, but it was well kept. Mama knocked on the door. A rather short footman opened it and asked, “How may I help you?”

  “I’m so glad we found an occupied place. Is your master here? We are in desperate need of aid,” Mama replied with a heavy sigh. She sounded like she’d been walking all day, not for but a half-hour. Edith followed Mama and the footman inside the cabin. The walls were white with heavy trim, and a set of bookcases filled with well-used books made her feel at ease. It wasn’t a large reception room, but it was cozy with leather chairs, a striped sofa, and a large painting of rolling hills filled with gentlemen on horses with dogs.

  The footman led them to the chairs and Edith was glad it was even more comfortable than it looked. A few moments after he left, the earl entered the room. At least Edith hoped he was the earl as he was very handsome with dark wavy hair, blue eyes, and a perfectly fitted gray jacket and tan breeches that showed off his lean athletic form.

  “Oh, I’m so glad you’re here, “ Mama sighed dramatically. “Our carriage broke down a mile or so from here, and we’re ever so tired and exhausted.”

  “I’m
sorry to hear that.” His jaw tightened and he frowned. “You must have had a difficult day. Jeffries, go tell Matilda to put on the kettle, for we have guests. Now Madam, why don’t you tell me all about your accident over a cup of tea.” His voice was warm and his smile was kind, though somewhat lopsided. “What may I call you?” the earl asked.

  “Oh dear, you must excuse my rudeness,” Mama exclaimed. “I have completely forgotten my manners. I am Mrs. Wilson, and this is my eldest daughter Miss Wilson.”

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you,” the earl stated. He was about to continue when another man stepped out of the corridor into the room. He was much taller than the earl with broad shoulders and a stocky frame, and while most wouldn’t call him classically handsome, he was rugged, masculine, and captivating.

  The earl waved the man in and said, “This is my cousin…”

  The new gentleman quickly interrupted and said, “Mr. Stirling, at your service, ladies. I see you’ve already met my cousin, the Earl of Camden”

  “Yes. Yes, that’s right, I’m the earl.” He put his hand to his heart and raised his head. “You may have heard about me in London. I believe they call me the Golden Recluse. Because I have so much, yet hate being in society. There is always someone wanting to take advantage of me. At least I can always rely on my cousin here, though.” Lord Camden slammed his hand down on Mr. Stirling’s shoulder. “He is always willing to tell me the truth and keep me humble. Did I mention that these two lovely ladies are Mrs. and Miss Wilson?”

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you. What brings you to my cousin’s hunting box?” Mr. Stirling asked. He turned to the other side of the room where there was a chair by the fire. As he turned Edith could have sworn he winked at his cousin, but then Mama began to tell the tale of their misadventure and Edith couldn’t help but cringe at every lie. Mama made the whole thing sound like they’d barely escaped the clutches of death. Her story sounded a little rehearsed to her ears, but that was due to the fact Edith had heard Mama practicing in the carriage. Both gentlemen seemed most interested in the tale. Though Mr. Stirling seemed a little doubtful.

  Once Mama finished her story, she put a hand to her head and sighed. “I’m feeling quite dizzy, now that I think about how close we were to losing our lives.” Mama took a few long calming breaths. “You wouldn't happen to have anything that would help calm our nerves? A bit of brandy, perhaps?”

  “But of course we do. Jeffries, bring me three glasses of my finest brandy. The oldest one on the bottom of the shelf,” the earl said.

  “Don’t forget to pour a glass for my poor Edith. She looks quite ghastly, and she hasn’t said a word since we left the carriage. I think she’s in shock,” Mama added as he was walking away.

  Edith silently glared at Mama. She kept the anger to her eyes and smiled at the Earl of Camden when the drinks were passed around. Edith had never had more than a secret sip of a strong drink in her life. The one and only time she’d tasted the foul stuff it had burned her throat. She put the glass up to her lips and breathed in the fumes. This was bound to be stronger than that Christmas punch years ago. She took a small sip and her eyes watered. How could anyone willingly drink this vile concoction?

  “Oh dear, she’s tearing up. My poor girl. Drink it all down and have mine as well. After all, my nerves won’t be calm until yours are.”

  Edith wanted to scream and walk out the door. Instead, she tipped her head back and poured the rest of the liquid down her burning throat. No matter how angry she was with Mama, she couldn’t help but try to please her. Mama placed her glass in her hand the moment she was finished with the first drink, and Edith gulped the second one down in three horrible swallows. “Thank you, My Lord. I’m feeling much less hysterical.”

  “I’m glad to hear it, Miss Wilson,” the earl replied. “There’s nothing like a bit of brandy for a calm restorative, I always say.”

  Mama quickly agreed and the two began talking about different herbal remedies for various complaints. Edith didn’t join in the conversation and she noticed Mr. Stirling seemed rather bored as well. Their conversation became harder to concentrate on as her brain began to spin and words seemed to meld together.

  Had she just heard Mama say the antlers on the wall would make a lovely hat? No, Mama would never say that, though she would look utterly ridiculous wearing a crown of antlers. Edith tried to hold back her giggle, but it escaped on its own. Something was definitely wrong, and she needed to find a way to clear her mind and breathe properly.

  Miles Stirling, the Earl of Camden, was very pleased with his cousin’s portrayal of himself. George was normally a stickler for routines and schedules, but he had a wild sense of humor that only his closest relations were privy to. George hadn’t missed a beat since Miles had reversed their roles, and he was sure he would be hearing about this rescue for years to come.

  There was no chance that two ladies showing up at his hunting lodge didn’t mean trouble, and he wasn’t about to be tricked into some sort of compromising situation. He’d fended off daring women before, and he’d probably have to do so again. That particular nuisance came with the enormous amount of money in his coffers.

  As his cousin and Mrs. Wilson droned on and on about illnesses, he noticed something seemed off about Miss Wilson. Her eyes were glossy and her head was swaying rather strangely as she listened.

  Then without warning, the young lady stood up and said, “I think I need some fresh air.” Her words were clear enough, but there was a slight slur to them indicating she wasn’t quite her normal self.

  “I’m afraid I hurt my ankle, dear,” Mrs. Wilson said. “Perhaps Lord Camden could escort you, provided you stayed close by?”

  George stared directly in his eyes and raised an eyebrow. He always did that when he was about to do something reckless. “I’m so sorry Mrs. Wilson, but my ankle has also been ill-used. I think I stepped on it badly when I dismounted my horse earlier today. Why don’t you ask Mr. Stirling to take your daughter on a walk?”

  Curse him. He’d turned the tables back on him, and there was nothing he could do but smile and accept, for George outranked him according to his lie. His only consolation being the disappointment on Mrs. Wilson's face when she asked him to escort her daughter. This time, however, she added a warning. She made sure he knew she’d be watching them from the window.

  Miles offered his arm to Miss Wilson, and she held on as though the floor under her feet was unsteady. Which was precisely the moment Miles realized the woman was foxed. Egads, she’d only drunk two small glasses of liquor! Though, thanks to George, she’d had his best and most potent bottle. Miles opened the front door and helped Miss Wilson down the front steps.

  “How are you feeling?” he asked.

  “Rather strange.”

  “Do you drink often?” he asked.

  She gave him a look of disdain. “I’m a gentlewoman. I’ve never had more than a sip in my life.” Her eyes widened, and Miles could almost read her thoughts. “Do you suppose the brandy I had earlier could be the cause of my current discomfort?”

  “I rather suspect it might. Are you dizzy, nauseated, or lightheaded?”

  “Yes, all of those things describe me quite well.”

  “Then you’ve probably had too much. Why don’t we walk for a little while and see if you start feeling better?”

  Miss Wilson nodded, and they began to circle the small open field in front of his favorite hunting lodge. The trees near Sparkford were full of waterfowl, and there was plenty of deer and elk wandering the grassy hills. Rather than keep Miss Wilson from tripping over her own feet he’d much rather have Dutch, Bear, and the rest of his hounds by his side helping him flush out something he could shoot. Which was why he regularly traveled here from London or even from his country estate in Chippenham, to get away from people and spend time in nature.

  After a few turns around the meadow in silence, Miss Wilson cleared her throat and began to speak. “I’m sure you’ve guessed by now why we’re h
ere?”

  Did she really want an answer to that? Miles glanced down at the woman and she was staring right back at him rather seriously. “I would never presume to understand the workings of a lady’s mind,” Miles responded, rather pleased with himself.

  Miss Wilson smiled. “Mama wants me to marry. She heard that your cousin is a rich widower and before I could even think about telling her no, we were out the door and in the carriage. She means well, at least, I hope she does. She put up an epic fight when Felicity married a barrister, and Felicity's always been her favorite.” Edith wobbled and took a deep breath as she steadied herself.

  Miles wasn’t used to young ladies telling him such personal details. He needed to steer the conversation back to a safer topic. “The weather is nice today, don’t you think?” he asked.

  Edith turned her face up and grinned. “The sky is so very blue. Like the lake near my house.”

  “Sometimes I like to watch the shadows of the clouds as they pass by. I find it very soothing. Miles admitted. But Miss Wilson frowned. ‘Did I say something wrong?”

  “No, only I realized that I am a shadow. I hide behind things and follow every rule so that I am not noticed. Even when an eligible bachelor was hurt at our house, he never once noticed me. Why even this morning Mama said something awful. She said I’d make a wonderful mother to your cousin’s child.” Miss Wilson grimaced.

  “Do you not like my cousin, or do you not like the idea of him having a child?” Miles asked.

  “Oh, it’s neither of those I assure you. Lord Camden is far from ugly and I rather like children. No, her comment hurt me for other reasons. You see, I’ve never had a season,” she said as though that would make everything clear.