The Earl's Mission: Defiant Brides Book 4 Read online

  Rachel shook her head. This was going to take some getting used to, that much was certain. “Then might you show me more of the bedrooms, then? I’d like to see Mr. Templeton’s room, if that’s all right.” It was strange to be wishing to see the room of a man who she did not know and yet was her father, but she felt a pull, a need, to see where he had slept.

  “Yes, of course,” Leah replied, though her face had a quizzical look to it. She led Rachel to a room directly across the hall from the Green Room. It did not seem to have any color theme as her room did, and the number of personal items that dotted the room said the room had been occupied until recently. The room was even bigger than her own, if that were possible, and had a bed similar to hers with brown drapes rather than green. A large painting hung over the fireplace, a handsome man with strong and defined features.

  “That was Mr. Templeton, but I’m sure you know that,” Leah explained. “A nice man, he was. Shame he passed on.” There was a sadness in her voice.

  So, this was not just any man; it was her father, the person who had helped create her. “So, my…er…Mr. Temple, he was a kind man, then?” Rachel asked. She was glad she had caught herself before she had said ‘my father’. Lord Linfield would have been irate if she had made that mistake.

  “Oh, yes, very much so,” Leah replied. “You’d often find him with a smile on his face, his eyes always sparklin’. You know, you’ve that same kind of smile.” She paused and then shook her head. “He could be strict and rigid when he needed to be, just like most men of his class, but he was always kind to the servants. I must admit that we miss him, very much.”

  “Thank you for sharing that with me,” Rachel said. “If you don’t mind, I’d like to look around on my own for a while.”

  “Of course, Miss,” Leah replied with a smile. “I’ll go down and have some tea made. Just pull the chord in the drawing room when you’re ready.” She bobbed a quick curtsy and then left the room.

  Rachel continued her perusal of the room, soaking in every detail, wondering about the man who had once graced this home, which was now hers, or at least hers and Lord Linfield’s. Walking up to one of the dressers, she picked up a white stone that looked out of place in the lavish surroundings and ran her thumb across it. It was smooth and she found it soothing to hold.

  “He carried that rock around with him to business meetings for luck,” Lord Linfield said, causing Rachel’s heart to jump into her throat. He stood leaning in the doorway, his arms crossed over his chest, making the sleeves tighten against the muscles on his arms. “I had once thought it silly, but,” he reached into his own pocket and pulled out a similar rock of size and color, “I carry one at all times for luck now, as well.” He laughed and Rachel found it the sound pleasing to her ears. She joined him in his laughter, and he walked over as she placed the stone back on the dresser.

  “Do you find your new home adequate?” he asked, a smile on his face. How this man was happy one moment and irritated the next was still confusing to her, but she took advantage of his good mood.

  “It’s more than adequate,” she replied with a laugh. “I’ve everything I need in my room alone. The bed looks very comfortable, and there’re more dressers and wardrobes than I could ever use.”

  “I will help you remedy that problem soon enough,” he said. “I am leaving soon to return to Abberton House, but I will send a dressmaker here. You will select dresses for all occasions so we can get you out of those…rags.” His arrogance immediately ruined the happy mood they had just shared. Then he shocked her further, as he quickly added, “Your dress is fine, of course. I simply believe I can buy you better ones.”

  She accepted his roundabout way of an apology and offered him a smile in return. “Thank you for everything,” she said, and he nodded. His eyes moved across her face and she wondered what he was thinking.

  “I will tend to a few more things here and then leave,” he said with a smile. “Enjoy the halls where your father walked, and I will return in two days’ time.” He turned to leave but her hand reached out and grabbed his arm. He looked at her, his brow scrunched as she took a step forward and then rose up on the tips of her toes.

  “I look forward to your return,” she said and kissed his cheek.

  Then he smiled again, a kindness in his bright eyes. “I look forward to it, as well,” he said, then walked away.

  Watching him as he disappeared, Rachel let out a sigh. She now had a home, a soon-to-be husband—even if fictitious—and new dresses on the way. Though she was happy for her newfound fortune, she also thought of her parents and their misfortune. Soon she would send them money and write them a letter letting them know of her new life. But for now, she was hungry. Leaving the room, she set out to find Leah and then would continue her exploration of Elford Estates.

  Chapter Nine

  Joseph hurried up the steps to his own home, Abberton House, as his butler Henry opened the door, offering a quick bow of his head.

  “My Lord, your mother awaits you in the library.”

  Joseph stepped inside his home. Though it had been just over a week since he had been here last, it felt much longer. “Very well, have tea brought to us, please. Were there any important messages for me since I left?”

  The butler helped remove his coat. “None at all, My Lord. Not even a letter.”

  Joseph nodded, then hurried down the hallway. His mother would have been here alone for three days now, and he suspected her anger would be great upon seeing him. When he entered the library, his mother sat on the couch, a scowl on her face. Her personal lady’s maid stood behind a wingback chair to her left. The poor servant’s face looked terrified, and Joseph knew why. His mother had one of the fiercest tongues, and though she paid her help well, she treated them at levels Joseph had not dared cross.

  “I see you have decided to grace me with your presence,” his mother said flatly with the same demeaning tone she was wont to use.

  “I am sorry, Mother, I had to leave on an urgent errand that could not wait.” He leaned over and kissed her cheek. “I apologize for making you wait.” He sat on the settee next to her.

  “An urgent errand?” she said in mild annoyance. “My son, you still believe all of your business dealings are that of a wealthy man?” He went to respond but she spoke again before he was able to do so. “Never mind that. You are here now, and I am happy that I can now have a decent conversation. Imagine the pain of being forced to converse with her for the past three days.” She indicated the quiet woman in the chair next to her with a peevish wave of her hand.

  Joseph shot a glance over at the unfortunate woman, who sat staring at the floor. “I am sure it was not as horrible as you believe,” he said. His mother gave an indignant snort but did not reply.

  The door opened and Henry entered carrying a silver tray. He placed the tray on the table in front of the settee and asked, “Shall I serve the tea, My Lady?”

  “No,” the Dowager Countess replied. “I have my own servant to see to it.”

  Joseph let out a small sigh of frustration as Henry dipped his head and hurried out of the room.

  “Do not sit there like a fool,” his mother snapped at her lady’s maid. “Get me my tea.”

  The woman, Judith by name, jumped at Lady Linfield’s words and rushed over to do as her mistress requested. Her hands shook as she poured the tea and some of the tea rolled down the side of one of the cups and collected in the saucer.

  “If you spill any more tea, I will dock your wages for a week,” Lady Linfield fumed. The woman nodded and returned to serving the tea, working more carefully, although her hands shook all the more.

  Joseph’s head began to pound. He knew his mother was about to unleash her fury on him, all the signs were there, and it would more than likely be ten times as harsh as she had spoken to Judith.

  “Judith?” the Dowager Countess said when the servant returned to her place behind the wingback chair.

  Judith’s eyes widened. “Yes,
My Lady?”

  “People of intelligence are having a conversation here. Might I suggest you go and speak with the other servants?”

  The woman nodded, bobbed a quick curtsy, and almost ran from the room.

  “I do not understand why you insist on belittling that poor woman, Mother,” Joseph said as he stirred sugar into his tea. “She has served you well for the last few years. Has she ever done anything to upset you to the point you must treat her thus?”

  His mother sipped at her tea and then returned the cup to its saucer. “It does not matter why I do what I do,” she replied firmly. “When you have run a household for as long as I have, you will understand my reasoning for everything I do. Now, tell me. Where did you go? And why was it so important for you to leave so that I found myself alone when I arrived?”

  Joseph made a pretense of adding more milk to his tea to give himself a moment to collect his thoughts. He knew the question was coming, but he only had one chance to present his story, and there was no room for errors. His mother could see through any lie if he was not careful.

  “Over a year ago, I had a business dealing with a shipping merchant; I believe I have mentioned him before, a Mr. Cooper?” His mother shook her head, and before she could have the opportunity to question him on that point, he continued. “As it is, I met his daughter. Although Mr. Cooper does not come from titled stock, he is quite wealthy and has come into his own. Therefore, his daughter, a Miss Rachel Cooper by name, has attended the finest finishing schools and was brought up as a lady should.” He found the blush he had intended to force come of its own accord. “The woman is quite beautiful, pure and untouched, and I must admit, she caught my eye.”

  His mother studied him for several moments before saying, “Why did you not think to mention this woman before?” she asked as she took her cup back in her hand. “I often wonder why you try to push me out of your life.”

  Joseph hid a smile behind the rim of his teacup. “I do not keep you out for spite,” he lied. “I wanted to be sure that the woman I plan to marry would not only meet, but exceed, your high expectations.”

  This appeared to please the woman, for she held her chin high and the faintest hint of a smile played on her lips. “That is thoughtful of you.”

  “I had received word that her father died, and though I had spoken to the man before on the matter, I invited her back here as my fiancée. You see, her brother, of course, inherited the father’s estates, and as he and Miss Cooper do not have an amicable relationship, she was forced from her home.”

  “Any woman would see that marrying a man such as yourself would be an honor,” his mother said with a sniff. “Where is she staying? Certainly not here, I would hope.”

  “No, of course not, not until we marry,” Joseph replied. “As you know, Richard Templeton passed away going on two months now.”

  “Yes, I was sorry to hear of this.”

  “As it is, he left me Elford Estates, so Miss Cooper has taken up residence there until we are married. Richard also left me his business holdings; he was a very generous man.”

  Lady Linfield raised her eyebrows. “Well, you have finally made something of yourself,” she said finally, as if shocked by this newfound accomplishment. How she could see the passing of a friend as an accomplishment, he was uncertain, but knowing his mother as well as he did, it would not have surprised him that was how she saw his current situation.

  “Mother, I have inherited it, not earned it,” he said dryly.

  She reached over and took his hand his hers. His mother had never been an emotional woman, and it was more than a little unsettling to see her show even this mild affection. “I am quite aware of that, but now you will be able to boast of your holdings and the Earl of Brunsford will once again be accepted by the other wealthy families of the ton.” Since the death of his father, Lady Linfield had become bitter when she learned that little remained of the vast Brunsford wealth, and she had turned that bitterness into harsh words when dealing with her son.

  “I believe I have done quite well for myself thus far,” Joseph replied defensively. “Nevertheless, on your next visit, we will go together to visit Miss Cooper so you can meet her.”

  “No,” the Dowager Countess said firmly as she quickly redrew her hand from his. “We will go tomorrow. I wish to see this woman who my son will marry, and I will not be made to wait.”

  A sense of panic coursed through Joseph. His tale of Miss Cooper being a lady with great schooling and wealth would certainly fall apart if his mother met the woman before she had received her training. Not to mention, Miss Cooper had no dresses or gowns that would indicate she had come from any form of wealth.

  “Mother, I am weary after the long journey and I need rest, as does Miss Cooper. Surely you will want to spend some time here before you leave? Miss Cooper will still be at Elford Estates when you return and will be well-rested and ready to receive guests.”

  His mother gave him another of her derisive sniffs. “Nonsense,” she stated firmly. “We will leave first thing tomorrow morning. That should give you more than enough time to rest.” She stood and he followed suit. “Now, I am going to lie down. This has all been a bit too much excitement for me.” She moved past him and out of the room.

  Once she was gone, Joseph let out a frustrated sigh. He had no idea how he would handle this situation. If his mother found out who Miss Cooper truly was, he knew her anger would be great. He paced the floor for several moments before a plan came to mind.

  Hurrying to the study, he went to his desk and penned a letter. As his hand moved from the ink to the page and back again, he told Miss Cooper of the visit his mother had insisted upon. She was to do her best to remain quiet and allow him to answer any questions himself. The only thing she needed to be sure to do was what she could with what she had on hand to make herself presentable. Surely Leah could help her with her hair. At least she was only meant to be a merchant’s daughter and not a member of the ton. However, that gave him little comfort.

  A feeling of foreboding washed over him as he rang the bell to summon Henry.

  “This letter needs to go out immediately,” Joseph instructed. “Get one of the stable boys to ride to Elford Estates. Tell him to be sure he hands it directly to Miss Cooper.”

  Henry bowed. “I will see it done, My Lord.”

  Once Henry left, a fleeting feeling of relief fell over Joseph. The letter would be delivered tonight, and with advance warning, Miss Cooper would have more than enough time to prepare herself to be presented as a lady for their arrival the following day. Or so Joseph hoped.

  ***

  With each jostle of the carriage, Joseph felt his stomach churn, his worry about introducing Miss Cooper to his mother consuming him. They would arrive at Elford Estates at any moment, and the journey had been relatively quiet as his mother kept her gaze out the window.

  “Did you not say that you have breakfast no later than eight every morning?” his mother asked in an almost off-handed manner, breaking the silence.

  He scrunched his brow. “Yes, that is correct,” came his reply. “It is why we ate at that time this morning.” He found her topic of conversation strange and wondered what point she meant to make.

  Her reply was not as complimentary as he had hoped. “It was five minutes past eight when it was served,” she said, her annoyance clear in her tone. “Yet, you said nothing, which is quite unbecoming of you. So, I must ask. What could cause you to miss such an important detail such as that?” Her eyes narrowed and his heart jumped. Was it possible her suspicions were already piqued? He was stringent on time, a task she had burned into his brain from early childhood, and his failure to notice the lateness of breakfast this morning had not gone unchecked by her.

  “Perhaps it is my worry of my future bride meeting your expectations,” he said, then offered the woman a smile, which she did not return.

  “Mr. Templeton was kind enough to teach you matters of business,” she said haughtily, “and I, th
ankfully for you, was able to teach you how to manage your day to day life. If you have adhered to both our instruction, then you have nothing about which to worry.” Her smile did not reach her eyes.

  The carriage stopped and Joseph looked out the window, realizing that they had arrived at Elford Estates. Panic gripped him as the footman opened the door and helped his mother out, and then Joseph followed.

  “Would you like to walk around the gardens before we go inside, Mother?” Joseph asked, hoping to forestall the inevitable disaster that was about to unfold.

  Although the sky was clear and the sun shone brightly, he felt no warmth in the cold stare from his mother. “Enough of your foolishness. I wish to meet your fiancée. What I must wonder is what you are trying to hide from me with these constant attempts at delaying this meeting.” She moved up the steps before he could speak, and his heart sank. The woman would be searching for anything amiss simply out of spite.

  He went to follow after his mother when the front door opened. To his amazement, Miss Cooper stepped out. Although he had no idea where she had procured it, she wore a fine white dress with yellow trim around the puffed sleeves and neckline. Her hair had been styled, and even her hands donned white gloves. She truly looked a lady and her beauty made him stop and stare at her in awe.

  “Joseph,” she said in an intimate tone he had not expected. Nor had he expected her to use his given name, but hearing it come from her mouth sent a shiver down his spine, “I have been awaiting your return.” Her voice had a happy note to it, and she stood with her back straight and her hands clasped before her, appearing the trained lady that even his mother would have expected to meet. “I was in the middle of working on my embroidery when I heard the carriage pull up. I was so pleased to see that it was you.”

  He nodded and hurried to stand beside his mother. “Mother, may I introduce Miss Rachel Cooper, my fiancée. Miss Cooper, my mother Lady Agnes Linfield.”