A Bride for Lord Albany (Regency Novella Book 3) Page 4

  When Charles was born she had found contentment in being a mother. A few years later her husband purchased Kilmeade Hall with part of his wife’s fortune. He’d abandoned her there with the children. She’d not minded one little bit.

  Amelia interrupted her musings to say, “I thought perhaps you might receive an offer from Lord Albany.”

  “Good heavens, whatever made you think such a thing?”

  “Lily tells me the man is interested in you. According to gossip, he danced with you twice at Lady Cairs’ ball.”

  “Pish posh. I am a widow, not a debutante.” She shook her head. “As for Lily, the girl has quite an imagination.”

  Amelia didn’t look convinced. “Does she?”

  * * * * *

  “Albany! Are you going to join us?” Lord Waite asked.

  His committee had finished its business in the Stone Building. Several of his colleagues were headed for dinner.

  “I have other matters I must attend to,” he replied and waved goodbye to the group of men.

  Evening was fast approaching, the sky changing from a rare bright blue to a muted navy. The sky matched his mood. Now that he didn’t have work to concentrate on, his thoughts turned to Emma. The woman was an enigma. No longer a shy young woman, she’d put up walls after years of being married to an unfeeling husband.

  He waved down a Hackney carriage in front of the building on St Margaret's Street.

  “Ryder Street,” he told the driver.

  Inside the stuffy smelling conveyance his thoughts again turned to Lily’s dinner party.

  “You married Lord Upton because of a partial conversation you overheard.”

  As soon as he’d said the words he’d felt different about Emma. Just a slight change but enough to give him pause. He couldn’t pretend she’d been forced to marry Lord Upton or some such nonsense. There was no prior understanding. She hadn’t preferred the Upton title.

  She’d been a young, immature woman and took the only offer she had. His preoccupation in caring for Lisbeth had allowed him to lie to himself. If he had only been brave enough to ask, she might have waited for him to sort out his family’s business.

  He looked out the window of the carriage. A light mist blurred the outlines of the people on the streets. The sound of other carriages going their way surrounded him. The coach came to an abrupt halt.

  His lodgings on Ryder Street were modest. He’d sold his father’s small house in London a few years ago. He didn’t entertain, had no plans to acquire a wife to act as hostess. The title would pass to a cousin. Strawberry House was not entailed. He had money put aside for Lisbeth if anything should happen to him. The bulk of his fortune would be tied to Lisbeth and pensions for her caregivers and his servants.

  The door to the house was opened by his man Gentry who fulfilled duties as both butler and footman. He’d lost hearing in one ear due to a munitions accident during the Battle of the Pyrenees. The man could anticipate his master’s needs before Albany attempted to communicate them.

  He relinquished his coat, hat and gloves to Gentry. His walking stick was deposited in an iron umbrella stand in the entryway.

  “Mrs. Baker will have supper for you at the usual time, my lord,” the servant said in his usual loud voice.

  “Thank you, Gentry. I will be in my study.”

  One tumbler of brandy later he felt a bit more like himself. There was a stack of correspondence on the corner of his desk. He idly looked through the letters and noticed one from Lily. Perhaps he would read it later. Right now, he had no desire to think about Emma’s family. Her sons were settled nicely. He really had no further reason to hover over them.

  He could walk away right now. If she rejected him, rejected Lisbeth, he wouldn’t know how to move forward. The more time he spent near her, the more he wanted her as his wife.

  His life could go on as it had, he would take care of those who needed him. Emma had her family. She had a grandchild coming. Her life was full without him.

  “And my life is full as well.”

  Maybe if he said it often enough he would believe it.

  * * * * *

  Several days after the ball, Emma couldn’t help wondering if Albany meant to seek their family out again. He had sent no correspondence and Lily had not brought up the viscount’s name. After their conversation about the house party, she’d been afraid to see him again. He’d been pleasant to her at the ball, had complimented her dancing. She’d hoped he would find a reason to contact her.

  “I have asked Charles to stay in town for a few weeks after we leave for the country,” Lily said from her seat across from Emma in the parlor. She handed Emma a cup of tea. “His constant fussing is driving me mad.”

  “You are ready to leave in two days’ time?”

  “More than ready.” Lily sighed. “London is so crowded this year. I crave the peace of Essex.”

  She would have to agree. The simple life in the country with her boys had been her heaven. She adored gardening and reading, activities which kept her well occupied when the boys had been away at school.

  A few moments later Lily said, “I have asked Lord Albany to escort us and he has agreed.”

  “What?” She asked, placing her teacup back on its saucer with a clatter.

  “Although Lord Albany has been busy of late, he agreed to escort us to Kilmeade Hall.”

  “I see.” Although she was surprised by Lily’s words she kept her expression neutral.

  “Did I upset you?” Lily bit her lip and managed to almost look contrite. “Pardon my not consulting you. I have been very forgetful of late. I think the pregnancy has rattled my brain.”

  Lily’s explanation was conceivably true. She rather thought the girl was still playing matchmaker.

  “It is very gracious of the viscount to help out in such a manner. I’m sure you merely meant to be helpful, my dear.” She kept her tone light and concentrated on choosing cakes from a plate on the tea tray.

  Silence followed. The idea that Lily didn’t know how to proceed with the conversation lifted her spirits. She would not think about Lord Albany being busy of late because he had a mistress.

  “I had wondered if perhaps you and Lord Albany had had a falling out.” The girl paused to take a sip of tea. “You appeared uncomfortable sitting next to him at dinner last week. Of course, you seemed happy enough to dance with him at Lady Cairs’ ball.”

  “We merely had a difference of opinion.” She shrugged and kept her attention on the task at hand.

  “I am relieved you have no objection to our escort.”

  She could feel Lily’s gaze and smiled to herself. The cheeky minx must be itching to ask more questions about her relationship with the viscount. How could she explain the pleasure she felt at the chance to see Lord Albany again when she barely understood it herself.

  “No objection at all, my dear. I am looking forward to going home.”

  Chapter Five

  The trip to Kilmeade Hall would take approximately six hours. Albany had planned on riding his horse. The light sheet of rain falling put paid to that plan.

  “I am curious to see your estate, Lord Albany,” Lily said when they were all settled in the traveling carriage.

  He sat across from Lily and Emma. “Although it is small, the house is situated on a lovely hill.”

  “Your estate?” Emma’s attention fixed upon him, she said, “I didn’t realize that was our destination.”

  “Strawberry House is midway between London and Kilmeade Hall near the village of Chigwell. It will be a convenient place to change horses. The closest inn would be some way further on.”

  Emma flicked a glance at Lily before turning her attention to the window and the sodden landscape outside.

  “Do you live alone at Strawberry House?” Lily asked.

  He paused before replying. Years of keeping Lisbeth’s existence a secret from those who would pry was deep-seated. Instinct told him Lily would be kind to Lisbeth. Despite his misgivings
about Emma’s current mood, he knew she wouldn’t be unfriendly to Lisbeth.

  “Lisbeth also resides at the house with her companion.”

  Emma glanced at him briefly, her expression one of curiosity. He could feel the questions she and Lily wanted to ask as if they were as solid as the bench he sat on.

  “Will our coming to the house disturb your sister?”

  He was warmed to hear the concern in Emma’s voice.

  “Lisbeth has met few people outside of the servants at the house. She rarely leaves her bedchamber or studio. If she decides to see you she will make her presence known.”

  Emma turned from the window and gave him her complete attention. “Studio? Your sister is an artist?”

  “A very accomplished one.” He could hear the pride in his voice. “The light in her paintings is spellbinding.”

  “I should very much like to see her work if she would allow it.”

  “That will be up to Lisbeth,” he replied. One never knew what mood his sister would be in.

  * * * * *

  Lady Cairs had been wrong. The woman ensconced at Strawberry House was Lord Albany’s sister. It was inconceivable the man would keep a mistress in the same house his sister resided in. Emma kept her gaze on the window, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. Lily had known they would stop at Strawberry House and had failed to mention it.

  She had chosen to wear her new carriage dress, in blue with caped shoulders. Both Charles and Lily had commented on how well the color suited her. If Lily supposed she wanted to look her best for the viscount, the wearing of her new dress for the first time was a happy coincidence.

  The traveling carriage was well appointed and drove along rather quietly except for the squishing sound the wheels made if they encountered a light patch of mud. Although the carriage wasn’t brand new, it was in good repair. They were accompanied by a coachman and a postilion. If Albany could afford to keep a coach and servants he could not be in grave financial need.

  “I do believe the rain is starting to stop,” Lily said.

  “I think you’re correct.” Lord Albany leaned close to the window to peer out as he added, “Perhaps the sun will be shining by the time we reach the house.”

  Lord Albany’s movement released a whiff of his cologne. He wore a light scent. Perhaps it was his shaving soap. She inhaled the pleasant citrus fragrance.

  The viscount didn’t look at her as intensely as he had done in the past. Although their meetings were few and far between, she had been used to more interest from him. A closeness he wanted to convey by his gaze. He’d seemed less distant when she asked about his sister.

  She dozed off and awoke when the carriage came to a halt.

  “We have arrived,” Lord Albany said as he opened the door to the carriage and vaulted down without waiting for a footman to drop the steps.

  The rain had indeed stopped. The scant clouds allowed a bit of watery sunshine to greet their arrival at Strawberry House.

  The viscount dropped the carriage steps before he assisted first her and then Lily out of the carriage. A gravel forecourt fronted a charming house.

  The perfectly symmetrical four-story house was fashioned from mauve gray stone. She had only a moment to gaze around her before Albany extended his arm. They mounted three steps and entered the house to be greeted by a servant.

  “There will be tea momentarily in the drawing room, my lord.”

  Lord Albany nodded at the man. “Thank you, Houghton. And my sister?”

  “She is in her studio and has been informed of your arrival.”

  “Please ensure the servants in the other carriage are looked after,” Albany said to Houghton.

  She did her best not to stare at the man named Houghton as she realized his left arm was missing. The empty sleeve of his jacket was pinned to his shoulder. Albany led them straight ahead through a doorway to the drawing room.

  A maid awaited in the long narrow room. The servant curtsied before she said, “If you will come with me ladies, I will assist you in freshening up.”

  She and Lily followed the girl from the room as she noticed the maid had a pronounced limp.

  * * * * *

  A tea tray arrived as the Lady Upton’s arrived back in the drawing room.

  “Shall I pour?” Lily asked as she took a seat by the low table the tray rested on.

  “Please do,” he replied.

  Emma sat next to Lily while he settled on a matching sofa across from them.

  “Sugar?”

  He nodded.

  “Milk?”

  “Please.”

  When he had possession of his cup and saucer he drank the fragrant brew down in two long drafts before perusing the plates of sandwiches and sweets on the tray.

  “These ham sandwiches are lovely,” Lily said between bites. “Just lovely.”

  The bliss on the young woman’s face made Emma smile. He caught her gaze and although the smile faded, she didn’t look to be upset at the detour to his estate.

  The door to the room by the back staircase opened. Lisbeth stepped in, her face wary. He stood and walked to her. His sister remained still as he took one of her hands and pressed it in his own. He was stunned she had made an appearance.

  “Lisbeth, come meet my friends.”

  He made the introductions as Lisbeth took a seat on the settee beside him. She sat straight-backed, a clue she expected some unpleasantness.

  Lily offered tea which Lisbeth declined in mumbled tones.

  “It is lovely to meet you, Miss Winge. Your brother tells us you are a very talented artist. I would love to see some of your work if you would allow it.” Emma’s gaze was direct and unflinching. Her words were said gently.

  Lisbeth cleared her throat. “I… Yes, yes that would be very nice.”

  His sister picked up a ginger cookie from a plate. He enjoyed one of the ham sandwiches himself while the ladies sampled more of the sweets.

  “I will show you now.” Lisbeth abruptly stood up, her words directed at Emma.

  Emma came to her feet as Lisbeth said to her brother as she pointed to Emma, “Only her.”

  When both women had left the room, Lily said, “Your sister is very unusual. She does not like to meet new people?”

  “Her doctor tells me her brain developed differently than it should have. She had a traumatic birth. Lisbeth doesn’t like to meet new people, go new places or have her daily schedule interrupted.” He sighed. “It took a few years for us to develop a rapport.”

  “I think it is admirable for you to care for your sister here where she is happy.”

  “I am all she has. According to my father she was rebellious when she was a child. Quite a handful. I rarely experience any problems when I’m here with her.”

  “You could have put her in an institution.” Lily raised a hand when he made to protest. “We all know people who hide away family members they deem different or difficult.”

  “I had always wanted a sibling. She has taught me to do the right thing. To stand up for those I care for.”

  “Do you still care for my mother-in-law?” She shrugged at his raised brows. “It is obvious there was once something between you.”

  “We knew each for a short while a long time ago. Although we are now two different people, I do care for Emma.”

  Chapter Six

  Albany’s sister led Emma to her studio. The converted room was at one corner of the house, two large windows each on the outside walls. In one corner of the room resided a jumble of stacked canvases. In another there was a table with assorted pots of paint and brushes. The floor was bare. Pale sunlight shone through glass panes devoid of window coverings.

  Lisbeth spread a hand toward a large work on an easel. “This painting is my brother’s favorite. I call it Joy.”

  Emma stepped closer to the canvas. The painting had earned its name. It was filled with bright flashes of color. Although Lisbeth clearly had no professional training, her work showed promise.

>   “I like your use of pale yellow in the water,” she said to the other woman. “It is very hard to get a reflection on the water just right. Well done.”

  “John told me you were an artist.”

  She looked from the canvas to Lisbeth. “Your brother was correct. I like to paint landscapes. Do you primarily paint landscapes?”

  “I do.” Lisbeth shook her head. “I tried to paint John. He is far too restless a model.”

  Lisbeth pointed out some more of her work before a discreet knock came at the door and a woman looked in. “Pardon the interruption. Lord Albany would like to proceed to Kilmeade Hall if Lady Upton is ready?”

  “Thank you, Mary.” Lisbeth frowned. “I had forgotten our guest needs to continue on.”

  “I would like to come back and visit you if you wouldn’t mind. Perhaps we could paint together.”

  “That is a wonderful idea.” Lisbeth smiled shyly. “I shall tell John you must visit us again very soon.”

  * * * * *

  He wasn’t surprised when Lily returned to the drawing room with only Mary beside her. He said goodbye to the nurse. Told her he would return that evening.

  Emma pressed Lily to rest as much as she could. The young woman placed her feet on a small cushion and nestled into the side of the carriage to sleep, a wool blanket on her knees.

  “I was astonished by how eager my sister was to meet you,” he said in quiet tones to Emma.

  From her seat across from him she replied, “I’m glad she appeared to like me. Please tell me more about her.”

  The reticence to speak about Lisbeth was gone. Emma had met his sister and had been kind. He explained about the long-ago letter when he’d been notified he had a sister he’d never known about.

  “She is the reason you left the house party?”

  “Yes. I just ran off with barely a word to my host and hostess.” He paused. “I wish I would have told you something. It crossed my mind that we barely knew each other and to tell you about my reason for leaving the party was too familiar.”