Page 35 of Marrying the Wrong Earl (Lords and Ladies in Love 2)

“Am I to trust you are all ready to leave first thing tomorrow morning?” Nash studied her over the top of his wine glass. “I do want to get an early start.”

“Yes. Sophia has everything packed. I believe she had the footman take my trunk down to the carriage already.”

He nodded. “Excellent.”

Once they finished their meal, Nash poured himself a brandy and a sherry for her, and they retired to the two chairs in front of the fireplace. All the enthusiasm for bed activities had been wiped out by her fatigue, the heavy meal, and the sherry. When the room grew quiet, she found herself nodding off, until Nash stood and took the drooping glass from her hand.

“’Tis time for bed, sweeting.” He took her hand and walked her the short distance to the bed. He helped her remove her wrapper, then slipping off his banyan, joined her under the covers.

Tomorrow they would head to Suffolk. Arabella was anxious to see the manor, specifically where they would be able to build a larger kennel than the one in London. There should be plenty of room at a country estate for her to take in more animals. With that pleasant thought, she drifted off to sleep.

Chapter Eleven

Nash tapped his foot, waiting in the entrance hall for his wife to make an appearance. Once again, he checked his watch. He’d told Arabella he wished to leave at dawn. Here it was nearly eight o’clock, and she was still giving last-minute instructions on the care and feeding of her cursed animals.

It had taken quite a few lively discussions before he’d flat out ordered her to leave the animals behind. He had no intention of sneezing all the way to Suffolk if he had to share his ride with recovering animals. Nor would he allow another carriage to haul them all. With their vehicle, and the one for Sophia and Andrews with all their trunks, the entourage was extensive enough.

“Arabella.” He strode down the corridor to the kitchen where she held court with two footmen and Cook. She waved her arms around, still explaining.

A quick glance at what he assumed was his exasperated face, she said, “I am ready, my lord.” She stooped to give last-minute pats to the several animals in recuperation, then with a sad smile joined him. “Couldn’t we at least take—”

“No.” He grabbed her elbow and marched her down the corridor, out the door, down the steps, and into the carriage. He snatched her reticule from Quinn’s hand as he passed by.

Arabella settled into the carriage and straightened her gown. “My goodness. Was it absolutely necessary for you to propel me out the door that way?”

“Yes. We would have been there another hour had I left it up to you to decide the time was right to leave those beasts.”

“They are hardly beasts, and they need me.”

“And I needed you to leave.” He took a deep breath. “Let us not start off this trip at odds with each other.”

“I agree.” Arabella settled into her seat. “Tell me about Clarendon Manor.”

He loved his home in Suffolk and enjoyed talking about it. “Except for when I was at school, I spent most of my life there until I took my seat in Parliament. The house actually dates back to the Elizabethan era. The exterior of the house retains that appearance, but most of the interior was remodeled over the years. The gardens were at one time extensive, but we have cut back on them since before my father’s time.”

“It sounds as though you enjoy time in the country.”

“Yes. Mother did not approve of her children living in Town, felt the air was not good for our lungs. Consequently, Eugenia and I were left at the Manor oftentimes for months at a time with her governess, my tutor, and other staff members. Mother would visit us at least once a month for a week or more while she and Father were in London.

“Once I went off to Eton, and then University, Eugenia was left by herself with no playmates. Although, even when I was at home, she was forced to spend a great deal of time indoors while I was allowed much more freedom. Mother had strict rules for my sister.”

“And for you?”

“Well, as a boy I wasn’t forced to sit for hours and embroider or do watercolors. Eugenia also spent a great deal of time practicing how to walk, how to sit. I think Mother even tied a board of some sort to her back to improve her posture.”

“Good heavens. Poor Eugenia. It seems so unfair.”

Nash shrugged. “I never questioned the discrepancy, since I was led to believe little girls had delicate constitutions and therefore could not run, play, or climb trees as well as little boys.”

Arabella stared at him. “I don’t believe that. Not for one moment. There is no doubt in my non-delicate mind that little girls can climb, run, and jump as well as little boys. I have done such myself, and should we have daughters, I expect them to have some freedom as well as learning their necessary lessons.”

“I suppose you spent all of your girlhood taking care of stray animals.”

“Not all of it. Like Eugenia, I had lessons in comportment, manners, watercolors, embroidery, and pianoforte. I also learned French and German, along with math, geography, and history. Father insisted that I have a well-rounded education.

“But, yes, as a matter of fact, I did spend too much time, according to Mother, rescuing animals and tending to their injuries. I loved when I could provide care for an animal that I found. Though my mother was and still is not too fond of my ‘little hobby,’ as she calls it.

“Speaking of Mother, not that she said so, but I think she is concerned that you are less than delighted with her and wish for her to stay out of your way for a while.”