Page 46 of Marrying the Wrong Earl (Lords and Ladies in Love 2)

“I am sure there are more than a few who do.” Her attempt at humor fell flat.

“It doesn’t count.” He moved them so they were no longer within hearing, but Arabella saw the girl’s mouth moving, her stance and demeanor telling.

Attempting to distract her, he said, “I found the trip to Suffolk less than satisfactory.” He turned them to maneuver around another couple. “While you were charming my tenants, I had some serious conversations with the men. It is troubling that the elder Jones has gone to his daughter’s home and his son is nowhere to be found, except to collect rents. I feel the need to make a return trip to Suffolk in a few weeks.”

“Will we both be making the trip again?” What of her animals? She’d barely been able to check on their welfare before she’d had other duties to attend to, including a discussion with Mrs. McGregor. It amazed Arabella that so many issues had arisen in their short absence that had required her attention.

When Arabella had asked if the housekeeper had consulted her mother on the problems, she’d received a silent rebuke in the form of a sniff and a curt, “Lady Melrose is not my employer. Besides which, her ladyship has kept the staff busy with preparations to take up residence in Bath.”

That had been news to Arabella. Perhaps it was for the best that Mother had taken Nash’s suggestion that she might be happier in Bath. Having two women in the house could be difficult, and based on Mrs. McGregor’s tone, she already viewed her mother’s presence as problematic.

The final notes of the waltz came to an end. “Yes, we will both be traveling to Suffolk. I was under the impression you enjoyed your time there.”

“I did. I was concerned for my animals.”

His lips tightened, and he took her by the elbow. “I suggest we take a walk in the gardens to clear our heads.”

Nash guided her toward the French doors leading to the patio. The air was sweet and cool and felt wonderful on her flushed face. They strolled the area, stopping to chat with couples also enjoying the evening air. So far, except for a few whispers when they’d entered, no one seemed to think there was anything untoward about the earl and his new countess.

Some of the guests had not received word of the marriage—hence they hadn’t known about the potential scandal—but did seem confused seeing the two of them together. No doubt more than a few had been aware he’d been courting Lady Grace and had expected a betrothal announcement with her.

As they moved past Lord and Lady Mullens, Nash asked, “Would you care for some refreshment? You appear a bit flushed.”

“Yes, I believe I would. I am rather parched.”

After Nash left her for the refreshment table, Arabella wandered near the balustrade and gazed out upon the garden, with torches burning to light the pathway through the flowers. She realized her previous worries and anxiety had left her. Nash had been right. After the initial mumblings, smirks, and remarks cast in her direction at their entrance, she and her new husband had been relegated to the “no longer of interest” category. Most of the guests who had stopped them to chat had offered their felicitations and even extended invitations to events Arabella had never been invited to before.

“Lady Clarendon.” It took Arabella a moment to realize someone was addressing her. She turned to Lady Lovell, who approached on the arm of her husband. The couple had been newly married a few months ago. Arabella and the then Lady Helen had come out the same year. “It is so nice to see you. Lovell and I have been in the country and just now returned to Town. And what is the first thing I hear but Lady Arabella is now Lady Clarendon!” Helen smiled at her. She had always been one of Arabella’s favorite people.

“Yes. We are married a bare two weeks, in fact.”

Lord Lowell looked around. “Where is the groom? Surely he has not abandoned you to the card room.”

Arabella laughed at the condemnation in his tone. “Not at all. He is off to bring me a drink.”

Helen regarded her. “No wedding trip?” Apparently, her friend had not heard the story of Arabella’s disgrace. “No. But Clarendon and I have just returned from his country estate in Suffolk.” At least that made it appear they’d had some type of wedding trip.

Lady Lovell’s bright blue eyes lit up. “I intend to have my first dinner party in a few weeks, and I so wanted to include you. And your husband, of course.” She lowered

her voice as if groups of guests were listening to her party plans. “I will be very nervous, as you can imagine, so having you there would do much to calm my nerves.”

“You will be fine, my dear.” Lord Lovell patted his wife’s arm. “It is not seemly to get yourself all worked up.” Arabella smiled, thinking how lovely for Helen that her husband was so solicitous of her welfare. But then, theirs had been a love match.

“It seems some of the issues that arose while we visited the tenants have caused Clarendon some concern, and he plans a return trip sometime soon.” Seeing the disappointment on her face, Arabella hurried on. “However, I will see if my husband can make our trip either before or after your dinner party. Just send the date around.”

“My dear, I believe the next dance has started up.” Lord Lowell addressed his bride then turned to Arabella. “I wish you and Clarendon well.” He smiled and took his wife’s hand, casting Helen a look that brought a smile to Arabella’s face, and a bit of sadness to her heart.

She told herself she did not want that type of marriage. No feelings like that for her husband. Once that happened, all her freedom would be lost. She would begin following him around like one of her lost puppies, “yes, my lord” and “no, my lord” the only words on her lips.

As she watched the couple stroll away, Arabella’s attention was caught by the sound of a female’s voice uttering her name from the other side of the stone wall dividing the patio area from the garden.

“Oh, do not fool yourself, Diana. Lady Arabella and her mother set the entire thing up. I had personally witnessed Lady Arabella eying Lord Clarendon for some time. Apparently, she was unable to bring anyone up to scratch, so she and her devious mother decided to force the poor man into matrimony with her.”

Arabella was unable to hear the response to Lady Grace’s comments, since the person to whom she had spoken those untrue, vile words apparently faced the other direction. Lady Grace continued, “Not that it matters to me at all, you understand. I have had several offers and am contemplating one at this very moment. I have no regrets, nor had I intended to accept Lord Clarendon’s offer, anyway.”

Mumbling followed her words once again. Then, very clearly, Lady Grace’s voice rang out. “Perhaps Lord Clarendon had been forced to marry her because she had granted him favors and found herself in a delicate condition? Not that I am saying that, you understand. But there have been rumors…”

Chapter Fifteen