Page 9 of Marrying the Wrong Earl (Lords and Ladies in Love 2)

Chagrined at appearing to be an ogre, he said, “Are you able to find your way back to the door? It is quite dark in here.”

“I shall be fine. Thank you.” She turned her back to him and moved only a few steps when she stumbled. Always the gentleman, Nash rushed forward and caught her in his arms just as she would have fallen to the floor.

The door to the library flew open and several people stood at the entrance. “What is the meaning of this?” Her chin raised, a woman stormed into the room, a contingent of cohorts right behind her.

“Bloody hell,” Nash mumbled as he stood before the crowd, in a darkened room, with Lady Arabella Danvers in his arms.

Chapter Three

Black dots danced before Arabella’s eyes right before she shook her head, refusing to allow herself the luxury of swooning. She had no idea what was going on, but knew she needed her full faculties to avoid the pending disaster.

“Mother!” She moved away from Lord Clarendon and took a few steps. She raised her fingertips to her forehead, as once again, dizziness overcame her. A strong arm wrapped around her waist, keeping her from tumbling to the floor. “I received a note—”

“Say no more!” Her mother raised her hand in the air. She turned to Lord Clarendon. “My lord, unhand my daughter.”

“I would be most happy to accommodate your request, madam, but if I do so, I can guarantee she will slip to the floor.” Arabella felt his voice vibrate right through their clothing. His scent of sandalwood drifted to her where their bodies touched. With his arm still around her waist, he led her to the settee. She sat, still confused as to what was going on. Clarendon remained standing, his feet apart, hands loosely fisted at his side, facing the crowd.

He glanced at her and bent to whisper into her ear. “Perhaps you should lower your head, my lady.”

“Do not whisper in my daughter’s ear.” Mother’s eyes snapped.

Arabella tried to make sense out of what was happening. Mother was supposed to meet her here, which she did, but only after she’d been caught with Lord Clarendon. Was he supposed to be here as well? Had Mother done something to arrange all of this? But why Lord Clarendon, of all people? As far as Mother knew, they were barely acquainted.

Lord Ashbourne made his way through the crowd and circled the room, lighting candles and bringing into focus what Arabella desperately wished to block from her vision. Mother stood at the forefront, with Ladies Beauchamp and Dickinson, along with Mrs. Humphries, next to her. They all stared at her and Lord Clarendon in horror.

Another woman and a young girl joined them. The two came into view and Arabella let out a groan, wishing it were possible to close off one’s ears.

“My lord!” A wail erupted from Lady Grace. Her hand covered her mouth while she took in the scene. Closing her eyes, Lady Grace leaned her head on her mother’s shoulder. Lord Clarendon mumbled to himself, but Arabella didn’t hear the comment. However, given the rumors of the expectations Lady Grace had where Lord Clarendon was concerned, he’d probably uttered words she did not want to hear.

Lady Grace’s mother speared Clarendon with a look that Arabella was most grateful hadn’t been cast in her direction.

Then it was.

She gulped.

“Lady Melrose, I received a note—” A nasally voice joined the group.

Mother spun on her heel and faced Lord Pembroke, who was breathing heavily and wiping the sweat from his forehead while he pushed his way through

the crowd. “I wasn’t sure which room was the library—”

“Not now, my lord,” she said through gritted teeth.

Lord Pembroke? Mother had sent notes to both her and Lord Pembroke? Most likely to have them caught in a compromising situation. She never would have thought Mother would do such a thing, but there seemed no other explanation for the events that had just taken place.

Except Clarendon had been here—for whatever reason—and now this was a mess, and she was ruined.

“Since this is my library, can someone please explain to me what is going on?” Lord Ashbourne glared in Clarendon’s direction.

Clarendon looked down at Arabella as she watched him. Visions of her life as a ruined woman, with nowhere to go to avoid censure and no hope of the life she’d always dreamed of, flashed in her mind. She and Mother would have no home, and the disgrace would most likely send the woman into a decline.

She held her breath as he continued to study her. A slight kernel of absolute terror settled in her stomach. Certainly, the man would not make this situation worse by offering for her? There must be other, more palatable solutions to this catastrophe. They just needed to keep their heads and think it through.

Seeming to reach a decision, he extended his hand. Not knowing what he was up to, but hoping he had a way to get them out of this without creating a disaster, she reached for his hand and stood on shaky legs. Her heart pounded so hard she swore they heard it out in the ballroom. She was aware of the stillness of the guests who watched them, and the whimpering of Lady Grace.

His lordship continued to stare at her as he took her other hand in his and spoke, “I apologize to all of you for the interruption in your evening’s entertainment. I believe you have found us just as Lady Arabella made me the happiest of men by accepting my offer of marriage.”

Lady Grace wailed and tumbled to the floor. The blackness Arabella had been fighting finally took control, and with a soft sigh she slumped against her newly betrothed’s body.