Page 47 of Captivating the Earl (Lords and Ladies in Love 5)

“Nor do I, since I don’t want any dispersions cast upon my countess.”

They sat in silence as she sipped her sherry and he did justice to a glass of brandy. When he noticed her head dipping, he took the glass from her hand. “Time for bed.”

Oh, how he wished he had not used that phrase. Well, ’twas only a matter of days before they would be married, and he could honorably escort her upstairs to his bedchamber and make love to her as many times as he wished.

Arm in arm, they proceeded upstairs. He escorted her to her bedchamber, and avoiding all temptation, he gave her a quick kiss on her forehead. He opened the door, placed his hand on her back to move her inside, then closed the door. Taking a deep breath, he walked past his own bedchamber door, downstairs for another brandy and a boring book so he could sleep.

…

The next morning, Lizzie took one last look in the mirror and then decided there wasn’t much else she could do to improve her appearance. She didn’t have a decent wardrobe after her time as a governess, but at least Lady Honora’s lady’s maid Darla had pressed the gowns that had been crushed in her satchel and worked a plain, yet fashionable hairstyle for her.

She had delayed descending to the breakfast room as long as she could. It was time to face Lady Hawkins and Lady Honora. Unless they were still abed, although at eleven o’clock there was a good chance they were up.

Lizzie had been astounded when she’d been awakened by Darla and seen the time. For the last two years as a governess she’d been an early riser. That was how she’d managed to work in a ride each day, one of her greatest pleasures. She truly must be weary to sleep as late as she had. Taking a deep breath, she pinched her cheeks, bit her lips, and left the room.

Female voices drifted to her ears before she saw them, which led her to the breakfast room. She passed through the doorway and came to an abrupt halt. Lord Hawkins, Lady Hawkins, and Lady Honora all turned toward her. Hawk stood and bowed. “Good morning, my dear.”

He came to her and drew her to the table. “Allow me to make known to you my mother, Lady Hawkins and my sister, Lady Honora.” They both bowed their heads. “Mother, Honora, may I present my betrothed, Lady Elizabeth Monro.”

He escorted her to a chair next to him. The place of honor where his mother should be seated. Confused, she took the seat and smiled at the two ladies, Lady Honora next to her, and Lady Hawkins across the way. “Good morning, Lady Hawkins, Lady Honora.”

“Good morning, dear. Welcome to our home.” Lady Hawkins smiled brightly at her. Lizzie relaxed as relief flooded her body. At least Hawk’s mother didn’t demand she leave the premises.

“Thank you, my lady.” Lizzie turned to Lady Honora. “It is a pleasure to meet both you and your mother, my lady.”

Lady Honora’s smile mimicked her mother’s. It was then Lizzie noticed how much alike the two women looked. While Hawk had black-as-night hair and deep chocolate eyes, his sister and mother were fair with blond hair and light brown eyes.

“Please let us skip the formal address,” Lady Hawkins said. “Since you are to be my daughter sometime soon, there is no need for formality.” She reached over and placed her warm hand on Lizzie’s. “And I am thrilled.”

Surely the woman could not be thrilled that her son was aligning himself with the daughter of a traitor? “You are, my lady?”

“When all those nasty rumors were floating about London, I never believed for one moment you were involved with your father’s nefarious doings. Although we had never been formally introduced, I had seen you enough times at various events to form an opinion of your character.”

“Thank you. I did not want to distress you with my presence.”

“Nonsense. You are to be my daughter, and I am more than satisfied with my son’s choice of a bride. My deep regret is not being able to plan an appropriate wedding breakfast for the two of you.”

Lady Honora placed her arm around Lizzie’s shoulders and gave her a hug. “I am so happy we are to be sisters.”

To say Lizzie was surprised was an understatement. She’d been worried that she would be asked to leave the house and go nowhere near Lord Hawkins for the rest of his life. How could

these women be so open and happy about this marriage when her father had been a traitor, and she was under investigation herself?

Lady Hawkins must be quite anxious to see her son wed.

“You look a bit surprised, my dear.” Lady Hawkins regarded her over her teacup. “Hawk has explained the entire situation to us. I am concerned for your well-being, but I also have faith in my son to keep you safe. Once all this nasty business is settled, we must have a ball to announce your marriage.”

“Yes, my lady. That would be very nice.”

“No, dear. No more ‘my lady.’ If you don’t feel you can call me Mother, then please call me Eloise.”

Lizzie glanced at Hawk to see if he was surprised by his mother’s attitude. He wasn’t even paying any attention, his focus completely on the newspaper in front of him. However, whatever caught his attention had him frowning, and then glancing up at her.

Immediately, her heart thumped. “What is it?”

He folded the paper and set it aside. “Nothing of importance. Once you are finished with breakfast, I thought perhaps a walk in the gardens would be pleasant. After all, I promised you two days of rest.” He stood and bowed. “If you will excuse me, I shall be in the library going over some papers.”

Lady Hawkins turned to one of the footmen. “Please see that Cook sends in some hot food for Lady Elizabeth.”