Gentle readers, you need to read the latest.
Somehow Lady Man-Eater possesses a plethora of suitors.
It’s like a piranha fishing in a barrel.
Always truthful in our reporting,
The Midnight Cryer
Thea’s heart pounded as she sped through the park, desperately trying to hide where no one could find her. The haunted look on the men’s faces as she blurted out her financial worth was a sight she’d never forget. Her cheeks still felt as if they were on fire. A small rectangular garden of boxwoods lay to her left, and she made her way into the cool shade. Tucked away from view, a seating area of several granite benches beckoned her forward.
She plopped down on the closest seat with her skirts billowing like clouds around her. With her elbows on her knees, she hid her face in her hands. It was nonsensical, but if she kept her face hidden, perhaps she could get her mortification under control. Whether she could ever return to Langham Hall was a question she couldn’t answer at this point. She had nowhere else to go.
However, Claire might allow her to stay until the hearing in front of the committee was finished. She’d face the committee alone. If she had any luck at all, she could return home and back to her old life.
“Lady Eanruig?” Lord Grayson’s deep masculine voice echoed around her. “May I join you?”
Without lifting her hands from her face, she nodded.
The rustle of clothing meant he’d sat next to her. For the next several minutes, they sat in an uncomfortable silence. Finally, she forced herself to look at him. She was a titled lady in her own right and needed to act as such.
Inwardly, she cursed at the sympathy in his eyes, but she forced herself to hold his gaze. “Well, that was awkward, wasn’t it?” Her voice wobbled a smidgen. “You probably know what it all meant.”
Lord Grayson studied his clasped hands in front of him. “I take it to mean that William hasn’t changed his position on the idea of marriage.”
She let out a sigh. “No, he hasn’t. But it’s not what you think. I told him I didn’t want to marry him either. His aunt wants us to marry.” She turned slightly toward him. “I’ve received advice that I should consider marriage before I answer the challenge to my title.”
The marquess lifted his gaze and regarded her. “You need to marry?”
“Or an engagement.” Thea nodded. “The new Duke of Ferr-Colby is challenging my claim. My grandfather’s solicitor says the Committee for Privileges is conservative in nature. If they see that I’m connected to a powerful family, then they’ll likely decide in my favor if I can prove my lineage.”
A kind smile broke the severe features of his face. He was tall with dark hair and deep brown eyes. There was an inherent strength to him that most women would find appealing.
But her silly heart protested he wasn’t Will.
“Farris, Honeycutt, and I were invited here today to see if one of us might suit you.” His words lingered in the air.
“And if in return, one of you found me likewise pleasing.”
“You are a true original, Lady Eanruig. I like your candor. Now tell me, did you find one of us pleasing?”
His words made her a bit wary. “Of course. I’d consider myself very fortunate if I garnered any of your friendships.”
“Like your friendship with William?” He lifted his hand to stop her from protesting. “Though I’m not a romantic, I saw how the two of you looked at each other. I had expected him to announce you were his before Honeycutt brought up The Midnight Cryer.
She fought to keep from rolling her eyes at that pronouncement. “Sir, you’re mistaken.”
“I’d be honored if you call me Grayson.”
Thea studied the meticulous boxwoods that framed the area. All these honorifics and titles were confusing enough. She didn’t want to make a bigger fool of herself than she already was, especially in front of the marquess. “If I call you Grayson, then how shall you address me? Eanruig sounds too manly, and Theodora sounds too intimate.”
He leaned back and chuckled. “I think Lady Eanruig sounds perfect until we become a little better acquainted, don’t you?”
She nodded her agreement.
“My lady, I hope I don’t shock you, but if you and William don’t come to an understanding, I’d like to press my suit.”
“You want to marry me?” She couldn’t keep the shock out of her voice. “Even with the rumors?”
He nodded. “I don’t believe those lies, especially after I’ve met you. It’s common knowledge I need to marry an heiress and rather quickly. I inherited my title, and the coffers are practically nonexistent. I’m not an ideal marriage partner from that standpoint, but I have a lovely estate. I think we’d suit and get along quite well together. Hopefully, after some time in each other’s company, we’d find love or at least a comfortable companionship with one another.”
His gaze was sharp but honest.
She was too surprised to answer. With his dark hair, deep brown eyes, and fine features, he was handsome. But his somberness took away from his countenance.
“We could split our time between both estates,” he added.
“I see,” she said finally. “I—I don’t think that would be in my best interests.”
“Of course.” He smiled slightly. “I understand. I have nothing to offer but a run-down estate.”
“No. I have no concerns over that. I have more than enough for both of us.” She caught his gaze, hoping she could explain without hurting his feelings. “I couldn’t leave Ladykyrk. It’s my estate. It needs me as much as I need it.”
“Just like mine needs me,” he said softly. He took her hand in his and gave a perfunctory kiss in the air over her knuckles. “Sometimes, we all have to make tough decisions to do what’s best for those who rely on us.”
“Yes, we do.” Pride kept her from arguing anymore.
“Will you at least consider my offer? Perhaps we could come up with a compromise.” He stood to leave.
“I’ll give it some thought,” she answered.
Her traitorous heart that wanted Will skipped a beat in defiance.
The sight of Grayson comforting Thea nearly tore Will’s heart out of his chest. He should be the one. Grayson kissed Thea’s hand, then turned and walked toward him. Will nodded, not bothering to stop. The overwhelming need to reach Thea’s side drove him to hurry. However, the marquess stopped him.
“It wasn’t my place to follow her out here, but she looked like she’d lost her last friend,” Grayson said.
“You have my eternal thanks for seeing after her. My aunt came into the room just as Thea fled.” Will extended his hand for a shake.
Grayson’s forehead furrowed into neat lines. “You may not want to shake my hand or claim me as a friend after this.”
“Why?”
“I asked her to marry me,” Grayson said without a hint of emotion. “Go and comfort her. We’ll discuss it tomorrow.” Without giving Will a chance to demand an explanation, Grayson walked away.
Will exhaled the breath he’d been holding. It seemed it was the only thing he could control in that moment. He cursed to himself, then continued to approach Thea. When he reached her side, she glanced at him then returned to her study of the garden.
“When I first found this spot, I thought it rather sedate and secluded.” She spoke with a quiet but desperate firmness. “However, first Grayson found me and now you.”
He eased onto the bench seat beside her. Just being close to her caused the angry pounding of his pulse to calm. “Would you rather be alone?”
“No, I’d enjoy your company.” She studied the fountain before them. “This part of the park is beautiful.”
“Just like you.” He brushed a loose wisp of hair from her forehead. She closed her eyes at his touch.
She didn’t acknowledge his compliment but bit her lip and turned away. “It was rude and ill-mannered to speak of money. What was I thinking? I embarrassed you and myself.”
He scooted closer to her, then laid his hand next to hers. His dwarfed hers. It seemed so small, but he knew that her hand had accomplished amazing things in her short life. She’d used it with her nimble mind to keep her grandfather’s duchy and reputation intact while taking care of him throughout his illness.
Without a word, he tangled his fingers with hers. “You weren’t vulgar.” He struggled to find the right words to take the blame and make her feel better. “I was. I should have planned your introduction to my friends more carefully. I’m here to apologize to you. I had no idea that The Midnight Cryer had published that rubbish. I would have been by your side sooner, but Aunt Stella came in immediately after you left. She had a copy of today’s edition.”
“What did it say?” Her voice trembled a little, betraying her disquiet.
He released a deep breath and studied the garden. It was damn embarrassing, but she had a right to know. “The Cryer always refers to me as a failure in love. I quote ‘the Damp Squib of Love.’” Every time they published such garbage, he always tried to ignore it, but not now—not when it hurt Thea. “They said I finally found my match made in heaven.”
“Your Aunt Stella told me that you didn’t like to participate in ton events. She mentioned that you had an unfortunate incident when you were younger,” she gently said.
“Incident?” he asked.
“Your third cousin who broke your betrothal years ago.” Her earnest gaze caught his.
“She wasn’t officially my betrothed.” He tried to keep his voice as nonchalant as possible, but a hot scourge burned his throat at the memory of Avalon’s rejection.
He smoothed his palms down his breeches. Thea had a right to know about his past no matter how much it hurt or humiliated him. He never liked to discuss Avalon with anyone, but with Thea, he needed to since the Cryer had embroiled her into his past.
“When I was nineteen, a woman rebuffed my suit when she decided to marry a wealthy marquess. Of course, The Midnight Cryer mocks me ever since Lady Warwyk jilted me.”
She leaned forward and caught his gaze. “Why do they do it?”
“To punish me. Not long ago, they were going to publish a diary of a family member, and it would have destroyed her and others I love. I helped ensure it was returned to the rightful owner by being there when the offices were broken into. Someone from the Cryer recognized me, and I’ve been a target ever since.” He turned toward her. “But the real truth is that the Cryer loves to publish rubbish about my family.”
“Does it hurt?”
He chuckled. No one had ever asked that question before. He’d always acted indifferent about their taunts of his failure. “Sometimes.”
“I imagine it does,” she said. “What did they say about me?”
“Nothing important.”
“William, please. I’m a grown woman.” She straightened her shoulders as if preparing for a punch. “Tell me. I need to know what I’m facing at the soirée.”
He waited for a moment, debating how much to tell her. But Thea’s strength was one of her greatest assets, along with her wisdom. She did need to know what she faced from the ton tomorrow when they descended on Langham Hall. “They called you the ‘Nemesis of Northumberland.’”
“That’s all?” she asked incredulously.
“That’s all I read. I threw down the paper without finishing the article. My first priority was finding you.” His gaze caught hers.
Her eyes betrayed her confusion and hurt, and it haunted him. For the world, he didn’t want to see her hurt by the nonsense that gushed from The Midnight Cryer.
“Of course, the editor thinks he’s a cleaver wordsmith. Stella’s worried about your reaction to the story.” He entwined their fingers again to comfort her. But it also soothed the frustration he felt at their circumstances. “I’m sorry if you’re embarrassed. I’ve felt that way before with their reporting.”
Her fingers tightened around his. “She should have worried about me making a mess with your friends. I’m sure you are too.”
He dipped his head until their gazes were eye level. “No. My only concern is you. With my friends, you were honest.” He grinned slightly and hoped she’d return the favor. “If they can’t handle the truth, then they’re not worthy of you. However, you don’t give yourself enough credit. You’re an incredible woman. Any man would be lucky to marry you.” He lowered his voice. “I’m sorry too, if you’re embarrassed because I didn’t tell my friends why they were invited today.”
“It makes little difference.” She shrugged and turned her gaze to the fountain. “Lord Grayson asked me to marry him just now.”
Her voice was so low, he had to lean forward to hear the words.
“He told me he has no money and wants to rebuild his estate. He suggested that we split our time between our two estates.” She sighed softly as if the thought pained her. “I told him no as I didn’t want to live anywhere except Ladykyrk. He pressed me to give it some thought. I told him that I’d think about it.”
She turned and faced him. Her slight grin would have been endearing if it wasn’t for the fact she was discussing marrying another.
“I’m not certain it’s a good idea for me to be away from my responsibilities for any length of time. Such a silly thought, isn’t it?” Without waiting for him to answer, she continued, “I could hire a land steward, and he could manage the responsibilities as I start a new life with my husband. But I want my husband by my side at Ladykyrk.”
He stiffened at the word husband. It baffled him that he would respond that way. She’d made it quite clear, she didn’t want to marry him, yet the thought didn’t sit well with him anymore. Instead, a need, a want even, to change her mind took root inside of him.
“Grayson is a good man but has serious money problems. His father made several bad investments and lost a great deal of money. Instead of accepting his losses and trying to figure another way to return the estate to a flush account, he continued to make even riskier investments, hoping to recoup his losses. He just made it worse. When the old marquess finally passed, Grayson inherited a world of troubles.”
“Well, one thing is clear.” Her lips pursed in annoyance. “I may be a failure at behaving like a true countess, but I did manage to receive a marriage proposal today.” She let out a tortured breath. “Oh God, Will. What am I going to do? I don’t want to marry just anyone.”
Suddenly, a solution presented itself, one that would help her with the committee and give her some time to find true love too. It would solve her immediate problem but could ruin his reputation forever. At this point he didn’t care, as he needed to help her. Without any hesitation, he scooted closer. “What if we were engaged?”
“Engaged?” Her gaze widened which emphasized the blue-green hue of her glorious eyes. “As in marriage?”
“It’ll work. I’ll be by your side during the hearing. After you secure your title, then you can jilt me.” He cleared his throat in hopes his voice relayed his confidence. “That will allow you time to find someone you can fall in love with.”
“You would do that for me?” A true smile, one incandescent in brightness, lit her face. “It’s a brilliant solution.” Suddenly, a few lines of worry creased her brow. “But what happens after the committee makes their decision?”
“We could … we’ll figure it out,” he said. Just then, a gardener came into view, trimming the boxwoods across from them. “Let’s go someplace private.” He brought her fingers to his mouth, letting his warm breath tease her skin.
She continued to stare at him. “Why?”
“So, we can talk without any interruptions.” His throat tightened, but he forced himself to answer as truthfully as he dared. “Because you need to regain the confidence you had before my friends came to visit. You need every ounce of strength you can find to face that committee. I want you to succeed in everything you want in life, Thea.”
Because I don’t want anyone to kiss you but me.
She released a sigh as if accepting the weight of the world on her shoulders. “All right.”
“Come.” He tugged her to a standing position. “Let’s get a drink. I have the perfect place.” He gave her a smile designed to be as intimate as a kiss.
The Countess of Eanruig may have thought she lacked any skill in handling the patrons of society, but she’d developed another talent that was rarer in his opinion.
She’d learned how to turn his world upside down.