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Chapter 11
Alexander tethered the horse outside his aunt’s cottage. Before he had even finished, the front door of the cottage burst open and his sister was running to him, almost knocking him sideways with her enthusiastic welcome.
“You are back!” Lucy’s green eyes were sparkling. “Are you about to become an earl? Well,areyou?”
Alexander laughed at his sister’s excitement. “Slow down, sister! Let us go inside and I will tell you and our aunt all about my few days at Essington Manor.”
It was only when they were settled in the cosy living room of the small cottage, with tea and scones, that he decided to put Lucy out of her misery. Aunt Edwina had joined them and was looking at him expectantly, as well. He supposed it was not every day that one was offered an earldom.
His family wanted to know what was going to happen. He had been non-committal about the whole thing when he had left them to head for the manor and speak to the earl.
“I may indeed take the earl up on his most generous offer,” he said eventually. “It is still early days and a few things need to be ironed out, but it is a definite possibility.”
Lucy gasped. “What was it like, this grand manor that belongs to the earl?”
Alexander smiled slowly. “It is the grandest, most imposing manor house I have ever seen in my life. It is more a palace than a house. It stretches on forever, with many outbuildings.” He paused. “There is a tribe of servants, stables, and astounding gardens, filled with statues that look like they belong in a museum.”
Lucy shook her head in wonder. “Oh, it sounds like something that should belong to royalty! To think that you may own it one day, Alexander.”
“Yes, it is unbelievable,” he agreed. “I am still having trouble getting my mind around the fact.”
“And what is the Earl of Weaver like?” asked Aunt Edwina, sipping her tea.
“A most generous and kind man,” replied Alexander. “He was so hospitable. He explained the history of the place and what would be required of me. He treated me like a son or grandson. We got to know each other quite well in the few days I was there and I admire and respect him.”
“And do you have to sing for your supper at all, Alexander?” asked his aunt in a wry voice.
Alexander smiled slowly. His aunt was always so astute and nothing escaped her. And he appreciated her caution. She was trying not to be swept away by it all.
“Well, there is something,” he admitted, pondering whether to tell them about the earl’s feisty granddaughter and the proposed marriage between them. But they were both gazing at him so avidly that he decided to be completely honest with them. “The Earl wants me to marry his granddaughter.”
Lucy looked stunned. Aunt Edwina’s jaw dropped open.
“His granddaughter?” His aunt frowned. “She must be a very fine lady, indeed! Why does he wish you to marry her?”
“It is because of the tragedy of his past,” he replied, his heart lurching in sympathy as he thought of the earl. “He has lost almost his entire family. All the male heirs are gone, which is why he sought me out.
He has just the one granddaughter now and he wants her to have the position of countess and for her to continue living in her home, along with her mother, his daughter in law. He is trying to protect them. See that they are well taken care of after he is gone.”
He thought of the Lady Olivia and her vehemence that she would never marry a common man like him. He had not seen her again after their encounter in the library when they had exchanged harsh words. He had sought out the earl and told him that he should leave.
The earl had nodded ruefully, saying it was probably for the best, until his family had come to terms with the sudden news. The old man tactfully did not mention anything about his granddaughter’s refusal to marry Alexander and her histrionics about it.
He had been gone within the hour, mounting his horse, and leaving Essington Manor behind. For now. He had briefly met Lady Henrietta, the earl’s daughter in law, at the front door before he left. He had been surprised at how youthful she looked and he could see the strong resemblance to her daughter.
She was still a handsome woman. Olivia had clearly inherited her willowy figure and wealth of dark hair from her mother. Lady Henrietta had been composed and gracious towards him, which he thought was kind, given she must be as shocked as her daughter by the suddenness of it all.
When he had been thundering down the driveway, he had glanced back at the house. From the second storey, he saw a figure in a window, watching his departure. His heart clenched as he recognised Olivia. She must be delirious with joy that he was leaving, he thought sardonically.
The earl’s gutsy, beautiful granddaughter had not minced words about how much she despised him and did not want to marry him, even as she had shivered when he had touched her. Well, he could hardly blame her. The thought of marriage left a bad taste in his mouth, as well.
“What is she like?” asked Lucy, her eyes as round as saucers. “Did you meet her? What is her name?”
Alexander laughed. “One question at a time, Lucy.” He paused. “Her name is Lady Olivia and yes, I have met her.” He thought of the first time he met the lady, without realising it was her, in Hyde Park but decided not to mention that encounter to his family. “She is… rather spirited.”
That is an understatement, he thought grimly.
“ “She must be beautiful,” breathed Lucy, leaning forward in her eagerness to hear all the details about the lady.
