The Earl Next Door Read online

  “I won’t worry, Mum. I’m big now. I’ll help take care of you now that Papa’s gone.”

  Adeline watched the mother smile and then kiss the top of her young daughter’s head with dry, trembling lips. She hugged the little girl with such tightness, Adeline felt as if her own chest were being squeezed. The woman looked up and saw Adeline watching her. Tremendous anguish and deep confusion showed in the woman’s face, causing Adeline to wobble on her feet. That’s when she realized that death, grief, and fear respected no one. That’s when the first tears of loss rushed to her eyes and trickled down her cheeks. The woman gave her a comforting smile and a curtsy. Adeline was profoundly touched by the woman’s show of respect even while bearing the weight of her own immense tragedy.

  Wanting to help ease her pain in some way, Adeline stopped a worker and asked about the small group. He told her they were the family members of the ship’s workers. They would be allowed to go through the belongings only after the members of Society had finished.

  She spoke to her brother-in-law regarding the insensitivity of the rule, but he brushed aside her concerns about how unfair it was to make them watch and wait their turn to search for their loved ones’ possessions until after they had been picked over and disturbed by others. The new earl considered her anxiety a part of her grieving and suggested she wait in the carriage for him. That’s when Adeline knew she wanted to do something to help the wives, the daughters, and the sisters of the men who’d worked on the Salty Dove. At the time, she didn’t know what it would be, but with some thought she realized the best way to help the families was to educate and teach their girls a skill so they could one day earn a wage. There were boarding schools where boys were educated and learned skills. Why couldn’t there be one for girls, too? Learning to sew would be a respectable way for them to earn a living.

  After coming to that conclusion, she hesitantly mentioned it to Julia and Brina. To her delight they were eager to be included. Like Adeline, neither was interested in marrying again, and they were intrigued by the idea of doing something more useful and worthy than simply reentering Society after their time of mourning ended.

  It hadn’t been easy. None of it had. Not finding the place for the school or the families of the workers. Her solicitor, Mr. Clements, had been a tireless advocate from the moment she mentioned her plan to him. With more diligence than she ever expected, he secured the large property from an elderly gentleman named Mr. Bottles. The house had a separate building that had housed the servants. It was situated in the middle of a privately secluded cul-de-sac near the business section and not far from the park. Everything about it suited their needs perfectly for the school.

  Mr. Bottles finally agreed to sell after they agreed to let him name the school. That was the easiest thing about starting the school. It took time to find the families, explain to them what the widows wanted to do, and talk them into allowing the girls to come live at the boarding school, a way of life that was usually made available only for boys. The girls would be taught to read and write as well as learn the seamstress trade. With Mr. Clements’ invaluable assistance, it had been accomplished. Adeline, Julia, and Brina realized they couldn’t help the families of all the workers on the Salty Dove who had perished that day. That task would have been impossible. But they could help some of their young daughters and sisters who would be nearing the age to learn a trade.

  The nine girls who would be attending the school wouldn’t have to worry about not being prepared to find employment one day as had their mothers near the docks that foggy afternoon. They would be taught the differences between fine threads for sewing and embroidery and thicker threads for darning and knitting. They would learn the distinctive textures and costs of fabrics. The way to pleat, gather, and rush them. How to cut and sew them into clothing and draperies. Some would learn how to cover hats in a decorative fashion with feathers, beads, and ribbons while others would learn to make the delicate silk roses, fancy knitted lace, and perfect satin bows that decorate the gowns ladies of Polite Society wore. At the school, they would each be free to go in the direction their talents took them. Once they accomplished their skills and came of age, Adeline would see to it they gained employment at a reputable shop so they could earn a wage and help take care of themselves and their families.

  “Lady Wake?”

  Startled from her pensive thoughts, Adeline immediately knew that masculine voice coming from behind her. The earl. Despite her intentions to remain unaffected when she next encountered him, her heartbeat faltered. Her throat thickened. Her breaths became shallow and fast. Didn’t he know he was the last person she wanted to see again? Ever. He’d insulted her. Angered her. Caught her in a weak moment indulging in a young lady’s fantasy. Worst of all, he’d made her want to think about the actual possibility of warm embraces, sweet kisses, and soft touches.

  Slowly, she turned. Her gaze fell on a wide chest and strong-looking shoulders covered by a crisp white shirt and neckcloth, dark green waistcoat, and chocolate brown coat. Lifting her lashes, her gaze rose up to the clean-shaven, handsome face of Lord Lyonwood, standing on his property just beyond the waist-high garden wall, staring intently at her. Oh, he was a splendid-looking man. Whoever invented the word dashing must have been looking at a painting of the earl. Yet, there was something more than just the build of his body or the handsomeness of his face that conveyed his strength. Something she sensed inside him that she couldn’t yet decipher.

  It was maddening that just the sight of him made her think about being cuddled against his chest. And the intensity in his expression made her wonder if he might be sensing some of the same feelings that affected her.

  Not that either of them wanted it. Adeline was dismayed he’d seen her so openly displaying her womanly longings, and though he’d hid it well that afternoon, she knew he must be angry that she’d slapped him even though she had just cause. It certainly wasn’t the sort of action anyone would welcome. But it was as if none of those things seemed to matter when they looked into each other’s eyes. The yearning for something more was there between them. She couldn’t deny it and had no idea what to do about it.

  “What are you doing here?” she asked a little more abruptly than she’d intended, but he unsettled her in a way that made her wary.

  “I came outside to see if you were all right.”

  “Yes, of course,” she answered, her tone returning to normal. “You can see I am. That is, I was before you startled me. Why wouldn’t I be?”

  “I don’t know,” he said, walking closer to the withered vine-covered border between them. “That’s why I came out. I noticed you standing here and wanted to make sure nothing was wrong.”

  It seemed strange hearing genuine concern in his voice and seeing it in his expression after their last meeting. There was a long moment of silence as each took in what the other had said. His eyes were as gray as she remembered. She tried to stop the fluttering in her chest with a deep breath, but it wouldn’t cease. When her gaze met his it was as if she couldn’t control her senses or feelings. Feathery wisps of sensual awareness curled through her and made her even more curious about him. It made her want to forget the disaster of their first meeting, especially his ungentlemanly behavior, and indulge in all the experiences her sensations offered.

  “You can see, I’m perfectly fine,” she insisted softly. “What made you think there is anything wrong with someone standing alone in their garden on a beautiful spring day?”

  “You hadn’t moved.”

  She thought about that. “Really? I mean, surely not.”

  “You’ve been in the same place, looking at the same spot for a very long time.”

  He was watching her. For a fraction of a moment it seemed a heavenly thought that he was interested enough to do so, but her rational mind quickly returned. With it came the memories of when her husband had her monitored each day so she wouldn’t do anything strenuous. She hastily brushed aside those unpleasant feelings and asked, “Ho
w would you know that? Were you deliberately observing me, my lord?”

  “Do you really think that?” he asked skeptically.

  “Shouldn’t I? First you invade my home and now it appears you have been watching me in my garden.”

  He grimaced for a moment or two and then his features relaxed into more of an amused expression. “You think I’ve been spying on you from afar?”

  Did she?

  “That’s what it sounds like to me,” she suggested, trying to sound outraged or at least serious, but wasn’t sure she had because her body and mind betrayed her again by thinking she wasn’t so sure she would have minded if it had been true. Confused by her own scandalous thoughts and irritated by his amusement over the idea of her assumption, she quipped, “I discovered the other afternoon the sort of things you are capable of doing, my lord, and they aren’t gentlemanly.”

  “Let me put your mind at ease. No,” he said emphatically, placing the palm of his hands on the top of the wall and leaning toward her.

  The strength of his grip on the stone communicated his message more than the words he spoke. Though he was still some distance from her, it was almost as if she felt his heat, caught his scent, and sensed his power as surely as she had when he held her front door shut and was so close his breath fluttered against her cheeks.

  “What happened in your home was a regrettable error, Lady Wake, and I wasn’t watching you earlier. There was nothing intentional about noticing you standing so still for so long. Every morning I tie my neckcloth where I can see out the window to this section of your garden. It’s natural for me to look out.”

  Adeline glanced over his shoulder in the direction of his house. The first and second floors could be seen clearly from where she was standing. Oh. She swallowed hard, believing his explanation.

  After all, he was her neighbor. That wasn’t something that was going to change in the foreseeable future. It would be best if they forgot the past and were civil if not trusting of each other. He’d obviously made the first move toward that end by coming over to inquire about her well-being, and she would do the right thing and meet him halfway.

  “Thank you for letting me know. I’ll remember that whenever I walk outside, my lord. And again, I’m perfectly fine and need no one checking on me when I’m in the garden enjoying the day.”

  She’d had enough of being watched almost every moment of the day the two years she was married.

  “Good. I’m glad to know it wasn’t a snake or a spider in a web that stopped you for so long,” he said with a twitch of a grin.

  After a shiver at the thought of such creatures being in her path, and much to her consternation, Adeline gave a hint of a smile, too. That seemed to satisfy him.

  “I’ll leave you to enjoy your morning in the fresh air.” He nodded and turned away. Adeline looked down at the pathway and then scoured the air space in front of her for any telltale signs of a web.

  Maybe the earl was a beast after all, and he was certainly one who knew her fears.

  Chapter 5

  With a deep sigh of vexation Adeline looked up at the trellis she stood beneath. She had to admit that she hadn’t had the opportunity to be alone with very many men, but the earl had to be the most intriguing of that lot. He was a menace to her peace of mind. She must keep her intimate thoughts and feelings for Lyon under control. And she would. Just as soon as she figured out how.

  The last of the brown leaves of winter had fallen away, and buds of greenery were showing in patches all over the archway. Several vines were woven in between the ivy, but not enough of the plants had grown out for her to know what type of flower would adorn the structure in the next few weeks. Glancing down at her heavy dark blue widow’s skirt and matching velvet pelisse, she found herself hoping the blooms would be bright, cheerful colors. Light shades of pinks, vivid blues, deep purples, sunny yellows, and brilliant reds.

  Any color that wouldn’t remind her of the drab gloominess Society expected her to wear.

  Shaking her head, and blaming even her complaints about her clothing on the disturbing Lord Lyonwood, Adeline stared back at the school building determined to focus on the girls. The boarding school deserved her complete attention. She was eager to meet the girls, eager for their time at the school to begin.

  The back door of her house opened. Adeline turned to see Brina coming out.

  “I’m sorry we’re late,” she called and waved.

  A smile stretched across Adeline’s face. She suddenly felt uplifted. “It’s about time you two got here.”

  “It’s my fault we’re tardy, as usual,” Julia called, gliding up beside Brina and waving, too. “I hope you didn’t give up on us and meet the girls without us?”

  “Of course not,” Adeline answered, squinting against the glare of sun that hung above the roofline of her house, and motioned for them to join her. “I’ve been waiting for you out here because it’s such a beautiful day. Come on.”

  Brina, the youngest of the three friends and benefactors of the school, was tall, willowy, and a natural beauty. Even in her widow weeds and with her gorgeous silvery blonde hair covered by a wide-brimmed straw hat, as it was today, everyone took notice when Brina walked by. To most of Society she was the epitome of all a widowed lady should be. Devoted to the memory of her husband, and kind to a fault. There was an enticing grace about her that most ladies envied but never attained. Everything about Mrs. Brina Feld spoke of loveliness and goodness.

  Adeline knew Brina’s countenance was held together by an enormous, fearless inner strength. Though not much past the age of nineteen when asked, she’d had no reservations about helping fund and plan the boarding school from the moment Adeline suggested it. Brina’s round face and almond-shaped blue eyes always held a smile for everyone be they friend or stranger. Her words were always carefully chosen and gentle. Only Adeline and Julia knew how deeply Brina still mourned her husband. She’d been married less than three months when the ship went down. Her husband had been heralded as a hero, saving the lives of a few but losing his own. Brina’s sorrow for the loss of her beloved ran deep as the sea.

  Julia came hurrying down the steps behind Brina. Known in Society as Lady Kitson Fairbright, Julia was the opposite of their dear friend Brina in appearance and deportment. Julia’s shiny chestnut-colored hair always seemed to be falling out of her chignon whether or not she’d donned a bonnet that day. She had rare dark violet eyes and the fairest complexion Adeline had ever seen.

  While Brina always said and did the right thing in every situation, Julia couldn’t seem to, at all times, manage the strict rules of propriety. Her carefree spirit was difficult to harness. Never intentionally, but she had been known to walk to Town without a proper bonnet or hat covering her head and, according to gossip, unthinkingly lift her skirts a little too high when stepping over a puddle crossing the street. Sometimes her venturesome, impulsive nature led to unexpected incidents that were difficult for a lady to explain. But Lady Kitson Fairbright had been irreplaceable when it came to helping start the school even though she’d struggled with her own troubles since her husband’s death.

  “I’ve missed you two,” Adeline said after hugging first Julia and then Brina. “I hope both of you are never out of Town at the same time again. I had no one to talk to while you were gone.”

  “We were not together, remember,” Brina reminded her teasingly. “We had no one to confide in either.”

  “I’m not trying to scold you,” Adeline smiled impishly. “Only let you know how wonderful it is to see you. What made you so late? Did you have to stop for Julia to rescue a cat from a tree or to make sure a stray dog had clean water to drink today?”

  “No,” Brina answered with a slight roll of her eyes. “Not this time, but Julia told the driver not to go fast. She didn’t want to tire the horses so early because she knew they’d have a long day.”

  Julia smiled sweetly. “You two cannot shame me for making us late. I only wish everyone had the affection fo
r animals that I do.”

  “We do,” Adeline insisted lightly. “We simply don’t always show it in the many ways you do. You are a good example for us all. Tell me how Chatwyn is doing. Did he love the coast?”

  “Oh yes, very much so, and I did too, of course,” Julia answered. “He didn’t want to leave. What’s not to love about running barefoot along the water’s edge when you’re two years old? He was delighted.”

  “Wasn’t the water freezing cold?” Brina asked.

  “And rocky?” Adeline added with surprise.

  “Yes, but he didn’t care. He ran right over every pebble, shard, and broken shell as if skipping through a soft bed of grass. Every morning he would beg to go to the shore and play. The duke was very attentive. He would have let him go every day had I not insisted that if it continued, Chatwyn could catch a chill and become a weak, sickly child in the future.”

  “I think you did the right thing in standing up to the duke,” Adeline said. “And how about you? Was the duke any kinder than when you were in London?”

  Julia gave them a breathy sigh. “A trifle I suppose. I do hope it continues now that we’ve returned to get ready for the Season. I think he would keep me and Chatwyn at Sprogsfield forever if he could because it’s so isolated and difficult for me to break any of Society’s rules there. What about you, Brina?” Julia asked, turning to her. “We know what Adeline has been doing all winter, making sure Mr. Clements had everything accomplished. How was your visit with your family?”

  “Lovely but wearisome,” Brina said respectfully. “They won’t leave me be. There was a steady stream of eligible gentlemen visiting. Some just for dinner, some for overnight, and others for several days, but all for me to consider as my next husband.”