Page 62 of How to Tempt an Earl

“I cannot be what she needs, and I can’t explain it to her, dammit.”

Brooks gave him a dark look. “I’ve always known you were stubborn, Ian, but not daft.”

…

He’d left her on her wedding night.

They’d said their goodbyes to their guests and departed the wedding breakfast in Ian’s crested carriage and headed to his home. The ride was blessedly short, and Grace looked out the window in silence. Once Ian had seen her into the vestibule, he’d turned on his heel and left. He hadn’t bothered to introduce her to the servants as his wife. Although, she reminded herself, there were only two.

Her trunks had been delivered and now sat in the center of the vestibule. She stared at the marble floor, the tall columns, and then at the winding grand staircase and gilded balustrade. Not long ago she’d been in his arms, pressed against the door in a sizzling embrace.

“My lady?”

Grace whirled to find the housekeeper, Mrs. Smithson, approach. Grace frowned. She hadn’t heard her footsteps. Had she been that distracted by her thoughts?

“The earl instructed me to show you to your rooms. The footmen will see to your trunks.”

“The footmen?”

“Yes, my lady. Castleton hired them a few days before along with a full staff of maids, a full-time cook, and scullery staff. He wants you to be comfortable here.”

Goodness, Ian had been busy. Of course, he’d gone through the efforts before she’d told him she wanted a marriage in name only.

Two young men appeared and went immediately to the heavy trunks, lifted them like they weighed little more than small portmanteaus, and climbed up the stairs. They were burly and muscular and didn’t look like the typical footmen she’d seen in any of the London homes she’d visited.

“This way, my lady.” Mrs. Smithson motioned to the stairs.

Grace followed. At the landing, the housekeeper turned right and started down a long hall. They passed door after door until she halted by one at the end of the hall. Grace had only visited Ian’s home at night, and she hadn’t realized how large it was.

Mrs. Smithson opened the door to a brightly lit bedchamber. The coal brazier had been lit along with candles, revealing a spacious bedchamber decorated in pale pinks. The furniture was elegant and feminine. A four-poster bed had a lovely coverlet and half a dozen plump pillows embroidered with roses. A small escritoire with clawed feet was located by a large window. A lush Brussel’s carpet with a beautiful Oriental pattern covered the floor. Grace walked to the window seat and looked out the window to see the gardens below. They weren’t well-kept, but she preferred a more natural landscape and the view was stunning.

“The room is lovely and decorated in my favorite color.”

“His lordship chose it to please you.”

“Truly?” He’d taken the time to learn her favorite color? How?

“He mentioned he asked your young brother,” Mrs. Smithson answered her silent question. Her mind turned to the day at Gunter’s. They must have discussed much more than ice cream flavors and racing horses.

Why bother? Ian hadn’t wanted to marry.

“Your gown is lovely,” Mrs. Smithson said. “I can help you with the hooks. Castleton has not hired a ladies’ maid. He thought you would like to select one or send for your own maid.”

“Rose will arrive tomorrow. If you can assist now, I would be most grateful.”

“Of course, my lady.”

“His lordship wants you to be comfortable, my lady. If you require anything, all you need do is ask.”

Once again, Grace was surprised to learn of his efforts.

She can rusticate in the country.

His words resounded in her mind. The truth was that he never intended for her to learn that he’d kept his precious casino.

“You must be famished. Dinner will be served in the dining room.”

“Is Castleton expected?”