Page 17 of The Earl and His Lady

Someday, when they were older, she would explain the whole of it. But she did not wish to scare them in regard to their uncle or give them greater cause for concern. They were too young to understand, to know of the difficulties and cruelties of the adult world.

Nodding, Phillip slowly slid back down under the covers. “We won’t go back to the Hall?”

“Not yet.”

“But we will go live with the earl, instead of with Cousin Christine?”

She nodded. “We will.”

Phillip closed his eyes. “Good night, Mother.”

Had she been dismissed by her six-year-old son? Half-amused, half-concerned, Virginia looked to Edward to see his eyes already closed. The younger boy was breathing deeply, his worries of the day lost to sleep.

“Good night, Phillip.” She kissed his cheek and tucked his blankets in around him, then did the same for Edward.

She left the room quietly, leaving the lamp for Nurse Smythe, and stepped into the darkened hallway. She rubbed at her eyes with one hand, again questioning her ability to assist the boys through this new change.

I must be brave and show them nothing but confidence in this decision.

That thought made her straighten her shoulders and lift her chin.

It was up to her to keep her sons safe and happy, to give them their best chance at life. While her decision had been made with rapidity, it did not feel like a poor one.

“I hope you approve, Charles,” she whispered to the night. No answer came, no sign was given, and she had only the ache in her heart for company.

Chapter Seven

Obtaining a special license from the Archbishop of Canterbury was no easy task, yet it was one that Lucas had full confidence in achieving. He had known Charles Manners-Sutton, the current archbishop, for several years. His father had been on friendly terms with the man before he ascended to the reverential position.

Returning to London to see the archbishop took time, but Lucas had been able to call on him at his home. After a closely conducted interview, during which he learned that the archbishop had been an admirer of the late Baron of Heatherton, Lucas was granted the license.

He kept it on his person as he returned to Annesbury, pleased the whole adventure took no more than a week.

He returned home in the middle of the afternoon and immediately received correspondence from his London solicitor and Lady Heatherton’s barrister in Bath.

“Gresham,” he’d said, carefully reading through the contract the barrister was negotiating on behalf of the baroness. “I need you to prepare the staff to receive a new countess.”

The old man froze, his usually unflappable nature giving way to a moment of shock. “A new countess, my lord?”

“Yes. I plan to marry before the week is out.” He watched his butler with interest, knowing this would be a good indication of how his news would be received by many.

“I see. May I congratulate you, my lord?”

“Thank you, Gresham. You may.” He turned his attention back to his papers, shuffling through them with a concentrated frown. Everything appeared to be in order, but he would consult with Lady Heatherton.

“My lord?”

He glanced up, surprised to see the butler remained in the same place. “Yes, Gresham? Something you wish to say?”

The elderly gentleman half bowed. “Might I inquire as to who the new countess will be?”

“Lady Virginia Macon, Baroness of Heatherton. Oh, and she brings two children with her, so we need to ready the nursery as quickly as possible.” He put his papers in a stack and stood, tucking them beneath his arm. “They’ll bring their own nurse, but we ought to assign a maid to the nursery as well.”

“I will see to it, my lord. I will make certain all is in good order for the countess.” He bowed and left the room, carrying the silver tray he’d used to bring the post to the study.

Lucas looked down at the papers in his arms and then at the mantel. Though still travel-worn, he decided he ought to go and speak to his bride-to-be. Combining their households was but one matter they would need to discuss.

He put the papers in a folder, tied the string tight, and went for his horse.