Enticing the Earl

He didn’t want to make her uncomfortable but he had to make her see that she needed new clothing. “Darling, you will be a countess in a week. We must travel at times to London and my other estate.”

“I understand,” she said, staring at her plate. “You do not wish me to embarrass you.”

“You could never do that,” he commented. “You will need a few dresses. Who knows, we might even attend the Season next spring.”

Mia stared at Simon in confusion. There had been a rumor at the estate that part of the reason he didn’t go to London was he hated the crowds. So why would he want to attend the Season and go to the overcrowded balls? “Simon, I have no need to attend the Season.”

He shrugged. “But I might.”

“Why? You didn’t go to London this past spring.”

“I’d just discovered that my steward had stolen a fortune from me.”

“True,” she said softly. “But you didn’t attend last year either.”

His cheeks reddened as he scraped back his chair. “Mr. Tanner will be arriving soon and I must get ready. Please excuse me.”

“Of course.” Why did the man get so bristly just then? Surely his finances hadn’t kept him from London last year. His mother had been well by that time. It made no sense. She finished breakfast alone and then decided to walk to her mother’s house.

“Robert, will you accompany me to my mother’s?” she asked as she passed the footman in the hall. Simon had given all the footmen orders to escort her whenever she left the house.

“Of course, miss.”

They walked together in silence until they came to her mother’s small home. A wave of homesickness enveloped Mia as she stared at the cottage. Memories of her father taking her outside to talk about everything from the types of trees on the estate to the stars in the sky. She missed her father terribly. She could always talk to him.

“Well, this is a fine surprise,” her mother said, opening the door. “I was just putting on some tea.”

“Good morning, Mama.”

“Robert, go on up to the house. I shall make sure she returns safely.”

Robert frowned and looked between the two of them before nodding in agreement. “Thank you, ma’am. Mr. Harris asked me to polish the silver today. He’ll be angry if I don’t get it done.”

“Go on, then,” her mother encouraged.

With Robert departed, her mother readied the tea while Mia took a seat at the old oak table. She had no idea why she had such a sense of melancholy today.

“What is wrong, Mia?” Her mother handed her the teacup.

“I honestly don’t know,” she admitted. “I should be ecstatic today.”

“Oh? Am I not going to be a grandmother yet?”

“Not yet. I found out this morning.” Mia blew on her tea to cool it. Tentatively, she took a small sip.

“Well, that is good news.” Her mother stared at her. “So why the long face?”

“He is getting the license,” she mumbled. “Shouldn’t I be happy about that?”

“He is a good man, Mia. Handsome, wealthy, and titled. And he will keep you safe.”

Not quite wealthy but that did not bother her. So what was bothering her? “Mother, do you know why Hartsfield hasn’t been to a Season in over five years?”

Her mother scrunched up her face in thought. “I hadn’t considered it. His mother was sick for two of those years.”

“True. But she’s been well for the last two years.”

“I honestly don’t know, then.”