Enticing the Earl

“Yes, if you want to survive, you will do whatever you need to.” He came closer and brought her into his arms. “I’m sure this is frightening after what you experienced with Davies. But if you are put in a situation like we just acted out, I want you to think of Davies and use all that anger on your attacker.”

She wrapped her arms around him. “Thank you, Simon.”

“Come along, we both have things to do before we leave for Suffolk.”

After spending a few days in a carriage, Mia had never been so thankful to arrive somewhere. The coach rolled to a stop in front of a large gray granite home. Large Palladian windows gleamed in the waning sunlight. Simon climbed down and held his hand out for her. A wave of nervousness washed over her.

“Do you think Charlie arrived and told everyone our news?” she said as they walked toward the door.

“No. He said he had some business with London to attend to before he could come down to Suffolk. Knowing him, Charlie will arrive just as the ball begins so he can make a grand entrance.”

“Oh.”

Simon squeezed her hand gently. “Everything will be fine. Caroline will be thrilled to finally have a sister.”

“Even one beneath her station?”

He smiled down at her. “I doubt my sister will care.”

Mia swallowed back her trepidation as the door opened before them. “What about your mother?”

“She might not be as happy.”

Mia stopped short. “And you decided to tell me this now?”

“You would have done nothing but worry if I had told you earlier.” He gave her arm a little tug. “Come along.”

Trepidation turned to outright fear. His mother had always been kind to her but had held herself above Mia. Now that woman would be her mother-in-law. She would never accept Mia as her daughter. But there was nothing Mia could do about that now.

“Simon!” a soft feminine voice sounded from down the hall.

“Caro,” Simon replied with a grin. “Get over here!”

A petite brunette raced down the hall toward him and threw herself into his arms. “Simon! I can’t believe you decided to come for the party!”

“I wouldn’t be here if not for my wife.”

Caroline pulled back and glanced over to Mia. “Your wife? Mia, is that you?”

Mia nodded slowly.

“Oh my!” Caroline’s mouth gaped. “You married our wise woman?”

“No, I married the wise woman’s daughter,” Simon replied.

“Where are my manners? Congratulations to you both.” She waved a liveried footman over to collect their bags. “I’ll put you in the blue bedchamber in the east wing. It has lovely views of the pond. And the sunrises are splendid.”

“I’m sure it will be wonderful,” Simon said. “Where is Waterston?”

“He is entertaining his brothers in the billiard room. For the first week it will only be family.” She leveled a pointed look at Simon. “Then the others will arrive.”

“I see.”

Mia couldn’t help but notice the way Simon stiffened. A small tic pulsed in his clenched jaw. The poor man must truly hate crowds to look so upset by the idea. She placed her arm on his and gently squeezed.

“Of course, you must be tired, Mia,” Simon said, not realizing she only wanted to give him comfort on his distress.

“I can only assume you haven’t spoken to Mother about your marriage?” Caroline asked, leaning in closer to Simon.