Enticing the Earl

“No.” Simon patted Mia’s hand. “We shall announce it at dinner.”

“Well, that should be an interesting dinner,” Caroline whispered. “You two go off and rest. Dinner is at eight.”

“Thank you,” Mia replied.

They followed a footman up the curved marble staircase to their room. A large salon of blues and ivory led into a similar-colored bedroom. The massive mahogany bed dominated the room with ivory bed curtains pulled back to reveal the blue coverlet.

All Mia wanted to do was jump into that bed, pull the covers over her head, and hide until this party was over. She had no business being here. Caroline’s reception had been lukewarm and she was his sister. His mother would be so much more difficult.

“Stop worrying your poor lower lip,” Simon said with a gentle kiss. “Everything will be perfectly fine.”

“For you,” Mia retorted. “You are not the one everyone will be talking about.”

“I’m not so certain that is true,” he mumbled.

“Of course it is. Everyone will believe I am below your station and you should

have kept me as your mistress.” And today, Mia believed it too.

He drew her in the comfort of his arms. “I truly do not care what others say about us.”

She should tell him how she felt about him. But after telling him once only to find he’d fallen asleep, she found herself reticent. If he would say those words first, she would have no trouble saying them back. Perhaps she would wait for that to happen. And pray he told her soon.

Mia savored his warmth and protection but knew they had to rest a little before dinner or they would both be too tired to face the upcoming confrontation. She would need all the strength she could muster.

As if sensing her thoughts, Simon said, “Come along; let’s take a rest before dinner.”

He helped her out of her dress and then they both climbed into the large bed. The minute she closed her eyes, she was asleep.

“Wake up.”

A voice called to her. Soft lips caressed hers until she blinked her eyes open. “That is a lovely way to awaken.”

“Good. Now get up,” he said.

She loved the husky sound of his voice after sleep. If only they could stay in bed and make love until the early hours of the morning. She knew that was impossible. Everyone expected them at dinner. A sense of dread enveloped her as she slowly rose. No matter what Simon said, no one was going to accept them—or rather, her.

Simon had already dressed for dinner in fawn breeches, a gold waistcoat, and brown jacket. He looked terribly handsome in his finery.

“I rang for Lucy to assist you with your dressing.”

“Thank you.” She washed up while waiting for her maid to arrive. After a week of marriage, she still wasn’t used to having a maid to help her dress, fetching things for her. It was all very odd. Before marriage, her mother would help her dress or she would wear front-lacing stays. No one would fetch her anything. It was up to Mia to get or fix whatever she wanted.

Lucy entered the bedchamber as Simon moved to the salon to give them privacy. Lucy closed the bedroom door.

“I picked out the rose silk.”

“Isn’t that too fancy for dinner?”

Lucy laughed. “Oh no, my lady. Since all the family is here now, dinner will be a formal event.”

“Lucy, how will I ever get used to all this?” Mia whispered.

Lucy tied her stays. “You are doing perfectly, my lady. In no time, this will be second nature to you.”

“I hope so.”

The conversation waned as Lucy worked at getting her dressed and performing magic with Mia’s unruly hair. By the time Lucy finished, Mia barely recognized herself in the mirror. With a beautiful silk gown and upswept hair, she at least looked the part of a countess. Hopefully, his family would realize that too.