Enticing the Earl

The bedroom door opened and Simon stopped at the threshold. He leaned against the door frame, staring at her. “You look almost perfect.”

“Almost?” Insecurity attacked her. Had she forgotten something important?

He walked closer and then spun her around. Cold metal touched her neck and chest. “Now, you look perfect.”

Mia turned to glance in the mirror. A gasp escaped her lips when she saw the most incredible diamond necklace lying against her skin. “I—I cannot wear something so valuable.”

Simon’s dimples deepened. “Of course you can. You are my wife. My countess. These are my grandmother’s diamonds. She was the daughter of a duke and was given these when she came out.”

Oh dear, Mia had completely forgotten that his grandmother would be here too. Would she be upset to see Mia wearing her diamonds? “Does she know I’ll be—”

“Not quite. She heard I had brought my bride so she sent these over for you to wear tonight.”

So the dowager countess had no idea who her grandson had married. Now Mia had to worry about his mother and grandmother disparaging her. Of course, perhaps they’ve had the last three hours to come to terms with Simon’s decision. Caroline must have told them all that Mia was here.

“Ready?” Simon asked.

She would never be ready for this. “Yes.”

Simon laughed. “No, you’re not, but thank you for putting on a brave face.”

They walked together down the stairs. Voices rose from the blue salon as they approached. Mia’s body trembled with every step they took. They entered the room and the conversation halted.

“Oh my God!” his mother exclaimed before rising out of her chair. “You married that wise woman whore!”

Chapter 20

Simon’s anger swiftly elevated at his mother’s reaction. Mia clutched his arm. He could feel her trembling next to him. “Mother, this is my wife and I expect you to treat her with all the respect she deserves.”

His mother stalked them both. “Deserves? She is no one. And she is wearing your grandmother’s diamonds! She can’t help you with...”

Thankfully, she stopped before telling everyone of his financial woes. “That is enough. It is done.”

“I rather think she might be just what he needs,” his grandmother finally said from the sofa. Slowly, she stood and ambled over to them both. She looked at Mia with a critical eye. “I haven’t seen you in three years, my dear. How are you?”

“I am very well, my lady,” Mia replied softly.

“I have missed our conversations.”

Simon and his mother stared at them both in disbelief. “Conversations?” Simon asked with a quizzical eye to Mia.

“Of course,” his grandmother replied with a smile. “Mia and I would meet near the pond at Hartsfield Park and discuss many things.”

“Such as?” Simon couldn’t contain his curiosity.

“Literature. History. And of course current events, fashions. All the things women speak of when they are together.” His grandmother stepped closer. “Now come give me a hug.”

His frail-looking grandmother brought Mia into a strong hug.

“Simon, I would like to speak to you in the library,” his mother demanded.

“Will you be all right?” he asked Mia.

“Of course, she will, boy,” his grandmother said. “Now go get your scolding from your mother.”

Mia nodded with a smile to his grandmother. “I believe I shall be fine.”

The pair walked into the room where Caroline introduced them to her family. Simon turned and faced his mother with a scowl. “Let us talk, Mother.”