Enticing the Earl

“Silly old bat,” his grandmother commented after she left. “Never understood what my son saw in her.”

The other women in the room stared at Simon’s grandmother with gaped disbelief. Thankfully, the awkwardness departed when the men joined the women for cards and games.

“How did you make out?” Simon asked as he sat next to her.

“Oh, I do believe your mother might never speak to me again.”

“Lucky you,” he whispered with a chuckle.

“Simon,” she said, swatting his arm.

“Caroline and her husband would like us to play cards with them.” He rose and held a hand out for her to grasp.

“What are we playing?” She had a very limited scope of card games.

“Whist.”

“I have never played before,” she admitted.

“If it makes you feel better, I’m not much of a card player.” Simon’s cheeks flushed at the admission.

“The numbers?” she whispered.

He nodded and then escorted her to a small table in the corner. “And that is why we are playing at this table and not one closer to the others. Caroline’s idea in case you didn’t know how to play and to keep me from embarrassing myself.”

“Thank you.”

“Thank Caroline. It was her idea.” Simon pulled out a chair for her.

Once seated, Caroline quietly explained the rules and then they played a trial game. After a couple of games, Mia felt as if she was starting to enjoy it. She and Simon even won a hand. Watching her husband’s face, she could see he struggled with the numbered cards. Many times, she would see his lips move as he counted the suits.

“I believe I am done for the night,” Caroline said, stifling a yawn.

“Good night. And don’t forget the tea,” Mia said.

“Thank you again for the suggestion.”

Simon and Mia also decided to retire. Once in their room and finally alone, Mia asked, “So how was the conversation with your mother?”

Simon rolled his eyes as he removed his jacket. “It was interesting,” he drawled. “I do understand my mother wanting me to marry a wealthy woman after that business with Burton. But I don’t understand her vehemence against marrying you in particular.”

“I have been wondering the same thing all night. Your mother has always been very kind to me and my mother.” Mia turned her back so Simon could unbutton her dress and untie her stays. “Perhaps she truly feels I am not worthy to be countess because of my birth.”

“Yes, except she was hardly from the highest of birth, yet my father married her.” Simon stripped off the rest of his clothing before slipping under the covers with her.

“She wasn’t?”

“No. She was a country squire’s daughter from the Midlands. Nothing more. They had money but no connections in Society.”

“Indeed? I would think that would make her far more compassionate to my situation,” Mia commented. She snuggled up to her husband, resting her head on his chest.

“That’s what I would have thought too.”

“Should I try to speak with her about it?” At this point, Mia didn’t think his mother would stay in the same room with her unless she had no choice.

“Give her some time. Right now, she is angry that she was caught off guard. I suppose that is my fault. I should have sent a letter to her when I knew we would marry.”

Mia nodded against his chest as she yawned. “As you wish.” But before she drifted off to sleep, she decided to have a conversation with Caroline about her mother. Perhaps another woman could give her some insight.