Enticing the Earl

“What is going on?” Mia shouted.

“Shh,” Caroline reprimanded. “Ladies don’t shout.”

Mia felt as if she were about to explode. “Then tell me what is going on. And where is Simon?”

“There was an emergency at Hartsfield Park. Simon felt he needed to make speed so he left on horseback.” James finished his very practiced speech and sat down.

“Now,” Mia said, turning to Caroline. “Would you please tell me the truth?”

“Yes, as a matter of fact, I will. Charlie was gambling friends with Lambert. Simon is afraid Charlie might have had something to do with your beating so he left for Hartsfield Park.”

Mia’s mind spun. “Charlie and I were friends growing up. He would never do such a thing. And why would Simon return to Hartsfield Park? Charlie had already left.”

“Charlie spun a fine tale in order to get Simon to this party,” James picked up the story. “There must be some reason Charlie wanted Simon away from the estate. Charlie might be having monetary difficulties.”

“I don’t understand. Simon is the one with money problems. There is nothing left that Charlie could take—”

“Except personal items that belong in the family,” Caroline interrupted softly. “Simon would never let Charlie sell off those things.”

Of course he wouldn’t, Mia thought. Otherwise, he might have done that months ago to get out of his financial situation. “But he might dig for treasure.”

Slowly, she remembered her reason for her anger at Simon. “Oh no! He’s going to be furious if Charlie had something to do with his money problems.”

“I don’t think that is the biggest issue.” James’s fingers tapped against the arm of the chair.

“What do you mean?” she asked.

“If he believes Charlie hired La

mbert—”

Mia jumped out of her seat. “Oh my God! He’ll kill Charlie. I have to stop him.”

James leapt out of his chair and grabbed her arm to stop her. “No.”

“I have to go to him.” She struggled against James’s greater strength. Slowly, she gave up the fight. “I love him,” she whispered.

“I know. We will go together but not until morning. It’s far too dangerous to ride at night.”

“He will be halfway there before we even leave.” She blinked back tears but she didn’t know if they were for herself, Simon, or Charlie. “Please, James. I must go now. We need to stop him.”

James’s grip around her arm tightened for a moment. “This is against my better judgment but you’re right, we will leave tonight.”

“Wonderful, how am I supposed to explain where my family went?” Caroline complained.

“I’m quite certain you will figure out something,” James said. “Go get your riding habit on and I’ll meet you back here in thirty minutes.”

Mia bit her lip.

“What?” James asked in an exasperated tone.

“I don’t have a riding habit yet. Simon said we would have one made after our return.”

“Borrow one of Caroline’s. You’re not that much smaller.”

Caroline rose. “Come along, Mia. I shall get you my habit and then I will have to get back to my party before all the other guests leave. I wish I could go with you both. He tends to listen to me more than James or Charlie.”

“He will listen to me. Thank you, Caroline.” Mia hugged her new sister-in-law.