An Earl of her Own (Saints and Sinners 3)

Chapter 4

People in love could be so foolish, and the proof was practically dancing at Rebecca’s side.

“Oh, Rebecca, you were so right that he would come around,” Jessica gushed yet again.

“Indeed I was. Whitfield is perfect for you.” Rebecca sighed deeply as they headed for the duchess’ parlor. There was so much to do for the upcoming wedding, but her mind would not settle. She was still feeling a little shaken by the events of yesterday.

First, she’d almost been pitched out of a carriage. She could have died or been severely injured.

And second, possibly the most alarming development of her entire life, the Earl of Rafferty had tried to kiss her.

Rebecca was not the sort of woman who inspired scoundrels or whom seducers tried to charm on a regular basis. In fact, it was quite some time since she’d ever suspected a gentleman of her acquaintance considered her for such a dubious honor. That it was Lord Rafferty, a man Rebecca did not approve of, was even more perplexing—as was her reaction to him. She was ashamed to say that she was so stunned by his behavior, she’d taken too long rejecting his advances. Thankfully, the pungent aroma of spirits had enveloped her as he’d leaned down and delivered a reminder of exactly why she didn’t trust him.

Men always did foolish things when they were deep in their cups, and hopefully he would remember none of it today to make their next meeting awkward.

Jessica rushed forward and spun in a circle. “Oh, I never imagined I could love anyone as much as I do my Gideon.”

“So you said yesterday on the way to church, and this morning at breakfast, and now again here.” Rebecca eyed her sister wearily as she caught up. She was starting to wonder if Jessica would talk of Mr. Whitfield’s perfect nature from morning till night for the rest of her life. “Perhaps a little less gushing might be appropriate.”

Jessica clutched her arm and laughed at her rebuke. “Am I unbearable?”

“Only a little.” Rebecca had always been amazed by how easy Jessica’s life was. Bad luck seemed to follow Rebecca lately like a plague. But everyone worried that Jessica was happy, and it was nearly impossible to hold a grudge against her. “I’ll forgive you if you tell me that you’ve finally settled on the exact date you’ll marry.”

“Yes, we’ve decided on May sixth. Father believes we will have a special license by then. If we allow a few days for delays because of any poor weather, the date seems the most reasonable.”

And blessedly soon, too. Rebecca made a quick calculation in her head of the distances their siblings must travel and nodded. There would be just enough time for only immediate family to attend. “I have already prepared an initial itinerary for the day.”

“Did you show Mother?”

“The duchess was with me when I drafted the initial plan. She still has it.”

Jessica glanced at her sideways. “You and Mama are getting along better now.”

“I suppose we are.” Rebecca sighed though. There was no escaping the fact that their usually sensible father had married a common-born servant he’d recently employed. There was nothing to be done about it now. There was a babe in the duchess’ belly. Rebecca had to accept the change for the sake of the child and the family.

Rebecca might not entirely approve of the new Duchess of Stapleton yet, but so far the woman had caused no embarrassment or scandal for the family, which had been her initial fear. Her grace did seem open to suggestions on how things must be done, which was a relief. Rebecca had expected a battle over a dozen little things but so far so good.

Jessica tapped on the door to the duchess’ parlor and waited for an answer before pushing the doors open wide.

Rebecca gaped in surprise at what they found and quickly looked away. Jessica, however, just sailed inside.

Rebecca risked another peek. Her father was on the settee, and the duchess was draped against him. They looked cozy. Intimate. The duke should have told them both to come back at a later time.

“I thought I should have to send another pair of servants to find you,” Father complained

“We were out taking a walk together,” Jessica hastened to say as she flopped into a chair near their father.

Rebecca hesitated and remained on her feet. “If we are disturbing you now, we can come back at a later time.”

“No, no. Now will do nicely.” Her father gestured to a chair, and Rebecca sat in it quickly.

The duchess squinted at her. “Are you sure you were unhurt in the accident?”

“Yes.”

“Then what is wrong with your wrist? You’ve been favoring it ever since the accident.”

Rebecca looked down at her hands and saw the way she was holding herself. It seemed the duchess was more observant than Rebecca’s own family. “It’s nothing to make a fuss over.”