When an Earl Meets a Girl (Chase Family, #1)

by Lauren Royal

Even a hushed conversation might wake Amy, which was the last thing he wanted. Sneaking past her door, he nearly choked on a mouthful of brandy when he heard the unmistakable sounds of a heartbroken woman crying herself to sleep. Damn, she was still awake.

He knew all too well what form any attempts at comfort would ultimately take. Better to let her get this out of her system once and for all, he decided firmly. There was no sense prolonging the agony, or giving her any ideas that things between them might be different.

It was pointless to attempt sleeping until she nodded off. Her muffled sobs went straight to his heart, and he’d never fall asleep while listening to such a poignant reminder of his guilt.

He had done this to her. Weak, despicable man that he was, he’d let his emotions rule his head—taken this poor, innocent girl, callously, with no honorable intentions whatsoever. And then abandoned her. But it had felt so right…she had felt so good…

Perhaps he could go to her, soothe her, apologize. She wasn’t likely to be attractive to him at the moment, looking so pathetic, nor would she be in an amorous mood. He stood up, shrugged out of his surcoat and removed his waistcoat, the better to put his arms around her—then stopped short. Who was he fooling?

But as he passed by her door, she began moaning. Soft and resonant, the sound snapped his battered heart in two. He was into her chamber before he could form a coherent thought.

Amy placed her hand upon his lips. “Don’t say it. I know you’re promised, Colin Chase, and I’ve a destiny of my own. Just let me have you for one more night.” She was mirroring his thoughts. It was impossible for him to stay away from her when she was so close by. Absolutely impossible. He’d never been able to resist her pull, never. “Four,” he corrected. “The shops are closed tomorrow, but you’ll order a few gowns on Monday, have them delivered Tuesday, and the next morning we’ll leave. We’ll have four nights. And no one will ever know.”

Four nights. In truth, he had no idea how he would keep their liaison secret from Priscilla or anyone else, but he would find a way.

Her eyes were deep purple, brimming over with a complicated blend of passion, disbelief, and pain. Incredible, incredible pain. He pushed her head back down to his chest, unwilling to look into those anguished eyes just now. “Hush, love,” he whispered into her hair. “Don’t think on it. We have three more nights. It’s a lifetime.” It’s not, she thought. But it had to be. It was all she would ever have. Colin moved inside her then, an exquisite promise where they were still joined. “Don’t think,” he repeated, and then he proceeded to make sure she couldn’t, with his hands and his mouth and his body and the incredible power he had at his disposal—the power of two souls that were made to be one.

The voices were louder and much more familiar. Jason’s voice, and Ford’s and Kendra’s. Bloody hell. Of all the rotten luck. He’d thought he could spend his days and evenings with Priscilla and his nights with Amy. But it would be harder now, perhaps even impossible, to keep her presence a public secret. Or maybe…ah, yes. His mind raced as he slowly released the breath he’d held since recognizing the voices. His family liked Amy. They didn’t know he’d bedded her at Greystone.

It would work—so long as he wasn’t discovered sneaking into her chamber at night. They’d never approve of that.

Kendra hammered on the door. “Colin? What are you doing in there?” A hand on the door latch, Colin stood rooted to the spot, his gaze riveted to Amy. She moved restlessly beneath the covers, fighting her way toward consciousness. Footsteps approached. “What the devil?” He sagged against the door. Damn, Jason was there now, too. “Colin’s inside.” Hearing Kendra’s smug tone, Colin could cheerfully wring her neck. “Hiding. With Amy.”

“Poppycock! You think I’d fall for such an old chestnut? I didn’t hear a thing. This looks mighty suspicious.” “What business is it of yours?” Colin spat defensively. “I needn’t answer to you, little sister!” “Amy is my friend, and if you’ve taken advantage of her, it’s my duty to see you do right by her, Colin Chase!”

Until Jason swung around to confront him. “What is she doing here? I thought you were taking her to Dover.” “She wanted to buy some things before she left. She lost all her clothes in the fire.” “Is that all?” “Yes, damn it! I spent last evening with Priscilla, at Lady Carsington’s boring ball.” Colin yanked the belt of his robe tighter. “This is ridiculous. I needn’t explain myself to you two.” He stalked toward his chamber and had his hand on the door latch when Amy’s door opened.

She looked adorable. Colin was horrified at the sight of her. He gazed at her beseechingly, vainly hoping she’d play along. “Amy! You weren’t dreaming again, were you?” “Dreaming?” Clutching the sheet with one hand, she shoved her hair from her eyes with the other. “What?” Colin’s heart sank as Kendra and Jason exchanged a knowing glance. But he wasn’t yet ready to concede defeat.

When Colin glared at her in exasperation, her sleep-glazed eyes opened wider. “The nightmare. Oh, yes. I mean, no.” Her gaze dropped to the floor, and her cheeks turned pink. “It’s gone now…thank you for your concern.” Her fists white-knuckled, she tightened the sheet around her body and backed up, easing the door shut.

“Well, what?” “Give up, Colin. You cannot fob me off that easily.” Jason’s lips thinned beneath his mustache. “We all know what went on in that chamber. In that bed.” “What of it?” It was pointless to pretend any longer. “We’re both adults. Give me three days, and I’ll have her delivered out of our lives forever. And don’t talk to her of it,” he warned. “She’d die before she’d admit it, and I won’t have you putting her through that kind of hell.”

“What the hell is that supposed to mean?” “Only that you should do right by the lady and marry her.” “We’ve been through this,” Colin growled in warning. “Things were different then. It was naught but a suggestion. Now I insist.” “To the devil with you.” Colin paused for a deep, calming breath. “I have other plans. I know you expect the Chase name to be beyond reproach, and I’m sorry to disappoint you. I’ll admit I made a mistake, but I don’t intend to pay for it the rest of my life.” “I take it you won’t be continuing to make the same mistake now that we’re here?” Jason asked stiffly. Colin’s fists clenched. “That’s none of your concern.” “I’m afraid it is,” Jason argued. “She’s under my roof, under my protection. And she’s no lightskirt. She’s a wonderful, gently raised girl who doesn’t deserve to be treated like this.” “Treated like what?” Colin exploded.

“I’m glad you see it that way.” His jaw set, Colin turned to the door. “But we all love her,” Jason muttered under his breath. Colin was seized with such an unreasoning fury, a hazy red mist exploded across his vision. Swiveling back, he glared straight into his brother’s eyes. “Well, I don’t.” His voice was low and dangerous. “Since you all love her so much, why don’t you all take care of her? Just see that she gets to France this time, will you? I’d prefer not to deal with her again.” He backed into the chamber. “Do me a favor, and let Priscilla know I returned to Greystone. I have work to do.”

Bloody hell, what was happening to him? He’d never been such a hothead before, banging doors and kicking things.

And now, in a moment of unthinking anger, he’d thrown away his last three nights with Amy. Damn.

No woman had ever had such an effect on him before, and he intended to make certain no woman ever did again.

“It makes me feel pretty,” Amy admitted, “though I still cannot believe I let you talk me into it. I haven’t a clue where I’ll wear it.” “Colin will take you to a ball—” “No, he won’t.” Though her initial reaction to Colin’s disappearance had been anger and hurt, in the past two weeks Amy had resigned herself to the facts. “Colin wants nothing to do with me; he’s made that perfectly clear. And most certainly not in public.” “He’ll come around. Trust me. I know my brother. He’s stubborn, but he’s not addlepated.”

“Colin and I don’t belong together, and we both know it, Kendra. I’m destined to be a jeweler in France. It’s not only what I want, it’s what I have to do.”

“Thank you.” Amy looked pointedly at Kendra. “Do you know if Jason is free Tuesday to take me to Dover?” “I haven’t the faintest idea, but it doesn’t matter anyway.” Amy peered into the looking glass, rearranging her long, untamed curls. “What’s that supposed to mean?” “You still have to buy stockings, gloves, and ribbons, not to mention shoes for all these gowns,” Kendra declared gaily. “Then I want help with my Christmas shopping. You won’t be ready to leave for weeks yet—perhaps not until after Christmas.”

“Oh, yes. You had nothing whatsoever to wear; it takes time to outfit yourself properly. Besides, I’m having too much fun to send you on your way. Why, it’s almost like having a sister.” “Colin would be furious.” “A pox on Colin! If he weren’t so damned obstinate—” “Marry come up, Kendra! Let’s not start that again.” “Only if you agree to stop talking about leaving so soon.”

Amy watched Priscilla look her over and instantly dismiss her as untitled and insignificant. “I’m glad of your acquaintance,” Priscilla said with a small bored bow. Amy opened her mouth to respond, but no words came out. The very sight of Priscilla had rendered her speechless. God in heaven, if Priscilla were Colin’s idea of the perfect woman… Titles aside, she was Amy’s complete antithesis. Priscilla was tall where Amy was diminutive, fair where she was rosy, straight where she was curvy, and cool where she was emotional. Priscilla’s hair was blond, short, and styled, while Amy’s was dark, long, and unruly. And those were just the obvious differences. Amy hadn’t known it was possible to hate a virtual stranger.

“She’s been staying with us since the fire. She lost her family and their jewelry shop.” “Their shop?” Priscilla’s expression showed just what she thought of the Chases befriending a merchant, but the look also radiated annoyed indulgence—as though the family were known to be rather eccentric. “We’ve known Amy for some time,” Kendra stated defensively. As her fingers moved to the center of her neckline, where she’d pinned the bow-shaped jeweled galant that was her gift from Amy, a glint came into her eyes. “Our family has acquired much jewelry from hers. Colin especially.” “Colin?” Priscilla frowned. “Colin has never given me any jewelry.”

“I can assure you that Colin has often purchased jewelry, since he always asks for my assistance.” “Well then, perhaps Lord Greystone is waiting until after we are wed to gift me with it,” Priscilla said with a sniff. “Perhaps.”

“It was a pleasure seeing you, Kendra,” Priscilla said on her way into the fitting salon. No such pleasantries were directed at Amy, who evidently was beneath common courtesy.

“What a rude woman,” she whispered to Kendra. “That is your brother’s intended?”

“In all her glory.” Kendra took Amy’s arm as they headed into the street.

makes Colin furious.” “Whatever does he see in her, I wonder?” “You’re not the only one.”

Amy followed slowly, still thinking about Priscilla. She hadn’t known what to expect, but Priscilla had turned out to be so perfectly upper class that any lingering unrealistic dreams Amy had harbored were swept away. No amount of heart-pounding attraction could entice Colin Chase to trade such an aristocratic paragon for plain Amy Goldsmith.

As she ruminated on it, she almost missed the voice that called from down the street. The shocked, all-too-familiar voice. “Amy? Amy! Can that be you?”

“What’s happening, Amy?” “Shh! Don’t say my name out loud.” She tugged the curtains over the windows, cursing the heavy traffic that perpetually clogged London’s streets. “Oh, why can’t we get going?”

Bang! Bang! A fist hit the door, and the driver reined in the horses.

Through a slit in the curtains, Amy glimpsed carrot-colored hair, but she needed no confirmation. Having worked with him for five years, she would have recognized Robert Stanley’s voice anywhere.

God in heaven…it hadn’t occurred to her that Robert would contact her aunt. He would have found her even in Paris. She hadn’t credited him with being that resourceful. No, she corrected herself, she’d known all along that Robert was intelligent, though a bit unimaginative. The truth was, she’d done her best not to think of him and what he would do at all.

Suddenly, he grabbed her by the shoulders. “I vow and swear, I cannot believe I’ve found you. I thought I’d never see you again.” When Amy didn’t respond, he paused, apparently considering. “Were you ever going to try to find me?” he finally asked in a slow, suspicious tone. Amy looked down at the street. She wished he’d let go of her, but he had her shoulders in an iron grip.

She lifted her head and shot him a bold look. “There’s much you don’t know of me, Robert.” “I’m coming to see that,” he returned, dropping his arms to fold them across his chest. “Our wedding date passed, as you know. We shall have to reschedule.” Amy stared at him. “Did you not read my letter?” “Wedding date?” Emerging from the shadowed corner of the carriage, Kendra stuck her head out. “Amy?”

Robert blinked and frowned, as though he were trying to remember something, then gave a quick shake of his head. He turned back to Amy. “So…when do you want to get married?” “Never,” she said quietly. “You were promised to me.” Robert’s voice was low and deep and even more quiet than hers. Too quiet.

“My father is dead. Everything has changed for me. And”—she lifted her chin—“and I don’t have to marry you.” “Damn it, Amy, you’re supposed to be mine. I waited and waited. The shop was supposed to be mine, too, but now it’s gone. The inventory…” His eyes lit up. “Where is the inventory?” Amy swallowed hard. “I don’t want to marry you, Robert.” Robert’s jaw was set. His pale blue eyes flashed with menace. “Where is the inventory?” “I don’t have it.” Her voice wavered, but it wasn’t quite a lie. She didn’t have it here. “I don’t believe you. I went back to look, but found not a trace. No molten metal, no diamonds in the ashes. And diamonds don’t turn to ash.” He took a step closer. “Where is it, Amy?” “I don’t have it,” she repeated shakily.

“The inventory is mine. I worked five years for it. Where is it?” Amy winced and threw a worried glance at Kendra, spurring her friend into action.

Amy stuck her head out and pinned Robert with a disdainful look. “Five years? My family worked five centuries for that jewelry. You learned your craft and were paid a fair wage, as well as bed and board. I owe you no more, and you’ll never have more, Robert Stanley!” She slammed and latched the carriage door. Robert beat on it with both fists. “You’re mistaken, Amethyst Goldsmith! I’ll have the inventory yet, and you as well. You just wait!”

“It’s not every day I get to practice my boxing.” Kendra’s laugh was shaky. She rubbed her bruised fist ruefully. “God’s blood, was he ever surprised!”

“You never told me you were betrothed.” “I wanted to forget it. I never wanted to wed him in the first place—it was all my father’s doing.” “He’s so…he doesn’t fit with you.” Kendra’s face turned contemplative.

“He always scared me a little,” Amy interrupted Kendra’s musings. “He lived with us as our apprentice the past five years, but we’d been promised since we were children.” “Did you like him at all?” “At first, until I got to know him. He had definite ideas of what he wanted in a wife, and they didn’t mesh with mine. Still, I could have done worse, and my father was insistent.” She shuddered again. “I’ll never marry him, especially not after this,” she declared vehemently. “Never, never, never.”

Amy. Beautiful, elusive Amy. She’d promised to marry him. For five long years he’d sat at her father’s bench, with the promise of Amy and her riches in time. The time had come. She was in London. If she wouldn’t come with him willingly, he would have to force her. There were places he’d heard about, “privileged” churches where a man could marry a woman without posting banns, without taking out a license. Without her consent.

Robert nodded, digesting the information. Both Duke’s Place and the Minories were nearby, just outside the old Roman wall. “I won’t need a license or anything?” “Nah. Just two crowns for the curate and a couple of witnesses.” Not a problem, thought Robert, imagining the stash of coins, gold, and gems that awaited him upon his marriage.