Page 38 of Courting the Earl
“I see,” he said, somehow keeping his tone even. “Can I speak to Miss Pearson for a moment?”
Appleby frowned. “You don’t need to worry about courting her, my boy. I’ve already informed her about her duty. But if you want some time to get to know her better—”
“When?” he asked through gritted teeth.
“When what? When will you marry? I thought perhaps after Lydia’s marriage to Stanley.”
“No. When did you inform her that it was her duty to marry me?”
Appleby stared at him as though Geoffrey had lost his mind. “Just this afternoon, when she returned from visiting your sister.”
The tight band that had begun to constrict around his chest loosened the smallest fraction. Relief filled him at the knowledge that Eleanor hadn’t been trying to trap him this afternoon.
“Can you allow us a few minutes to speak? It is clear to me that Miss Pearson is just as surprised by this turn of events as I am.”
Appleby stood. “I understand, my boy. I don’t know how well you’ve come to know her over the past weeks that she’s been acting as Lydia’s chaperone, but I can assure you that Eleanor is a lovely young woman, both inside and out. I’m sure she will make you very happy.” He smiled at the two of them. “I’ll allow you a few minutes to speak alone. My wife will join you after that. So if you want to begin your wooing, I suggest you act quickly.”
He strode from the room, and for some time the only sound was that of his footsteps as he made his way down the hallway.
Geoffrey turned to look at Eleanor and only realized then that he was looming over her. He had the distinct impression that he was making her nervous. He wanted to sit next to her on the settee, but since he didn’t know how soon Lady Appleby would arrive, he lowered himself into the armchair again.
He didn’t know what to say. He’d been in such high spirits when he arrived, and now all his emotions were a confounding mess. But primary among them was anger at his father and Lord Appleby.
Eleanor finally met his gaze. “My aunt is quite busy making plans for Lydia’s wedding, so I imagine she won’t be here for some time. If you want to yell, rage, I quite understand.”
How could she sound so calm?
Appleby had set his mind somewhat at ease, but he couldn’t help but wonder if Eleanor had been aware this was a possible outcome when she approached him about having an affair. He was careful to keep his voice low when he asked, “Did you know about this when we were together this afternoon?”
Eleanor shook her head. “No, of course not. Uncle never spoke one word about this being a possibility. He was so determined that you were to marry Lydia. I first heard about this after I was home. Uncle had already sent his note asking you to call. I was trying to dissuade him from all this nonsense”—she waved her hands to encompass the space between them—“when you arrived.”
His gaze remained fixed on her face. “What are you thinking?”
She raised her chin. “I am of age. Uncle can’t force me to marry you.”
His eyes narrowed. Did she need to say that as though the thought of marrying him was the worst fate that could befall her?
“From what he said, I’m sure Appleby would be most displeased. Would he cast you out?”
“I’ll be fine as long as Lydia lives under this roof. And after…” She raised one shoulder. “Honestly, I don’t think so. But if he did, I’m sure I could go live with Lydia. My cousin is quite generous.”
He winced at the thought of her having to live under Stanley’s charity. “I have houses. You wouldn’t need to beg for somewhere to live.”
She stiffened. “And what? You’ll pay me an allowance and visit regularly to bed me?” She shook her head. “No.”
She rose, and he did the same. “I’ll wait a few days before telling him that the two of us won’t be marrying. I don’t want to bring any negativity into the house when Lydia is so happy. But you needn’t worry. I’ll ensure my uncle knows that the two of us have decided there won’t be a union.”
Those were the words he’d wanted to hear all those months ago when he’d first set foot in this house. He would have his freedom and wouldn’t be forced to wed. But he was no longer sure what he wanted.
“There is still some time before the end of the season. You don’t need to say anything yet.”
Eleanor shook her head. “I think it is best that we end things between us. The entire situation has become tangled beyond reason.”
They stared at one another for some time. He took a step toward her, although he couldn’t say why. She took a corresponding step away from him.
“It is probably best if you go now. We shouldn’t be alone.”
Geoffrey couldn’t hold back his bitter chuckle. “Or they’ll force us to wed. That seems to be my lot in life.”
