Page 23 of The Earl's Reluctant Bride
Alexander thoughtElizabeth needed space and time alone to adjust to him and the change in her fortunes. He decided she should not accompany him to see her parents. She needed that time alone. It hurt him to think that she cried when she was in his arms and he did not want a repeat of it. Alexander blamed himself. He had been so damn eager to consummate their marriage he had not taken care to rouse her to a fevered state. He suspected she cried because he was not the man she had planned to have this night with. A part of him was glad he had not dragged the experience out for her when her heart was still wounded, and another part was vexed that he had not taken the chance to devasted her with pleasure so her thoughts would only be of him.
Alexander would show Elizabeth that he cared for her, that he could please her, and that she could want him. She would ache with need for him. He decided there would be no more tears when he took her, and that scoundrel Salisbury would be vanquished from her mind.
Alexander decided that he would woo Elizabeth, in a sort of a fashion. They would not be a part of the season so there would be no balls and fanfare until the gossip died down. He would spend a great deal of time with her when he returned to Thornton Manor so they could focus on each other. Elizabeth was a bit of a mystifying creature, and he had already been flummoxed once, so he did not wish to be caught with his pants down once more. He would give it his best efforts and hope he could win her around. He would not fool himself for there was always the possibility that she would remain aloof.
.
When Alexander arrivedat Brampton Manor, he was escorted to the library to meet with Elizabeth’s family, the earl, her mother, and brother. They sat facing each other with the tea that was poured growing cold. Her brother had already informed her parents about the turn of events so they had time to adjust to the change in circumstances. He appreciated that the earl would feel disgraced and shamed by the elopement as regardless of the circumstances it was truly a scandal. Further, the earl may feel slighted that his plans to wed Elizabeth to the duke were scuppered. Alexander was not one to blow his own horn, although he may not be as connected as the duke, he appreciated that he was just as wealthy and in his humble opinion better suited.
“You have done us a great service, Thornton. We were all distressed when faced with the circumstances. We are pleased to learn that Elizabeth did not come to harm because of your quick thinking,” the earl said.
“No respectable, God-fearing man would have taken the liberty Lord Salisbury did,” the countess said.
Alexander was relieved the earl showed no animosity toward him. No doubt he understood the delicate nature of the situation as well as the fact that Elizabeth’s chance of finding a match would be ruined by the scandal. Their nuptials would assist in restoring her to respectability once the scandal died down. “I am fond of Elizabeth, Lord Albury, so my decision to marry her was no great hardship.”
“I am keen that Elizabeth does not suffer any of the scorn and ridicule of having done such a scandalous thing.”
Alexander was pensive. “I am going to make a bold suggestion. We cannot prevent the pending scandal of a hasty union but perhaps we can make things as comfortable as possible for Elizabeth.”
“What do you suggest?”
“We should announce the wedding to society,” Alexander replied. “I will send a notice to the papers.”
There was a sharp intake of breath from the countess.
“Bold indeed, nevertheless I understand your thinking. We shall arrange it.”
“I would only ask that you delay it enough so that I may speak with my mother.”
“Certainly,” the earl replied.
“I would like to arrange for Elizabeth’s wardrobe to be sent to her at Thornton Manor. This will do until I have arranged for a modiste to attend to her. Although the circumstances are of her making, it cannot be easy for her. She would be comforted to receive her drawings and art supplies. I would be grateful if these items could be sent to her forthwith.”
“Of course. I know how fond Elizabeth is of her art. She will find solace in it,” Barlow replied.
Alexander reminisced on how dejected he felt on the night they consummated the marriage. He appreciated that while he was fond of Elizabeth, she harbored feelings for that blackguard Salisbury but what he had not expected were her tears. She had refused to tell him why she shed them so he could only conclude that she was brooding for the marriage that never was. He was hoping he had not made a terrible mistake and that in time she would accept that the bounder never loved her.How could she not see this?
Her tears stung him and he wondered if it was not his ego that had suffered a bruising. He rode to her rescue, but even after understanding the implications of her elopement and her possible fate, she was not happy to be with him. For the first time he started doubting himself. Perhaps she would grow to care for him, but what if she did not? What then? He could not bear the thought that his wife would look upon him with hate. He could not countenance such a sad state of affairs.
When Alexander returned to his bedchamber that night he had tossed and turned until the sun peeked over the horizon. He did not sleep so he had more time to muse. He resolved to visit Elizabeth’s parents straight away and to see his mother shortly thereafter.
Alexander had gone into her bedchamber at dawn. She was only partially covered by the quilt, her raven hair fanning her face. She appeared peaceful in sleep, the turmoil of her previous evening forgotten. He did not touch her for he did not wish to wake her, but to let her rest. As he rode away from Thornton Manor, he pondered …what was he to do? They were now man and wife in every sense of the word and she could be with child. If she refused to see that he cared for her, he must make her see. He would not give up, he could not. He was so lost in his thoughts that the earl’s voice startled him.
“We have another important matter to discuss and this is the settlement.”
They had eloped so the families had not established the parameters regarding inheritance. It was important that she be secure, more than anything else. He would ensure she had her own properties and that she was well provided for.
“Yes, shall we?” Alexander replied and they spent the remainder of the afternoon, into the evening, discussing the details. They did not have the luxury of negotiating the settlement for weeks, months, or longer, as was customary. They had not completed the negotiations by the evening and the earl asked Alexander to spend the night, which he graciously accepted. Alexander was satisfied with the progress they had made and he was sure this was made easier by the fact that the earl recognized the property and money he relinquished would be in safe hands.
They had a pleasant evening meal before the earl and countess retired. Alexander and Barlow retired to the drawing room where Barlow poured a glass of port.
Alexander creased his brow and turned to Barlow. “I have no doubt the events have taken a toll on your parents.”
Barlow refilled their glasses with port and they both took a sip.
“That may be so, but the outcome is far better than the alternative. I can assure you they are relieved to be welcoming you into the family.” His friend sighed heavily. “Now that we are alone, how does Lizzy fare?”
“I left long before she awakened this morning. I appreciate this is a significant adjustment for her and I want to make it less traumatic. Having hertrousseauand her art supplies will go a long way to ensuring her comfort. She will also be pleased when she receives them.”
