Page 14 of An Earl’s Path to Passion

“Captain Fletcher and I are just discussing some business, Olivia,” said her grandfather. “Important business. We shall see you inside. I am sure that you have much to do overseeing the unpacking of your trunks, my dear.” His voice was firm.

Olivia sighed. She was being dismissed. And she knew never to argue with her grandfather when he used that voice. He might spoil her rotten, as her mother said, but he had his limits.

She curtseyed, walking away quickly from the two men, back to the house. Damnation. The mysterious sea captain would probably leave soon, and she had little idea if she would ever see him again. But then, she supposed she should just be grateful that he had decided to keep her secret and not tattletale on her to her grandfather.

***

Reginald brought Alexander back into the house after a half hour of loitering in the gardens. He was still rattled by the sudden appearance of Olivia. He had wanted to have time alone with the lad, get to know him man to man, without distraction. He had wanted to break the news gently to his granddaughter and her mother and believed that Alexander would be well gone by the time they returned from London.

He sighed heavily. A change of plan was needed now. He was not prepared to just dismiss Alexander abruptly and tell him to leave Essington Manor. That would be insufferably rude. But Olivia and Hetty needed to know why the man was staying here and that he was going to become the next Earl of Weaver. So, he must attend to it immediately.

He asked Alexander to wait for him in his study, then he called for his daughter-in-law. Hetty needed to know first, because there was also the matter of the proposed marriage between Alexander and Olivia. Reginald would never broker the deal without Hetty’s permission.

He took Olivia’s mother into the parlour, closing the door firmly behind them.

“Why the urgent summons, Reginald?” Hetty looked a little bewildered.

Reginald took a deep breath. “Hetty, I have some quite astounding news,” he said slowly. “It seems I have solved the problem of the earldom. I have found a distant relative who seems willing to become my heir.”

“What?” Hetty looked incredulous. “Who? How?”

Reginald laughed. “His name is Captain Alexander Fletcher. A seaman. His late grandfather was my second cousin. I instructed my solicitors in London to search for any relatives quite some time ago. I hoped, but I never really expected anything. But the quest has finally borne fruit.”

Hetty sank into a chair. Her eyes were shining with tears. “Oh, Reginald. This is blessed news, indeed. The earldom is saved. Essington Manor will not have to be sold off to strangers!”

“Yes,” said Reginald, a thick lump of emotion in his throat. “Alexander is a fine man. A clever and forthright man. He is also used to command and is very dynamic. I cannot begin to tell you how pleased I am with him. He will make a fine earl.”

“You have already met him?” Hetty looked stunned.

“He is here now, my dear,” said Reginald gently. “I asked him to stay with me so I could get to know him and show him the house. I will introduce you to him soon.” He hesitated. “But there is something else I want to discuss with you. I want Alexander to marry Olivia. If they marry, she will be a countess, and never have to leave Essington Manor at all. And nor will you.”

Hetty turned pale. She was so overcome that Reginald feared she might swoon. He knew he had sprung it on her in a blunt manner, but he felt he had little choice.

“Hetty?” He walked over to her, placing a hand upon her shoulder. “Are you quite alright?”

She shuddered. “I am just stunned, Reginald. It is a lot to take in.” She took a deep breath. “I do not know. In theory I have no issue with it, but Olivia might. You know she has always had her heart set upon marrying for love, not convenience.”

Reginald frowned. “Yes, I know. And I wanted her to have a love match too, just like you and Charles. But Olivia loves Essington Manor and wants you to remain in your home. She may be over the moon and forget about love entirely. She is a sensible girl when all is said and done.”

Hetty laughed. “You see her through rose-coloured glasses and always have. She is as stubborn as a mule, Reginald.” She frowned. “If she is agreeable, I shall support the match, but if she is not, I will not force her hand. I could not do that to my beloved daughter. I hope you understand.”

Reginald’s heart sank a little. All of it rested on what Olivia would say now. And he needed to speak to her as soon as possible. It could not wait.

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