When the Earl Learned to Love (Preview)

Chapter One

“Did he not say why he needs to see me?” Lady Charlotte Pembroke’s pulse began to race as she turned to her maid.

Shaking her head, Georgina came forward and began to tidy the loose tendrils of curly blonde hair at the back of Charlotte’s head. “No, My Lady. He only said to summon you at once.” Her hands worked quickly to pin the hair in place with expert precision.

Taking a deep breath, Charlotte turned back to her reflection in the mirror as she sat on a stool in front of the vanity. Her pale green dress brought out the green in her eyes and highlighted the delicate structure of her frame.

What could he want?

She knew very well that her father would only summon her if she had gotten into trouble or worse, he’d secured a match. She clenched her slender fingers over her knees, bunching up the fabric of her dress.

“I am sure His Lordship means well, My Lady. All care and consideration will be given to finding you a husband,” Georgina spoke softly, taking a step back as she admired her handiwork. Her mousey features and bright green eyes were filled with sympathy and understanding.

Straightening her shoulders, Charlotte swirled around with her hands still on her knees. “That is just the thing; I do not wish for my father to find me a husband. Women should be allowed to fall in love and make their own decisions. I do not know why personal autonomy is such a foreign concept to members of the ton,” her voice was filled with defiance as she stood with grace and elegance.

Georgina seemed to be suppressing a sigh as she let out an exasperated breath. “That is not how the world works, My Lady.”

“And why not? You are free to fall in love and marry whomever you choose. Why should my status and birth change just because I am the daughter of an Earl?” She gestured in the air irritably before shaking her head.

“I can marry within reason, My Lady, but that is beside the point. His Lordship is waiting for you in the study. You won’t know what the matter is unless you see your father. You cannot keep denying the suitors forever.” Georgina bowed respectfully and backed away, leaving Charlotte alone with her thoughts.

Looking around her grand chambers that housed only the best, Charlotte couldn’t help but feel alone. She had everything that a young lady could want at twenty-two. Status, a fine house to live in with her parents, ornate furnishings, and even a close circle of friends, yet she longed for the freedom of making her own decisions.

“I have no choice,” she sighed and straightened her dress, heading down the corridor with mounting unease. If it were another suitor that her parents had found, she’d simply deal with him like the rest. A day would come when she’d meet a man of her own choosing and throw off the yoke of societal norms.

It didn’t take her long to reach the study where her father was seated behind his large, oak desk.

Philip Pembroke, the Earl of Westbrook, hardly noticed her presence until she spoke up.

“Papa, you sent for me?” she asked in a nervous yet respectful tone as she came to a stop beside the bulky leather chairs in front of the desk.

Looking up from a document, her father blinked a few times as if he had been lost in a world of his own. His dark green eyes focused on her as he cleared his throat and placed the document on the desk. “Ah, Charlotte, I was wondering when you would come. I have some news.” His words were cold and devoid of emotion as they usually were.

Charlotte could feel her palms beginning to sweat as she clasped them behind her back.

“I have been in correspondence with the Duke of Carleton for quite some time now. We have come to the decision that you will marry his son, Lord William Armitage, the Earl of Ashford.” His eyes instantly fell back to the documents on his desk in a dismissive manner, displaying the top of his thinning brown hair.

Her heart stopped as if the rug had been pulled from under her feet. “But Papa, I have never even heard of him!” She stepped forward, allowing her arms to fall to her sides.

Looking up sharply, her father glared at her down his long nose. “Yet it makes him no less noble and worthy of marriage.”

“But I…” Her heart suddenly filled with indignation at the thought of marrying a man she’d never met. It was one thing that her father kept thrusting suitors in her direction, but something else entirely to force her into marriage.

“But you will do as you are told. Your mother and I have indulged your rebellious notions for long enough. You are the daughter of a noble house, and as such, you will make an advantageous marriage. As it is, you are already nearing spinsterhood, I shall not stand by and watch my only daughter become fodder for the gossip columns.” He sat back in his chair and placed the tips of his fingers together. “The matter is already settled.”

Raising the back of her hand to her forehead, Charlotte suddenly felt dizzy as she spoke in a meeker voice. “I cannot marry a man I have never even spoken to…” How had things gotten so out of control so quickly? If anything, she had assumed that matters would follow the same path as they always had.

Her father and mother would suggest a suitor, she would meet the man and throw him off with her defiant ways and beliefs. At least in the past, they’d allowed her to choose. This was different.

Placing his hands flat on the desk, her father came to his feet with haste, causing some of the documents to shift. “I will not hear another word on the matter. The Earl of Ashford is more than suitable. A special license has already been procured and the two of you will be married within a fortnight.” His eyes darkened as he looked at her, making her father more formidable than she’d ever seen him before.

Taking a step back, Charlotte shut her mouth, realizing the seriousness of her father’s decision.

This cannot be happening.

Her heart thudded furiously as she searched his face that resembled her own in so many ways. From his aristocratic features to the green in his eyes passed down to the hazel in hers.

His voice softened a little as he stood up straight and composed himself. “This is for the best, Charlotte. You have a duty to this family and the society into which you were born.”

“And what of the duty I have to my own heart?” She raised her head, looking her father in the eyes defiantly.

He looked at her for a moment, seemingly taking her words into consideration. “True love is the notion of a child. You are a woman now, and as such, you must do what is right. Marriage has nothing to do with love, and everything to do with honor and duty.”

“Is that why you married Mama? Honor and duty?” She asked him quietly.

Her words made him stiffen as he averted his gaze. “Yes, and now I expect the same from you.”

Her heart sank to the pit of her stomach as the walls of the study suddenly seemed to close in. “Well, I shall be taking my leave then, good day, Papa. Please let me know if any other decisions are made for me. I would hate to miss something important,” she said stiffly with just a hint of sarcasm in her voice.

Ignoring her remark, her father took his seat and returned to his task.

Why does he have to be so cold?

She turned away from the desk, heading out the door as she struggled to wrap her mind around the sudden development. She had woken up as a young lady with opposing views to expectations, yet now she was betrothed without a say.

No.

She made up her mind instantly that she would not simper and mourn the loss of her autonomy. Her father may have decided for her, but she would choose to carry herself with dignity and grace. They could try and force her into marriage, but she would have the last say when things came to a head.

“My Lady?” Georgina drew her attention to the side in a gentle voice.

“Yes?” Charlotte turned to face her, swallowing hard as the news still played heavily on her mind.

“Miss Thornton is waiting for you in the parlor.” The maid eyed her cautiously as if she were a delicate vase about to shatter.

Pulling herself up straight, she forced a smile. “Wonderful, please bring us some tea. I shall go and see her at once.” She lifted her chin and walked down the hall, bracing herself for the future that lay ahead.

Entering the parlor down the hall from the study, Charlotte instantly noticed her dearest friend and companion, Abigail Thornton.

Miss Thornton had been hired by the Pembroke family to act as a companion and secretary of sorts for Charlotte. She was an elegant young woman of twenty-five with dark mahogany hair, kind brown eyes, and a pale complexion.

“Abigail, you have come just at the right time. Have you heard the news? I am sure the ton will be buzzing with gossip by now. I am to be married.” She chose the dark green settee opposite her friend and sat, keeping the stiff smile fixed to her face.

“I beg your pardon?” Abigail seemed utterly taken aback as she tilted her head to the side.

“Oh yes, it has all been arranged, you see. I am to marry an Earl before the month is out. Papa has obtained a special license, all in the name of doing what is best for me and this family.” Her chest rose and fell with every breath as she struggled to maintain her composure. Acting as if she was not at all phased by the news was easier said than done. She could feel her smile slipping a little when Abigail’s deep brown eyes bore into hers.

“Charlotte, are you certain that you are alright? You look as if you have seen a ghost.” Abigail’s soothing tone made something within her snap.

Doubling over, Charlotte buried her face in her hands, dropping her head toward her lap until her corset threatened her breath. “Oh, Abigail. I cannot believe this is happening. How can they just marry me off like some prized mare? Am I to just go along with their schemes with no say at all?” She felt herself trembling slightly as the reality of her father’s words sank in.

“Charlotte…” Abigail let out a breath and stood, coming to her friend’s side, where she took a seat. “I know this isn’t what you want to hear, but marriage might not be the worst thing in the world. For all you know, the man could be a wonderful gentleman. Did your father mention the man’s name?” She reached out and gently tugged Charlotte’s hand, coaxing her to let go of her face.

Giving in, Charlotte sat up straight. “Some earl; Lord Ashford, I think he said. William Armitage. I guess I should get used to the name since it will be mine soon enough.”

Stiffening a little, Abigail sat up straight.

“What is the matter? Do you know the man?” Charlotte felt the pit of her stomach clench at her friend’s reaction.

“Not personally, no.” Abigail quickly shook her head.

“Abigail, if you know something about him, I implore you to tell me. If I am to spend the rest of my life by his side, then I should know what kind of reputation he has.” She braced herself for the news.

Chewing the inside of her cheek, Abigail seemed reluctant sighing hesitantly. “I have never spoken to the man, but I have seen him at times in places like Hyde Park or entering White’s. He is quite… reserved,” she said tactfully.

Groaning, Charlotte buried her face once again. “That is just what I need, someone as cold as my father. What am I to do?”

The sound of laughter, like the chortling of a dove, filled the air. “I just said he was reserved. There is no need to liken him to your father. He is quite handsome, you know. His eyes are quite striking, and his features have been likened to those of a Greek God.”

Rolling her eyes, Charlotte sat up straight just as Georgina entered with a tray of tea. “That is wonderful, my future husband will have the face of a Greek God, but the humor of one of their statues. And what if he is as handsome as you say? Does he not have enough debutants to occupy his time? Why would marrying me be something he considered?”

Chuckling at the remark, Abigail shook her head. “All I am saying is that you should give the man a chance before writing him off as a cold and humorless rake. And as for your last question, you are just as beautiful as he is handsome. In that regard, the two of you are evenly matched.”

“In looks but not in humor, wit, or anything that truly matters?” Charlotte placed her hands on her hips and gave her friend a pointed look, lifting her eyebrows as she pursed her lips.

Returning her look, Abigail placed her hands in her lap and met her gaze. “You will never know unless you meet the earl and get to know him. Just because my impression of him was not a shining one does not mean he is someone detestable.”

She lowered her arms and took a deep breath. What if her friend was right? What if the earl was everything that she had ever wanted? There was every possibility that he was just as charming and intelligent as the rumors of his looks.

The thought scared her more than she cared to admit. What if she got everything that she had ever dreamed of and more?

Coming to her feet, Abigail drew Charlotte from her thoughts as she poured them both a cup of tea. “Why do you not go for a ride this afternoon? You know you always think more clearly after being out for a while. There is no point in overthinking things when the matter has already been settled.”

“I guess,” Charlotte agreed reluctantly, shaking off the thoughts. “I suppose the worst that could happen is we meet and absolutely detest each other. I… I had just always hoped that I would someday marry for love, if not affection. The last thing I want for my future is to sit on a shelf and become some man’s prize or the means to building his bloodline.” Her expression sobered as she thought of the miserable life that some of the ladies of the ton were forced to live.

She longed for a life of freedom where her husband would cherish and take an interest in her as a person, not just the value of her beauty or ability to bear children. More than anything, she longed for a man who would allow her to be herself; a man of her own choosing.

The room grew quiet for a moment as Abigail seemed to be contemplating her words.

“I doubt the two of you will detest each other, My Lady,” Georgina remarked as the women took their seats once again.

“And how do you know that?” Charlotte asked her maid as she accepted a cup of tea.

Smiling mischievously, Georgina straightened. “Because you have always had a weakness for a handsome face, My Lady.”

Abigail smiled over the rim of her cup, coaxing Charlotte to do the same.

“Very well, the two of you win. I shall give Lord Ashford a chance, but I am warning you both. I shall not like him just because duty dictates that I do. I shall show him just who he is marrying, and then he can decide whether he still wishes to go ahead with the match.”

“And if he falls in love with you and steals your heart?” Abigail asked, raising an eyebrow conspiratorially.

“Then he shall be far more talented than any other man in London,” Charlotte said firmly, pushing aside the question in her heart.

What if he does steal my heart?

Chapter Two

“You wanted to see me, Father?” William Armitage stepped into the study, already stiffening in the tense atmosphere. His dark hair was combed to the side in a thick wave that framed his face. He had already donned his riding clothes before breakfast when the butler had come with a summons.

Looking up, his father sniffed importantly and bristled his salt and pepper mustache that matched his short-cropped hair. “Yes, there is a matter that I wish to discuss with you.” He gestured to one of the leather armchairs in front of the desk.

Closing the distance between them reluctantly, William took a seat and braced himself for whatever business venture his father was bound to thrust upon him. It had become commonplace in the past few years for the duke to rope his son into his business schemes, forcing his ways on a reluctant William.

A small fire crackled behind the grate surrounding the hearth despite the warmth of the season. The duke’s health had not always been great, but William had noticed a steady decline in his father’s pallor, and an increase in the frequency of his coughs.

Sniffing again, his father dabbed at his nose with a crisp, white handkerchief. “You are to be married to Lady Charlotte Pembroke. Her father is the Earl of Westbrook. This marriage will be advantageous for both of our families. A special license has been obtained to move matters along.”

William’s body stiffened as he gripped the armrest on his chair until his knuckles turned white. “You know my stance on marriage, Father. I do not need a wife.” He retained his composure despite the muscle that jumped in his jaw.

His father’s features darkened, highlighting the paleness of his skin. “Yes, I am aware of your hatred toward the institution of marriage. Be that as it may, your duty to this family remains the same. You will sire an heir and raise him to be duke after you when my time comes to an end.” He coughed into his hand, sniffing again before bristling his mustache.

“And what of my decision in the matter? Should marriage not be built on love rather than obligation?” He asked stiffly, fighting back the urge to raise his voice.

It didn’t seem fair to him that he was born into a world where he had little to no say.

His father tilted his head to the side, regarding William curiously. “I will say it again—our family is in need of an heir, as well as an advantageous alliance. The Pembroke family can offer us both. Love has nothing to do with the matter.”

“Father, if you would just…”

“No,” his father’s words were final and sharp. “The matter has been settled. You will marry Lady Charlotte Pembroke in fourteen days. The two of you will grow accustomed to one another in time.”

“And what of the lady in question? Has she agreed to the match?” His mind filled with images of a young lady being forced to spend the rest of her life as his wife. Was she a reticent young woman with just as many reservations as he harbored, or was she a willing participant?

“It does not matter what she thinks; her father has agreed to the matter,” his father barked at him in a hoarse voice.

Cracking his knuckles, William let go of the armrests before coming to his feet. “As you say, Father, the matter has been settled. Now, if there is nothing else, I shall take my leave.” He turned on his heels and headed from the room, resenting the sound of his father’s coughing.

Why now?

He seethed with anger as he made his way down the hall. Things in his life weren’t perfect, but they followed a carefully honed path that kept his demanding father at bay.

He had reluctantly taken on one of his father’s courtesy titles as the Earl of Ashford but taking a wife would mean going against his beliefs. Why could a man not stay single at the age of thirty? It seemed ludicrous to him that complete strangers should be forced to join their lives just because that was what everyone expected of them.

Love is impractical.

The thought echoed in the back of his mind, resonating in his chest until his anger began to subside. He didn’t believe in love or the consequences that followed any sort of emotional attachments.

Making his way from the study, he pushed the uncomfortable thoughts aside.

The grand staircase leading to the bottom of the house was deserted as William decided to take a ride. At least while riding, he could make his own decisions.

I shall not end up like my uncle Henry.

***

Grosvenor Square was packed with people milling about when William spotted his oldest friend from a distance. He and Captain Theodore Blackwell had served together in the Napoleonic wars some years prior. They now shared a bond that had been forged in battle.

Dismounting his horse, William took the reins and led his gray stallion through the crowd.

People stopped to glare at him as they stepped out of the way, but he pushed forward, ignoring their scathing looks.

“My Lord, I was not expecting to see you this afternoon, it is a fine coincidence. I thought I would take a stroll and enjoy the scenery. Did you have the same idea?” Theodore raised an eyebrow, flicking his head to the side to rid himself of a few tendrils of sandy blonde hair.

“Neither was I, but things do not always work out as we intend them to. I can assure you that a leisurely stroll was the last thing on my mind.” He bit back sharply, eliciting a questioning look from his friend who always enjoyed a lazy stroll on any given day.

Leaning back against an iron fence that overlooked the middle of the square, Theodore shot him a questioning look. “Have you and your father had another falling out?” His sharp features lightened as he bowed to a few ladies in passing.

“There was no time for a falling out. There was not even time for a discussion. My future was decided for me, and I am to be married,” William grumbled as he came to a stop beside his friend, reins in hand.

Turning around, Theodore let out a low whistle. “That is quite the turn of events. Who is the lucky lady who has been offered up as sacrifice for what I am assuming is one of your father’s grand schemes?”

Casting his gaze toward the ladies and men promenading around the square, William sighed. “Lady Charlotte Pembroke. I cannot say that I have ever had the pleasure of meeting her, but her father is the Earl of Westbrook and presumably someone important enough to tempt my father into an alliance.”

“Lady Charlotte…” Theodore seemed thoughtful as he once again lounged against the iron fence, his light brown eyes looking past William as he crossed his black riding boots at the ankles. “I have not met her, but I do know of her. She is quite the talk of the ton, not in the way you would think.”

“Why does your tone make me believe that I will not be thrilled with the match?” William asked as he raised an eyebrow.

“Let us just say that many a man has attempted to court her, but none have succeeded. Truth be told, she is quite beautiful, but her defiance, high-spirited nature, and fierce independence make her quite formidable.” Theodore turned to look at him with a pitying gaze.

“My word, you make her sound like a wild mare. Surely, she cannot be that untamable?” William felt intrigued by the description despite his reservations.

“While I would not go as far as comparing her to a horse, her reputation with suitors does precede her. I would be careful if I were you, William. Women like Lady Charlotte Pembroke can be quite temperamental if not managed with a firm hand. I heard the rumors of her father looking for an advantageous match, I just didn’t realize that it would be you he chose.” Theodore shook his head, relief flooding his eyes that it wasn’t him in the situation.

Reaching up to soothe his stallion, William stroked the beast’s thick neck. “Whether she is delightful or not, my father has made up his mind. I am to marry within a fortnight. Apparently, a special license has been obtained for the union.” He sighed heavily, feeling the weight of his future pressing down on him.

Why could things not have remained as they were?

Theodore’s eyes filled with compassion as he cleared his throat and stood up straight. “I know how you feel regarding marriage and love. This cannot be an easy situation for you to accept, but perhaps it is not all bad. Rumors are often not worth the paper they are printed on. Nor should one always trust the lips from which they flow. Perhaps Lady Charlotte Pembroke is not t as fierce as they say.”

William’s mind wandered as his friend prattled on. It had been years since he had made up his mind not to marry. Love was just as impractical as the institutions that implemented them. His uncle had died with a broken heart, and he had vowed never to suffer the same fate.

“William?” Theodore’s voice drew him back to the present as William shook off the thoughts of his uncle.

“Yes?” William asked, petting the horse’s neck a few more times.

Looking him over curiously, Theodore ran his tongue over his bottom lip. “I asked if you wanted to get a drink at White’s. You look like you could use a stiff glass of brandy.”

“No, I do not think it a wise idea. I need to clear my head before I face my father again. Perhaps a ride in Kensington Gardens will do,” he said stiffly, resenting the thought of facing his father again. There was not much else he could do about the situation except reluctantly come to terms with the arrangement.

Clapping him on the shoulder, Theodore attempted to cheer him up. “Chin up, as they say, it might not be the worst of arrangements. They say the lady in question has a sharp tongue and is not easily impressed, but she might have a hidden quality or two.”

His words irritated William, who had spent years cultivating a life of peace and control. Had his father even considered her character when mercilessly choosing him a wife? It irritated him more than he cared to admit. Of all the women in London, his father had to find the one who showed the utmost disregard for the way things were supposed to be.

“I care not for her qualities nor her beauty; what troubles me are her expectations. I refuse to become like my uncle, who was destroyed by a marriage denied. I swore a long time ago that I would never become the kind of man who buried passion beneath obligation, yet here I am.” Anger flared in his chest again as he thought of his father’s pale face and the sacrifices he would have to make. His uncle Henry had died a broken man in the end, and the memories of that time plagued him day and night, yet he tried to keep them at bay as best he could.

What would have happened if his uncle had gotten the marriage he had desired instead of the heartache that had led to his untimely demise? Was taking a gamble on a woman he had never even laid eyes upon truly worth the risk?

Worries flashed across his mind. What did she look like? What would her voice sound like, and most of all, what would happen if she became someone he cherished? The thought of losing himself for the love of a woman was far more daunting than he cared to admit.

“I cannot say that I blame you for feeling that way, but I will say this: What happened with your uncle Henry was very unfortunate, but you are not him. You are not in love with anyone as far as I know.”

“And what if she is in love with someone else and is being forced into marriage against her will?” William lifted his head, looking into his friend’s eyes in a rare moment of vulnerability.

“Then perhaps you can win her heart, but I will venture that it is unlikely that she is. A woman with such strong reservations and views would not have allowed herself to be forced into marriage when her heart belonged to another,” Theodore said honestly.

“You have formed quite strong opinions about a lady you presume to have never met.” William’s begrudging doubt returned for a moment as the vulnerability he displayed quickly retreated.

Laughing heartily, Theodore shook his head. “Call it intuition after fighting in a war for many years. War and marriage are the same; the battlefield may differ, and your opponent may be fairer, but the fight is the same. One must keep a sharp mind at all times. What I am trying to say is that you and Lady Charlotte Pembroke may very well be kindred spirits. I am certain there is more to her story than just a fiery indifference to marriage.”

Regarding his friend curiously, William angled his head to the side. “And what of you? You speak of marriage and courtship as if you know all the rules, but where is your fair bride? Are you loitering in Grosvenor Square in the hopes of bumping into her?”

His laughter softened as Theodore looked at his boots. “No, my old friend, such things are not meant for the likes of me. I was not born into privilege like you were. If there is a woman out there for me, she must be willing to struggle through the trenches alongside me. She must be of noble character and graceful qualities that can withstand the hardships of life.”

“And you doubt her existence?” William grew increasingly curious about the man who had fought at his side for so many years. He was grateful for a distraction from his own difficulties.

Pushing himself off the iron fence, Theodore dusted off his hands before straightening his navy riding coat. “If she does exist, she has done a fine job of hiding from me.” He shook his head almost sadly, but more reluctantly than anything else. “It matters not what I feel, but what you are going to do. You can either accept the situation reluctantly or tackle the opportunity with both hands and make the best of it.”

“And how do you suppose I do that?” William asked bitterly as his friend walked past him in the direction of White’s.

Calling over his shoulder, Theodore waved a hand dismissively in the air. “Meet her, William. Meet the lady and make the best of the situation from there. If she opposes you, humor her!”