Capturing the Earl by A.S. Fenichel

Author:A.S. Fenichel
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Kensington Publishing Corp.
Published: 2020-10-20T21:14:42+00:00

Chapter 13

Mercy’s boots were wet through after trudging around several caves. Her blue dress was six inches deep with mud and she felt more exhilarated than she had in weeks. Perhaps the answer to the Wesley problem was continued physical exercise. At least it kept her out of Mr. Colby’s way as he declared sport of all kind to be wasteful in the extreme and remained enjoying the vistas with Aunt Phyllis and the dowager.

He advised that after Mercy’s sudden illness the day before she might benefit from staying behind as well.

Mercy ignored him.

“Can’t we stop now?” Faith’s whining was followed by a humph as she collapsed on a boulder jutting from the side of the hill.

Nick sat beside her, smiling. “I don’t know why you wanted to come along when you hate this type of exercise, my love.”

“Because the idea of staying behind with Mr. Colby and her ladyship was less appealing. Forgive me, Aurora, Rhys.” Faith gave each sibling a nod of apology for speaking unkindly of their mother.

Rhys laughed and leaned against the rock wall where the cave opening was. “No need to feel badly. Mother is the key reason I am trudging around in the mud. Though I have to say, she has been rather quiet.”

“Biding her time,” Aurora warned. “She’s trying to figure out a way to force me to marry poor Lord Castlewick. Once she finds her means, she’ll pounce.”

Mercy’s banded heart hurt.

Smiling, Wesley raised his brows. “I had no idea her ladyship was so underhanded. She came to me directly in London.”

“Ah, but now she has you in her sights.” Nick mimicked a shotgun in hand and the jolt of the rapport.

Poppy leaned her head against Rhys’s chest. “I’m tired. Can we go back now?”

“We shall have to locate our host. He seems to have been misplaced.” Nick stood and stretched his back.

Looking around, Mercy’s chest tightened. “I saw Mr. Arafa not five minutes ago up on that ridge.” She pointed.

Nick started up the hill toward where she pointed and the rest of the party followed.

Faith made a low groan but took Nick’s hand and stomped along with him.

A weariness came over Mercy. The idea of returning to her aunt and Mr. Colby and all the expectations that came with it was an anvil around her neck. She did not want to marry for convenience or the happiness of another. Perhaps it was time to discuss those things with her aunt.

Taking up her damp skirt, she stepped forward. Her foot slipped in the mud.

Wesley took her elbow in an instant, keeping her from falling. “Careful, there, Miss Heath.”

Once she was steady, he released her. The warmth of his hand at her bare elbow remained to torture her with the need it left behind. “Thank you, my lord.”

“Are you feeling all right?” He should have left her and joined the others, but he remained at her side.

“I’m weary of doing what is expected of me.” Why had she said it aloud? It was what she’d been thinking, but she’d not intended to share her thoughts.

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