How to Catch an Errant Earl by Amy Rose Bennett

Author:Amy Rose Bennett
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Published: 2020-04-28T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 13

England’s most Errant Earl has returned to town!

However, many of the ladies of the ton will be disappointed to learn he’s married.

Rumors abound about the identity of his new blushing bride and whether or not she’ll be able to tame him . . .

The Beau Monde Mirror: The Society Page

Langdale House, St. James’s Square, London

July 26, 1818

It was approaching midnight when Gabriel’s coach drew to a stop in front of his town house. Despite the fatigue weighing her down, Arabella stared up at the grand facade with its white pillars and shiny black double doors in wide-eyed amazement as her husband helped her to alight.

It would take her some time to become accustomed to residing in houses that were veritable palaces.

“Welcome home, my Lady Langdale,” Gabriel said as he took her arm and escorted her up the short flight of stairs to the front door. “I sent word ahead that we would be arriving late tonight, so the staff should have readied our rooms. And knowing my butler, they are probably gathering to greet us as we speak.”

Almost too weary to reply, Arabella inclined her head and smiled. “That’s very kind.”

“Kindness has nothing to do with it, my dear. I pay them well and they ought to show their new mistress due deference.”

The butler, a gray-haired slender gentleman of middling age, admitted them. Gabriel introduced him as Jervis; he gave an elegant bow as he greeted Arabella. “My lady, welcome to Langdale House. If there’s anything at all that you need, you have only to ask.”

Arabella smiled her approval. “Thank you.”

“I’m afraid this has been a bachelor’s residence for so long, I don’t have all that many maids on staff,” said Gabriel after he’d introduced her to the middle-aged housekeeper, a short, plump-cheeked woman with kind brown eyes. “But I’m sure you and Mrs. Mayberry here will have that all sorted out soon enough.”

“Yes, indeed, my lord,” agreed Mrs. Mayberry. She smiled warmly at Arabella. “Ma’am.”

The remaining introductions to the assembled footmen and a handful of maids were conducted swiftly, and then Mrs. Mayberry offered to show Arabella to her suite.

Gabriel, still holding Arabella’s arm as though he didn’t want to release her, accompanied them. “The apartments were once my mother’s,” he explained as they mounted the left side of a sweeping oak staircase that led up to the next floor. “You might want to redecorate as everything will be outdated and I’m sure you have your own particular tastes in furnishings. So spare no expense. My pockets are deep.”

Arabella didn’t want to raise a difficult subject, but felt compelled to anyway. “Are you sure? Because if Langdale House is entailed . . .” She didn’t need to complete the thought, as Gabriel gathered her meaning straightaway.

To her dismay, he grimaced. “You’re right, it’s probably best to wait until this title business is sorted out. Curse my cousin.”

“It’s quite all right,” Arabella offered as they climbed another set of stairs to a long, wide gallery. The oak wainscoting and gilt-framed paintings gleamed softly in the muted glow of the wall lamps.

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