The Earl I Adore by Joanne Wadsworth

Author:Joanne Wadsworth
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: classic regency romances, proper romance regency series, English Dukes, historical regency romance, historical victorian romance, clean and wholesome romance
Publisher: Joanne Wadsworth
Published: 2019-02-08T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 7

That night as a thick fog settled over his house, Donnelly strode back and forth under the front eaves as he awaited Maria’s return from the museum, his chest tight as wispy streaks of mist swirled all about. Ten o’clock. Maria should have been home hours ago. They’d agreed to eat at eight and she’d never been late to a meal in the past. Perhaps he shouldn’t have allowed her to leave the house, or at least not for the entire day, and why hadn’t Sawyer sent word to him if they’d been delayed for some reason?

The clatter of horses’ hooves and carriage wheels finally broke the stillness and he bounded down the front pathway as Winterly’s coach appeared out of the misty darkness. The conveyance rocked to a stop and Sawyer, cloaked head to toe in black, bounded down from next to the driver.

“All is well, my lord.” Sawyer set the step on the ground and opened the door. “We suffered not one broken wheel, but unfortunately two. Ten dratted minutes apart as well.”

“Maria?” He held out a hand as his sister appeared at the carriage door. As soon as she set her fingers in his, he smothered his sister in his arms, her dark cloak swaying from her shoulders. “I’ve been incredibly worried.”

“I’m so sorry. I couldn’t send word about our delay, not when the ladies and I had to wait for the coachman to effect repairs and Sawyer wished to remain with me. I then insisted they be dropped off first since we had to pass right by Blackgale House and Winterly’s town residence on our way here.” Eyes bright, she kissed his cheek. “I’ve had a wonderful day and wish to tell you all about it. Have you eaten?”

“No, but we shall once we’re inside.” He closed the door and called out to the liveried driver, “Take care as you return. The fog is thick.”

“I shall, my lord.” The driver bobbed his head and cracked his whip.

Winterly’s coach rattled back into the soupy mist, the fog swallowing it whole.

He offered Maria his arm and guided her into the house.

“I’ll freshen up and be with you shortly.” With a twiddle of her fingers, she hurried up the stairs.

As she disappeared around the corner of the upper landing, he faced Sawyer who remained standing at attention next to the front door. “I’d like a full report.”

“Lady Maria toured most of the museum and enjoyed herself immensely. She and the other ladies even took luncheon together in the tearoom overlooking the rear gardens of Montagu House. I do need to inform you though that a gentleman joined them for the midday meal.” His man cleared his throat, a frown furrowing his brow. “Captain Bourbon.”

Shock pulsed through him. None of the ladies had met Bourbon, of which an introduction would have been needed. Certainly, Ellie, as the Duchess of Ashten, would have been considered a suitable chaperone for the other three younger ladies, but still, a fierce need to protect their reputations throbbed through him.

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