Snowflakes and Scandals

Chapter 3

Chapter 3

Hugh brushed the snow from his shoulders as he returned to Ballard House with his host. “The weather has certainly taken a turn for the worse.”

“Indeed.” Lord Ballard handed his coat and hat to the butler. “It will make travel a challenge for our guests.”

Hugh followed suit, grateful his aches and pains had eased over the past few days. He’d enjoyed seeing how Ballard’s estate was managed and discussing various methods and challenges late into the night. Time alone with the lord was exactly what Hugh needed to feel more comfortable with his new duties.

Since he hadn’t expected to inherit, he’d never been trained in such things. He didn’t know what questions to ask his steward or the tenants. Already he felt better prepared for those tasks.

“You said several guests are to arrive this afternoon?” Hugh asked.

“Yes.” Ballard, a fit man of four and fifty years with more energy than some half his age, looked out the window where large, plump snowflakes fell gracefully to the ground. “Not all had far to travel. Perhaps some will manage to arrive while the roads are still passable.”

Snow started falling that morning, and Hugh could see worry in the man’s brown eyes. They’d completed a tour of the stables and other outbuildings after luncheon and returned to the house to warm themselves.

“It can be difficult to host events during the winter months,” Hugh said as he followed Ballard to the study where a blazing fire awaited them.

“It is. Foul weather complicates everything. I must say I’m relieved you weren’t delayed further or injured any worse.” Ballard moved to the side table to pour them a glass of whiskey. “I wouldn’t have known where to search for you if you hadn’t soon arrived.”

Hugh took the glass his host offered and moved toward the fire. “As I mentioned, I am grateful for the kindness of strangers.” He often thought of both the lovely lady who’d left her cloak as well as the driver delivering goods.

“I’m sorry I don’t know who your mystery lady could have been. Of course, there are several in the area of that age, but I don’t know them well.”

Hugh once again wished he’d had the chance to thank her and return her cloak. Why he’d brought it with him, he didn’t know. Yet he found himself brushing his hand over it each night before he went to bed and again when he woke. It brought him comfort, though he couldn’t explain why.

“Rather than worry about her, let us speak of Lady Ellen Pitney.” Lord Ballard smiled as he joined Hugh with a glass in hand. “I am anxious for you to meet her.”

“As am I.” Exceedingly anxious. Given how much Lord Ballard had assisted him already, Hugh could only imagine that Lady Ellen would be equally helpful regarding social matters. It was important to him to have a reputation as honorable and competent, something his father had lost with each year that passed.

Hugh refused to allow that. Avoiding any missteps would be much easier with a wife who knew all the right—and wrong—members of the aristocracy and had the proper connections to gain entrée into the best circles.

“I think you will find she is quite pleasant to look upon,” Ballard continued as he stared into the flames. “Her behavior is impeccable, and she has a significant dowry.”

Though those qualities sounded perfect, Hugh wondered if she was as kind as the mystery lady. Would Lady Ellen have stopped to help a stranger and gone so far as to give him her cloak despite the cold?

He gave himself a mental shake. That hardly mattered. Kindness was not a required trait, and from what little he knew, not one valued by the ton .

“A large dowry isn’t necessary,” Hugh said. “As you know, my uncle did quite well with his shipping ventures.” Hugh had no intention of spending frivolously and didn’t want a wife who did either.

He tried to think of a polite way to ask about Lady Ellen’s spending habits when the sound of voices from the entrance hall reached them.

“Ah! A few guests must be arriving.” Ballard set down his drink and strode toward the door. “Perhaps it will be Lady Ellen and her family.”

Hugh hesitated before following him at a slower pace to allow the lord time to greet his guests. It seemed wrong to wait in the study when the lord might not return, yet he was oddly reluctant to greet the strangers. As he so often did, he wondered what the proper thing to do was. That was one more reason he needed the right wife to guide him in such matters.

Realizing he still held the drink he bit back an oath, then returned to the study to set it down before retracing his steps toward the entrance where Lord and Lady Ballard greeted two ladies.

“I’m so pleased you made it.” Lady Ballard waited as the older lady handed her wet cloak to the butler then clasped their guest’s hand between hers. “How were the roads?”

“Growing worse by the minute,” the woman declared as she turned to the other woman at her side. “My niece and I were saying a prayer or two those last few miles. Weren’t we, Olivia?”

“Indeed, we were.” The other lady handed her cloak to the butler and turned to face their hosts, revealing her profile to Hugh.

He could only stare in stunned surprise at the quiet beauty. His quiet beauty. The mystery lady who’d attempted to rescue him only days ago. She was even lovelier than he remembered.

As if feeling the weight of his regard, she glanced in his direction, eyes widening in recognition.

He touched his forehead where a cut and a rather colorful bruise were still visible then smiled, taken aback by the way his heartbeat thrummed as he drew in her presence.

Rich brown hair was loosely bound at the back of her head with a few curls left to frame her face. Her cheeks were red from the cold, along with the tip of her pert nose. Her hazel eyes were wide with long lashes. But it was her smile that truly caught him. The slight hesitation in it as if she was unsure of herself, yet bright, suggesting she was happy to see him.

“You must meet our other guest,” Lady Ballard said as she turned to Hugh. “Mrs. Ester Stamper and Miss Olivia Downing, may I present Hugh Allerton, the Earl of Darnworth.”

The ladies curtsied as he bowed.

“Mrs. Stamper is a longtime friend and Olivia is her niece, whom we haven’t seen in an age.” Lady Ballard’s brow lifted as she took in the way Hugh and Miss Downing smiled at one another. “Are the two of you already acquainted?”

Hugh didn’t want to embarrass Miss Downing, but he had already told Lord and Lady Ballard of his misadventure. “Not precisely. Or rather, not formally. This kind lady is the one who came to my rescue the other day.”

Miss Downing’s cheeks pinkened even more. “It is a relief to know you are well after such an unfortunate event.”

“Please accept my apologies for not calling on you to thank you before leaving. A tradesman passed by and offered a ride for the remainder of the journey.”

“How fortuitous.” Mrs. Stamper looked between them with interest. “My niece mentioned the encounter. It is good to see you are well, my lord.”

“What a coincidence.” Lord Ballard clapped Hugh’s shoulder. “Darnworth told us of the incident and your efforts to aid him. We are grateful for it.”

“I only wish I could’ve been of more help. Did you find your horse?” Miss Downing asked, brows raised.

“Yes, it was in the nearby woods.” Hugh had difficulty pulling his attention from Miss Downing. Anticipation filled him to have the chance to know her better over the coming days. What an unexpected gift. “Of course, I had no choice but to give the steed a stern lecture not to repeat the experience.”

The ladies laughed.

“As you should have.” Mrs. Stamper gave a nod of approval even as she eyed him with curiosity.

“How are you acquainted with Lord and Lady Ballard?” Miss Downing asked.

Hugh hesitated, wondering how best to explain. “Lord Ballard was friends with my uncle, the late earl, and has been kind enough to offer guidance as I only recently inherited the title.”

“I’m sorry for your loss.” The sincerity of Miss Downing’s expression warmed him. Her aunt quickly added her condolences as well.

“Thank you. We lost my uncle and his son the same day in an accident. Very unexpected.” Hugh glanced at Ballard, who nodded, obviously still grieving his friend.

Miss Downing reached to touch Hugh’s arm briefly, a gesture he felt to his toes. “How terrible.”

“It was.” Not wanting to bring everyone’s spirits down when this was supposed to be a party, he quickly added, “I’m grateful Lord Ballard offered to assist me in this new role.”

“I’m certain he has been of significant help,” Mrs. Stamper glanced at the lord with a smile. “Ballard is quite knowledgeable.”

“It has been my pleasure. Isn’t it surprising how often we find small blessings amid tragedy?” Lord Ballard dipped his head toward Mrs. Stamper with a sympathetic look.

“Indeed.” The older lady smiled. “When my husband died many years ago, I was blessed to have these dear friends to support me.”

“Come.” Lady Ballard moved toward the stairs. “Let us gather in the drawing room before the fire with some tea. Surely you must be chilled from the journey.”

The ladies followed her up the stairs, and Hugh had one foot on the first step when he felt a hand on his shoulder. He looked back to see Ballard watching him with concern.

“Miss Downing is quite pretty, is she not?” he asked in a whisper.

Hugh realized much to his dismay that his attraction for the lady must show. “Indeed.”

“You wouldn’t be a man if you didn’t find her appealing, but her father is only a baron, one of little consequence. I don’t think her dowry would amount to much and, to my knowledge, she has not yet been introduced into Society.”

“Oh?” Hugh had difficulty remembering why any of that mattered as the ladies disappeared from view.

“Do not allow a pretty face to distract you from your goal. Lady Ellen has many more qualities that would be of benefit. Marriage should be looked upon as a business matter. You must think of your future.”

Hugh nodded, embarrassed that his mentor felt the need to remind him. Ballard was right. He had his future and reputation to consider. Feelings had no place in such things.

He shifted his shoulders, the title suddenly weighing heavily. Gone were the days of his roguish ways when he could pursue whichever woman happened to catch his eye. He had to think of not just himself, but future generations.

“I appreciate your advice, as always.” Hugh removed his foot from the step. This might be a simple holiday house party for the other guests but not for him.

“Good. I wouldn’t want to see you make a mistake. Please know that I have your best interest at heart.”

“Thank you.” Hugh forced a smile. “I would be lost without your guidance.”

“The pleasure is mine.” Ballard glanced up the stairs then looked at Hugh. “Why don’t we leave the ladies to converse while we finish our drinks in the study and wait for other guests to arrive?”

“Excellent idea.” Hugh followed Ballard but couldn’t resist a glance up the stairs, wishing the circumstances were different.

With a frustrated groan, Olivia threw back the bed linens and sat up. She had been tossing and turning for some time, but sleep continued to elude her.

The afternoon had been spent listening to Lady Ballard and Aunt Ester reminisce. The two had been friends for a long time. Of course, the subject of Olivia’s mother had arisen, and Aunt Ester had once again expressed her concern at how weak her sister appeared. Olivia hardly knew what to say. She agreed but doing so out loud felt like a betrayal.

Heaven knew Olivia had done all she could think of to improve her mother’s health, from new tonics for coughs to different foods to improve her lungs to a remedy she learned about from someone in the village. Nothing seemed to help.

Luckily, the conversation soon moved on with Lady Ballard sharing stories of her grandchildren. It wasn’t until later that she realized how quiet her aunt had been, having no grandchildren of her own.

No other guests had arrived, making dinner an intimate affair. The food was delicious, the company delightful, and the conversation entertaining. She couldn’t remember enjoying herself so much for a long while.

The shock of coming face-to-face with the man she had found alongside the road had yet to subside, as did learning he was an earl. How distressing when she found him so appealing. She well knew she had nothing to offer a gentleman like him even if she could leave her parents.

No doubt he would soon be married to a lady of equal rank with a large dowry, who would make him the perfect wife. She had no experience with any of those things.

Yet for a moment—several of them actually—he almost seemed to find her alluring. Hadn’t she been longing to feel the flutter of attraction? She should be delighted with the unexpected connection they seemed to have.

But what she hadn’t expected was the hint of danger that accompanied it—as if those flutters might tempt her to go too far. To do things she hadn’t thought herself capable of.

She shook her head as she put on her slippers and reached for her robe. Her thoughts were running away with her. She needed a distraction of some sort.

Lady Ballard had told her to make herself at home and, upon hearing she liked to read, advised her to help herself to the books in the study. She hadn’t had the chance to peruse the tomes earlier, but since she couldn’t sleep, now seemed like the perfect time.

She lit a candle, picked up the holder, and started toward the door, guarding the flame so it wouldn’t extinguish.

Her bedchamber was well-appointed and more than she could’ve hoped for with blue and cream touches giving it a warm yet elegant feel. The four-poster bed was quite comfortable but didn’t change the fact that she couldn’t sleep. A book was just what she needed to relax.

The corridor was dark and the house quiet. She quietly made her way down the stairs. The house might be unfamiliar but wasn’t so large that she didn’t remember the way to the study.

The door to the room was ajar, and the coals from the fire cast a warm, orange glow about the room. She pushed the door partway closed and looked about, pleased by how many bookshelves filled with books there were.

Hopefully, they weren’t all related to farming or the like. She set down the candleholder on a table near the shelves and started her search. It took several minutes before she found a few possibilities. Unfamiliar with the titles, she opened the first book to read a few pages to see if it would suit her.

A rustling sound caught her notice, and she looked up to see another enter the room as if she’d conjured him with her restless thoughts.

The Earl of Darnworth halted abruptly when he realized he wasn’t alone. “My apologies for the interruption.”

Olivia’s face heated at the sight of him in his shirtsleeves, his cravat hanging about his neck. “Not at all.” She dipped into a brief curtsy then lifted the book she held as if he couldn’t already see it. “I was just selecting something to read.”

He nodded, a smile playing about his lips. “Trouble sleeping?”

“Yes.” She glanced around the room, hoping an excuse other than the truth came to mind—that he was the reason she hadn’t been able to sleep. “A strange place and all.”

“I have the same issue. The creaks and groans of the house, not to mention the storm, have made me restless.”

“Do you live in the country?”

“No, in London.” He lifted one shoulder in a half-hearted shrug. “I suppose the noises are different there.”

“I am sure.” She bit her lip, wondering if she should hurry and select a book or ask the numerous questions that had come to mind since they had reunited.

“What is it?” he asked as he drew near, watching her closely.

“I was just curious what it was like to live in the city. I have visited, of course, but that was several years ago.”

“It is certainly quieter in Mayfair than where I used to live. I suppose the house still feels like my uncle’s rather than mine. London has a vigor that suggests one keep moving or risk being stepped on. I enjoy the peace of the country but find myself a little out of sorts here. As if I should be doing more.”

“Understandable.”

He was close enough now that she could smell the faint scent of his cologne, see the stubble of whiskers along his jaw and the shadow of his lashes as he glanced at the book she held. The flutters she’d longed for returned in full force and made her tingle from head to toe.

Oh, dear.

What was it about this particular man that affected her so? She knew various men from her village but had never felt like this. She could hardly draw a proper breath.

The hint of chest hair in the small opening of his shirt fascinated her. His shoulders looked remarkably broad even without his jacket. She swore that if she looked too long into his blue eyes, she might drown.

And those lips...

She’d noticed them at dinner. They were firm and sculpted and gave her the oddest urge to press her mouth to his so she might see what they felt like.

Not that she would.

Yet she licked her own lips in response even as she jerked her gaze upward to meet his. What had they been talking about? Oh, yes, something about being out of sorts.

That was the moment she knew she was in trouble.

Over her head in it. And completely out of her league.

She shifted her attention to the books on the nearby shelf, thoughts racing. What was she thinking to be alone in a study with a man in the dark of night with them both in a state of undress?

Yet how could she leave and miss...whatever this was?

“I can see many benefits to living in the country.” The low rumble of his voice sent shivers down her back.

“For certain.” Her voice squeaked of all things, and she cleared her throat in response. “It is a slower pace, but there is always much to do.” She forced her gaze back to his, determined not to act besotted.

Or unbesotted. Was there such a word?

“I am sure you have many responsibilities as earl, my lord.” There. Perhaps reminding herself of his title would remove her inappropriate thoughts.

His crooked smile had her catching her breath. “I would be honored if you called me Hugh. Given that you helped to rescue me, it seems as if we are already familiar with one another.” His gaze dropped to her mouth, the warmth of his body reaching out to embrace her. “If that is acceptable to you.”

“Oh. Yes. That would be nice...Hugh.” Heat rushed over her skin as the lure of him pulled ever harder.

Should she go or should she stay?