Page 3 of An Alliance with the Earl (Marrying for Love #5)

CHAPTER THREE

E dward stood next to Lady Olivia and the rest of the guests assembled outside. Lord Lansdowne gave a brief introduction on the estate’s history, then he said, “My friends, let us begin our tour. Ivy Manor boasts several gardens, each with its own character and charm.” Then he and his wife led them through the various formal gardens.

Edward held out his arm to Lady Olivia as the rest of the guests paired off to follow Lord and Lady Lansdowne.

They passed through the topiary garden, with hedges trimmed to precision in varied shapes. This led into the rose garden, a vast expanse of colorful blooms stretching toward the orchards, their fragrance heavy in the warm air. Lady Lansdowne was particularly delighted to point out her favorite varieties, and the guests marveled at the array of hues and perfumes.

From there, they continued to the kitchen gardens, where rows of herbs and vegetables thrived in orderly plots—a touch of practicality amidst the luxury. Beyond the vegetables stood the greenhouse and hothouse, each brimming with exotic plants that Lady Lansdowne clearly held dear.

Finally, as they passed the stables, Lord Lansdowne’s expression brightened with unmistakable pride. “I have saved my most prized garden for last. While our London estate boasts its share of moonflowers, it is here at Ivy Manor where they truly shine.”

Lord Lansdowne led them through the rose garden once more, toward the side of the house, until they arrived at a secluded spot nestled between Ivy Manor and a tall hedge framed by a natural border of trees.

“Behold,” Lord Lansdowne said with a flourish, “the Moonflower Garden.”

A collective gasp rippled through the guests. The moonflowers that would bloom in silvery white shades during the evening, were now wrapped tightly within the safety of their leaves. Paved stones guided them toward the heart of the garden, where a central fountain bubbled serenely, and birds flitted about, dipping into the cool water.

“This is very beautiful,” Lady Olivia said. “I believe I will take a closer look.” She unlooped her arm from Edward’s and approached the fountain.

Lady Lansdowne’s voice softened with a familiar fondness. “This garden is enchanting at any time of day, but I assure you, it reveals its true splendor in the early mornings and evenings. And with the full moon approaching in a week, it will be a sight you will not soon forget.”

Edward had seen the moonflowers on several occasions when he’d visited Ivy Manor with his family. Each time it was an impressive sight. He observed the space with quiet admiration, surprised by the tranquility it evoked. There was a hushed reverence among the other guests, who murmured their approval, entranced by the garden’s unique beauty.

To his surprise, Lady Catherine Haddington, standing beside him, sighed audibly. “Is this not the most romantic spot we have seen on the tour?” She tilted her head, her gaze fixed on him. “Do you not agree, Lord Cheshire?”

Edward blinked, taken by surprise to be so singled out by a young lady on such a forward topic in the middle of so many people. It was normally his brother, William, who received such remarks. Taken aback by her directness, Edward forced a smile, giving a quick nod. “It is indeed a remarkable garden, Lady Catherine.”

“This garden truly holds a special place in our hearts,” Lady Lansdowne said, looking lovingly at her husband.

Lord Lansdowne wrapped his arm around his wife, unabashed to show affection in public. “Indeed it does, my love,” he said softly.

After a few more moments of admiration, Lord Lansdowne gestured toward a woodland path. “This way, everyone. The trail will lead us to the lake.”

As they began walking, Edward looked around for Lady Olivia, but instead, he found Lady Catherine lingering at his side, her expression hopeful. He inclined his head politely, wishing to avoid discourtesy but feeling the prick of discomfort at her unrelenting attention.

“Lord Cheshire,” she said, an affected sweetness in her tone, “might I have the pleasure of your company down to the lake?”

He looked toward Lady Olivia, where she was examining the closed moonflower blooms at the other side of the garden. Why had he not followed her? He could not think of an excuse to give the woman in front of him. “Of course, Lady Catherine,” he replied with a forced smile. He did not wish to be disagreeable, so he held out his arm to her, and she took it instantly.

As they walked, he attempted polite conversation, yet found himself straining to find anything that did not lead her to giggle incessantly. He quickly realized her laugh was more for effect than mirth, and it wore on his patience.

By the time they reached the lake, Edward’s tolerance was stretched thin. He typically enjoyed sharing a good jest or witty remark, but Lady Catherine’s constant, empty laughter made the task feel hollow. It was strange, but he missed Lady Olivia’s refreshingly honest demeanor.

Once they arrived at the boathouse, Lady Lansdowne assigned companions for the rowboats. This was initially not a problem. Edward knew that Lady Lansdowne would make it her business to pair everyone up together over the fortnight of the house party. Edward was paired up with Miss Jane Cox. That suited him fine after his walk with Lady Catherine. Soon, everyone launched their boats onto the lake. But in the middle of the lake, Miss Cox’s incessant laughing caught him off guard. Hers was louder and more irritating than even Lady Catherine’s laugh had been.

From another rowboat across the lake, Edward could hear Lady Catherine’s laughter again. It appeared that she and Miss Cox were having a contest on who could laugh the loudest and the longest, and presently they were both tied to be the winner.

Edward liked to laugh and joke. He enjoyed seeing the rewarding smile or hearing someone’s laugh after he’d said or done something amusing. Coaxing such responses from others had been the way he lived the majority of his childhood.

And yet, during his boat ride with Miss Cox, he could not figure out what it was that made her laugh. She laughed at everything. Her high-pitched giggle sounded forced and affected. With only a few words spoken, she would laugh again.

Edward smiled through the moment, wishing that William was here yet again so that he could force William to put up with her. He sighed. Miss Cox was pleasant enough, but he missed the company of Lady Olivia.

Lady Olivia was pleasant to talk to. She was open and honest with him. And he’d found their interchange this morning more than a little amusing. She gave her opinions without restraint. It was refreshing that she wasn’t here to impress anyone. They had bonded over their mutual and independent decisions to avoid the matchmaking schemes of Lady Lansdowne.

Edward’s eyes scanned the other boats, settling for a few moments on Lady Olivia. She was with Lord Brightwell, and the two looked as if they were carrying on a conversation without any trouble.

“Lord Cheshire, did you hear my joke?” Miss Cox began another round of high-pitched laughter, without even needing a response from Edward.

He forced another smile, but the outing became more and more drained of enjoyment at each passing moment.

Before they’d reached the other end of the lake, Edward turned back. “I believe that we should make our way back for luncheon.”

Miss Cox laughed. “Oh yes. What an excellent idea. You are most thoughtful of my constitution, Lord Cheshire.” She laughed again.

“It is the least I can do.”

By the time they returned to the dock, Edward felt weary. He offered Miss Cox his arm and escorted her to the lawn, where tables had been set up for a midday picnic.

Once there, Miss Cox went to speak with Lady Catherine, and Edward fell into step with Lady Lansdowne.

“Lord Cheshire, how was your boat ride?” She eyed him, as if she could read the answer on his face before he even spoke it.

He masked his true feelings with a diplomatic reply. “The weather cooperated beautifully, and the lake was serene.”

Lady Lansdowne raised an eyebrow, clearly seeing through his carefully crafted response. “Indeed? Thank you for the feedback. Perhaps, then, you’ll be pleased with your next partner for the afternoon’s activities?”

Before she could announce another name, Edward interrupted, his voice steady but resolute. “Lady Lansdowne, if I might make a humble request—I would be quite content to partner with Lady Olivia for the day’s events.”

Her eyes twinkled with understanding. “Ah, Lady Olivia. Very well, Lord Cheshire, as you’ve asked so politely, I see no reason to deny your request, though she did not stay to be your partner last night.”

“I do not fault her for having a headache from her travels,” Edward said quickly.

Lady Lansdowne nodded. “Very well. After lunch, you may be her partner during our lawn games. Perhaps we will even try some archery today, as long as the wind doesn’t pick up.”

“Thank you, Lady Lansdowne,” he said, grateful that for at least an hour or two he would have a partner that wouldn’t laugh incessantly.

Lady Lansdowne smiled widely. “No, thank you , Lord Cheshire.”

The luncheon was held under the shaded awning of the east terrace, with a long table laden with various delicacies—a truly fine display befitting the elegance of Ivy Manor. Edward surveyed the offerings with appreciation. There were fresh salmon slices, poached eggs served on chilled silver trays, accompanied by bowls of thinly sliced cucumbers in a light, herb-infused vinaigrette. Plump, pink prawns sat beside a platter of buttered bread rolls, their golden crusts just shy of perfection. A large dish of cold roast beef occupied the center, surrounded by plates of vibrant seasonal fruits—ripe strawberries, delicate slices of melon, and clusters of glossy cherries. Several cakes and fruit tarts completed the desserts.

Edward took his seat beside Lady Lansdowne, and the conversation around the table began with a relaxed hum. Lady Catherine, seated across from him, shared her plans for the autumn season.

“Oh, I simply must attend Almack’s in full force this year,” she declared, a touch of zeal in her tone. “I’ve heard that it’s the place to be, though I daresay nothing quite compares to the beauty of an English country estate.”

“Ivy Manor has charms that even London’s glitter cannot match,” Lady Lansdowne said with a pleased smile. She reached for her glass of lemonade. “I take great joy in these gatherings, where one may truly enjoy the company of friends rather than engage in the endless rounds of introductions that the Season demands.”

Edward nodded in agreement, catching Lady Olivia’s eye as she placed a sprig of fresh mint onto her plate of sliced melon. She seemed to share his sentiment, her expression reflecting relief at being away from the bustling social whirl.

Mr. Hugh Remington, seated a few places down, entered the conversation. “Speaking of true enjoyment, Lady Lansdowne, may we expect some lawn games this afternoon? I find myself eager for a bit of competition.”

“Hear, hear,” Lord Brightwell said, lifting his glass of lemonade.

Lady Lansdowne’s face brightened. “Indeed! We shall gather on the west lawn for a series of games shortly. I trust everyone has eaten enough to give them strength?” She glanced around, her eyes twinkling with excitement.

Miss Cox looked directly at Edward, her eyes alight with hope. “Lord Cheshire, might I request the honor of being your partner this afternoon?”

Before Edward could reply, Lady Lansdowne interjected with a gentle laugh. “Oh, my dear Miss Cox, I fear I have already taken the liberty of pairing everyone. I thought it best to provide some structure for our enjoyment.”

Miss Cox’s face fell briefly, but she covered it with a polite smile. Edward, meanwhile, couldn’t help the sense of anticipation that grew as Lady Lansdowne continued.

“Lord Cheshire, you shall be partnered with Lady Olivia.”

A delighted surprise flitted across Lady Olivia’s face as she looked at Edward.

“Miss Spencer, you shall partner Mr. Remington. Lady Catherine, you shall partner Baron Iverson,” Lady Lansdowne said, giving everyone a partner in turn.

Edward held out his arm to Lady Olivia, escorting her toward the west lawn, where croquet hoops had been staked into the grass, and mallets and balls were set out for their use.

As they walked, she leaned and whispered, “What a fortunate arrangement. I am most glad to have you as my partner.”

Edward smiled, inclining his head towards her. “There was no fortune involved, Lady Olivia. I specifically requested it, although you abandoned me in the moonflower garden earlier.”

Her light brown eyes widened slightly, but then a smile crossed her lips. “How do you mean, my lord? I merely went to get a closer look at the flowers. If my memory serves, it is you who escorted another young woman down to the lake.”

He smiled back at her. “I wouldn’t have been forced into such an action if you had stayed by my side as we had arranged.”

Lady Olivia laughed—and it was so far from the grating sounds that both Miss Cox and Lady Catherine produced that the lovely melody caught Edward off guard. She lowered her voice. “Perhaps in future you should be more proactive and follow me to examine the flowers so I can save you from the company of others.”

He covered her hand that was resting on his arm, with his own for a brief moment. “Yes, that would be most agreeable in future.”

Edward led Lady Olivia to their place among the other competitors, taking in the vivid green of the lawn and the bright colors of the croquet set—a cheerful display under the afternoon sun.

They played their first match with ease, each taking turns with precision, and their cooperation seemed nearly seamless. Edward found himself admiring Lady Olivia’s quiet determination as she took careful aim at each wicket. She was no natural at the sport, perhaps, but her genuine enthusiasm and attentiveness made her an excellent partner. Together, they won their initial matches, and he was pleased to see her triumphant smile at each victory.

Their winning streak, however, ended shortly after they encountered Mr. Beckett and Miss Fitzwilliam, who proved surprisingly adept.

“Bravo, Lady Olivia!” Edward said as they finished the game, giving a small, approving bow. “You have quite the knack for strategy.”

“Only under your guidance, my lord,” Lady Olivia replied, her cheeks pink from exertion.

From croquet, the group moved to archery. Here, Edward’s confidence wavered as Lady Olivia picked up her bow with a slightly unsure hand. As the other ladies took aim and hit respectable marks, Lady Olivia’s attempts drifted comically wide of the target. Her arrow landed, in fact, quite close to a hedge, causing a few of the other guests to stifle polite laughter.

She leaned over to him. “I have a feeling that you will wish you chose a different partner now.”

“Nonsense,” he said.

She arched an eyebrow. “I am afraid I lack the skills for archery.”

Edward stepped in, offering gentle instruction. “Perhaps aim slightly to the right and steady your hand here.” He demonstrated, showing her how to position her arm and sight along the arrow, careful in how he placed his hands over hers so as to not take advantage of the situation.

Despite his assistance, her next arrow missed the target entirely. Edward chuckled, finding her persistence rather endearing. “Perhaps archery is not your destined pursuit,” he teased, though his tone held warmth rather than mockery.

Lady Olivia laughed, abandoning all formality in that instant. “Oh, you needn’t tiptoe around it, Lord Cheshire. I am abysmal. I daresay I would do better if the target moved closer to me!”

Edward grinned, enjoying the unguarded sound of her laughter, despite their standing in the game. It was a refreshing contrast to the affected laughter he had been subjected to by some others in the group. Miss Cox’s laugh, for instance, held a slightly rehearsed quality, as if designed for charm rather than amusement. But Lady Olivia’s laughter was genuine, and he found himself wanting to hear it again.

After their turns, Edward and Lady Olivia were the first to be disqualified.

“I am sorry,” she said. “Especially since it appears that you are quite the marksman.”

“There is no apology needed. This is all in good fun.”

Lady Olivia nodded, and the two of them cheered on the other teams, until the last partners were declared the winners.

Though their archery ambitions were cut short, Edward felt a peculiar contentment as he escorted Lady Olivia back toward the terrace. A thought tugged at him—a wish, perhaps—that he might continue as her partner for the rest of the house party. Lady Olivia had proven a delightful companion, a sentiment only strengthened by her easy laugh and relaxed nature.

As they reached the terrace steps, Lady Olivia paused, her eyes meeting his. “Lord Cheshire, I must say, this has been one of the most enjoyable afternoons I’ve had in some time. Your skill on the lawn was formidable—I am most relieved to have been on your side and not facing you as an opponent.”

Edward chuckled, bowing slightly in acknowledgment. “I assure you, Lady Olivia, the pleasure was entirely mine.” He lowered his voice. “These games have proven far more diverting than the boating expeditions.”

Lady Olivia’s lips quirked, a hint of understanding in her gaze. “Oh, but I do enjoy the water though. There’s something calming about it.”

Edward raised an eyebrow. “There was nothing calming about my afternoon on the lake.”

Lady Olivia smiled. “Perhaps it is the company you keep that makes the difference.”

“That is a theory I would be willing to test.”

“How does one test such a theory?”

“It is nothing so difficult. I must find myself in different company and see if the experience is more enjoyable. Perhaps you would care to join me on the lake one afternoon?”

“I should be delighted to join you,” she said.

Edward’s pulse quickened at her agreement, but he kept his tone light. “Perhaps we may seek out the lake tomorrow, should the weather permit.”

A pleased smile graced her lips, and she nodded in agreement. Just then, her chaperone joined them, and with a small, polite nod, Lady Olivia allowed herself to be led inside to prepare for the evening. Edward watched her disappear, a lingering sense of satisfaction filling him.

As he turned toward his own rooms, he considered the rest of the house party with newfound anticipation. Perhaps there was a way to arrange that he might always be partnered with Lady Olivia. She was, after all, proving to be the most agreeable companion he had encountered here—refreshingly unaffected and perfectly pleasant.

His mind briefly wandered to what William might have suggested in this situation, but the thought quickly soured. William’s absence still rankled. If William had been here, Edward would not be in this position, because he and William would have found a way to sneak off from the group for possibly the whole afternoon.

Once back in his chamber, Edward donned his evening attire with care, choosing a deep-blue waistcoat embroidered with silver threads, paired with black breeches and a crisply starched white cravat. His valet, Timothy, fastened his coat over his shoulders, and Edward inspected himself in the looking glass, ensuring his appearance was impeccable.

His reflection revealed a gentleman ready to engage in the evening’s company, yet his thoughts were more focused on his hopes for the coming days. He needed to find a way to be in the company of those he wanted to spend time with, while at the same time avoiding time with those he did not wish to be with.

Games this afternoon with Lady Olivia had solidified that he would wish for her as partner, but how to go about that was yet to be seen. But perhaps, there was a way to help each other. Suddenly, the wheels in his head began turning.

Lady Olivia had hinted that she had been pleased to be partnered up with him. An idea started taking shape—perhaps there was a strategic way that this house party could be more bearable. It might take some persuading—Lady Lansdowne didn’t always take kindly to those who tried to interfere with her own schemes for matchmaking, but he had to try.