Page 43 of Surrender to the Earl (Brides of Redemption #2)

After Michael and Cecilia had gone, Robert and Audrey stood in the entrance hall for a frozen moment. She heard the tap of Blythe’s slippers as she walked away.

“Audrey, we should talk,” Robert asked.

“No.” She turned and closed the study door behind her.

But all day long, he remained at Rose Cottage, and she was forced to encounter him whatever she did. He didn’t try to force her to listen to explanations, he was always just … there.

For Robert, the day was interminable. He wasn’t going to be like Audrey’s puppy, trying to follow her around, but he ate meals with her, and in between walked the grounds he’d come to enjoy.

The management of Rose Cottage and the larger estate had helped him come to grips with the management of his earldom, and he would always have fond thoughts of it.

He’d hoped it might even become Audrey’s dower property again when they married.

As the evening approached, and his presence in a feminine household risked scandalizing her neighbors, he realized she was just waiting him out, as if to see if he’d leave—or show himself as a man who’d risk a woman’s reputation to have what he wanted.

But he wouldn’t do that, for those would only be the tactics of his father, and Robert didn’t have to be him. Loving her had taught him that.

But maybe Audrey didn’t know that.

After dinner, he found her alone in the drawing room, crocheting slowly, her expression one of concentration as she used her nimble fingers to count the stitches she’d already made. He imagined Blythe had retired early to bed after a day warily watching the two of them.

Audrey tilted her head toward the door.

“It’s me,” Robert said. “I’m leaving, but I’d like to talk to you before I do.”

“I can’t stop you.”

He deserved that. He stepped inside, closed the door, then crossed to sit beside her on the sofa. At least she didn’t stiffen, only continued to crochet.

“Ever since I became the earl, I’ve spent years trying to be different from my father.”

“I know this.”

“You don’t know why. Just as you didn’t want to talk about your baby, I didn’t want to talk about another death, one that happened before I even bought my commission.”

“You’ve told me about your brother, and I had already heard about your business partner who took his own life.”

Robert stared at her. “So you knew something about my past, and didn’t ask me about it, didn’t speak up.”

She lowered her crocheting. “It’s not the same thing. Your actions after you learned about my baby’s death are what I am most disappointed in.”

“Then you can be disappointed even more when I tell you that I was so determined to get in early on the initial railway investments, that I manipulated Stephen Kepple. I wanted his participation, even though others told me he wasn’t strong enough for the risky investment I’d proposed.

So I befriended him, got him to invest, and the deal went bad.

Everyone lost money. And Kepple killed himself.

I’ll never know if he realized he’d been manipulated into joining, or if he regretted how much money he’d invested.

And then I knew that I was a bully, just like my father. ”

“A bully,” she echoed.

He could hear the bitterness in her voice, but he put aside the pain of that.

“I bought a commission the next day, determined to be the kind of man I’d once idolized, the retired army officer who lived near Knightsbridge Hall.

He was the only man who’d ever stood up to my father, regardless of the difference in their stations.

Following orders, being in command, all these things helped change me into a man who understood being part of a regiment, and not just out to do whatever I thought best.”

“Then what happened when you met me?” she demanded.

“You wanted my help, and I was grateful to offer it. And once I knew you, I fell in love, yet I still hurt you. A man wants to be depended upon, to protect and cherish his wife—surely that can’t be all bad.

Or that’s what I told myself. It was far easier to think that than to admit that it was all about me and how I couldn’t live without you. ”

Audrey drew in a sharp breath but said nothing.

“I started out trying to rescue you, to appease my guilt, but I think your love rescued me.”

She held up a hand. “Robert?—”

“Let me finish. I never could have done the things you have, left my family to begin anew, when Society doesn’t encourage women to form households. I never thought of a woman being courageous until I met you. I’ve seen men in combat, but you’re the bravest person I’ve ever known.”

She bit her lip, her eyes downcast, and didn’t respond.

“That’s all I wanted to say.” He stood up. “Think about our future, Audrey. Don’t give up on me, on us. I love you.”

And he walked out the door into a misty rain. He’d said all he could—now it was up to Audrey and the powerful love he hoped she bore him.

Audrey sat still, at war with herself. Part of her wanted to call him back, and the other part was relieved he was gone, so she wouldn’t have to listen to his painful words, to risk being drawn back in against her will.

He’d tried to change himself, as had she. Neither of them had been perfect at it. But could she honestly trust him enough to put herself in his hands, to be vulnerable?

“I need to speak with you,” Blythe said from the doorway.

Audrey sighed. “Doesn’t everyone? Were you eavesdropping?”

“Only a bit, and only because you’re making it absolutely necessary. And now it’s my turn to speak my mind.”

Audrey groaned and tossed her crocheting on the table in front of her. “Then do it quickly.”

“You aren’t going to want to hear it.”

“Blythe!”

“I think you’re afraid to marry Robert. You think that because you’re blind, it gives you even more reason. But every woman who marries has to take an incredible risk, and you’re no different just because you’re blind.”

“Well, thank you for that,” Audrey said dryly.

“You know what I mean! Women put themselves in the hands of men every day, and sometimes it isn’t a success, as you already know from bitter experience. Did you love Mr. Blake?”

“You know I didn’t.”

“He married you for your dowry. Why did you marry him?”

“I—” Audrey broke off and had to swallow. “To start my own family.”

“And?”

“To get away from Father,” she finished on a whisper. “I … I used Martin just as much as he used me.”

“Then I guess you’re just as flawed as the rest of us—as Robert.”

Audrey bowed her head and was shocked when tears dripped onto her clasped hands. “I’m so afraid to be hurt again, Blythe. It almost broke me when I understood how little regard Martin had for me. And then my sweet baby died, and I thought my life was over.”

“But it wasn’t. Your grief eased and you have begun a whole new life. Robert wants to be a part of it, however badly it all began between you. Do you want to be alone here but for the servants? You could have your own family, Audrey.”

Could she give up the camaraderie she’d shared with Robert, and the sweetest pleasure she’d ever known?

His kisses made her feel like the most desirable woman in the world.

She loved him, loved the honor that brought him to her, and the way he treated her as any other woman. Was she going to deny her heart?

She stood up quickly. “I sent him away.”

“I told him to stay, that I had some things you needed to hear. I’m interfering in your life. Get used to it.”

While Audrey gaped, she heard Blythe walk to the door and throw it open.

“Robert, she’s not done talking to you.”

She heard his heavy steps, smelled the cool dampness of the outdoors all around him. And she was suddenly shaking.

“I’ll leave you two alone,” Blythe said, closing the door behind her.

“Are you cold?” Robert asked, coming closer.

She shook her head, letting herself be surrounded in his warmth, the sweetness of love.

“I didn’t eavesdrop, if that’s what you’re wondering,” he assured her.

She shook her head again. Oh, God, was she really going to do this?

The room seemed alive with him in it, and the chance to touch him was all she wanted, all she needed.

“Oh Robert,” she whispered, reaching forward with her bare hand.

He took it, and she felt the dampness of his gloves. With a gasp, she ran her hands up his arms.

“You’re all wet.”

“I was out the door when Blythe called me back. She can be just as insistent as you.”

She covered her mouth against a bubble of laughter. “Oh, Robert,” she said again, closing her eyes as tears leaked between her lashes.

“Don’t cry,” he said hoarsely, gathering her against him.

She didn’t care that she was getting wet. She flung her arms about his neck and pulled his head down toward her. “Don’t leave me again. I love you.”

With a groan, he kissed her, sweeping her up until her feet dangled, and all she had for support was his solid body.

“Audrey, I love you.”

And then he was kissing her face over and over, and she was memorizing the feel of his, even though she knew she’d have a lifetime to do it.

“I trust you,” she whispered. “I want to marry you. I’m ready to find our happiness.”

“I think we’ve already found it,” he murmured against her lips. “And we’ll never take it for granted. I’ll go purchase a Special License, because I can’t wait through weeks of church banns to make you mine.”

“I’m already yours.” She cupped his beloved face in her hands. “I think I knew that all along. I promise never to fight my instincts again.”

“As if I believe that.”

They shared more kisses in the midst of laughter.

~The End~

Hello, dear reader!

Thank you for taking the time to read Surrender to the Earl , the second book in the “Brides of Redemption” trilogy. If you enjoyed it, please consider telling your friends or posting a short review. Word of mouth is an author’s best friend and much appreciated.

Next, please enjoy the first chapter of Redemption of the Duke , Book 3 of the “Brides of Redemption” trilogy, where you’ll find out how Robert’s friend Rothford is making his amends…

Thanks again!

Gayle Callen