Earl of my Heart: The Lambourne Legacy, #1

By Victoria Oliveri

Dane Redford Lambourne, now the fourth Earl of Huntsbridge, never thought to live a responsible, noble existence. Spending his nights as a privileged gentleman, carousing and enjoying the company of friends was the only life he ever aspired to until the sudden death of his brother thrust him into a world he never wanted and was not prepared to face.

Lady Nichola Crawford could care less if the fabric of her new evening dress matched her shoes or if any of the men at the upcoming ball even looked in her direction. She would sooner stay in the country and scour her father's library than place herself on the marriage block to be picked at and prodded by the scant handful of ill-deserving men in London.

But a chance meeting at a local confectioner shop is all it takes to set off sparks between the man who vowed no woman would ever get under his skin and the woman who would do anything to deny the love she felt for the Earl of her heart.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Pedigree Press
• Release date: Jul 27, 2017
• ISBN: 9780692914038

Book preview

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, businesses, companies, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Dedications

To my mother, the one person who always had faith and interest in my talent and pushed me to be the storyteller that I am... I thank you.

TO THE BEAU MONDE, my online research family, you all helped me in my moments of stupidity when my questions just didn’t seem to make sense. Thanks for always being there.

TO DIANE, WHO HAS ALWAYS been a sounding board and ever vigilant brainstorming partner.  You always push me to make things even better and I can’t thank you enough for it.

Chapter One

Dane Redford Lambourne , now the Fourth Earl of Huntsbridge, studied his reflection in the tall, gilt mirror. To the eye, he looked every inch a titled English gentleman, though newly done at that.

Elegant, regal, resplendent from head to toe.

He would not wear his mourning blacks just yet. His family had yet to learn of his elder brother’s death. He would wait until they were properly informed and avoid causing a scene if he could.

He shook his head as he glowered at his reflection. He felt like such a hypocrite. His new title was more a burden than an honor at this point in his life and there was nothing he could do to rid himself of the obstacles it suddenly presented. Some would think him foolish to feel this way, even selfish given the circumstance, but he could not help the regret and anger that built within him, all because of who he now was.  A man he never wanted to be.

He glanced down at the missive in his hand once more and with a grimace, folded it hastily and stuffed it into his pocket. He had to tell his father about Thomas before word spread.  There was no getting around it.

Dane swept a hand through his thick, dark hair as his valet flicked the lint brush across his shoulders.  After inspecting his reflection one last time, he took his hat and cane and moved toward the door, where he hesitated one last time. No, he would have his blacks packed for the trip to his father’s. It did not seem proper to don them until everyone was notified.

Have my brothers gone down yet? he asked his valet, noting the rather odd peace that still settled in his home.

No, my lord, they are still in their rooms.

Have they been woken or are they still abed? He paced to the window to check the weather. His sullied mood aside, the skies were miraculously clear and blue.

They have been woken, but Lord Archer is still abed, my lord. Jameson continued to tidy the room about him.

He is not ill, is he?

Not that I am aware, my lord, he said dutifully and then turned to him with a bit of a smirk, But he did come in rather late yester eve... or rather this morning.

Dane grimaced and gave his valet a nod of acknowledgement. No more needed to be said.

I see.  That will be all for now.

Jameson bowed and left the room obediently. Without wasting a moment, Dane exited his private suite and strode purposefully down the long hallway to the wing at the back of the house where his brothers took up residence.  Archer, his next younger brother, had taken some time from his studies at Cambridge to enjoy the season with his family, while Carson, the next younger, disparaged his family by dropping out of his studies altogether to travel abroad.  Deciding that London was the place to be in the springtime, he, too, came to stay with Dane. Though he had agreed to this arrangement, Dane hadn’t agreed to them coming and going as they pleased, likely causing a stir amongst the ton in the process.

Entering Archer’s rooms without knocking, he marched to his younger brother’s bedside and stood sullen, his arms crossed before him.

Wake up, he demanded rather stridently. Archer stirred only momentarily, but went back to sleep without cause. Dane grit his teeth, then jostled the bed with a jab of his hip.  Archer, get out of bed.

Archer rolled over and beneath half-lidded eyes, yawned and rubbed his face.

Bugger off, he grumbled, throwing an arm over his face.

If you don’t get out of that bed this instant, you’re going to find yourself on the floor.

Archer opened his eyes after several weary attempts and glared up at his hovering brother.

Do you plan on doing this every morning or have you nothing better to do than to act as my keeper?

Whilst you reside in my home, I am your keeper. Now get out of bed, it’s  ten in the morning. I did not agree to you being here so you could spend the day lazing about like a king.

Yes, master, Archer drawled and swung his legs out of bed. Where’s Carson?

You’re the keeper here, not me. Archer bit over his shoulder as he indelicately made used of his chamber pot.

Be that as it may, I need both of you in my study as soon as you are dressed.  I have some serious matters to discuss with you both this morning.

Dane waited only momentarily to see that his words sunk into his young brother’s brain and decidedly left the room, intent on finding Carson.

Descending the large oak staircase, Dane found his other brother fashionably dressed and standing in the hallway, casually scanning the morning paper. Looking up to see Dane’s arrival, he folded the paper, tucked it under his arm and approached him with a smile.

Good day, Dane.  Have a nice sleep?

Not as good as yours, I suppose, but I am glad you saw fit to grace us with your presence this morning, Dane said with some disdain, grabbing the paper from beneath his brother’s arm as he passed him. If it’s not too much bother, I need you in my study for a few moments. Archer will be down directly. Dane didn’t wait for an answer, rather he made his way through the tastefully decorated townhome to his study, stopping momentarily to catch his butler’s attention.

Roberts, I will be meeting with my brothers in a few moments, he said with some authority. Once our business is concluded, I need you and the upper staff to meet with me as well.

Yes, my lord, the butler offered with a bow and then offered another to Carson as he approached, raising a brow.

What’s this all about? I don’t think I’ve ever heard you so commanding, Carson said as he followed Dane into his study and

took a seat in one of the high backed leather chairs that faced the desk. Dane placed his hat and cane on a side chair before he took a seat behind his desk, leaning forward on his elbows as he ran a hand over his face.

You’re about to see it a lot more, he offered as Archer entered the room looking a bit worse for wear, but clothed nonetheless. Close the door.

Archer did as he was told and as he sat, he gave Carson an odd, questioning glance, to which Carson just shrugged before they both turned their attention to Dane.

He was quiet for a moment, looking each of them in the eye, not quite sure where to begin.

What is it, is something wrong? Archer finally blurted out and Dane let out a deep breath he didn’t know he was holding as he bowed his head, his dark hair falling into his eyes.

Thomas is dead, he said, his voice nearly inaudible.

Thomas? Carson asked with wide eyes, leaning forward. Our brother, Thomas?

Yes.  Dane nodded his head numbly.

When? How? Archer asked as he gripped the edge of the desk.

This Saturday past, from lung fever.

You’re joking, Carson said with a nervous laugh. Thomas has never been sick a day in his life.

Dane had no retort. Carson was correct. Thomas had never been sick, not once. Not even when the lot of them came down with scarlet fever as children.

Dane stood from his seat, pulled the missive from his pocket and handed it to Carson, at which point Archer snatched it rather rudely from his hands to read for himself.

He turned away from them, if only so they could not see the cloud of confusion that had taken root in his soul. He moved to the window, brushing the heavy brocade curtains aside momentarily. The view out into the mews wasn’t a grand one, but it was something.  Something to turn his mind away from what he was now facing.

Have you told father? Carson choked out and Dane turned to him with a nod.

No, not as of yet. I will go to him this afternoon. I will tell the household, prepare the arrangements... he found himself quite off balance and took his seat rather inelegantly. So many thoughts and emotions were going through his head that it quite befuddled his senses.

If you need our help, we’re here, Archer offered unflinchingly and Dane gave him a grateful smile.

It is my duty now, as head of this household. I thank you for the offer, but will tend to it myself.

Would you like us to go with you to see father? Carson asked, knowing quite well what kind of scene would play out once the news was revealed.

It’s not necessary. Someone should remain here at any rate. There are sure to be callers once news gets around town.  Dane let out another long breath and braced himself against the desk as he stood.

What about Lilianne? Archer asked as he, too, came to his feet.

Good God, I forgot about her altogether.  Dane grasped the bridge of his nose in his fingers and shook his head. She will need to be told at once.

I’ll tell her, Carson said, coming to his feet as well.

No, I’ll go. I’ll stop on my way to father’s, Dane added as Archer nodded and left the room. Carson stood by glumly, looking as glazed over as Dane felt. He clapped his younger brother on the back, then instinctively pulled him into his arms, hugging him protectively. Carson sighed heavily against his shoulder and Dane gave him another squeeze before holding him away at arm’s length, offering him a strained smile.

You’re allowed to cry, he said with some manly bravado, giving his brother a shake.  Carson looked up at him, teary eyed.

So are you.

All Dane could do was nod, but he could not cry.  He was now the strength of the household, its backbone.  He had more people to pass the news on to and showing up looking as if he had been weeping all day wouldn’t help one bit. This was his life now. He had to face it with a stiff resolve and an air of importance. It wasn’t who he was, never who he wanted to be, but that would have to change... and quickly.

He gave Carson one last shake and a more resolute smile before sending him out of the study and Dane straightened himself before the staff arrived a few moments later.

Once the news was sufficiently passed on to them, the butler stayed behind to help Dane with some minor details dealing with upcoming dinners, ordering flowers, putting up mourning bunting and the like. When the details on hand had been dealt with and set into motion, Dane girded himself for the trip to see his father.

Carson rapped lightly on the study doorjamb and Dane looked up to see him standing there.

Would you like me to tell Lilianne instead, to save you time?

Dane blew out another breath as he gathered some of the paperwork he would need on his travels to Northampton to see his father. Their younger sister, Lilianne, was staying at Lambourne House on Great Cumberland Place. She and their Aunt Trudy had been guests of Thomas’s while Lilianne was being brought out for the new season. This turn of events would truly put a damper on her festivities.  He did not envy her that.

No, I’ll stop over on my way to see father. No use putting you all though this if it’s not necessary.

I’d really like to go with you if you’ll let me, Carson said, offering a half- cocked smile. Let me have the carriage readied and we shall be off.

Dane sighed as he thought about the proposition. Having Carson along would be a comfort for sure and he knew even though he needed to do this alone, having his brother there for support would be useful, if not just to keep him sane.

Fine, he finally conceded, I will be down presently.

Carson rushed off as Dane stuffed a few of his belongings into a satchel before leaving his study. He stopped only long enough to give instruction to the staff. The butler assured him all would be handled and Dane nodded with some relief before joining his brother outside just as his valet was having his bags loaded onto the carriage.

The ride to Lambourne House was a quick one, only a handful of streets away from his own address, and he asked Carson to wait outside while he spoke to his sister and Aunt alone.

He felt it would discourage a lengthy visit and they could get to his father’s more quickly if he could just deliver the news and be done with it.  Thomas’s butler greeted him almost immediately when he got to the front door.

Good day, Reynolds.  Is my sister at home?

She is, my lord. If you will find your way to the drawing room, I shall fetch her for you.

Fetch my Aunt as well, if she is available.

Yes, my lord, Reynolds offered as he took to the staircase.

Dane absently made his way to the drawing room. It was a sunny space, with tall windows and comfortable furniture and it so reminded him of his mother.  He had spent many a day here at Lambourne House as a child, practically grew up under this very roof and nothing much had changed. Of course, his brother had added his own touch here and there since he had taken up residence and now, Dane thought sullenly as his hand trailed along the finely wrought wood trim of the drawing room door, he would have to add his own. He would be expected to take up residence here now that Thomas was gone.

Thomas was gone. The harshness and clarity of that truth caught his breath in his throat and choked him so thoroughly that he needed to sit down at the nearest chair to keep from falling to his knees.  They had been close, as close as brothers could have been, and now that Thomas was gone, he didn’t know that he could carry on.

At least not in the capacity he was expected. He was now the Earl of Huntsbridge. He knew somewhere deep inside that one day the title would come to him, but he expected to be much, much older and at the last stages of his own life.

Thomas was far too young to be gone and Dane wasn’t ready for this kind of accountability.  He wasn’t prepared to fill his brother’s shoes.  But they were his to fill, there was no changing that and his duty began here, now, as his Aunt and sister came into the room.

Dane, how wonderful it is to see you, Lilianne said as she approached him with a warm smile. You never visit anymore. You’ve been such a dreadful brother.

I know and I am so, so sorry for it, he offered as he stood and pulled her into an embrace, cradling her head beneath his chin.

Dane, you’re smothering me, Lilianne giggled as she squirmed out of his grasp, but his Aunt knew there was something more to his visit.

Is something the matter? she asked, touching Dane’s arm. Dane could only nod as he released his sister and turned to look at

them both, tears coming uncontrollably to his eyes.

Thomas has died. He could hardly stand to look at Lilianne, whose crystal blue eyes had suddenly gone as void and dark as he felt inside.

Aunt Trudy took a seat rather ungracefully on a chaise and pulled a handkerchief from her pocket to dab her eyes.

Dear Lord, what happened? We just received word from him a few days ago saying he intended to return to Lambourne House this week.

He fell ill, lung fever... Holt sent word ahead after his death. They had physicians looking after him, but it seems they were unable to assist him. He died on Saturday.

My poor dear boy, Aunt Trudy sniffled convulsively into her handkerchief. Does your father know?

Carson and I are on our way to see him now.  Holt felt it best that I break the news to him in view of his own health.

This will be the death of him for sure, Aunt Trudy sobbed dramatically, waving her handkerchief about her nose.

Lilianne suddenly rushed from the room in tears. Dane grimaced, but excused himself to follow her upstairs to her rooms. He stopped at her door and knocked softly.

Lil, can I come in? he asked and there was a muffled cry from within. He could not tell whether it was a yes or a no, but he didn’t have time to stand there, so he turned the knob and thankfully it was unlocked.

Lilianne had thrown herself across her bed and was sobbing into her pillows. Dane took a seat at the edge of her bed and stroked her hair comfortingly.

Lil, I know this is hard for you but you mustn’t cry yourself into hysterics. I need to know you are well before I go. Please don’t make me worry for you.

Lilianne curled her knees up to her chest, turning onto her side to look up at him tearfully. Without thought, he pulled her head onto his lap and continued to console her.

I know I’ve been an appalling brother of late, but I swear to make it up to you, really I do, he said softly.

I did not mean what I said when you arrived. You are not a dreadful brother at all, she said between sobs. I only meant that I never see you anymore.

And I mean to change that. I suppose I will be your guardian now that Thomas is gone.  There will be a lot of changes, to be sure, and we will need to be there for one another, to help each other through this.

Will you come to stay at Lambourne House? she asked tearfully, wiping her nose with the back of her hand. Dane reached into his pocket and pulled a handkerchief out for her use.

I suppose I will, eventually. I have much to take care of before those changes are made though. One thing is certain, I will need to speak to father and no, this news will not kill him. Aunt Trudy was just being dramatic. He has not been feeling well, but he is a strong man. He will survive this news just as we must.

Please see that father is all right, she said to him solemnly and he bent to kiss her forehead.

I will. Now go splash some cool water on your face and take care of Aunt Trudy while I’m gone.  Archer as well, he is still at my place.  Carson and I will stop by once we return from fathers.

Lilianne wiped her eyes, and then sat up rather quickly, her eyes frantic. Oh dear! I have nothing black to wear, she said rather tersely.  No one has ever... died before, I never had a need... to own a black dress, whatever shall I do? she asked and then began sobbing once more, throwing herself into her pillows. 

Dane clenched his jaw and closed his eyes.  He was at a loss when it came to dealing with such things. She was his sister, but he was nearly ten years her senior and he never had to deal with her needs in this capacity. It was yet another issue he would have to deal with in this long list of changes in his new life.

Lil, I know how upset you are.  We will get you a dress.  I’ll have Aunt Trudy make sure you have something to wear. We’ll take care of everything, I promise you.  Now, will you be all right?

Yes, she sniffled, wiping her face with the handkerchief.

Good.  Now just rest, stay calm and I will see you when we return.

Lilianne nodded and Dane gave her a hopeful smile as he stroked her soft, dark hair and stood from the bed. He made his way back downstairs where he called the staff of Lambourne House together and broke the news to them.

They reacted much the same way his own staff reacted and the butler immediately began putting things in order, mentioning that he

would contact Dane’s staff to coordinate events. For that, he was most grateful.  The more they handled without him, the less he would have to worry about.  Besides, he now had his father to deal with and that weighed on him more than anything.

The trip to Northampton was a long, uncomfortably quiet one dispersed with tears, bouts of silence and some angry outbursts. Carson, much like Dane, wasn’t on the best of terms with their father and facing him wasn’t always the most enjoyable of prospects. As they pulled onto the long drive approaching the manor, Dane tugged his watch at his fob.  It was half six.  The trip took longer than he would have liked.

As they pulled under the portico, the livery stepped out immediately to take up the carriage. His father’s butler, an elderly man named Phillips, came to the door just as they were stepping down from their coach.

Lord Dane, Lord Carson.  We weren’t expecting you.

Good evening, Phillips.  It’s good to see you. How is my father?

Same, my lord, Phillips offered as he turned and followed them into the house, collecting their things as they walked. Some days are worse than others, but today seems to be a good day.

Well, that’s about to change, Dane offered with a grimace. You may want to bring him something to drink, something strong.

Something strong, my lord?

Yes, something strong, like laudanum perhaps, Dane said rather blandly.

Of course, Phillips said and then stopped in his tracks. Is something wrong, my lord? Dane stopped and turned to face the elderly butler, who had been in their household since before he was born and knew him better than his own father, as much as he hated to admit it.

Sorry, Phillips, I did not mean to be so dismissive. Yes, something is wrong. Very wrong. Dane bowed his head as he took a breath. Thomas is dead.  He fell ill while in Grantham last week.

Dear Lord, Phillips uttered, covering his mouth with his gloved hand.

I doubt father will take the news very well and having a stiff drink on hand is probably a good idea.

I’ll see to it at once. He’s in his room if the two of you wish to go up.

Dane glanced at Carson and gave him an apologetic nod.

I’ll go alone, Dane offered, giving his brother’s shoulder a squeeze.

Are you sure?  I’m more than willing to go with you.  It might make things easier if I’m there.

Thank you.  I appreciate it, truly, but I think I should do this on my own.

As you wish, Carson said and stood back as Dane straightened his waistcoat and made his way down the long, darkened hallway to the back staircase that led to his father’s suite of rooms.

It was a sobering trek for him.  Each footstep landing heavily as he padded along the carpet until he stood outside the heavy, oaken doors that led to his father’s rooms.  They were foreboding doors, thick and trimmed in wrought iron as if to caution all who approached that these rooms were not to be disturbed frivolously.  He had never known anyone but Thomas to go in uninvited.

Thomas had been the special one. He was first born, first loved and he was born knowing he was an Earl. What’s worse, the Marchioness had died giving birth to him. She was his father’s first and only love and Thomas was her mirror image, which made him even more exceptional in their father’s eyes.

Dane never had a chance.  None of them did.

When his father remarried a few years later, the woman who would become his mother was nothing more than a vessel. His father did not love her. He didn’t even need her. He already had his heir, but his solicitors advised him that securing a new wife and producing more children would solidify his rank and assure his family’s resilience.

So she did her duty and bore him more children, seven in all. Dane had been her first though three more were lost before Archer finally arrived, screaming and healthy, seven years later. Carson and

Lilianne would be born in quick succession, though Lilianne would be her last. Like Thomas’ mother, she died during her labor.

Dane was not close to his mother, he was never allowed to become so, but he remembered being happy for her when she died. He felt, even as a nine year old, that she would be happier where she was going than she ever would be with his father. That was a harsh pill for a young boy to swallow and he never forgave his father for instilling such an inane sense of detestation so deep in his heart at such a young age.

Now, as he stood before the very doors that loomed so ominously, Dane set his jaw and steadied himself before gripping the knobs and letting himself in.

The room was drab and worn. The furnishings hadn’t changed since he was a child and his father apparently didn’t feel the need to buy new carpets or draperies as the aged dreariness was spread throughout the room like a long- rampant pestilence - an extension of his own misery. It started when his first wife died and it was about to perpetuate itself with the news Dane bore so heavily on his shoulders.

Dane’s eyes swept the room to find his father’s form. He had not seen him in some time and was not sure what he would find. Finally his eyes landed upon a blanket wrapped figure on the far side of the room near the window. It was nearly camouflaged in the austere grayness of the room’s décor. Dane strode with firm steps, his hands clutched behind him as he approached, with his breath like a fiery lump in his throat.

Why have you come?

Dane was not surprised to hear these words from his father, whose eyes didn’t move from their stare out the window.

Good evening father, Dane offered irreverently as he took a seat next to him.  I’m pleased to see you so... fit.

Do not mock me, boy, his father growled, though his voice was less than strong.  You were not invited and I do not recall hearing you knock.

Please excuse my discourteous behavior, my lord, but I come with some difficult news.

News? What news? Couldn’t you have just sent a letter instead of barging into my home?

His father had yet to even look upon him and hearing these words was like a punch to the gut.  Dane had lived at Huntsbridge Hall many times throughout his life. They were not always happy

times, but it had been his home nonetheless. Now, to hear his father treat him as though he was a mere guest there made the bile rise in his throat and the anger and hatred he thought he had quelled years ago came to the fore like a torrent.

Thomas is dead, father. Your flawless golden child is no more, he said coldly as he stood and paced about the room. "Holt sent news from Grantham that Thomas fell ill during his tour there last week. He will be interred at Saint Sebastian’s in a few days. If you have anything to

say on the matter, speak now, else I go forward with these plans as

intended."

His father sat motionless and did not say a word. Dane grumbled under his breath, checked his watch, and then turned to leave the room.

Carson and I will stay the night. We’ll travel out to Grantham on the morrow to handle the details of the burial with the vicar and Holt, at which time I am sure they would like to go over the wills and exchanges. I will be sure Holt calls on you quickly so we can get out of your way. No need to disrupt your ever- busy life more than we already have. Do forgive me the interruption, my lord, Dane bit angrily, opened the door and slammed it behind him.

It wasn’t until he was several paces down the hall that he could hear