The Earl's Treasure

By Sally Matthews

Despite the irregularity of the request, Sam cannot abandon a friend in need, although she is not sure how she can prevent this lord from getting to know Cressy during such a lengthy event. Still, she will try her best. Little does she know that further requests from the family are in store for her, and she begins to wonder how she can possibly fulfill her many promises. Yet, she finds one far easier than she feared, for his lordship is easy to engage, particularly while hunting for clues during the family’s annual treasure hunt. However, she finds the more she is in his company, the more she thinks Cressy is mistaken in summarily dismissing his suit. In fact, she soon finds herself attracted to him, making things even worse, since Cressy’s parents will not take kindly to her setting her cap at the very man they hope will secure their daughter’s future. The web becomes even more tangled, and Sam is sure that by the end her heart will be utterly broken. Yet there ever remains hope, for Cressy has unfailing confidence that once everything is straightened out, all will be well.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sally Matthews
• Release date: Dec 6, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215992180

Book preview

The

Earl’s Treasure

by Sally Matthews

This novel is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and events are either the sole product of the author’s imagination, or if real, used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, places or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Except as permitted by law, no part of this book may be reproduced by any means, electronic, mechanical, or otherwise without the written permission of the author.

Text copyright © 2014 Sally Matthews

All Rights Reserved

Table of Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-one

Chapter One

Sam! You must help me! Please! In her profound desperation, Lady Cressida, the only daughter of the Earl of Harwick, went so far as to grasp the hand of her dear friend in both of hers. I am utterly lost if you fail me. Utterly, she added to press her advantage. The petite brunette, with her wavy curls and soft brown eyes, looked pleadingly into those of the only person who could save her.

Sam, short for her given name of Samantha, wanted with all her heart to accommodate her friend, but it was not possible for her to do so. But Cressy, she said, wishing just as utterly that she did not have to deny her friend, as much as I want to help you, I don’t see how I can. You know after the Season ends I am promised every year to go with Mother to Bath. Father still refuses to set foot in the place, so there is only myself to see to the travel arrangements and the running of things while we are there. If only your mother hadn’t moved up the date of her house party, I could easily have done both as I have done every year. I am as disappointed as you that I cannot go, for I have been to every one since my coming out, and they are truly the highlight of my year. But, as things stand–

You could beg off from going to Bath. You don’t even like the waters. There’s still plenty of time for your sister to see to things there. At seventeen, Marsha is more than old enough to take your place, said Cressy, hoping as yet to sway her friend. You know she’s been dying to prove how grown up she is. By not going, you would actually be doing her a service, giving her the opportunity to come out from under your shadow and gain the poise she will need for her own coming out next year.

Yes–that is true– Sam was forced to accede. But, Mother likes things done in a particular way. I’m not sure Marsha–

Recognizing that her friend was still refusing to see things in the proper light, Cressy knew she had to raise the stakes, as it were, for her plight was truly desperate. She let her shoulders droop and released Sam’s hand, placing her own upon her brow as she swayed becomingly over to the sofa and sank gracefully down upon it, allowing a sigh of despair to escape her lips. Drawing out her handkerchief, she dabbed at her eyes. If you don’t come, I am utterly lost, she sniffed, keeping her head turned away so that Sam would not see that she had yet to sprout the proper tears to go along with her crestfallen demeanor.

Oh, Cressy, you mustn’t cry, exclaimed Sam, coming to sit next to her friend. Despite her being a few years older than Cressy, the two had instantly liked each other from their first introduction at Lady Rutherford’s ball and had remained close friends ever since. Sam was also her fair opposite in both coloring and form, having bright blonde hair, blue eyes, and enough willowy stature to just see over the heads of the matrons that persisted in asking her, whenever they should meet, when she was going to marry–as if she actually had any control over that.

It can’t be as bad as you think it to be, Cressy, Sam said. Why can’t you just tell your father that he won’t suit?

"Well, for one, Father adores him. Two, he’s an earl himself. Three, he’s as rich as Croesus, and–" She paused, for her voice had gained a bit too much vigor for one supposedly drowning in her tears.

That all sounds rather promising to me, Sam interjected.

But, he is so boring! Cressy lamented.

I thought you hadn’t met him yet?

I haven’t met him, but Father has at some sheep lecture here in town, Cressy sniffed, forcibly subduing her voice. They hit it off so well, when Father returned he could talk of nothing else for days and days–nothing but Lord Sheepshead this and Lord Sheepshead that–or else of real sheep–I thought I was going to die! If someone can be that boring when they aren’t even there, imagine being married to them–forever! Besides, she said, lowering her voice to a dramatic whisper, "I am in love with someone else."

In love! Sam couldn’t help but exclaim. You’ve been in love every Season, and more than once in each.

That was different. This is real, sniffed Cressy.

That’s what you said each time. How would you know?

Well, this time it is for real, she said. A woman just knows.

Then, that should solve your problem completely. Tell your father your affections are already engaged.

I can’t. He–wouldn’t approve. Daniel–that is Mr. Westrup, is a second son and will not likely inherit much more than a small estate from his father. Not that I care, she added to prove her devotion. Seeing that her friend was still wavering, Cressy decided she would just have to bare all. And, Father has recently made some rather–unwise investments. Oh, not that we are destitute. However, if I refuse to marry this lord, things will be terribly constrained for the next several years as Father tells it, what with the reduced crop yields and whatnot–I didn’t catch all of what he told me. Seeing that her friend was still not convinced, Cressy decided to change tactics. She let out a heart wrenching sigh and said, But–if you cannot do it, you cannot. I shall not blame you in the least. The soft tears that trickled down her cheeks were at this point not all artifice.

The look of despair on Cressy’s face was more than Sam could bear. Not willing to let her dear friend sacrifice her life married to a man she did not love, Sam cast her reservations to the wind and said, Then I must find way to do it. Cressy’s dazzling smile was Sam’s reward. But, how exactly do you think I can prevent this marriage by merely adding my presence to the house party?

Seeing the prize before her, Cressy rebounded instantly. You simply stick to him like glue so that he cannot approach me. Then, even if he still comes to the point, I can truthfully say to my parents that I don’t know him well enough to make a decision.

But, even were I to monopolize all of his time–which I am not sure that I can–that will only delay your problem, as I see it, Sam pointed out, for he would only need to visit once again. And he can’t possibly be titled Lord Sheepshead, she added, almost laughing out loud at the name, and then desperately hoped it wasn’t his real title or she would hardly be able to contain herself when finally introduced to him.

Well, no, I made that up. I don’t remember his title–although I do believe it starts with an ‘s’. But, a delay is all I need. Father will come about soon enough, once I am able to plant a seed of influence, and it is properly nurtured.

Sam began to suspect at those words that she had been neatly manipulated by Cressy, but in truth could not hold it against her friend, for she could tell that in Cressy’s eyes this situation with Lord Sheepshead was very real and dire. As for the house party, even with the onerous task of running interference with a prospective groom, it held far more attraction for Sam than the dreary company she met each year at Bath. Hopefully, her mother would agree to let her go.

When Sam was able to bring up the matter, it was far easier than expected to cry off from the Bath retreat, so much so that she wondered if her mother actually preferred her sister to go.

I know you should hate to miss Cressy’s house party, replied her mother, almost too readily when apprised of the conflicting dates. You’ve been there every year since your come out, some five years now, isn’t it? Marsha shall do nicely in your place, now that she is of the proper age. It will be good for her to see to things. She needs a bit of Bath society to teach how to go on, she said, exactly echoing Cressy’s earlier sentiment on the subject.

What Sam did not know was that her mother had very quickly seen that for her eldest daughter prospects of the matrimonial kind were far greater at an earl’s house party as opposed to the more elderly society that frequented Bath. With Sam now at four and twenty, where her daughter’s future was concerned, her mother was no longer content to let nature take its course, particularly as the young lady appeared to have rather lofty ideals where men were concerned, having rejected in the last two Seasons perfectly acceptable offers from men of good family. If Sam did not choose someone soon of her own accord, she was going to have to take her daughter aside and explain to her the reality of this world–then next year try instead for the sprightlier society of Brighton.

With that problem settled so quickly, Sam was able to whisk off a short note to Cressy of the good news, receiving a reply within the hour that on the Wednesday of next week the traveling coach would be at her door at eleven o’clock to see them all to Harwick Hall.

Chapter Two

The distance to the Harwick residence was no more than a day’s drive from London. Situated in Kent, the house and the beautiful grounds of the estate had become like a second home to Sam. From her very first party, no doubt from Cressy’s influence, the entire family had straightway treated her with such kindness and generosity, she felt as if she were somehow their long lost, middle child. She truly appreciated their thoughtfulness in accepting her so readily into their household, since it was not always easy being the eldest in her own family. She was not quite sure, even now, how the running of her own family’s house and servants had somehow fallen onto her shoulders since there was nothing actually preventing her mother from doing it. In truth, she didn’t resent the position–sure that it would prove beneficial should she someday have a house of her own–but sometimes, she just wanted a little freedom to do nothing at all, which was no doubt why she so looked forward to this yearly event where she was free to do entirely as she wished.

She had felt a bit guilty at first leaving the Bath arrangements to Marsha, but it was soon overcome by the anticipation of the house party. Even with a number of people, Harwick Hall was a peaceful refuge to her after the rigors of the Season. By the end of each one, she was so desirous to leave the social whirl and resuscitate in the countryside, she felt as a paraphrase that one could liken the Season to the eating of only so many lobster patties before becoming heartily sick. With each passing mile as they traveled, she actually felt her spirits lighten and the weight of social expectation begin to lift from her shoulders, for she was not unaware that her years of eligibility on the Marriage Mart were fast coming to an end.

Cressy and her mother dozed most of the way there, giving Sam much free time to contemplate exactly how she was to save Cressy from her unwanted suitor. It very quickly dawned on her that it would be nigh on impossible were she to maintain the proper decorum expected of a person in her station. No matter how she looked at it, there didn’t seem to be any way to gracefully interrupt a private conversation, then casually whisk his lordship away from Cressy. More than likely, in order to truly accomplish such, she would have to be rude, overbearing and downright offensive.

She wished now she had not so quickly agreed to the manner of Cressy’s salvation, for it was not unthinkable that someone might be there that was an eligible parti for her. Cressy’s mother was quite proud of the number of matches made under her roof, and used all of her social influence to see that a lively group of young, eligible ladies and gentlemen were invited so that they might mingle freely during the month without the usual constraints of London society. But, even in a more relaxed atmosphere, how was she to act properly charming to one man, then downright peculiar to Lord Sheepshead without seeming to have rats in her attic? It was a dilemma that, try as she might, she could not solve during the journey. The turn onto the driveway broke her thoughts, and the sight of the house as they approached filled her mind instead with expectations of lovely walks in the gardens, delicious dinners, lively conversations, and her favorite, the family’s annual treasure hunt.

Once settled in her room and refreshed from the drive, Sam trotted down the main staircase to find her friend, only to be waylaid by Cressy’s father of all people. It surprised her somewhat, for he usually absconded until the party actually began, not being one who cared to deal with such trivialities as, ‘Do you think the blue silk or the cream cushions would be better for the picnic?’ Sam had not expected him to do more than give her a nod of acknowledgment, but instead, he stopped her with a hearty greeting.

How nice to see you, Sam. You’re looking lovelier every time I see you. He took her hand and gave it a fatherly pat. He then pursed his lips when he failed to find an engagement ring upon her finger. What are those young louts waiting for? he exclaimed. In my day, we would have snapped you up in no time.

And I would have accepted, she replied with equal levity, finding it easier to play along than truthfully respond to such personal questions that older people seemed to delight in asking younger ones. Have you been well, I hope? she added.

Fit as a fiddle. But, I was hoping I might have a word with you. Are you free at the moment?

Yes. That is, I was only on my way to find Cressy.

Good. Cressy is exactly why I need to speak with you.

He led her into his study and motioned for her to sit in the chair set in front of his desk. Still perplexed by his actions, Sam sat down and smoothed her skirt, waiting for him to begin.

I suppose Cressy has already told you all about her forthcoming matrimonial prospects.

Why, yes. With Lordddd– Sam had to stick her tongue to the roof of her mouth in order to prevent herself from voicing that ridiculous nickname Cressy had given him. I don’t think Cressy mentioned his full title, she added quickly, hoping to cover her faux pas.

Not appearing to notice her blunder, Lord Harwick supplied her with the missing title. Earl of Shepherd. Fine fellow of a man. Knows his sheep.

Sam had to quickly stifle a laugh that wanted to escape at the words that the Earl of Shepherd knew his sheep, for apparently Lord Harwick did not see the amusing connection between the two statements. She also didn’t think knowing about sheep actually enhanced any man’s desirability as a prospective groom, but kept her thoughts to herself.

Wants to make sure Cressy don’t object to him before he actually comes to the mark, seeing as how they haven’t as yet met.

That seems most thoughtful, remarked Sam.

That he is. So, what I was hoping to ask you–well, seeing as how you and Cressy are so close, I thought you might–watch out for her during the party. Make sure she isn’t cut out by Mel–I mean–some of the other ladies.

Oh, you mean, help things along, if I can?

Yes, that’s it. The thing is, some ladies don’t count a man out until the Banns are actually read, if you know what I mean. Sometimes not even then–when a title is involved.

His earlier slip of the tongue was easily deciphered to be that of Melinda Dawson, and Sam knew exactly what he meant, for these several years she was well acquainted with the daughter of his wife’s dear friend. As far as she was concerned, it would not be an exaggeration to say that Melinda was one who took what she wanted, regardless of how many bodies she must step upon to do so. Being the instrument of denial to Melinda would delight Sam to no end, for just once she would like to see that woman not get what she wanted. Sam was aware that Lord Harwick was assuming in the bargain that she would also see to it that Cressy was kept firmly in Lord Shepherd’s company. But, since he hadn’t specifically said as much–a technicality she admitted, but valid none the less–she realized there was actually nothing to prevent her from accepting with a perfectly clear conscience his request to keep Melinda away, and at the same time keep Cressy’s promise as well, thus satisfying her obligations as friend and guest to both father and daughter.

I shall–do what I can, she replied, choosing her words carefully. Thinking she might be able to help plant Cressy’s little seed of influence, to lessen the blow when it came, she added But, in the end, they simply may not suit.

I can’t deny I’ll be very disappointed if that is the case, he said. But, I’m only asking that she get to know him as best she can so she can make a proper decision. Cressy’s a bit impulsive at times. That’s why I need you to guide her a bit in this with your steadying influence.

It relieved Sam to know that Cressy’s father was not set in stone on the matter, but whether Cressy could convince him to let her have the man she really wanted was yet to be seen. I shall try–although– Sam paused, trying to find the best way to hint at her problem, for this seemed a perfect opportunity to gather some advice concerning her most pressing need.

Although– Lord Harwick prompted her, for her thoughts seemed to be stuck at some point.

Although–to successfully accomplish the task, it would seem that I would be required at times to–abandon my proper upbringing.

Abandon? Oh, yes, I see what you mean. Well, just do as I do, he replied, leaving Sam no more the wiser by his words.

Do as you do? she prompted him.

Look them in the eye and act as if everything is perfectly fine, no matter how rude or overbearing you might be, he clarified for her. Earls and their kin can do that.

That seemed well and good for actual earls and their kin, but Sam doubted she could do so. Well, yes–but, I am not the kin of an earl, you see.

I beg your pardon, he replied. Despite the benign tone of his voice, the lordly authority within made her about to stammer an apology and retract her statement when she realized his intent. He smiled at her when he saw that she understood his meaning. As far as I’m concerned, when you’re in this house, you are one of my daughters and may act as you please.

Sam’s smile grew even larger at his words. There was now no problem whatsoever at being as rude and as eccentric as she liked. Then, I shall do my best, which she could say with a bit more conviction, since she had not said for whom it was best. She figured her best would benefit someone, and that was all anyone could promise. She was aware that she was playing the devil’s own game with her splitting of hairs, but was sure it would all be settled properly in the end.

Knew I could rely on you, Sam. Always ready to do your part, if you can. Sometimes I wish Cressy had more of your sense of duty. With that settled, Sam was quickly pitched from his study with, Well, I expect you have lots to do.

The following day, Cressy’s older brother returned to the family fold, bearing gifts as he knew he must if he wanted to stay in the good graces of his mother and sister.

Found just the thing for you, he said, pulling out a beribboned package and handing it to Cressy. And one for you, Mother," he said, handing one to his mother.

You haven’t done something? asked his mother, before daring to open the package. She was well aware that her eldest was a bit imprudent at times. She hoped his father had had that meaningful talk with him about excessive wagering.

When have I ever? he jested.

Lady Harwick gave him a skeptical look, but then was overcome by her desire to know what he had gotten her.

Cressy’s sudden squeal of delight was enough for everyone to know that she welcomed her present as she jumped up to give her brother a hug.

How did you know? she asked, dashing away just as quickly to view her image in the mirror, placing the hair combs to the sides of her head to see how they looked. The gold filigree set with diamond chips sparkled against her dark hair.

A brother just knows, he replied cryptically.

Oh, Jonathan! his mother exclaimed upon opening her prize. How can you afford such things? she asked outright, since mothers could. Yet, she was so pleased with the garnet studded brooch, beautifully done in the shape of a swan, that it could not be denied even with her brusque words.

Let’s just say things have been turning out rather well for me lately, he answered, doing his best to beguile his mother with a dazzling smile. And one for you, Sam, he said, handing her a package as well.

Oh you shouldn’t have, she said, pleased, but hoped he had not felt honor bound to do so.

Why shouldn’t I? he chided her. Best sister I have, he teased, laughing at Cressy’s scowl.

Sam opened her gift to find a gold chain bracelet, a charm dangling from a link in the shape of a–sheepdog.

Reminded me of you, when I saw it, he told her, coming to take the bracelet from her and place it around her wrist. Don’t know why, but it does seem to suit you.

The charm was well done and very pretty, the fine details clearly showing the dog to be a collie. But, Sam was perplexed as to why it would remind him of her, and why as of late she seemed to be dogged by sheeply things, the words ‘dogged’ and ‘sheeply’ causing her to inwardly smile at the amusing connection.

After tea, Sam strolled out to the garden. She sat down in one of the wooden chairs and perused the lovely scene before her. There were soft clouds in the sky of the purest white, and the sun was shining brightly, warming her face as she gazed upward. She breathed in the heavenly scent of carnations, their pinks standing out among the blue bachelor’s buttons. On the slope below her, the lawn had been freshly mown. The beech trees beyond were in full leaf, the upper branches swaying softly from the same gentle breeze that nudged her hair and kept her from becoming too hot in the sun. With such surroundings, she could sit there all day and not be tired of it. She was just about to close her eyes and rest a bit, when she heard someone approach. Jonathan sat down in the chair beside hers and simply gazed out at the gardens, much as she had been doing. His demeanor seemed to indicate that he had deliberately sought her out and not just come upon her by accident, but not being sure, Sam remained silent. After a few moments, he said,

I was wondering if you would help me?

He turned to look at her speculatively, but since she didn’t know with what he needed help, she could only say, If I can. She certainly would help him if she could, for she was very fond of him. He was much like the brother she’d never had.

I don’t want Cressy to know just yet, because she couldn’t keep things under her hat if the nation’s fate depended on it, and Mother–well, I know she would be overjoyed, but I would hate to see her disappointed if things didn’t work out. You will help me, won’t you?

Jonathan, I would be delighted to help you in any way I can, but you have yet to tell me what it is you would like me to do.

Oh, yes. It shouldn’t be all that difficult, really. I thought during the party, you might be able to–sort of steer Melinda my way–if you could.

Melinda? Dawson? she added, just to make sure they were speaking of the same person.

Yes, he sighed, his face taking on the unmistakable look of a smitten man, making Sam’s eyebrows go up a notch. I don’t know what it is about her, but I can’t stop thinking of her.

You are attracted to Miss Dawson? Sam asked just for clarification.

Yes. I am hoping to fix my attentions on her during the party, and that is why I need your help. The other fellows will do their best to cut me out, but with you on my side, I shan’t have a thing to worry about.

Sam could not fathom how Jonathan could be attracted to Melinda, for he had always seemed to be put off by the sly tactics and insincere facade women adopted when trying to close the trap on any man they could, in which Melinda reigned as queen of the lot. Hoping to clarify the situation, she said, I wasn’t aware you thought of her in that way.

I didn’t–until just recently. We met at the races–don’t tell Mother–about being at the races, I mean. I think it best we keep that little fact between us. But, where was I? Oh yes. Melinda. When our eyes met that day, something inside me just seemed to ignite. She took my breath away, she was so enchanting–like an angel fallen to earth. Her poise, her beauty, her refinement–there is no other woman like her.

With him staring off into space again, Sam pondered this startling turn of events. That Melinda was exquisitely beautiful she could not deny, but how could Jonathan not see beyond that? She then speculated that perhaps Melinda had been recently knocked in the head in some mishap and had suffered some sort of personality change. Although certainly possible, Sam thought the probability highly unlikely, but time would tell. Well, if Melinda had not, then she, Sam, would do her best to see that Jonathan got the stardust out of his eyes in order to see Melinda for what she really was. With clear sight, if he still wanted the woman, then so be it. Sam wouldn’t like it, but as a friend, she would help him regardless.

She was brought out of her thoughts by the movement of her bracelet. Jonathan was fingering the charm. Now I know why this reminded me of you, he said. Like the loyal sheepdog, you are a tried and true friend.

After such a declaration, there was no way for her to deny him now, not that she would have. With a third request now before her, she was beginning to suspect that there was going to be little time for herself during the party, and wondered if she shouldn’t have gone to Bath after all. Sounding somewhat like a parrot with only one phrase, she could only promise, I will do what I can.

I knew I could rely on you, Sam.

After he left, Sam continued to sit in the garden, but now was lost in her own thoughts and no longer saw the beauty before her. For some unknown reason, she was not pleased at Jonathan’s allusion to her being akin to a sheepdog. The words that others had recently used to describe her came unbidden to her mind–steady, reliable, loyal and true. They were all well and good, but they were certainly a far cry from terms such as beautiful, refined, poised and enchanting–words which no man had ascribed to her in the manner that Jonathan had just now done with Melinda. A pebble had been cast into her waters, and the ripple she felt from it soon had her wondering if that was truly how she appeared to others, nothing but steady, reliable, loyal and true? Was that why the offers of marriage that she had received thus far were only from men who had nothing more to recommend them, but that they were acceptable? But how could she change her persona so that some man would gaze upon her with that same romantic light she had seen in Jonathan’s eyes? And was it even possible to do such a thing without it becoming nothing more than a mask, in essence becoming like Melinda?

Sam knew she could never change herself into something she was not, but she concluded that it wouldn’t hurt for her to try and be just a little bit more vivacious, a little bit more daring, and yes, even a little bit more flirtatious. It then dawned on her that in having promised Cressy to monopolize Lord Sheepshead–Shepherd, she corrected herself–and Lord Harwick to monopolize Melinda, then Jonathan to help capture Melinda’s heart–if the woman had one–the collective burden did at least carry with it a golden opportunity to try out any number of mannerisms to beguile the masculine set, and all with absolute immunity, what with the carte blanche that they had all offered her. Thusly armed, her spirits lightened considerably, and she decided to return to the house to see if any of the other guests had arrived.

Upon entering the house, Sam was nearly frightened to death by Cressy, who pounced upon her from out of nowhere, her face blanched as white as a sheet, exclaiming, Lord Sheepshead! He’s here!

It took a few moments for Sam to regain her breath, whereupon she was able to ask Cressy what exactly she wanted her to do about it.

"Help me, of course! I’ve been summoned to the parlor, so you must come along and not let Mother contrive to arrange a cozy tête-à-tête between him and me. Sit with me on the love seat. Then, he must either stand or take a chair."

When they reached the parlor, Cressy maneuvered Sam forward